THE MOST SACRED BIBLE, Which is the holy scripture, containing the old and new testament, translated into English, and newly recognized with great diligence after most faithful exemplars, by RICHARD TAVERNER ☞ hearken thou heaven, and thou earth give ear: for the Lord speaketh. isaiah i ☞ printed at London in Fleetstreet at the sign of the son by john Byddell, for Thomas Barthlet, ☞ CUM PRIVILEGIO ad imprimendum solum. M.D.XXXIX. engraved border ❧ TO THE MOST NOBLE, MOST MIGHTY, AND MOST redoubted prysnte king HENRY the VIII. king of England and of France, defensor of the faith▪ lord of Ireland, and in earth supreme heed immediately under christ of the church of England, his humble servant RICHARD TAVERNER desireth all joy, felicity, and long life. HOw highly all England is bound to your incomparable majesty for the infinite and manifold benefits received at your most gracious hands from time to time without ceasing, even from the beginning of your most noble reign: truly no mortal tongue is able with words sufficiently to express, or with secret thoughts of heart worthily to contrive: Certes, it far passeth both the sklender capacity of my wit, and also the rude infancy of my tongue to do either th'one or tother: yea another Cicero or Demosthenes were not enough hereunto. Wherefore omitting or rather leaving to some other the just Encomye and commendation of your graces most ample deeds, worthy of eternal memory, yet this one thing I dare full well affirm, that amongs all your majesties deservings upon the christian religion (than which surely nothing can be greater) your highness never did thing more acceptable unto god, more profitable to the advancement of true christianity, more displeasant to the enemies of the same, & also to your grace's enemies then when your majesty licenced and willed the most sacred Bible containing the unspotted and lively word of God to be in the English tongue set forth to your highness subjects. To the setting forth whereof (most gracious & most redoubted sovereign lord) like as certain men have neither undiligently nor yet unlearnedly traveled: So again it cannot be denied, but that some faults have escaped their hades. Neither speak I this to deprave or malign their industry & pains taken in this behalf: no rather I think them worthy of no little praise & thanks for the same, considering what great utility & profit hath redounded to your grace's hole realm by the publysshing and setting forth thereof, although it were not finisshed to the full absolution and perfection of the same. For assuredly it is a work of so great difficulty. I mean so absolutely to translate the hole bible that it be faultless, that I fear it can sca●e be done or one or two people, but rather requireth both a deeper confarring of many learned wits together, and also a juster time and longer leisure. Wherefore the premises well considered, forasmuch as the printers hereof were very desirous to have this most sacred volume of the bible comforth as fault less & emendatly, as the shortness of time for the recognizing of the same would require, they desired me your most humble servant for default of a better learned, diligently to overlook & peruse the hole copy: and in case I should find any notable default that needed correction, to amend the same, according to the true exemplars Which thing according to my talon I have gladly done. These therefore my simple lurubrations & labours, to who might I better dedicated, than unto your most excellent & noble majesty, that only author & ground next God of this so high a benefit unto your grace's people, I mean that the holy scripture is communicate unto the same. But now though many faults pchaunce be yet left behind uncastigat, either for lack of learning sufficient to so great an enterprise, for default of leisure. I trust your majesty & all other that shall read the same, will pardon me, considering (as I have already declared) how hard & difficilt a thing it is, so to set forth this work, as shall be in all points faultless & without reprehension. And thus I commit your most gracious & excellent majesty to the tuntion of the highest, to who be all honour, glory, & praise, world without end. AMEN. ❧ These things ensuing are joined with this present volume of the bible. An exhortation to the study of the holy scripture, gathered out of the Bible. The sum & content of all the holy scripture bo●●● of the o●●e and new testament. The names of all the books of the Bible with the content of the chapters. Abriefe rehearsal declaring how long the ●oo●●●e hath ●ndured from the creation of Adam unto ●his present year of our Lord M.D.XXXIX. A table for to find many of the chief and principal matters contained in the Bible. ☞ An exhortation to the diligent study of the holy scripture gathered out of the Bible Christ unto the people. Iohn u search the scriptures: for they are they that testify of me. Paul to Timothy, two. Tim iii All scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable to teach, to improve, to amend and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect and prepared to all good works. The same to the Rome xu What things so ever are written, ●re written for our learning: that we thorough patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope. Solomon Prou. xxx All the word of God, is pure and clean it is a shield unto them that put their trust in it. Put nothing unto his words, jest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Moses to the people. Deu xii You shall not do every man what seemeth him good in his own eyes: But what soever I command you that take heed you do, and put naught thereunto, neither take aught therefrom. The Lord unto josua. jos l Let not the book of this law depart out of thy mouth: But record therein day and night, that thou mayst be circumspect to do according to all that is written therein. For then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have understanding. Turn there from neither to the right hand, ne to the left: that thou mayst have understanding in all that thou takest in hand. The same to the people. Exo xiii And thou shalt show thy son at that time, saying: This is done because of that which the Lord did unto men when I came out of egypt. Therefore it shall be a sign unto the upon thine hand. and a remembrance between thine eyes, that the lords law may be in thy mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord brought the out of egypt. Moses Deut. xxxi See that thou read this law before all Israeli in their ears. Gather the people together: both men, women and children, and the strangers that are in the cities: that they may hear, learn, and fear the Lord your God, to keep all the words of this law. THE CONTENTS OF ALL THE HOLY SCRIPTURE aswell of the old testament as of the new. Deut. vi i Tymothe ii Gen. xvii Exod. xu Gene. i Psa. ten Exod. iii jerem ix Roma ix Esa. liiii Heir ten Gene. i Sapi ii Roma u first the holy writings of the Bible teach us/ that there is one God, almighty, that hath neither beginning ne ending: God. which of his own goodness did created all things: of whom all things proceed, & without whom is nothing: which is righteous and merciful, and which worketh all things in all after his will: of whom it may not be demanded wherefore he doth this or that. ❧ Then that this very God did created Adam the first man after his own Image and likeness, Creation of man. and did ordain and appoint him Lord of all creatures in earth, Which Adam by the envy of the devil, disobeying the commandment of his maker, did first sin, and brought sin into this world, Ephe. ii such and so great, that we which be sprung of him after the flesh, are subdued unto sin, death, and damnation, brought under the yoke and tyranny of the devil. Gene. iii.xii.xxvi.xxviii. ●bre ii ❧ And further, christ promised. that christ jesus his son was promised of God the father, to be a savouyre to this Adam, Abraham, Isaac, jacob, David, and the other fathers: which should deliver them from their sins and tyranny of the devil, whereunto they were all subject by Adam. ●xodi. xix.xx. ❧ And that in the mean season while the fathers looked for salvation and deliverance promised, because man's nature is such, Law. that he not only can not, but also will not confess himself to be a sinner, and specially such a sinner as hath need of the saving health promised, Rome iii Gala. iii i Cori i the law was given through which men might know sin, and that they are sinners when they see they do none of the things that the law commandeth, with so glad and willing a mind as God requireth: but rather against their wills, without affection, and as though they were constrained with the fear of that hell which the law threateneth saying: Cursed be he that maintaineth not all the words of this law to keep them. And that this law was given to th'intent that sin and the malice of men's heart being thereby the better known, men should the more feruentl thirst the coming of Christ, which should redeem them from their sins. Luke. ●i. Galathi four Eph. i Roma u Tit. ❧ Last of all: we are taught/ that that christ which was promised and shadowed in the old testament, is sent of the father, christ the saviour cometh. at such time as he had determined with himself, at such time (I say) as all wickedness florysshed. And that he was sent not for any man's good works (for they all were sinners) but to th'intentintent he would make good his promise and show the abundant riches of his grace, which he had promised. john i Isaiah iiii i Io ii Luc i Rome u Ioh. iii ●. vi. ❧ In the new testament therefore it is most evidently declared, that jesus christ the true lamb and host, The lamb the sacrifice. is come to reconcile us to the father, paying on the cross the punishment due to our sins: and to deliver us from the bondage of the devil (unto whom we served through sin) and to make us the sons of God, Peax. sith he hath given us the true peax and tranquillity of conscience, that we no longer do fear the pains of hell: which fear is put away by the faith, faith. that the father giveth, us drawing us unto his son. i Timoth. ● For that faith is the gift of God whereby we believe that Christ is come in to this world to save sinners: which is of so great pith that they which have it, desire to perform all the duties of love to all men, after the example of christ. For faith once received, God giveth his holy ghost, two. Cor i & u Ephe. i Roma viii i Cor four Gala. v ii Cor u wherewith he tokeneth and marcketh all that believe: The holy ghost. which is the pledge and earnest that we shall surely possess everlasting life, and that giveth witness unto our spirit, and grafteth this faith in us, that we be the sons of God pouring therewith the love in to our hearts which Paul describeth and setteth out to the Corinthians. Love. By that faith and confidence in Christ which by love is mighty in operation, and that showeth itself thorough the works of love steering men thereto, justice. by that (I say) we are justified: that is, by that faith, Chrystes father (which is become ours also thorough that Christ our brother) counteth us for righteous & for his sons: imputing not our sins unto us thorough his grace. To conclude, he came that we being cleansed from our sins, Tit. Luc i Ephe. ii ii Pe i & sanctified unto God the father: that is, hallowed unto the use of the father to exercise good works forsaking the works of the flesh should freely serve him in righteousness and holiness all our life long thorough good works which God hath ordained that we should walk in them declaring ourselves thereby to be surely called unto this grace: Works. which works whosoever hath not, declareth that he hath not faith in christ. The last judgement. ❧ This is that christ jesus which after he hath killed the man of sin with the breath of his mouth, two. Thess. ii ii Cor u Math. xu shall sit in his majesty and judge all men, giving unto every one the works of his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. And that shall say unto them that shall be on his right hand. Come you blessed children of my father, inherete you the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world: And unto them that shall be on his left hand. Departed from me you cursed, i Corinta. ● into everlasting fire: which is prepared for the devil and his angels. Then shall the end come and he shall deliver up the kingdom to God the father. Life everlasting. ❧ To thintent we should know this/ by the goodness of God working by his holy spirit, are the holy writings of the Bible given us: two. Pe i john xix john twenty That we should know (I say) and believe that there is one God, and jesus Christ whom he hath sent: and that in believing we should have everlasting life thorough his name. ❧ An other foundation than this can no man lay. i Cor iii And S. Paul desireth that he be held a cursed which preacheth any other faith & salvation, then only by jesus Christ: though it were an angel of heaven. Gala. i Roma xi For of him, and thorough him, & for him, are all things: to whom, with the father and the holy ghost, be honour and glory for ever more. AMEN. ¶ The names of all the books of the Bible, and the content of the Chapters of every book. ❧ The books of the old testament. Book. Genesis, or the first of Moses Chapter. L. Book. Exodus, or the second of Moses Chapter xl Book. Leviticus, or the third of Moses Chapter xxxvii Book. Numeri, or the fourth of Moses Chapter xxxvi Book. Deuteronomium, or the u of Moses Chapter xxxiiii Book. ●osua Chapter xxiiii Book. ●udges Chapter xxi Book. Ruth Chapter four Book. The first of Samuel, or the first of the kings. Chapter xxxi Book. The second of Samuel, or the second of the kings Chapter xxiii Book. The third of the kings Chapter xxii Book. The fourth of the kings Chapter xxv Book. The first of the Chronycles, or of Paralipomenon. Chapter xxix Book. The second of the Chronycles, or of Paralipomenon Chapter xxxvi Book. The first of Esdras Chapter ten Book. Nehemiah, or the second of Esdras Chapter xiii Book. Esther Chapter ten Book. job Chapter xlii Book. The Psalms Chapter cl Book. The proverbs Chapter xxxi Book. The book of the Preacher, or Ecclesiastes. Chapter xii Book. The Balet of balettes of Solomon, or Canticum canticorum Chapter viii ❧ The Prophets. Book. Esay, or Isaiah Chapter lxvi Book. jeremy, or jeremiah Chapter lii Book. The lamentations of jeremy, or Threnorum Chapter. v●. Book. Ezechiel, or jehezekiel Chapter xlviii Book. Daniel Chapter xii Book. Oseas, or Hosea Chapter xiii Book. joel. Chapter iii Book. Amos Chapter ix Book. Abdi, or Abdiah Chapter i Book. jonas, or jonah Chapter four Book. Micheas, or Micheah Chapter vii Book. Nabum, or Naum Chapter iii Book. Abacuc, or Habacuc Chapter iii Book. Sophonias, or Zophoniah Chapter iii Book. Aggeus, or Haggeus Chapter ii Book. Zacharye, or Zachariah Chapter xiii Book. malachi, or Malachiah Chapter iii ❧ The Apocrypha. Book. The third of Esdras Chapter ix Book. The fourth of Esdras Chapter xvi Book. Tobiah, or Tobye Chapter xiiii Book. judith or jebudith Chapter xvi Book. The rest of the book of Esther Chapter vii Book. The book of wisdom, or Sapientia Chapter xix Book. The book of jesus, or jesus, the son of sirach, or Ecclesiasticus. Chapter li Book. Baruch the Prophet, with the Epistle of jeremy Chapter vi Book. The song of the three children in the oven. Chapter i Book. The story of Susanna Chapter i Book. The story of Bel. etc. Chapter i Book. The prayer of Manasseh Chapter i Book. The first of the Maccabees Chapter xvi Book. The second of the Maccabees Chapter xu ☞ The new testament. Book. The Gospel of S. matthew Chapter xxviii Book. The Gospel of S. Mark Chapter xvi Book. The Gospel of S. Luke Chapter xxiiii Book. The Gospel of S. Iohn Chapter xxi Book. The Acts of the Apostles Chapter xxviii ❧ The Epistles. Book. saint Paul to the Romans. Chapter xvi Book. The first to the Corinthians Chapter xvi Book. The second to the Corinthians Chapter xiii Book. To the Galathians Chapter vi Book. To the Ephesians Chapter vi Book. To the Philippians Chapter four Book. To the Collossians. Chapter four Book. The first to the Thessalonians Chapter u Book. The second to the Thessalonians Chapter iii Book. The first to timothy Chapter vi Book. The second to timothy Chapter four Book. To Titus' Chapter iii Book. To Philemon Chapter i Book. The first Epistle of S. Peter Chapter u Book. The second of S. Peter Chapter iii Book. The first of S. Iohn Chapter u Book. The second of S. Iohn Chapter i Book. The third of S. Iohn Chapter i Book. To the Hebrews Chapter xiii Book. The Epistle of S. james Chapter u Book. The Epistle of judas Chapter i Book. The revelation, or Apocalypsis of Saint Iohn Chapter xxii ☞ A brief rehearsal of the years passed, from the beginning of the world, unto this year of our Lord M.D.xxxix. both after the manner of the reckoning of the Hebrews, and after the reckoning of Eusebius, and other Chronyclers. After the reckoning of the Bible, and of the hebrews, seven i From the creation of the world noah's flood M. ccccc.lvi. two. From noah's flood Abraham cc.xcii. iii From Abraham The departing of Israel. ccccc. five. iiii. From the departing of Israel forth of Egypt Building of the temple cccclxxx. u From the byulding of the temple The captivity of Baby. cccc. xl. The ages of the world which are vi. From the captivity of Babylon The coming of Christ cccc. lxxix. seven. From the coming of christ, This present year M.d.xxxix. which are counted Unto After the reckenning of Eusebius & other Chronyclers, six i From the creation of the world noah's flood two. M.cc.xlii. two. From noah's flood Abraham ix. C.xlii iii From the birth of Abraham. David ix. C.xli iiii. From the beginning of the reign of David The captivity cccc. lxxxv. u From the Captyvitie of Babylon christ ccccc. lxxxix: vi. From the birth of christ, This present year. M.d.xxxix ☞ A table of the principal matters contained in the Bible. ☞ A ¶ Abomination. Abomination before God, are Idols before whom the people do bow themselves. duty vii d xvii c That man is abomination, that forsaketh the true God to serve Idols, and that doth despise the truth for profane doctrines. esay xli f We aught not to follow the abominations of the Gentiles. levit xviii d. that is, ydolatrers. exod. viii f That which men esteem to be excellent, is abomination before God. luc xvi d The transgressors of God's commandments are abomination. levi xvi e ¶ Abrogation. Abrogation, that is to abolish, or to make of none effect: And so the law of the commandments which was in the decrees & ceremonies, is abolysshed. ephe. d. colo ii c gala iii b. roma vii b The sacrifices, feasts, metes, and all outward ceremonies of Moses law, are abrogated, ●see vi c esay i c ix a i same xv e. Jere xxxi f. batu ii mich. c vi c amo u f. Zac vii b. and all the order of Moses priesthood is abrogated. ebre vii b ¶ Abstinence. The true abstinence is to withdraw from sin. to vi.i. b. tess four a i pet ii a To them that keep Abstinence wisdom is given. da i d. and bodily health. eccl. xxxvii d An example of abstinence in john baptist. math. iii u li● c i b. ¶ Abuses. Abuses aught to be corrected by the princes. roma xiii a. An example of Ezechias, which destroyed the serpent four re xviii. a. Also of josophat ii parali twenty g. Also of josias four reg. xxiii a & ii para. xx●●. a xxiiii f The ministers aught to preach against abuses. Example in john Baptist. mat xiiii a Also in S. Paul which rebuked the abuses of the Corinthyans': for having sects i co i b c, also because that they suffered a fornicator among them u a. Also because that they accused one an other before unfaithful judges vi a b also because that they sat with the gentiles in their temples, and ate with them of their sacrifices, viii. a ten b. Also because that they abused the supper of the Lord xi e. Also because that they doubted of the resurrection xu and that they prayed in a tongue that men understood not xiiii d ¶ Acception. Acception of people, is to have respect to the condition of the man, or to his nation: which thing is not godly. Deut. ten d ii par. xix c ro. ii b ten d. ephe. b. colos ii act ten f: And the same thing also, aught not to be in man. jaco ii a judas i e. Eccles .xx c xlii a. ¶ accusation One aught to accuse his brother to the church, if he do not amend after he hath had brotherly monition. Math. xviii c Not accusation aught to be received against the minister, under ii or three witnesses i tim v c We are accused before God, by the malice of Satan. job i b. Apocalip xii c Also by our own noughtiness. Ier. ii d. Also by our own conscience. rome ii c Also by the scripture. Ioh. u g, let us therefore accuse ourselves. ꝓ xviii c ¶ Adam By Adam we are all sinners, of whom we have the inclynation to do evil. rome u b. d: And by him we are subject to death i cor xv c Adam was a figure of Christ to come, the which is called Adam. rome v c ¶ Adultery Adultery is the violation of the faith promised in marriage, which thing is forbidden us. exod. xx c Levi xviii c Deut. u b Adultrers' are stoned to death. deu. xx.xxvii. d If the adultrers' be not punished by men, God will punish them. Ier. v c vii b: An example of David's son, which died for the adultery of David. i●. reg. xii d Susanna had levee die then to commit adultery. Dant xiii c: He that beholdeth his neighbours wife lusting after her, hath already committed adultery with her. Mat u d Many are adulterers. eze. xxii c jer. 23. b. ose. iiii c ii pe. ii c They that have only mind to do adultery, are punished. ge. xii d twenty a. Adulterers have no part in the kingdom of God i cor vi b. heb. xiii a. Adultery is cause of procuring of an other man's death ii reg. xi c math. xiiii a. mar vi c Adultery diffameth the person. prou. vi d. Ecc xxiii d One aught to beware of adultrers'. deum u b God witnesseth against adulterers. mala iii b A special sacrifice for the inspection of adultery. num u b c d. One may for sake his wife for cause of adultery. math. xix b. ¶ Advocate. Christ is our advocate toward the father i john ii ¶ Affliction. Affliction after the manner of scripture, is called tribulation, probation made by fire, a burning furnace i pe. four d. psal. xvi.lxv. God threteneth to sand afflictions to them which have trust in any other then in him. deut. xxxi d. jos xxiiii e: and therefore he for gave the children of Israel, forsaking their ydolatryes. judge x c We aught to secure them that are afflicted. eccl. vii d ¶ Angels. The angels stand before God. job xxv a 38. a. dan vii c mat xviii b: and do minister to men. psal. ciii a. heb. i Also they rebuke sinners. judge ii d: & do comfort the afflict. gen. xxi b .lu xxii e: da vi f: also they do teach the ignorant for the example of the angel which taught Eliah what he should say to the servants of Oziah four re. i a: also of dan ix f also of joseph. math. i c ii d: also of Cornelius. act ten a: also of Zacharia .lu i a: also of mary .lu i a: also in exo xxiii By the angels god scourgeth his people ii re. 24 four re xix g. act xii d ¶ Antichrist. Antichrist is not the proper name of a person, but of an office: for many are Antichristes' i Io ii c: also he calleth himself god, sitting in his seat. Eze. 38. b. mat xxiiii a Antichrist is spoken of before by dan xii c mat xxiiii b. apo .xx c Antichrist speaketh against god. dan. vii f. Antichrist changeth the laws the days and time. da vii f i tim four a ii tim iii a ii pet iii a. judas i f. Antichrist is received of many men. Ioh. u g ii tess ii a. Antichrist doth many false miracles ii tess ii c apo xiii c Antichrist is he that denieth the father & the son i john ii c Antichrist is come i Ioh. ii c four a: for to throw down, to kill, and to destroy. Ioh. x c to keep them that are bond in prison, to make the people subject, in his fury, and strike them with an uncurable wound. Esa. xiiii d. under the figure of the destruction of Babylon, for to destroy the world. zac xi d. dan. xi f. Antichrist absolveth for money. isaiah u e Proverb xvii c Antichrist calleth good evil, and the evil good. Esa. u e. prou. iii a .xx c Antichrist is worshipped of the princes & kings of the earth. Apo. xiii d. Antichrist shall be slain by the spirit of the mouth of christ. isaiah xi a ii tessa i b. and destroyed by the light of the coming of christ. apoca xix d .xx c Antichrist is called a foolish shepherd and an idol. Zach xi d: the man of sin, and son of perdition ii tess ii a. antichrist is in concupiscences of women. Daniel xi f. ¶ Apostle. An apostle, is an ambassador, a messenger, or one sent: & after this manner Christ is our Apostle sent of his father. Heb. iii a The apostles are the light of the world. mat u b. the salt of the earth. mar ix g. dispensators of the mysteries of God i corinth four a: servants of christ i corinth four Helpers and workers with God i cor iii b. Witnesses of the passion and resurrection of christ. Luke xxiiii d. Act i b ii d Among which saint Paul reckoned himself the least i corin four b: and unworthy of that name i corin xu b. The Apostles are sent as christ was by his father. john twenty e: with power to edify ii corinth u d x c xiii c: and as sheep among wolves. Mathe ten b. to preach the gospel. Mark iii b. to all nations. Math. xxviii d: and to heal the sick. Math. ten b: and to bear witness of christ. john xu b. Act i a: whose faith christ proved. mat. g c: To whom also he showed before their fastings and afflictions which should happen unto them after his death. Math. ix b. the which thing came so unto them. Acts iiii. a u b. ¶ Armours of christian men. The armours of christian men, are spiritual, mighty by the power of god ii cor ten b Let us arm us with the girdle of truth, let us be clothed with the breastplate of righteousness, and shod with shoes prepared by the gospel of pear, and above all let us have the shield of faith. Ephe. vi c: and the helmet of hope of salvation i tessalo u b. Also the sword of the spirit, the which is the word of God. Ephe. vi c isaiah lix c Heb. iiii c And let us continually watch in prayer. Ephes' vi c i Petr u b: abstaining from all things that be contrary to the law of the Lord i corint ix d. ¶ ascension of christ. christ was received in a cloud, ascending vysibly in to heaven, lifting up his handy, & blessing his disciples. mark xvi d Luke xxiiii g. Acts i a: For to deliver us out of captivity, and to give us many gifts. Psalmus lxvii d. Ephesi four b. hebrews vii d: to appear before the face of God for us. hebrews ix f. Romano viii g. and to prepare us a place. Michies' ii a. john xiiii a. christ ascended in to heaven sitteth on the right hand of God i pet iii d. heb. ten ● xii a. from whence he shall not come unto the time of the restitution of all things. act iii d: therefore let us look for those things which are above where christ is sitting on the right hand of god col. 3. a. christ is asceded in to heaven, because his bobily presence letted the apostles to receive the spirit of comfort. Io vii f xvi b At the ascension all power was given to chryst i pe. 3. d. ephe. e ¶ Alms. We must do alms to all men with our own goods. tobi four b. pro iii b .lu four d: and secretly. mat vi a: An example to do alms. act ten a ii cor. 8 c ix a. To give for god's sake doth not make a man poor. ꝓ. 28. d. He that giveth nothing, abideth not in charity i Io iii c let us therefore distribute our bread unto the poor. esai. 28. b: for christ doth count it done unto him. mat xxv d. ¶ Altar. An altar was commanded to be made to God, as appeareth of Abraham. gen. xii b xiii d. Also of Isaac. ge. xxvi f: also of jacob. ge. 33. d. 35. a: wherefore josias did destroy all the altars that were made to the honour of idols four reg. xxiii c ¶ Anointing. The anointing of chryst. da ix g The anointing of christ is the holy ghost, that which all faith full men do receive i Io ii d: & which doth teeth us all things for our health. ☞ B. ¶ baptism. To baptize, is to weet or to wash. judith xii b. math. iii b. mar vii a. Baptism is an outward sign, representing in us renewing of the spirit, and mortifying of our members in jesus chryst, by which we are buried in death with him. rome vi a. collo ii b They that are baptized in chryst, have put on christ. gall iii d By baptism we are received, enrolled and written in the holy assembly of chryst. act ii f. The disciples did baptize, but chryst did not. Io●n four a. Paul also said that he was sent, not to baptize, but to preach i cor. i.ii. We are baptized in the name of the father, & of the son, and of the holy ghost. mat xxviii d The apostles baptized in the name of christ act ten g. Paul believed and received the holy ghost, before he was baptized. act ix c Cornelius the Centurion received the holy ghost before he was baptized. act ten g. The gelded man of queen Candace believed (and therefore had grace) before he was baptized. act viii c The scripture sometime attributeth that to baptism, which pertaineth to faith, that is to weet 〈◊〉 be buried in Christ roma vi a. to put on chryst. gall iii d The founteyn of the new birth. t● iii b The washing away of sins. act xxii d Saint Peter showed that we are saved by baptism, not by the washing away of the filth of the flesh, but by the examination of a good conscience in God i po iii d The ceremony of baptism (being ordained of god) was ministered by john Baptist. Io i e. Mat xxi c: there is but one baptism. eph. four a. to baptize, for to teach i cor vi a. heb. vi a. To be baptized, is taken, for to die. mar ten f. luke xii f. ¶ Beatitude or blessedness. Beatitude, is an everlasting life, which consisteth in the only knowledge of God, & of chryst sent by him. john xvii a Beatitude containeth fullness and abundance of all goodness. Psal xvii b xxvii d xxxvi b. Esa. xlix c lxv c apo vii d Beatitude is prefigured by the good banquetes of which Esay speaketh xxv c The blessed shall see the king in his glory. Esay xxxiii d c john iii a Beatitude is incomprehensible to mortal men. Esa. lxiiii b i cor ii b Blessedness is given us by christ only. Luke xxii c No man is received in to blessedness, except he be purged by faith. apo xxi g Blessed are they whose sins are pardoned. psal. xxxii a. roma four a Blessed are the poor in spirit, mat u a .lu vi c: read the hole chapter. Blessed are they that suffer for righteousness sake i pe. iii.iiii c Blessed is marry because she believed .lu i e Blessed are they that do hear the word of God, & keep it .lu xi d. ¶ To bless. To bless, is to give thanks or praise. ge. xlvii b i cor ten d xiiii c .lu ii c To bless, is to increase, to give abundance, and to make goods to increase. genes. xx●. d xxxix a To bless, is to give power to increase. genesis i c ix a. To be blessed, is to be delivered from all manner cursynges by christ, that is to say, from sin, from death and from hell. ge. xii a xxii d. gala iii b c psal. vi c Blessed are the houses of the righteous men promise iii d. Blessed are all faithful men of God. dew xu a. Ephe. i a. esa. lxi c psal. xii The blessings of the priests are cursed of God. Malachi ii a Let us bless God with all our verteses. psa. ciii a. eccl. xliii d. eccl. xxxix d. Always. tob. four d. judith vii c: in every place. psal. ciii d. eccles. xxxii c i tim ii All the creatures of god are good, & blessed by the word of God & prayer i tim four a Let us bless our persecusers. rome xii c i corin iiii c luke vi e Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord God. Ier. xvii b. Cursed are they which are blessed of men. luke vi d ¶ Blasphemy. Blasphemy, is to withstand the truth, which a man knoweth, as did the Pharisees, attributing the works of Christi to the devil. math. xii b. mar iii c luke xi c And to take upon him above the might of god, as did Pharaoh. exo x c And Sennacherib four reg. xix b. Also Holofernes. judith vi a: Also Nabuchodonosor. Dau iii b: Also the high priests mat xxvii c The blasphemer was stoned. Leuiti xxiiii c The blasphemy against the holy ghost, shall never be forgiven. Math. xiii c Marinell iii d. Lu. xii b The name of God is daily blasphemed. Esa. lii b: for which cause god punissheth the world. Esa. u f. nume. g. Psal xcviii apo. iii b. Therefore let all blasphemy be put out of us. eph four g. col. iii b. The names of blasphemy are in the crown of Antichrist. apoc xiii a. ¶ A body. A body for a thing true & without shadow and after this manner dwelleth in Christ all the fullness of the divinity bodily (that is to say, truly) col. ii c heb. ten b. A natural body, is he that is led by his affections, not understanding the things of the spirit of god i cor ii d xu f. A spiritual body is he that is led by the spirit of god. rome viii b. Sin aught not to dwell in our bodies, to obey the desires of it. Ro vi a. b. But must be destroyed by the spirit of god, in the same chapter. We are one body and one spirit. eph. iii c iiii. a. rome xii b i cor xii b. The church is the body of Christ. eph. i d The body of christ in the sacrament of the altar. mat xxvi i cor xi c mar xiiii c luke xxii b. ¶ To believe. The scriptures are left unto us, that we should believe that jesus is the Christ, or the anointed son of God, & that we in believing it should have everlasting life. john twenty g. We can not believe, unless we hear preaching. Rome x c Wherefore he that cometh to God, must believe in him. heb. xi b. d. They that are born of God, do believe, & they to whom it is given. mat xiii b xvi c mar ix b .lu viii b. Ioh. i b. Ioh. iii a i Io u a. Also they that be given to Christ by the father, and drawn by him, and also they that have herd him. Io● vi d. and they to whom god hath given wisdom to understand i Ioh. u a. and they whom god hath called by his ministers act xii g. for he giveth the faith unto all men. act xvii g. unto whom god openeth the heart to understand, at the preaching of his word. Act xvi c Also all they that are predestined of God. act xiii g. which are planted of god. math. xu b. mar vii b. which are the seed of christ. mar xiii e. which are taught of god. Ioh. vi e. unto whom the door of the faith is open. act xiii b. by these things it appeareth that to believe, is the gift of God. Thorough bilefe in Christ, are we justified from our sins. act ten g xiii f. gala ii d. and made the children of God. john i b. He that believeth in christ, shall not die, that is he shall not be condemned, and the wrath of god shall not abide upon him. Ioh. iii b. d u d vi e xi e. mar xvi d. But he shall have joy and honour i pe. i b ii b. isaiah xxxv a. ¶ A bishop. A bishop is an overseer, a watcher over any manner of thing what so ever it be, of which thing look the word minister. ¶ Brethrens. Christ calleth us brethren. mat. 28. b. heb. ii c All christian men are brethren. Mat xxiii a Among whom Christ is first begotten. roma viii f. after whose example we aught to give our lives i Io ii b. We aught not to hate our brother. leviti xix d. But forgive him mat xiii c .lu xvii a. For he that hateth his brother, is in darkness i Io ii b. Concord among brethren is acceptable to god and man. eccl. xxv a. Let us then love brotherly. Ro xii c i pe. i d ii c iii b. and let us not beguile our brother in our business i tess four b. Our brother aught not to be destroyed for meats sake. ro. xiiii c Let us therefore take heed that we offend him not i cor viii d. ¶ Beggars. Begging is forbidden. deum xu a. There should be no beggars in the world if men kept the commandments of god. deut. xu a. ¶ Born again. We are born a new by the word of god which hath been preached unto us i pet i d. For if a man be not born again (that is in doctrine by the holy ghost) he can not enter in to kingdom of heaven, and believe in Christ john iii a. Therefore they that are so born out to put away all malice, & as new born children desire the milk of the word of god i pe. ii a. ¶ Breed. Breed for all that is necessary to this present life. ge. xviii a. mat vi b. which aught to be eaten with the sweat of our face. ge. iii d And given to the poor. esa. lviii c An example in Heliseus four reg. four g. The breed of life is the flesh of christ, which is give us to eat through faith, believing that he gave himself unto death for the satisfaction of our sins. Io vi e. ¶ Blood. This word blood doth signify sin, concupiscence, and all that is not the spirit of God. Psal li joh. b i It is also the life of every man. levi xvii c There was nothing purged in the old law without blood. leu xvii c he ix f. The blood of Christ asketh remission of our sins, but the blood of Abel asked vengeance. heb. xii f. By the blood of christ the redemption, & purgation of our sins is made. eph. i b. heb. ix c d x c xiii d i pe. i a. and i john i c apo i b. ¶ Bondage. God hath delivered us from the bondage of the devil. deut. u a. Let us therefore serve sin no more. ro. xvi b c d. The circumcision and other works of the law, are servitude or bondage. gall ii a u a. from which we are delivered through Christ. heb. ii d ☞ C. ¶ The coming of christ in the flesh. The coming of chryst was promised. genesis xlix b. Deuteronomie xviii c Daniel ix g. isaiah vii c xi a. Aggeus ii b. Zacharie ii c The coming of christ was desired. Esa. xlv b lxi a. and was fulfilled when the time was full come. gala four a By the coming of christ, we are delivered from evil. Zopho iii d. tit ii d iii b. act iii d. collos i b. and do receive all goodness. Esa. lxii d. Jere iii a .lu ix g xix b. Ioh. iii b xii g. The coming of christ against death, sin and hell. Abac iii a. Though that he be humble, simple, gentle, and without pride. esa. x● a. Jere xiii b. Zacha ix b ¶ The coming of Christ in to us. Christ cometh in to him the loveth him, and that keepeth his word. Ioh. xiiii c Apo. iii d. ¶ The coming of Christ to judgement. Christ shall come to judge good men and evil. act ten f. rome xiii b ii cor u b. psal. 95 b. Eccle. xi eccl. xii Accompanied with the elders of his people, and with the angels. mat. xiii.ii. tess i dan vii of the which day & hour are to us uncertain. mat. xxiiii.i. tess v ii tes. ii a. act i b. And it is at hand. esa. xiii li phi iiii i john. ii.ii. pe ii heb. ten Apoc xxii We must then desire it. heb. xi g: & wait for it. mat. 24. lii.xii. For in that same day we shall have the crown of righteousness. 2. tim. 4. b. Of which the symilitudes are. math. xxv a ii tessa ii a i tess four d ii pe. iii b. judas i g. ¶ Covetousness. Covetousness is the rote of all evil i tim vi which is idolatry. eph. u b. col. 3. It is for bidden us very straightly .lu xii b. ephe. a. hebr. xiii a. There is nothing more wicked than the covetous man: for he selleth his own soul Eccle. ten b. He that hateth covetousness, shall live long prou. xxviii c The Lord is angry with us, for the iniquity of our covetousness. esa. lvii d. Cursed be he that getteth any thing in to his house by covetousness. Abac ii c Covetousness doth hurt to his neighbour, as appeareth by jezabel, which made Naboth to die for his vinyeard iii reg. xi a. pro i b Also by judas the traitor. mat xxvi b. Covetousness diffameth him the followeth it, prou. xu b. eccle. xxxi a. The governors of the people should be without covetousness. exo xviii c He that pilleth shall be peeled. esa. 33. a He shall dwell with God, that is without covetousness. Esa. xxxiii b c The covetous man is never content. Ecclesi u b. The covetous man dare not eat his belyefull. Ecclesiastes vi a They all study after covetousness. Ier. vi c 8. d. esa. lvi d lvii d. Amos ix a Princes, priests, prophets, & all the world is full of covetousness. Esa. lvi a. jer vi c 8. d xxii e ii pe. ii c and pyllers of the people Mich iii a. The covetous people have not the kingdom of God. eph. u b The covetous people do fall into the snares of the devil i tim vi b. Let us therefore be without covetousness, Heb. xiii a. ¶ Ceremonies. Because of the trust that the jews had in ceremonies, God detested them. psa. l c esa. i c jeremy vii e. Amos u f. Michies' vi b. Zach vii b The ceremonies are cast of for their weiknesse & unprofitableness, but they were sometime given. deum u a ten e. for to bring men to greater trust. heb. vii c ix c for the ceremo-of christian men are spiritual things i co ten g. ephe. c colloss. iii c ¶ Charity or love. God is charity i john iiii c The charity of God is declared unto us: for he hath sent his son. john iii b. and i john four b. The charity of God is shed forth in our hearts. rome u a. God had showed his charity, in giving his son unto the death for us sinners. Roma u b. Nothing aught to sever us from the charity of God. ro. viii g. can. 8 c All the commandments do lead us to charity i tim i a. & i cor xvi c and i Ioh. ii a. rome xiii The praises of charity are written i co xiii Let us be rooted in charity. eph. iii d. to bear one with an other four a. and to grow more and more in it four d. phil. b. We ought to provoke one an other to charity. Heb. ten e i tessa four b i timo iiii c ii tess i b. The charity of God is in him that keepeth his word i Ioh. ii a. and in him which hath confidence in the day of judgement, for perfit charity, casts out all fear i Io iiii c d The charity of God, is to keep his commandments i Io u a. Charity covereth all sins. pro ten b i pe. four b. God loveth us in a perpetual charity. Iere xxxi a. Hypocrites for to follow their inventions do leave judgement and charity undone .lu xi ¶ Carat or mark He that worshyppeth the image of Antichrist, or he that beareth his characte in his for heed, or in his hand, shall drink of the cup of God's wrath. Apoca xiiii c A great wound is upon them, that bear the charecte of Antichrist. Apo. xu a. The beast, the false prophet, they which bear the characte, and they which worship his image, are slain by the sword that proceedeth out of the mouth of him that sitteth on the horse. apo xix ¶ Chastity. Chastity is the gift of God. Sapi viii d. which is not given to all men. mat xix b. He that can not live chaste, aught to marry i cor vii a. Chastity is greatly commended of S. Paul i cor vii d. e. f. An example of chastity in joseph the patriarch. ge. xxxix b Also in Sarah. Tob iii c also in judith. Iu. viii a. Also in Susanna, which loved rather to die then to lose her chastity. dan. xiii c ¶ To chastise. God doth chastise us for our iniquities. Tobi xi c xiii a. For he doth chastise his. Iere xxxi c Hebr xii b. Apo. iii d. An example in David ii Regum xxiiii ¶ Circumcision. Circumcision signifieth the nation of the jews. Gala. ii b. Eph. ii c whereof Christ is called the minister, that is to say a preacher sent to the jews. rome xu b. The carnal circumcision, was the sign by which they were received in to the people of God. genesis xvii b. the which saved not. roman four a. galath iii a. for Abraham was righteous by faith before ●e received i● gene. xu b. Circumcision is nothing: but the faith in Christ which worketh by charity i cor vii d. gall u a vi d. then it is not necessary. gala ii a u a, but the circumcisinn of the heart jer four a. ro. xii d. dew ten d xxx b. collo ii ephi iii a: Wherefore Steven blamed the uncircumcised in heart. act vii g. ¶ Concupiscence or lust. Concupiscence is that evil inclination and nature, that we have of the old Adam, which draweth us to evil. gen. viii d. which Paul had not known to be sin, if the law had not said: thou shalt not lust. Ro vii b. and that which fighteth against the spirit of God. Gala. u d. Concupiscences aught to be mortified. col. iii a, and fled ii pe. i a ii b iii a All that is in the world is concupiscence of the flesh, & concupiscence of the eyes, & the pride of life i Ioh. ii c The blasphemers bringing in new sects, do follow their own lusts ii pe. ii b. The priests were stoned for their hoorish concupiscence. dan. xiii Concupiscence is forbidden us. exo .xx c Deut. v c vii d. An example in Paul. Act twenty g. After that concupiscence hath conceived (that is to say hath delivered) she bringeth forth sin. Ia. i a. Let us not therefore covet any evil things i cor ten b. Eccl. xviii d. Rome vi b. He that coveteth an other man's wife, is an adulterer. Math. u d. Proverb vi c Eccle. xxv d. ¶ Confession. Confession, for giving of thanks & pray sings to God i chroni xvi b ii chroni .xx c iii Regum viii d. Math. xi d. Psalm 95 a cxviii. a. To confess, for to recognize. leu vi g. jos vii e. mat ten d. Who so ever therefore shall confess Christ before men, the same will he confess (that is to say recognifie) before his faith .lu xii b. Confession, for knowledging of our sins to God, looking for absolution of them by christ. dan. ix a. psal. xxxii a cvi a li a i Io i d four a c Paul confessed himself to Timothe, and to all the readers or hearers of his epistle, that he was a persecutor of the church of Christ i Timon i c None were baptized of john, which confessed not their sins to God, knowleging themselves to have need of the redemption of Christ. Math. iii b. What our confession of our sins aught to be before men, is showed. act ii f. xix d. Confession is reconciliation and agreement with our brother. mat u d .lu xii g. ¶ Christ. Christ is the image of the father ii cor four a. col. i c heb. i a. In whom are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge, and fullness of the divine power. collo i g ii a. b. christ was prefigured in Isaac. Genes. xxii b. and in the brazen serpent. Numeri xxi c Christ is the propitiation and reconciliation for our sins. Ro u b. Ioh. i a. & iiii c the saviour of the world. Lu. ii b i Ioh. iiii c Esa. xxviii d xlix b. Ge. xlix b. Our hope wisdom, righteousness, holiness, & redemption. Collos' i d. and i Cor i d. Our advocate i Ioh. ii a. Heb. ix Ro viii g. By Christ God hath given us victory of sin, death, and hell i cor u g. By christ, the father hath reconciled all things to himself. coll. a. An exhortation that we should go to Christ by true faith. Hebr four d ten d xiii b. phil. a i pet ii d. Rome xiii d. Esa. xi a Christ is deed. mat xxvii f. for to manifest his charity to us. Ro u b. and to make satisfaction for our sins. rome four d vi b. He ix g. Esa. liii a. That we believing in him, should have everlasting life. johan iii b. and that afterward we should live to him, and not to sin i cor v c Christ is risen again, the first of all them that shall rise again i cor xv c d. apo i b. col. i c for his resurrection is our justification. Ro four d. christ shall appear again the second time Heb. ix g. With whom we shall appear in glory. Collos' iii a. Christ is the foundation of the church i corinth iii c Ephes' ii d. Look in the word ascension. ¶ The christian. The Antiochians were first called christian. Act xi d. The christian are taught of God. esa. liiii d. john vi b. The pureness of the christian, for the knowledge of the gospel. isaiah xi b. The joy of the christian for their deliverance through christ. Esa. ix a. The gyvinges of thanks of the christian, for the mercy of God, which cometh unto them by christ. Esa. xii a. ¶ The cross. The cross is all manner of adversity & tribulation, which every man aught to bear after Christ all the days of his life. Mat xvi d mar viii d .lu ix c, or he shall never come in to the kingdom of Christ. mat .xx c mar x c If any man bear not his cross, he can not be the disciple of Christ, nor the minister of his word. mat ten d. eccles. ii a. Paul rejoiceth him of the cross: that is of the afflictions which he suffered for Christ. Galat. vi d. The preaching of the cross, is the power of the faithful i cor i c ¶ Church. The church is the body of Christ. eph. i d coll. d. The house of God i Tim iii d. the spoule of Christ. psal. xlv For which Christ hath given himself. eph. u d The church of God is free from sin, death and hell. isaiah xi b. In the church is the remission of sins. isaiah xxxiii d. Christ is the foundation of the church i cor iii c the heed. Ephe. i d. collo i d The church can not be destroyed by the power of hell. Math. xvi c In the church are many administrations i cor xii a In the church all is holy. Zach xiiii d Paul hath given one manner of doctrine in all churches i cor xiiij f The church is defended by Christ. Za xiiii a The faithful gathered together in one house are a church. Ro xvi a. colo four d ¶ Children. Children aught to be chastised. Ec xxx a. b pro xiii d xix c xxii c xxiij b xxix c We aught to command children to keep the word of God. Deut. xxxii g The pain for disobedient children. deut. xxi d. pro .xx c The office of children toward their father's ephe. a. colo three d They are the right children of God, which are led by the spirit of God. to viii c And of Abraham which do follow his faith in Christ. to ix b. By which faith we are made the chil of God. gala iii d. Ioh. i d. We are then airs. rome viii c Let us then be holy. deum xiiij a. the world knoweth not the children of God i Ioh. iii a ¶ Cursing. God cursed the blessings of the priests, and blesseth their cursynges. mala ii a: An example in Balam. deum xxiii a. joshua xxiiii b We aught to bless them that curse us i petri three a. An example in Christ i pet two d Item in David li reg. xuj d. also in S. Paul i. corin iiii c Cursynges to them that keep not the commandments of God. duty xi d xxvij d. leviti xxvi b They that are accursed for christ are happy. math. u a: but they may not curse their persecutors. Roma xii c ¶ The common wealth. The common wealth did flourish, prosper & go well forward, when the righteous did reign. Prouer. xxviii b xxix a. b The common wealth is kept by good counsel, and not by tyranny. prove xi b ☞ D. ¶ The devil. The devil that is to say an evil speaker and accuser. The infidels are the seed of the devil. math xiii. a i john iii b. Held in captivity at his will ii timo ii d The domination which the devil had upon us is destroyed by Christ. heb. ii b i Ioh. iii b The devil knew Christ, but christ for bode him to preach two math. viii d. mat iii b u a. luc four g viii d: the same did Paul act xvi d xix c For to show that we ought not to have fellowship with the devils i. cor x c ¶ Disciples. They are the disciples of Christ, which do do abide in the faith. Ioh. viii d We are known to that be disciples of Christ, if we have love one to an other. john xiii d He can not be Christ's disciple, that loveth more his father & mother than him. math. ten d He that will be Christ's disciple let him look (as he that will build a house, or begin war (whether he have the gift of God for to endure for Chrystes sake. Luke xii f. xiiii ¶ Disobedience. The disobedience of Adam hath made us sinners, & disobedient before God. rome u d The disobedient to the word of God are accursed. deu. 28 b. jer xxvi a xxix b. exo. 26 c And shall shortly die. deum xxx d. An example of the prophet i reg. iii d. And he that obeyed not unto the sentence of the judge, giving judgement according to the law was slain. Deut. xvii c Achan being disobedient, is stoned. Iosu vii d. And the jews carried in to captivity four reg. xvii b c ¶ Drunkenness. A man aught to beware of drunkenness lii twenty f. eph. u d. prou. xxxi a. The inconveniences of drunkenness. pro .xx iii d. eccl. xxxi b c d. No being drunken, is mocked of his son. Gene. ix c Lot being drunken, committed incest or shameful lechery with his daughters. gen. xix f. Benhadab being drunken and a contemner of God, is driven away from God by Achaz iii reg. xx c Ela being drunken, is slain of his servant Zambri iii reg. xvi c Amnon being drunken, is slain of Absalon ii reg. xiii f. drunkards shall not possess the kingdom of heaven i cor vi d. ¶ Death. Death is ꝓphecied to the transgressors of the word of God. ge. ii c dew xxx d. and for the sin of one man. ro. v c it is ordained that all shall die. heb. ix g. The remembrance whereof is bitter. eccl. xli a. And the day incerteyn lii xii e. A man should not ask any thing at the deed for the confirmation of our faith: for the the gospel is sufficient for to learn to live well. luc xvi g. esai viii d. deut. xviii a. b. Against which Saul did, thinking that he would inquire at the deed: but they were devils i reg. xxviii a. b. ¶ The death of Christ. Christ died. Ioh. xix f. showing us his love i Ioh. iii c to th'intent that the grace of God were in us. heb. ii b. He hath swallowed & destroyed death, to th'intent that we believing this, should be heirs of everlasting life. Io iii b. ● i pe. i d. and ii tim i c He hath also destroyed the power of the devil, for to deluer us from the bondage of the law. Io xii c heb. ii d. satisfying by his death only for all our sins, to th'intent we should no more return unto them. Rome u b. Of the effect of the death of Christ, look. ro. four d. heb. ix d. collos i c ii cor v c rome u d. Apoca i b. To die with Christ, and to be baptized in his death, and buried with him, is to be justified and purged from sin, & to die from sin, making it to take an end in us. rom. vi a. b. They shall die that believe not in Christ (that is to say by the interpretation of. S. john) that the wrath of God abideth upon them. Io iii d but not to die, is to have everlasting life, Iohn vi e. They than that believe in him, shall never die. Iohn v d viii. f xi d ☞ E ¶ Election Our election is by grace, and not by works. Ro ix c xi a Few are elect or choose. Mat twenty b xxii b We are elect of God the father, thorough his good will i pet i a, before the constitution of the world, that by the grace & merit of Christ we should have health, serving all men by charity. Iohn xv c Eph. i a ii Tes. ii d The elect can not be accused, for as much as God justfieth them. roma viii f ¶ Enemies Look in the love of us toward our enemies. ¶ Envy Envy aught to be put out from all men. gall v d i pet ii a. Pro xiiii d. & the envious men. pro xxiii a, for it bringeth us to poverty. ꝓ xxviii d, to folly: Sapi vi d: and doth persecute his neighbour: an example in Saul, which through envy persecuted David i reg. xviii b: in the Philistines, which thorough envy stopped the wells of the servants of Abraham. Gen. xxvi c in Rachel against Leah. Ge. xxx a, in the children of jacob against joseph. Ge. xxxvii b, in the sacrifyers of the temple against Christ. mat xxvii b. Against this saint Paul saith: that charity envieth not i cor xiii b ¶ Eucharistia. How Eucharistia is ordained of god i co xi c Whereof look upon this word supper. ¶ excommunication excommunication, is the separation and rejection from the assemble of our Lord jesus Christ, which thing is done by the church against open & obstinate sinners. Math. xviii b The manner of Paul for excommunication i cor u b ii Corinth ii b. He that is excommunicate aught not to be reputed as an enemy, but as a brother ii ces iii c We aught to eschew him that is excommunicate after the first and second correction. tit iii c The reason why Paul did excommunicate i Timon i d. They that confessed Christ, were thrust out of the synagogue, that is, were excommunicate Iohn ix e ☞ F ¶ Flesh. Flesh is sometime taken in a good part, the is to weet, for softness ii cor four a. Eze xi d All that doth not proceed of the spyrice of God, is flesh. Gen. vi a. Hebr ix b. Col. ii d. ga. c Io iii a i Petr ii b Flesh and blood (that is, all they that follow their concupiscences) shall not possess the kingdom of God i corinth xv c The flesh can not please God. rome viii b c The flesh fighteth against the sprite. gall v c The works of the flesh are adulteries, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, Idolatry. etc. Gal. v c ii Cor twelve. g. A christian man aught to crucify himself, that is to say, mortify his flesh & his concupiscences. Gal. u d. The flesh is to week. Mat xxvi d. The flesh is taken for the body. Io i d. rome ix a i pe. four a ¶ Fables Fables aught to be eschewed by the preachers of the gospel i tim four b. If Israel serve strange gods, he shall be put in a fable: that is to say, into mocking iii reg. ix b. The jews despising the commandments of God, are as a fable. deum xxviii d. The apostles teaching christ, followed not tables ii pet i c Let us not here the fables of any preachers i timo i a. Let us not tarry in the fables, nor in the commandments of men. tit i d ¶ Famine or hunger. Famishmence to them which keep not the commandments of God. levi xxvi d. deut xxviii. b. & xxxii d. Famine for sins iii reg. viii d. Of famine. deum viii a. ge. xii c 26 c xii g xlvii d ii re. xvii c xxi a xxiiii b iii re. xviii a a four reg. vi f vii b viii a. ezech. four b xii e. ose. ix a. act xi d. Famine of the word of God. ose u d viii d ¶ False. The false prophets are known by their fruits, of whom we aught to beware. mat vii c We aught not to bear false witness. exo .xx c xxiii a ¶ The faithful. The faithful are called the house of God i pec iii d. The reason why i pet ii a. Also the temple of the living God ii corint vi c Also beloved of God. judas i a. Babes, little one's in Christ, children, young men, young fathers, old men i Ioh. ii b iii a. Also truly free. Ioh. viii d. saints. Ephe. i a. The faithful know how to use all creatures without sin. tit i d The faithful aught to have no alliance with the unfaithful ii cor vi c The faytfulnesse required in the ministers i corin four a. That they may teach that, which Christ hath commanded. mat xxviii d. That is the Gospel. Mark xvi d. The faithful aught alway to be ready to give a reason of their faith i pet iii c The conversation of the faithful in good works tit. iii c d i pe. iii b ii pe. 3 c ¶ Fornication. Fornication aught to be eschewed i cor ten b & i tess four a. hebre xii d. for the fornicators sinning against their own body, shall not have the kingdom of God i cor vi b. d. heb. xiii a. We must flee the fellowship of fornicatoures i cor u d. after the example of him that Paul excommunicated i cor u a. and the Israelites which committed fornication with the daughters of Moab, among which phinebes killed Zamti. nomb xxv b. To commit fornication with strange gods, is to commit Idolatry, and to forsake God. exodi xxxiiii. b c dew xxxi d. judges ii c viii g. God called the fornication of the people, and the murmur which they did against him infydelytye. nomb xiiii d. Signs to know the fornication of a woman by. eccl. xxvi b ¶ Faith. The definition of faith. hebr xi a We must give faith to the promises of God ii para twenty e. For if we do not put faith to his word, it profiteth nothing to hear i●. heb. four a Faith cometh by he aring romans x c which is a work of God in us. ephesians i d and i Tes. ii c Ioh. u e: of which Christ is the author & fynissher i cor xii v i tim i c: it is than a gift of Go. Phi i d ii pet i a. The faith is necessary for him that cometh to christ. He xi b. The righteous liveth by faith. Habac ii a. The faith justfieth. Gen. xu b. to. i.iii. d iiii c v. d ix a. act. xxiii.xvi. Ioh. iii gall ii c iii a. b u a i pe. ii b. Esa. xxvi By faith we life up ourselves up again from our sin. col. ii b: and are saved. Eph. ii a. b ii timo iii d: And we know God i Ioh. ii a: And we have a way in and a trust toward God the father. Eph. iii b: & are his children. gall iii d: Blessed of him, by whose power we are kept i petr i a. By faith we withstand the devil, & overcome him & the world i Ioh. ii b i pe. v c: For it is our shield. eph. vi c and breast plate i Tessa u b. Paul warneth us to be strong in the faith i Corynthi xu g. Actuum xiiii a. The faith (wheeof S. Paul hath so much spoken) is that which worketh by charity, secretly provoking us to good works. Ga' u a Which is the rock & faundacyon of the church, against which the powers of hell shall not prevail. Mat xvi c: For the end of our faith, is the health of our souls i pet i b: as appeareth by these which is saved by the same. Luc xxiii f. The faith which Christ required in all his miracles, was to believe that he could give that, which was required of him, as appeareth by the leper. Mat viii a. And by the two blind men. Mat ix d If the faith be lively, sure, & strong, as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible to him that hath it: for he shall overcome all things to the glory of Christ. Mat xvii c All that is not done of faith is sin. Rome xiiii d. They that have received the faith & the holy ghost, and also tasted the Gospel of God, if they do forsake it, & blaspheme it, willing to be saved by other sacrifice than that of christ: do abide the judgement of God, without mercy. Heb. vi b x c ii petr ii d. He that teacheth the lively faith in Christ, buildeth the building & doctrine of God i timo i a: of which we aught to desire that increase .lu xvii b. & continuance. col. i c Ioh. xu a. for she is in every place assured. Psal cxxxviii: Though she be proved thorough divers temptations i Petri i b. The faith in tribulation, causeth patience. jaco i a. Let every man see therefore whether he continued in the same ii cor xiii b: Faith maketh us to obtain the which we desire in prayer. Mat xxi b. Mat xi c: & by which we are of the number of the saints, in receiving remission of our sins. act xxvi e. ¶ Fruit. The fruit of righteousness & of sin. ro. vi d God will multiply their fruit, that keep his commandments. Deuter xxviii a. Our affections thorough the law do fructify to death. rome vii b: therefore to th'intent we should fructify unto God, by good works, we are delivered from the curse of the law. Rome vii a. The fruit of mary's womb (which is christ) is blessed. Luke i d. ¶ Fasting. The fasting without ypocessye. mat vi d and that the Lord requireth. isaiah lviii b. for he that fasteth without ceasing from sin, is like unto him which is puryfyed for touching of the deed, and toucheth it again. eccle. xxxiiii d. esay lviii a. and after like manner, fastings. and oblations do profit nothing the obstinate people. Ier. four b fastings without works of mercy do profit nothing. Zach vii b. fasting joined with prayer. Tobi xii d. Examples. da ix a. Act xiii a xiiii d ii cor vi b. luc ii f. Math. xvii c tobi iii b. judges twenty d i reg. vii b ii para twenty a ii Reg. xii d. hypocrites do cast god in the teeth with their fastings. esa. lviii a ¶ Father and mother. To honour father and mother, is for to do good unto them in ministering unto them, things ncessary for them mat xu a. mat vii a. A man aught then to do this. exod. twenty b. le. xix a. deut. u b. in obeying them, pro xxxiii c eccl. iii a. colo iii d. eph. vi a. without cursing or striking of them. exodi xxi b. levi twenty b. for God did punish the people of Israel, because they disobeyed their parents. ezech. xxii a. but for all that, they must not obey them more than christ. math. ten d. The parents ought to teach the word of God unto their children deut. xi c ☞ G ¶ To do good. We can do no good without Christ. Ioh. xu a. for that which is done without faith is sin. roma xiiii d. We must do good to them that hate us. Math. u g. luc vi He that doth good, is of God i Ioh. iii c We ought to do good always. Gala. vi b. tes. iii c In doing good, we do stop the mouths of wickedmen i petr iii c There is none that doth good. psal. xiiii a liii a. roma iii b. ¶ Good. None is good, but only God. luc xviii d. Iudi xi b. God is good to all them that be right in heart. psal. lxxiii a cxxu a. & to them that trust in him. psal. lxxiii a. ¶ God. God is one, and the father of all, which is above all, by all, and in us all: not dwelling in temples made with men's hands i Cor viii b. ephesi four b. roma xi d. act xvii. f. It is God that iustyfyeth for the love of Christ ro. viii g. by whose election we are santyfyed thorough the holy ghost i pet i a. God is a spirit. john iiii c That is, the beginning and the end. apo i c xxii c, the heed of Christ i. cor xi a. which is well pleased in christ his son. mat iii d. which is in christ, and Christ in God his father. Io xiiii b. whom never man see, neither cause nor know, but Christ Io i b iiii c vi e i tim vi c ¶ Gods. The judges are called gods. ex. xx●i. b. d The herers of God's word, are called god Io ten g. The god are idols made with men's hands. deum iiii. d. whose virtue & propriety the psalmist showeth. psal. cv. baruch vi b. say xviii. b. And they are many in number iii reg. xviii g. but to us is one only God i cor viii b. wherefore the strange gods aught to be cast out, and one only God worshipped of us. jos xxiiii f ¶ Gifts of God. All that we have is the gift of God, in the parable of the talentes. Mat xxv d. Luc xix b i cor iii b. jaco i c ii pet i a. It is then of God that we be saved. eph. ii a. It is then of God to understand the scriptures. Lu. xxiiii g. to which christ openeth our understandings i cor xiiii b. Christ hath given many gifts to the edifying of his church. eph. four b Every man hath his proper gift of God i Corin vii b. God require to gifts that be given willingly. exo xxxv a. ¶ Gospel. Gospel is as much to say, as glad tidings Lu. ii b. the power of God, to the health of all them that believe. rome i a. b i cor xu a: The wisdom of God. Mat xi c i cori ii b. the ministration of the sprite & of righteousness i cor iii b: everlasting life thorough Christ, which God hath everlastingly promised. eph. i a ii Tim i c Tit. a: The secret long time hid. col. i d. rome xu d: which thing to open and declare, Christ is come. Marinell xvi b: and hath sent his apostles. Mat x c: to preach it to all creatures. Mat xvi d: which thing was done. col. i c: to which (notwithstanding) all men obeyed not. rome xii c Esa. liii a. The similitude of the seed. Mat xiii. a: proveth the same. By the gospel is declared the glory & majesty of christ two. cor four a: which commanded his apostles to reach all that he had taught them. Mat xxviii d. Marinell xvi d: without taking any thing. Mat ten a: but such things as are necessary to the life. Mat ten b i cor ix a. b. The gospel increseth itself more & more, by good works. col. i a: The which isaiah showed before, to be preached in divers tongues. Esay xxviii c: which thing was done. Act ii a. b. And by the preaching of it, the church is gathered together in all the world. esa. lx a: And the consciences made glad Pro xii d. The terrible judgement of God against the despisers of the gospel ii Tes. ii e The bishop doth the office of an evangelist ii Timon four b. They that set forth the gospel: aught not to be let. Luke ix f By the preaching of the gospel, if we do believe it with the heart, we accomplish the commandments of God. Deu xxx c ¶ gentiles. They are gentiles or Greeks, which are not of the cyrcumcisyon. rome i b. Christ is the looking for of the gentiles. Genesis xlix b. Esa. li b. The gentiles are called to Christ, by the preaching of the apostles. Esay xlvi f: to the glory of God. isaiah xliiii a. psal. xviii & lxxxvi and converted to him. Psalm xxiii Esay ii a. Zachar viii d ix a xiiii d: of whom he is also the heed ii Re. xxii d Paul monisheth us not to follow the works of the gentiles. Eph. four d. for they are from Christ, and pertain nothing unto him. Eph. ii c: because they do not follow righteousness. Roma ix e: And therefore doth God forbid the jews to have any conversation with them. levit xviii d. Deuter vii a. joshua xxiii a. Exod. xxxiiii b ii corin vi c: And that they do not receive their customs about the deed. Deut●ronomi xiiii a. Christ prophesied the entering of the Gentiles into the church. .viii. viii b. and that they should have trust in him after that they had heed the judgement and gospel of delth. mat xii b. and put aside the serving of Idols. Ioh. iiii c for Christ is sent unto them. act ii f. xxviii g. and the door of faith opened. Act xiiii d. whom also Christ calleth his sheep. Io x c choose by grace. roma ten d. puryfyed by faith. act xu b. converted by God. Act xi c knowing the secret mystery of grace. col. i d Then a man aught not to esteem them abbomynable. act x c but preach the gospel unto them. mat xvi d. as S. Paul did. act xiii g. for he is their minister. roma xu d. their apostle. roma xi b. their teacher. gala i c i Timon ii b. and their master ii timoth i c ¶ Glory. The glory of christ is declared by the gospel ii Cor four a. which be showeth to them whom he hath choose. roma ix e. All honour and glory to God only. apo four d. phi four d judas i g. to whose glory we aught to do all things i cor ix g. whether we live or die. roma four b. for all that is done to the glory of Christ, cometh of the holy ghost i cor xii a. Christ is the hope of our glory. colo i d. which the holy ghost doth promise' us after tribulations i pet i b. although they be not worthy of this glory. rome viii d ii cor four d Let vain glory be far from us. gala u d philip ii a. for they which seek glory, can not believe in christ. Io u f. g. as appeareth by the chief of the jews. Io xii f. ¶ gluttony. gluttony, is the work of darkness. ro. xiii d. let us not therefore be given unto it, as Esau. hebr xiii d. But let us set against it. the prayer that is written. eccl. xxiii a. the which is no corporal thing, but spiritual. psal. iiii.v.xvii.xlvii.xlxix.lxxxxiiii.cxxvii i pet iii ¶ Grace. By the grace of God, cometh our redemption, the deliverance from sin, and our purgation. roma vii d. ephe. b. tit iii a. gala ii d. act xiii f. by which we are saved not by works. eph. ii a. b. Ioh. i b. Otherwise grace were no grace. rome xi a. let us cease therefore from evil works, & wait for the everlasting life. tit ii c d. which is given us by grace. rome vi God had purposed before the beginning of the world, for to give us grace thorough Christ ii tymo i a. Grace ought not to be received in vain ii co vi a. but we aught for to increase in the same two. pet iii d. for fearful judgement shall he have which refuseth two. hebr ten e. which thing they do, that will be justified by their works. gala u a. let us therefore trust in the same grace only, which is offered us, by the gospel i pet ii c A man aught to give thanks after he hath eaten. duty viii b. An example in christ. mat xxvi c math. xiiii c and in Paul act xxvii f. ¶ jealousy. The law of jealousy. Nomb u The jealousy and drunken woman. eccle. xxvi b ☞ H ¶ Head. Head for Princes. powers, and kings. Exodi xviii b i regum xu d. psal. xviii f. esa. i b. amo ix a. christ is the heed of the church Ephe. i d four d u d. colos i c ii b. Christ is the heed of man i cor xi a. Man is the heed of the woman i cor xi Ephe. u The heed of the serpent is broken by christ. gen. iii c ¶ heart. A fleshy heart, that is to say, a heart easy and apt to teach. Eze. xi & ii cor iii a. The heart of man is evil. Ier. xvii b. Gen. vi a viii d God doth know the deepness of the heart. doth prove it and behold it i re xvi b four reg. viii d. act xu b i tes. ii a i Ioh. iii d apo ii d. Eccl. xxiii c Iere xvii b. God openeth the counsel of the hearts i cor four a. Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts. Mat xu b. Marinell vii b. The heart is cyrcumcysed of God, that it should love none other, nor put trust in any other thing, but in God only. duty xxx b. The heart is renewed of God. Eze xi d xxxvi f. jer xxiii f. iii reg. xviii f The heart must first be opened of God, before any man can give heed to the word of God Act xvi c Let us not say in our heart, that for our righteousness God hath given us everlasting life. Deu ix a. In our hearts let us sing Psalms, Hymns. & songs. eph. u d God hath written his laws in the hearts of his faithful. Hebre viii d x c Let us not follow the thoughts of our hearts: but let us only do that which God hath commanded Num xu d. ¶ Household. Abraham commanded his household to keep the way, judgement, & righteousness of God. Gen. 18 c He that careth not for his household is an infydel i Timon u a. Proverb xxvii d. ¶ Holy days. The Lord hateth the jews holy days. isaiah i d. Amos u f. Paul rebuketh them the keep such holy days. Gal. four b. Of the jews holy days. look. Levi xxiii a. Exod. xxiii b. Deu xvi a. Exod. xxxiiii c Le xvi f. xxiii d: in which holy days it behoved them to offer things appointed. Num xviii a All days are by christ made unto us holy colos ii f. Math. xii a. Marc ii b. ¶ Hatred. Hatred is forbidden. levit xix d. All christian man are hated for Christ. Mat x c: And they should do good to them that hate them. Exod. xxiii a. Mat u g. Luce vi e. An example in David ii Regum xix a. Item in Christ. Lu. xxiii a. Item in S. Steven. act vii g. Therefore a man aught to hate no man: for he that hateth his neighbour, is not in the light of the gospel: but a murderer i Iohn ii b iii e ¶ Heresy. Heresy for a sect. Act xxvi a, there must be heresies i cor xi d A man aught to fly from heretics. tit iii c ¶ heritage. The faithful people is the heritage of God. Exod. xu d. Deu iiii c ix d xxxii b xxxiii a four Reg. viii t x. a The heritage of the kingdom of heaven, is given us by promise, not by the works of the law. Galat. iii c d. Math. xxv d. christ hath bought and regenerate us, that we should inherit the kingdom of heaven. tit iii b: which is kept for us in heaven i Pe i a. Christ is the inherit our of all. heb. i a. luc .xx c with whom we are also heirs bring by faith the children of God. gala four b. ¶ Honour. Honour to father and mother. Exodi twenty b deu●e u b. is to minister unto them things necessary to live by Math. xu a. which thing thorough covetousness, the Pharisees had made of none effect, or little regarded. mar vii a. mat xu a. Honour also is due unto kings i pet ii c to the elders. levit xix b. also to them that help forth the gospel, by any ministration i cor xvi c Let us give honour unto all men. for God's sake i petr ii d. giving unto them that honour belongeth. roma xiii c He that honoureth not Christ, by believing in him dyshonoureth his father which sent him. Ioh. u d. ¶ Humility. To humble, for to punish & slay judges iii d four d. To humble, is for to submit a man's self under the mighty hand of God, and to cast all his care upon him i pet u b. He the humbleth him (that is thinketh lowly and maketh no estimation of himself) shall be exalted of God ii reg. vi d .lu i ●. Let us therefore have humility in heart, without prefarring of ourself above any man, by arrogancy. ephe. a. coloss. iii b u b. Of which thing Christ doth warn us in the parable of the gests. luc xiiii b. and of the little child math. xviii a. mar ix e .lu ix f. Let the humble christian man vexed with divers afflictions rejoice, for in that is be great before God. Ia. i b. and therefore shall he be exalted. ma● xxiii b. luc xiiii c An example of the puplycane .lu xviii b. the praise of humility. pro xvi c ¶ The holy ghost. The holy ghost is the holy and divine power, by which men's hearts are renewed from heaven i reg. x i To th'intent they may. comprehend the things of God i john ii c & which giveth witness unto our hearts that we are of God. roma viii c by which also we do call upon the father with confidence gall v c and know that god doth dwell in us i john iii d. Of the graces and gifts of the holy ghost i cor xii a xii i c The holy ghost in the scripture (by a Metaphor) is called with divers names, according to the graces that are given us. that is to say, water. esay xliii also fire. jeremy xxiii act ii also wind act i also ointment i Ioh. ii also an exhorter and comforter. Ioh. xiiii d xvi c ¶ Health. God is our health. exodi xu a. Psalm lxu at whom we aught to ask it. Iere xvii b. thorough chryst. judes i g. In the power of whom is our health. mat xix d. which is the creator & saviour of the world. heb. ii c v c & i io 4 c i timothe iiii c & ii timo ii d. the which is. come for to save us math. viii b .lu xix b. Io. iii b. thorough mercy and not by our works or merits: to th'yntent no man should boast himself. ephe. a. b iii iii b. And there is health in none other but in him. act four b Health for victory. iud xu d. & ii rep. b. also four re u a. An example in Saul which did ascribe his health (that is to say. his victory) to God, and not to his own strength i re xi d: for the health of men is vain. psa. lx c ☞ I ¶ hypocrisy. Preachers aught to reprove the Ipocrysy of man's works, Esa. lviii a: as the prophet did esa. 29. d. e. Ipocrites will never acknowledge their sins. Mala iii b. The hope of Ipocrytes is vain. job viii c twenty & xxvii b. The judgement. confusion, and despair of hypocrites. job xxvi b. Against Ipocrytes that only glorify themselves of the name of God and deny him in their deeds. Esa. xlviii a. Against these Ipocrytes which justify themselves by their outward deeds. Esa. lxvi &. A prayer against Ipocrysye. psal. cxxxix Of Ipocrysye look. prou. xii c xiiii b xxx christ giveth eight cursynges against the ypocrytes: specially because they shut up the kingdom of heaven. etc. And that they make a convert worse than themselves. etc. look upon the text all together. Mat xxiii b. ¶ Idols. An ydol is nothing, and hath no godly power in it. cor viii b ix c: And therefore is there none agreement between the temple of God & idols: And for this cause did Asa put down the idols ii par. xu b: and josias four re. xxiii b. Against which look in Amos four a. Sa. xiii b: Abac ii d. Esa. xl e. psal. lxxxxv two. Note these titles abomination, & adoration or Worshipping. A man aught to make no idols. Exod. twenty a. le. xxvi a. dew iiii c d u a: for God hateth them. Deut. xvi And who so ever maketh them, is cursed of him. Deu vii a. b c d. The jews as well as the gentiles had trust in their idols, thinking for to have help of them in their tribulations. duty xxxii e. And therefore God commanded them to be taken down, broken and burned. Deuter vii a b c d. Micah had made an Image for himself, but the children of Dan took it from him by force, and worshipped it long tyme. judicum xvii a. b c d. e. f: from whence Idols had their beginning, and the evils of idolatry sapi xiiii b. Idolaters shall not possess the kingdom of God i Corint vi b. Let us therefore cast aside all idolatry, that we perish not as the jews did i Corin ten b i Iohn v: for the prophet doth ascribe the destruction of the people to Idolatry. ezech. vi a xliii b. jeremy xliiii a: and specially of the priests Ezech. viii b. ¶ invention. All invention against the Lord God is is accursed. Esay iii b: and punished. Psalm lxxxix other by dearth. duty xxviii b: or else by a plague. judic ii d. The priests are cast out of the house of God, for their inventions, Zachary ix c ¶ innocency None is innocent before God. Exo xxxiiii a. Nun xiiii c: nevertheless he the killeth an innocent in the sight of man, is accursed. Deu xxvii d: & shall not abide unpunished ii re xii d The injury the one doth unto innocentes .cc. 4. a The innocency of Tobye. Tobi ii b. job showeth forth his innocency job xxxi a. ¶ invocation or calling upon. To them that call upon the name of God be health. roma x c he calleth not truly upon the name of God, which believeth not in him ro. x c and therefore did Enoch first call upon the name of god, gen. four d. Item Abraham. gene. xii c xiii a. also jacob. gene. xxxiii d. also Moses. exo xxxiiii a. dew xxxii a. also Samson judges xu d xvi g. To call upon or invocate the name of god over any man, is for to bless or pray for him. nume. d. God when be is called upon in tribulations, doth hear ii re xxii a. And those are faithful which do call upon him with a pure and a clean heart ii tim ii d. Eliah doth mock them that call upon the Idol Baal iii reg. xviii e. ¶ judgement. God doth judgement to the fatherless widow and stranger. deut. ten d. The terrible judgement of God, against those which believe not the Gospel ii tess ii c and those the withdraw the faithful from the truth of the Gospel. gall u b. which God doth suffer to be done unto them which will do that, the they like best. psa. lxxxi god beginneth judgement at his own house: for he sendeth tribulations and afflictions unto his church i pet iiii d. pro xi for our correction, to th'intent that we be not condemned with the world i cor xi g. Then to judge is to punish. gen. xv c deut. xxxii e i reg. iii c He that heareth Christ, and believeth his gospel is not judged. joh u d. and he that believeth it not is judged already. Ioh. iii c because he despiseth the word of the gospel. math. xiii c Ioh iii g. Then shall every man be judged according to his faith. mat xvi d ¶ The general judgement. Of the general judgement. psal. xcvii esa two c xxvii a lxvi e. which is nigh. roma xiii d and shall come as a thief in the night, for it is uncertain, we must therefore watch. mat xxiiii d. luc xvii f. which day is only known of the father. mar xiii d. Zac xiiii b. Of which the signs are. mat xxiiii c marc. c luc xxi e. In which day Christ shall appear with his angels to them that wait for health math. xxv c Hebr ix g. and shall make open the counsel of men's hearts i cor four a In the which day also, the apostles and saints shall judge i cor vi a. mat xvi d. by the fear of which S. Iohn did induce the pharisees to the change of life. mat xiii b. luc iii b. ¶ Human judgement. The judges aught to do righteous judgement. deut. i b c xvi d. without judging according to the outward appearance. prou. xxiiii c eccl. xi a. nor yet perverting. deum xxiiii d xxvii c for in judgement, a man should not agreed to the voice of many, for to come by the truth. exo xxiii a. The law also doth forbid for to judge of the man, except he be known to be such a one, Io. vii e. for he that iudgegeth his brother judgeth the law Ia. iiii c let us not judge then according to the outward show Io vii c nor before the time i cor iiii. a. The signs and wanders which God did before Pharaoh are called judgements. Exo vii a xii judgement for law, order and right. Deu xviii a. ¶ judges. The office of a judge. Ex xxlii. a. Lemot xix c Deu i a: whom men must obey under the pain of death. Deu xvii c A righteous judge aught not to accept people. Exo xxiii a. levit nineteeen c: nor be merciful to the fatherless in a wrongful cause. pro iii a. Eccle. four b, but judge according to the law of the people. Deu xvii v but many are blinded through gifts Eccle twenty d. An example in the children of Samuel i reg. viii a iii reg. xxi c d. christ is ordained of God his father, to be judge of the quick and of the deed, of the good and of the evil. act ten g. rome xiiii b. Heb. xii f. To whom it is given to give judgement. Iohn viii d. ¶ justificacyon. To be justified, is to be saved, redeemed from all i●iquytie, purged, washed, sanctified: regenerate & renewed by the sprite of God, and that sin be not imputed unto us for the love of Ch●ist: but forgiven by his grace, to th'intent that we should do good works. Tit. d iii b. act xiii f. ii corin u d vi c The which thing is done by faith. Rome four d u a: For a man must be first a new creature in Christ before he do any good works, Lu. i g. Tit. d. Eph. ii b. To them that wild justified by the very law of God itself. christ is deed in vain. Gal. ii d, and his grace doth profit them nothing. Gal. u a: then in as much as God doth justify, no man can accuse us. ro. viii g ☞ KING ¶ keys. The keys are the law and the word of God, by which we do shut and open the kingdom of heaven, that is to say the church. mat xv c christ only giveth the keys to bind and loose by his word. Ioh. twenty f. esa. 32. f. apo. 3. b Who so ever is filled with the holy ghost, hath power to show by the word of God, that they (which do believe the remission of sins is done by christ) are absolved (which is to open) and that they which do not believe it, are bond (which is to shut) Io twenty d. mat. 18 c Io xxi c ¶ King. What manner a man a king should be. deum xvii d i reg. xii c: whose heart is in the hand of God. pro xxi a. A righteous king is the strength of his realm. pro xxix a. b, Sapi vi d. Eccl. ten a The king aught to read the book of deuteronomy, that is to say the law of God, and to keep him to that only. Deut. xvii d. An example in josias iii reg. xxii c: and preach it to the people: an example in Solomon iii re. viii f. Kings be happy by using mercy. pro xxv a. An example in David. Ezechias and josias. Eccles xlix. a. Iten in josaphat and Asa iii Reg. xu d xxii e. Let us honour the king i pet ii c: and pray for him i Timon ii a. King Jeroboam because he suffered Images, and sustained idolatry in his realm: inducing his people to have trust in other things then in God, is terryblye threatened iii Re xxiiii b c xvi a. b. The worst desire for to reign. An example of the fire bush. Iud. ix b: whose power is set out i reg. viii b: A man should take heed of their displeasure. prove xvi b: And if they continue in their wickedness: they shall be punished with the people i Reg. xii d. The christian men are the kings and sacrifyers of God the father, confirmed by jesus Christ. Apoca i b v c and i petri ii b ¶ Kingdom. The reign of Christ is described in the blessing of juda. gene. xlix b. and esay xxxii a God shall reign for evermore. Exodi xu e. And also the reign of Christ. esay ix u da vii g. Of the kingdom of Christ, look Luke xxii c math. xxv c act xiiii d. & two. tess i b. they are deprived of the kingdom of God, which do obey unto their flesh. gall u d. which do beguile their brethren i cor vi b: and that are corrupt by vices i cor xu f. The kingdom of heaven, or the kingdom of God is the knowledge of the gospel or the church gathered together by the gospel. mat xiii g. The mystery of which they do understand, to whom it is given. mat four b .lu xi b. For the preaching of the which kingdom, some do chaste themselves that is, live chostlye. math. xix b. the which thing they can not do except it be giue● them of God. Sapi viii d. the kingdom 〈◊〉 ●eauen consisteth not in meat or drink ●●r yet in words but in power which doth make subject the hearts of men unto God ro. xiiii c i cor four d. And by the same means the kingdom of God is within the faithful of which christ is the strength. Luc xiiii c They that go to the kingdom of heaven with violence, pluck it unto them. mat xi b that is such as have so great desire unto it, that they despise their own life and forsake all To see the kingdom of heaven is to possess, have and be partaker of i●. jeremy iii a ☞ L ¶ The love of God toward us. God is the God of peax, & love ii cor xiii d God loveth all, and hateth nothing of that he hath made. sapi xi and doth deliver us from evil. esa. xliii a lxiii b. Ioh. iii b. ro. u b. ephe. a c apo i b. God chastyleth them whom he loveth. pro iii b. Heb. xii b. apo iii d God loveth us without forgettyng● us. esa. xlix d. Jere xxx ●. Love is the first & the greatest commandment mat xxii d ¶ Our love toward God. Let us love God, for he hath loved us fi●●●. ioh four d. Let us love God, and be shall lou● us. pro viii. b. ose. xiii b. mala i a God keepeth them that love him. eccle. ii d We must love with hole heart. deut. vi d. psal. xxviii d. math. xxii d. luc ten e Let us love God with word & deed. deut. x c eccle. ii d. john xiiii b c Le● us love God earnestly. eccle. xiii c roma viii d. ¶ Our love toward our neighbour. Every be'st loveth his like. ecc xiii c xvii b God teacheth us to love one an other ro. xiii d i tess iiii c He that loveth his brother, is translated from death to life i Io iii c iiii c ecc xxvii c He which loveth his brother hath fulfilled the law. ro. xiii c ga. c He that loveth his father or his mother, his son or his daughter more than Christ is not worthy of him. mat ten d Let us love one an other, as Christ hath loved us. Io. 13. d xv b. To love our neighbour as ourself .lu twenty mar xii le. xix d. ro. xii c i cor ten f Albina things aught to be done by love i cor vi c i pe. i d: let us therefore love affectuously in supporting one an other. tob. 4 c mal. 2 c ro. 13 c xu a. ga. a. eph. 4. a. phi ii a: in helping one an other. eccl. 7. d. esa. 28 c mat vii b. gall v c, eph. u a i pe. 4 c i Io. 3 c ¶ Our love toward our enemies. We aught to love our enemies. mat u g: with a good heart. job. 31 c pro xvii a. 24 c eccl. 8. b ten a: also with the mouth praying for them. mat u g. esa. 53. d. ro. xii c An example of christ lu. 23 c: of s. Steven. act vii g. also with work we aught to do good to them that hate us. mat ten g. pro. 25 c i c ro. xii d: an example of David two. re i b: also of Abraham. ge. 18 c d ¶ Love or dilection. The love of god toward us is inestimable ose. ii a: for he hath loved us first i Io. 4 c: & hath given us his son that we might have life. Io. 3. b. eph. ii b: the which son hath given his life for us. Io xu b. ga. eph. u a. The false prophets which would withdraw us from the love & true trust which we ought to have in god, aught not to be herd, but aught to be put to death. deum xiii a An admonition to love i Io. 4.: d. Ios. 23 c eccl. xiii c: to th'intent that we should love god with all our heart, and with all our soul, it purgeth our hertis of all exterior trust. deum xxx b: look in the title of love and charity. ¶ Labour. The praise of labour. eccl. vii b ten d. pro xii b xiii a .xx xxviii c Exhortations to labour i tess iiii c ii tes. 3 c pro ten a xii b. d: for the life of man is perpetual warfare. job. 8. a: of which we should live. pro v c Laid upon them for their sin. ge. 3. d. 33 xiii b: an example in Adam. gen. 3. d: also in Paul i cor. 4 c i tess ii c: labourig night and day, to th'intent he might be chargeable to none. 2. tess. 3. b. act. 18. a twenty g. but we should not labour to be rich. pro. 23. a ¶ leaven. Men should cast forth the leaven of old malice i cor u a leaven for evil doctrine & example. mat xvi a mar. 8 .lu xii a. gall u a: whereof a man must take heed. mat xvi a. There was no leaven in the oblations. leu ii d He that did eat leaven in the celebration of the passover, did die. exo xii c xiii a. b ¶ Liberty. Christian men are free i pe. ii c Io viii c An example of s. Paul i cor ix c Of the liberty which is gotten us by Christ esa. xliiii c Also of the liberty of the gospel ga. a. which a man should not make an occasion to the flesh. ga u b i pe. ii c Liberty to eat of all things i cor. 8. d ¶ Law. The law is the power of sin, by which we feel the passions of sin in us i cor xu g. ro. vii a: look ro. 4 c 8. b The law which contained the decrees and ceremonies, is abolisshed thorough christ. eph. ii d ii cor. 3. d. act xu for it brought no man unto perfection. heb. vii b c: the which thing saint Paul showeth by the similitude of the heir, and of the alegorye of the children of Sara and Agar. gal. 4. a c The law is not given unto the faithful. gall u d: for by the law of the spirit of life, we die to the law of sin. ro. vii b. 8. a. gall ii d: but it is given to the unrighteous mansteers etc i tim. i b: by which a man hath knowledge of sin. rome iii c The end of the law is Christ. ro. ten a: which only hath fulfilled it i cor i The law & the prophets contained in the first & the second commandment. mat xxii d. The law is fulfilled in loving our neighbour. gall u b. ro. xiii c The law was the shadow of things which should be given us thorough Christ. heb. ten a The law & prophets were read upon the Saboth days. act xiii c Sin was in men before the law was given, look. ro. u b vii b God commandeth to read the law day & night, to th'intent we may know what he forbiddeth. Iosu i b ten f: which a man ought to have in his heart, and before his eyes. levit xix d. dew xi c: whereunto we be monished by Moses to hearken, to th'intent to keep it, deu. 4. a. and by josua. jos xxii a What the law of the gospel is, and what it giveth. psal. xi The law is holy, just, and good. ro. vii c If a man use it lawfully i tim. i b: And it is spiritual and fulfilled by the spirit. ro. vii c: whereunto the wisdom of the flesh can not be subject. roma. The law of christ is the law of perfect liberty. james i d ii c: Which is more excellent than the law of Moses ii Corrinth iii c He that keepeth all the law and offendeth in one point, is culpable of the hole. james ii b. There is but one lawgyver. Ia. four b The wages or reward of them that keep the law, and the pain of transgressors. Baruch four a For the law of sacrifices, look. Levitic vi b vii a xii g. Deuterono xxv b. Nun u e xix a. b The law commandeth things unpossible for our strength. deum u a. exo .xx c ro. 7 viii ix john vii acts xu Math. v twenty Galath v Against them that make false and wicked laws. esa. ten a. The law justifieth not. ga. 3 u rom. iii.iiii. How we satisfy the law. rome viii gala iii ¶ Light. The light which is called day, is created of God. gene. i a God is light i johan i c Which dwelleth in the light that no man can attain i Timon vi c christ is the light that lyghteneth all men Ioh. i a viii b ix a i Ioh. i b: Which monyssheth us to believe in him that is the light io xii f The apostles are the light of the world. mat u b. He that hateth his brother is not in light i Io ii b The works of light. eph. v b. The armous of light. ro. xiii d ¶ Lechery. A prayer against lechery. eccl. xxiii a: look this word: adultery, or adultery, or fornication. Also. eph. u b. ¶ Life. God hath given life, or the living soul, or the spirit of life. gene. ii b Of the life of man, look Ia. four d i cor vii e job vii a xiiii a. psal. xxxix dew xxx d Long life is promised them that honour their father & mother. exo .xx c dew u b. eph. vi a christ is the life. Ioh. xiiii a. col. iii f. Io. i a: which hath destroyed death to th'intent that we should be the inheritors of everlasting life i pe. iii d. christ is the breed of life, which giveth everlasting life .lu vi e christ hath everlastring life in his hand as the father hath: ergo he is god. Io u d. The life eternal that was promised, is declared unto us by the preaching of the gospel. eph. i a ii tim i a i Io ii d: the which they have that know Christ. Io xvii a ¶ living God. The living god was the oath of the fathers Ruth iii c judge viii d ii re ii d ¶ To live. faithful men that be departed, do live in god mat. 22. a .lu twenty d Because that Christ doth live we shall all live. Io. 14 c We do all live and die to the glory of god. ro. xiiii b The thristen man liveth not to himself but unto Christ ii cor u e To live in god, is to die from sin. ro. vi b To live in pleasures is death i tim u e ☞ M ¶ Manslaughter. Manslaughter is forbidden. ex .xx c 23. a. deu u b. mat v c 19 c: manslaughter is revenged of god. ge. 9 a: an example of the jews. eze. 22. a: The wilful murderer ought to be put to death by the rulers. deu. 19 c Manslaught cometh of wrath & envy, as is to ●e of Cayn. ge. 4. a. and of the jews which procured the death of Christ. mat. 17. b. Iten of covetous, as jezabel did for the vinyeard of Naboth. 3. re xxi a. Iten of lechery: after the manner did david cause Vriah to be slain ii reg. xi c: & Herode john Baptist. mar vi c: also of ambition, as Herode caused the children of Israel to be slain. mat ii c: and Abimelech his .68. brethren, to thin●ent that he might reign all alone. iud. 9 a: likewise did Athaliah 'cause all the kings blood to be put to death ii re xi He that hateth his brother, is a manslayer, & hath not eternal life abiding in him i Io. 3 c ¶ Man He is an old man which is not filled with the holy ghost, but is led by his own affections. col. 3. b: evil by nature. ge. vi a. 8. d: filthy. job. 25 b: a liar. esa. ix d. psa. 116. the son of wrath. eph. ii a: vain. psa. 12. job. 16. d He is a new man, which is ●ul of god, created like god in the righteousness & holiness of truth. col. 3. eph. 4. heavenly i cor xu f: a new creature. gall vi d: made after the image & similitude of god. ge. i d u a ix sap. ii d. after the manner is Moses called the man of god. deu. 33. a. jos xiiii b. ¶ Master. Christ is our master, and none other. mat. 23. a: which hath suffered many thingess by the jews: this is no marvel then, that we his disciples do suffer. mat x c Christ forbiddeth to be desirous to be called Rabi: that is to say, my master. mat. 23. b Our lying masters are described ii pe. ii a ¶ Marriage. Marriage is institute of god. ge. ii d: where in man & woman aught to be joined, for to avoid fornication i cor vii a: for it is honourable. he xiii a: the praise whereof is pro. 8. d the forbidding of marriage is the doctrne of devils i tim. a: And he that breaketh it, is punished by death. deu. 27. d: & bitterly reproved. mal. ii c Raphael teacheth Tobi, how a man should marry. tob. vi d: an example of chaste matrimony in Sara. tob. iii c The state of matrimony is straight: for it may not be separate but for adultery. mat xix b ¶ Mary. Mary is called happy, because she believed .lu i d Mary commanded to be done, all that Christ should say. Io ii a Mary prayed God with other. act i a ¶ Mediator. Christ is the mediator between god & man i tim ii b: heb. four d vii c d. 8. b ix f xii f i Ioh. ii a four b. eph. 3. b. ro. u a. 8. Ioh. ten b ¶ Membres. By the unite of our members, we are moved to concord i cor xii c: for we are the members one of an other. rome xiii b. Our membres as well outward as inward should not be applied or given unto sin. rome vi b: for they are the temple of the holy ghost i cor vi d ¶ Ministration. Of the ministration of the poor christian saints, look. ro. xu b ii cor. 8. b ix a. b The ministration of the atonement made by Christ, received of Paul ii cor u d The ministration of the word, is the preaching of the gospel of grace. act twenty e. Christ came to be a minister, giving his life for our health. mat twenty g. mar ten g. which also is the minister & bishop of saints, sitting on the right hand of his father. eph. 8. a divers ministrations be given in the church eph. four b i cor xii a ¶ Minister or bishop. Who ought to be ministers of God. Leuiti xxi c christ giveth rules or ordinances to the ministers of the word. mat ten a The ministers should feed their flock, and not devour. Io xxi e. In the ministers should be great charity, which is declared by the Christ asked Peter three times: Peter, lovest thou me. Io xxi e. What the love of a minister ought to be toward them that he preacheth to. phil. a The minister aught to preach the word of God i pe. iiii c The ministers are warned to suffer all things for Christ. mat x c Io xii d No man may be a minister, if he love not Christ better than his father and mother mat ten b. The minister aught to pray that the holy ghost might work in the hertis of the believers, and do duly his office, not leaving it undone for ministering to the poor. act vi a. And give thanks when he perceiveth that the word of god doth bring forth fruit. phil. a i tess i a, without seeking of his own. phi i c Or unhonest lucre. tit i a i tess i a: which thing doing men are bond to aid him. mat ten b. ro. xv c gall vi. b i tess v c: after the example of the Philippians, which did help s. Paul phi four b. A man aught to pray unto God, that he vouch save to give good ministers. mat ix d: whom men are bond to love i tess v c and honour them i tessa ii b. ¶ Miracles. The prophet which will withdraw men through miracles, from the true love, aught not to be herd, but slain. deum xiii a The power to do miracles is given by the spirit of God i cor xii b. act iii b vii c: for the confirmation of the word. mar xvi d. act xiiii a. heb. ii a: look in four reg. four of many miracles. A man aught not to rejoice that he hath power to do miracles, but because he hath his name written in heaven .lu x c ¶ The mercy of god toward us. God is rich in mercy. ep● ii a ii cor i a ii re xxiiii psal. 33. joel ii d: the praise whereof is eccl. xvii d xviii a: an example in David two. re vii d Samuel setteth the mercy of god before the people, which asketh after a king i reg. xii b. God hath delivered his people thorough mercy. exo xv c eze. 36. e. And giveth us all things by mercy without our strength. deu. 8. d i reg. xii d. Mercy to them that change their life from evil unto good. deum xxx a. 31. a. eze. 18. e. osee xiiii e. esa. lv. b: whom God hath predestinate and foresene to do it. rome ix c: an example in saint Paul i tim. iiii c also in the gentiles Roma xi d. ¶ The mercy of men toward men. Mercy is more than sacrifice. mat ix b xii a. mar ii c ose. 6 c ꝓ. 21. a: let us then be merciful with a glad wil ro. xii b: as our father in heaven .lu vi f: forgiving one an other, even as god hath done unto us thorough Christ. eph. 4 g: to th'intent also that we may help the necessity of our neighbour. col. 3. b: for mercy is promised to the merciful i reg. xu a: and blessing pro xi d xxii b. math. xxv d He that doth no mercy, shall receive judgement without mercy. Ia. ii c: whereof the Pharisees are rebuked. mat xxiii c .lu xi f The praise of mercy. pro xiiii c xix c: An example of mercy in David i re. xxiiii b ¶ Mortification. A man must mortify the members of the body of sin. col. 3. a: and that every day for Christ's sake ro. 8. g Paul after the example of Christ, doth bear the mortifying of Christ in his body, being every day set forth to die for his brethren two. cor iiii c ¶ Murmuring. Let us not murmur against god, that we perish not as the children of Israel i cor ten b: let us then do all thing without murmuring Phil ii b. For a man aught to shone it. sapi i Of murmuring look. nu xi a c xiii d xiiii a xuj. f twenty a xxi b xxxii b. Also. exo xvi a. 17 a. Also. deut. i d. e. ¶ Meats. God did show unto Peter in a vision, that it is lawful unto the faithful for to eat of all manner of meats. act ten b. ro. xiiii a Meats are ordained of God, for to take them with the giving of thanks i tim four a The meat is sanctified by the word of god and prayer i tim four b For the choice of meats, a man aught not to offend his brother. ro. xiiii b To teach that men are bond to abstain from certain meats is the doctrine of devils i tim four a ☞ N. ¶ The name of God. The name of God aught not to be taken in vain. exo twenty a. deu. u d The callers upon the name of god, aught to sever themselves from all iniquity .2. tim. 2 c: as Enos did, in whose time men begun to call upon the name of god. ge. four d Theridamas is none other name given unto men whereby they can be saved, but the name of jesus christ act four b: the which we pray it may be declared, celebrated, & glorified thorough out all the world. mat vi b. psal. 8. as David did ii re vii d: for the love of which, god doth not forsake the people that knowledge their sin i reg. xii d The name of God is blasphemed thorough our evil living. rome ii d i tim vi a He that blasphemeth the name of God, is stonded to death. leu xxiiii b: for it is he only that should be called upon. Ier. xiii b. phi ii b An example in Abraham. gen. xii c xiii a: Also in Isaac. ge. xxvi f: also in Moses. deum xxxii a. Who so ever therefore doth call upon the name of God shall be saved. joel ii g. ¶ New. The new testament is the remission of sins by the blood of Christ. mat xxvi c mar xiiii c .lu xxii b: by which God hath promised to give new laws in our hearts, and not to have remembrance of our sins. Hebr viii d x c genesis iii c: of the which Paul hath received the dispensation ii corinth iii b He aught to be a new creature that believeth in Christ. ga vi d: and walk in the newness of life. ro. vi a: doing all his works by the spirit of god. rome viii b Let us therefore do on the new man, which he hath created in us. Ephesians four e: to th'intent that we may live in righteousness and holiness. ¶ Neighbour. Who so ever hath necessity or need of our help, is our neighbour, whom we aught to help as Christ teacheth us by the parable of the Samaritane .lu ten e: taking care and charge of him eccl. 17. b, without despising of him. mala ii b and sclaundring him. eccl. xix b: and judging him. Ia. four b: but pleasing him unto his edifying. rome xu a. And loving him as ourself leu. xix c mat xxii d: for in so doing the law is fulfilled. a xiii c ☞ O ¶ Oblation, or offering. Christ is once offered in an oblation for our sins, and for our sanctifying. heb. ix g: he needeth therefore no more to be offered. he. 7 x c christ hath given himself for us unto God, an oblation and sacrifice, eph. u a. By which we are sanctified. heb. x c Of the oblations of the old testament look leu. vi c ix a xxii c num vii a xv c xxix a ¶ Obedience. A man must obey unto the voice of god. exo xu g. dew xxx d: for he the obeyeth it is blessed. deum xi d: & he that obeyeth it not, is cast of. An example in Saul i re. 28 c Iten of Acan. Io vii d: let us then be children of obedience i pe. i c: specially to God more than man. act v c: also to our parents. exo twenty b. leu xix a. deu. v. b. tob. four a. An example in Christ .lu ii g phil. b: also to our superiors. exod. xxii a. heb. 13 c An example in the Israelites. deu. 34. d. God had liefer that we obeyed his commandments, then to do sacrifice unto him i re xu e. eccle. four d: which we do when we are choose of God i pet i a ☞ P ¶ Praise. give praise unto God. apo xix a. God is our praise, whom we should land, knowleg●ng that all that we have cometh of him. exo xu a. dew ten d. An example in the Israelites. Io xxii b. Also in Anna i reg. ii a. Also in Solomon iii reg. viii b. Also in David ii reg. vii c xxii a: Also in the apostles .lu xxiiii A man aught to offer the sacrifice of praise unto god thorough christ. heb. xiii c Praise shall be unto every man from god i cor four a Praise is discommendable in a man's own mouth. pro xxvii a: for he that praiseth himself is not commended, but he that is praised of God ii cor ten d ¶ Prayer. The prayer that christ teacheth us mat vi b. luke xi a The prayer of the christian aught to be continual and fervent, which thing Christ showeth us by a similitude .lu xi a. 17. a: where unto also he doth exhort us. mat vii a: also s. Paul ro. xii c ephe. c coll. a i tess u d. And ss. Peter like wise i pet four b: for the continual prayer of the righteous is very acceptable to god. ja u d. An example in Elias iii reg. xvii a. And therefore should we pray purely in every place, without wrath or dissension i tim ii c Ioh. iiii c psal. ciii ¶ Peace. Peace doth signify the joy of conscience and sureness against the devil our adversary: and generally the abundance of all spiritual goodness: because our sins are forgiven us by Christ, of which thing look esa lii Ier. xxiii osee ii the which thing also S. Paul both wish unto them that he writeth unto. ro. xv c eph. in. a ii tess. 3. d. Of which God is the author i tess u d i cor xiiii t Andrea Christ the preacher. eph. ii d. Christ desireth peace to his apostles .lu. 24 f. Io. xiiii d xvi f. twenty e: which thing can not be commprehended by man's reason. phi four b. We aught to have peace with all men. ro. xii d. heb. xii eph. four a i pe. 3. b: with them the do call upon the name of the Lord ii tim ii d. And with the ministers of the word of God i tessa ii c For the Lord hath called us to peace and unity. coll. b. ¶ poor. We shall have always poor among us. mat xxvi b. dew xu b: to whom men aught to do good .lu xiiii c rome xii b xu f. i cor viii b ix a. b c Let us then have pity upon them. pro xxi b: for the which is done unto the poor is done unto christ. mat xxv d. ¶ Patience. Patience is praised. pro xvi d. and necessary for christian men. heb. ten g: for it engendereth trial. ro. u a. An example in the prophets. jac v c Iten in job xii a. Iten in tobi ii b. Iten in Paul i cor iiii c: also in the Tessa ii tess i b. We aught them to be patient in supporting one an other, & not hasty to revenge i tes. v c coll. 3. b i b. Ia. u b: for he that hath charity is patient i cor xiii & doth exepcise himself in good works. james i a ¶ Persecution. Persecution to them that will live after the word of christ ii timo iii c: whereof Christ doth warn us. mat ten b c: For it withdraweth (if the faith be not lively) from the word of God. mar four b. But he that is persecuted in one city, let him i'll in to an other. mat x c knowing that the persecutions come of God. psal. xxxix from which he can deliver men. An example in saint Paul ii timo iii c A man must then take them patiently i cor iiii c: and pray for his persecutors. mat u g. roma xii c ¶ perseverance or continuance. perseverance in the truth, is given of Christ unto the faithful i cor. a. To which he doth counsel us. Io xu For he that continueth unto the end (although he be greatly persecuted) shall be saved. mat xvi c xxiiii b. ¶ Pestilence. God doth send pestilence, when men disobey his word. deut. xxviii b. leviti xxvi d four regum viii d. David did choose pestilence, to th'intent the he might die with other ii reg. xxiiii c: the which ceased after that he had knowledged his sin ii reg. xxiiii c ¶ Priest. Look upon the word sacrifiar heaeafter in the letter. S. ¶ Predestination. The pndestinate are saints or holy people made like to the image of the son of God: & called, justified & glorified by him. ro. 8. f. God had predestinate before the making of the world, for to redeem us by the blood of his son, for to save, and make us his children by adoption, according to the purpose of his will for to declare his mercy more clearly unto the world, by which he hath reconciled us unto himself by the means of his dear son jesus christ. eph. i a ii tim i c i pe. i d: look. ro. ix c xi a. osee ii d i cor i d. ga. c i pe. v c pro xvi a. b twenty d. Amos iii b. jer ten lamen iii e. ecc vii b xi b i re. ii a. b. d ten d iii re xii d. Io. vi d xiii b. mat x c esa. lxii a ii tessa iii a: the children of God do wait for their health by jesus christ i cor ii d ¶ Preachers. To preach is to prorhecy and expound the word of God i pe. iiii c: which thing no man aught to do, except he be sent. ro. x c Preachers of the word of god are ꝓmised esa xxx e. Anna a prophetess precheth that Christ is come .lu ii f. Those preachers that preach any other thing than the gospel of Christ, are to be refused ii Ioh. i c the wickedness of whom is set out ii pe. ii a. b c ¶ Pray. Christ prayeth for us. Io xvi f. 17. b. heb. 7 d ix f: for he knoweth that he is herd of his father. Io xi c: he that will pray, aught to forgive mar xi c A man must pray with voice and with mind i cor xiiii c: and with great trust. psa. xxv for if two or three be assembled together in the name of Christ, they shall obtain all that they require. jam i a. mat xviii c: so that they pray in faith, & knowledge their sin. 3. re. 8. d. e. f ¶ Princes. princes are the ministers of God. ro. xiii a. b: which aught to be wise, discrete & expert deu. i b: to whom Ezechiel maketh an exhortation. eze. xxii f xlv c: also sopho iii a: also Amos vi a. mich. a c Evil princes have evil ministers. pro xxix b. eccl. ten a christ is the prince of paunours i pe u b: and the heed of all principality. col. ii b The prince of this world is t●e devil, which is vaynquysshed and overcome by Christ. Ioh. xii e. ephe. a. ¶ Prophesy. Prophesy is the gift of God given by the holy ghost: and not by the will of any man. ro. xii b i cor xii b ii pe. i b: the which spirit beareth witness of Christ. apo xix c: the which is sometime given to evil men. mat vii d: an example in Saul i re. 18: alo of Cayphas Io xi g: for them that will not believe iii re. 22 c d There are two signs of true prophesy: the one, if the thing which the prophet hath showed before do come to pass. deum viii c: the other if he do not withdraw the people from the true worshipping: which is to serve in spirit and truth one god only. deum xiii: such prophets can not speak but such things as God hath put in their mouth iii re xxii c: & are not without authority. mich. yea and that in the sight of kings four re v c To prophesy, for to teach in expounding the mysteries of the holy scripture i cor xi a xii d xiiii f. Paul doth put difference between a prophet and a true teacher: for a prophet is he that teacheth the thing which god hath opened unto him by his spirit, to the edifying of the church. eph. iiii: but a teacher is he, that teacheth the only word of god: having first been taught it by men, which thing for all thee, he can not do without the gift of God: for it is one and the same spirit, which worketh all things in all men i cor xii d Sometime prophets have been called sears i reg. ix b: by whom God was wont to answer those that asked counsel at them i re. xxviii a. and to withdraw them from their idolatry four reg. xvii b. Four hundred false prophets did counsel king Achab to make war against Ramoth Galaad: but Micheas the prophet of the Lord being but one man alone, did counsel the contrary iii reg. xxii a: A man aught not then to despise prophecies i tess u d: but rather pray for to have such a gift i cor xiiii a Against the the lying prophets. eze. xiii c jeremy complaineth of false prophets. Ie xiiii b: of whom a man aught to take heed. mat vii b: for their doctrine is full of lies & covetousness. je. 8. because they preach for nothing but for lucre or gains iii reg. xiii b. ¶ providence. The providence of god toward his servants. psal. cxlu b. pro xu a xix e. mala iii d: A man may not then deny the providence of god eccl. u b: for isaiah reproveth them that deny it xl g. By the providence of god all things happen unto us. eccl. xi b. An example in the Samaritans, which would not believe the lepers the showed them the great hunger to come by the providence of God four re. vii b c Also by the providence of God, Abimelech did not lie with Sara. ge. twenty b. Also by the providence of God the people of Israel did lack nothing. deum ii b. Also by the providence of God, Esay did sand David in to the host of Saul i re. 71. b for other examples of gods providence, look i reg. xix c xxvi b xxix b xxx c Also ii regum xxvii. g iii regum xiii e xvii a four regum u a viii a. There is nothing that comforteth a faithful man more than to consider that nothing happeneth unto him, without providence of God, yea even unto the falling of one hear of his heed. mat ten d. And he that believeth not the the providence of God, is not worthy to live. psal. ciiii ¶ Prudence. Prudence is sometime taken in the scripture, for a certain subtlety, by the which the carnal man doth govern himself warily in his business. Luke xvi: which saint Paul calleth worldly wisdom, which is death befor● God. Roma viii a. Baruc iii c: by the which a man should not govern himself. prouer. iii a. whereof also janadab was full ii regum xiii a. Item, prudence is taken for an advisement, by which any man taketh heed to overpass the same thing to the which he is called: To th'intent that he might serve the glory of God, and the profit of his neighbour. And this to do, Christ do the warn us. mat ten b. Item. s. Peter i pe. four b. Prudence & wisdom or sapience, are joined commonly together in the scripture, whereof wisdom or sapience doth cause one to understand those things which be of god i cor. i.ii. a: & prudence to persever or continued still in the same. eph. i pro xiiii d: to which we are exhorted. pro i a. 3. b vii a ix a xvi b. An example in David i re. xviii b c ¶ Psalms. We must sing unto God with psalms, hymns & spiritual songs, with giving of thanks in the spirit & heart. Iud. u a i cor xiiii c eph. u d. col. iii c psal. viii d ten a. judit xvi a. ¶ Publycanes. Publicans are those that do govern the common treasures, specially tolls or taxes, the which were sometime in great reputation among the Romayns, but odious to the pharisee is because they did gather tribute of the jews in the names of the emperor of Rome. And therefore did they cast in the apostles teeth the Christ did eat with the Publycanes .lu u f. And because he was their friend .lu vii e. Of publycanes, look. mat xviii b xxi c .lu iii c ☞ R ¶ Ryghtous. No man is righteous in the sight of god. job four b ix a xxv b. eccl. vii a. Abraham is reputed righteous, because he believed. ge. xu a. He the is righious, not having perfit charity, is not of god i Io iii b. To the righteous is no law given: for he doth all thing freely by the spirit of god. gall u d i tim i b The righteous liveth by faith. ro. i c heb. ten g. upon whom the eyes of the Lord do look i pet iii d. whose prayer also is very acceptable. ja u d. pro xu d. The righteous are with much ado saved, in this world, that is, escape tribulations for the name of Christ i pe. four d: by which he is proved. eccle. ii a xxvii a. pro xvii a. ¶ Man's righteousness. There is no righteousness in man, not not in the most holy. job four d ix a xxv b. isaiah xliii d: let us not then attribute it unto our righteousness the god giveth us the inheritance of the everlasting life. deum ix a: for they the will establish their own right●usnes by works, are not subject to the justice of god. rome ten a The righteousness of god is made known unto us by works. job. 36. a. 38. a Christ is our righteousness i cor i d. esa. xiii b xlv b. 53. b: the which is given us of god thorough Christ. phi. 3 c: the which also we should wait for by faith. gall u a. They are free from justice, that is to say have no righteousness, which are servants to sin. ro. vi For there is no fellowship between righteousness & unrighteousness ii corin vi c For the wrath of man doth not the righteousness of god. Ia. i c: the fruit whereof ought to be sown in peax. Ia. iii d ¶ Rulers. Evil rulers pass not upon the causes of the poor. pro xxix b. And for all the men must be obedient unto them. Bar ii: notwithstanding that they be infidels i pe. ii c col. 3. d. eph. ii b. But so that they command nothing against god. act u e. Of the obedience due unto the rulers, look. ro. xiii a. b c: to whom Christ paid tribute. mat xvii d. What the rulers should be. exo xviii d. deu. 16 d: that is to say, such as jethro said unto Moses. exo. 18. d. dew i e to the which men own reverence. exo xxii d. ꝓ xvi b xvii d xix b twenty a: and not to detract or speak evil of them. exo. 22. d. nor to esteem their office light. eccl. 7. a. ¶ Rabi. Rabi in Hebrew, signifieth (my master. Io i) which thing one should not desire to be called. mat xxiii a. ¶ Reason. A man should not trust to the judgement of his own reasons. deum xii a. pro. 3. a xii c xiiii b A reason aught to be given to all them that do demand, of the hope that we hope in christ i pe. 3 c A reason shall be given by every one of us before the judgement seat of Christ. ro. xiiii b. ¶ Redemption. The redemption which should be made by the blood of Christ, was ordained before the making of the world i pe. i d. Of our redemption look. eph. i b. he ix c Christ is the redeemer of all men i cor i d i tim ii d. the which hath given his life for the redemption of many. mat twenty d. mar x c: which was prefigured in the delivering of the children of Israel. exo xv c dew ix d ii reg. vii d. ¶ Refuge. God is our refuge ii reg. xxii a. psal. ten b xlvi a xciiii d cxliiii a. Ie xvi d. The cities of refuge. jos twenty g. num. 35. a. dew four a xix a ¶ Rule. We should centinue in one rule, thinking, looking & believing one thing, that is to say, that we can not have the everlasting life that is promised us by any outward work. phil. d: this is the rule of Christ: and he that followeth it, the peax of god shall rest on him. gall vi d ii corin ten d. The rule for an elle, a yard, or a perch, aught to be true & just. levi xix g. ¶ Religion. Religion, for observing of things ordained of God. exo xii d. levi vii d xvi g. num xix a. religion for the sect of the Pharisees, which were proud ypocrytes & full of ceremonies, of which saint Paul was at the first. Act xxvi b. Cornelius being captain of the Italians army, is called a religious man, and yet he had made no monastical vows. act ten a. The true religion of the christian, standeth in visyting of the fatherless & widows in their tribulations, & in keeping a man's self pure from the wickedness of this world. james i ¶ Remission. The remission of sins, thorough Christ only. Act ii f. Coll. i f: which hath been preached by the apostles, as David had showed before. psal. xix ¶ Rest. No rest unto them which obey not to the commandments of God. dew xxviii g. Rest is promised to them which bear the yoke of christ. mat xi d We shall enter in to the rest of God, if we believe in him. He four a. apo. iiii c: for after tribulation, God giveth rest ii tess i c To rest, for to dwell in peax without business psa. xu To rest or sleep for the natural death four re four psa. iiii i cor xv i tess four act vii ¶ Resurrection. We aught to believe the resurrection of christ as he himself hath showed it. luke xxiiii a. Rome ten b. Ioh. .xx c Mat xxviii a. And David told it before. Psal xvi xlix act ii d. e The virtue & strength of the resurrection of Christ Ose vi a i cor xv c rome four d vi a i petri i a. The which thing hath been witnessed by signs & miracles. act four g The will of the father, is to raise up them the believe in him. Io vi d. The which thing job knew xiiii b. Also Dani xii a. Also judas Machabeus ii Mach xii g. What, how, and when it shallbe look i cor xu b. Phil. iii d i tes. four d. and how the faithful desire it. look ii cor u a. ¶ retribution, or giving. God giveth unto every man according to their faith & righteousness i reg. xxvi d ii re xxiii b. ¶ richesse. God is rich. rome x c: which maketh rich. and maketh poor i reg. ii b. God hath choose the poor of this world, rich in faith. jac ii a The faithful are made rich by jesus Christ i cor i a ii cor vii b. Of richesse look i tim. b. d. riches evil got do perish. pro. 18. b. The temporal riches which Christ calleth the wicked mammon (as the cause of all iniquity (men aught for to give unto the poor. Luc xvi a: for a man can not serve God & richesse. Mat xvi c .lu xvi c ¶ Rome. Rome the proper name of the concubine Nachor. Ge. xxii d. Balam prophesied of Rome. Nun xxiiii d. The Romans condemned no man, without he were hard. Actuum xxv e. And did not let Paul to preach the gospel, unto all them the came to him in his house. act xxvi e. g. ☞ S ¶ Soul. Soul, for every living man. rome xiii a i Pet. iii d: and for the life. Leu xvii c Nu. xi b Iosu ii c christ is the bishop of our souls i pet iii d: of whom the ministers shall give account. Heb. xiii c The souls of them that were slain for the word of God, were showed to Iohn. Apo. vi c ¶ Supper. The supper of our Lord, is a holy memory & giving of thanks, for the death of Christ Mat xxvi c Marinell xiiii c Lu. xxii i cor xi e ten d The supper aught to be done in charity i Cor xi d: for who so ever cometh thither unworthily (that is without faith) damneth himself i. cori xi g. Bodily punishment cometh to them the taketh the supper unworthily i corin xi g. The use of the supper was in the time of S. Paul somewhat corrupt, for which cause many were punished i cor xi e. g. ¶ Strength. God is our strength. exod. xu a ii reg. xxii a jos xxii e: the which Hamnah confessed i re ii a Pharaoh resisted the strength of God. that the power of God might the better be known. exo ix c rome ix b. ¶ Sword. God is said to whet his sword, when he will punish. deu. 32. f. The sword is sent of god, against them that worship idols. deum xxxii d: & keep not his commandments. Le xxvi d. He the slayketh with the sword, shall perish with the sword Mat xxvi e. apo xiii c The right of the sword. Ge. ix a. exo xxi b. Lemot xxiiii c dew xix d. wherefore the rulers do bear the sword, look. ro. xiii b The sword of the spirit cutting on both sides, is the word of God, which a man aught to take for to overcome our enemy hebr xiiii c Apo. xix c eph. vi c The sword, death, and debates showed before to them which shall maintain the gospel. mat ten d. ¶ Sacrifice or host. Christ is the sacrifice. he. 7. d. 8. a. offered once for us ten b. which must be offered no more: for through him are our consiences purged from sin which thing no sacrifice could o. heb. ten a. The sacrifices and offerings which prefygured christ ceased at the coming of him hebr viii a ix c They which willingly do forsake the gospel, can by no sacrifice be purged from their sins. heb. vi d ten e. Good conversations is called a sacrifice or an host phi ii c To give unto the poor, is a sacrifice acceptable to God. hebre xiii c phi four d. Let us offer unto God through christ, the sacrifice of thanksgiving. hebr xiii c Look upon the sacrifices of the old testament. levi iii a b u d vi a. num xv c xvii a. ¶ Swear An oath is a confirmation of things, which are in question among men by the calling upon of the name of God. hebr. vi c which thing ought to be unto God. numeri xxx a. deut. vi d ten d. without swearing by the name of strange gods. exo xxiii c and for the profit of our neighbour. An example in Paul ii cor i d. And to the judge that receiveth the oath of such a one, to whom a man hath given any thing to keep. exodi xxii. b. Our Lord also hath sworn by himself. gen. xxii e. But a man must not swear in vain deut. u b. nor forswear himself. leu xix c for cursed be he that sweareth by the name of God and lieth. Za u a. We should then be so true one of us to an other and careful to say the truth: that our communication should be yea, yea, nay, nay, Mat u f. jam v c eccle. xxvii b. ¶ Strife. Strife is a work of the flesh. gene. u d. S●iuers have their rule. exodi .xx c Of them that move steife. prou. ten b xu b xvii c xviii a xxiii d xvi c A man is bond to pacify strife and debates. An example in Moses. exo ii b ¶ To fleye. Manslaughter is forbidden, gene. ix a. ex .xx c deut. u b. The proud man was slain, which disobeyed the judgement of the judges that judged according to the law of god deut. xvii c He that sleeth aman aught to be slain. leu xxxiiii b. num xxv d. He that sleeth with the sword, aught to be slain with the sword. gen. 9 a. mat xxvi e. apo xiii c God commandeth to slay the Prophet which thorough miracles doth withdraw the people from his word: whether it be brother, son, daughter or wife, deutero xiii a. b. He that sleeth his brother secretly is accursed of God deut. xxvi d. God killeth and quyckeneth what him lust. deut. xxxii e. f. Men kill those that may be a destruction unto the people. deum vii c He sleeth his brother that is angry with him or by word or sign do curse him mat v c i Io iii e. ¶ Sin. All that is done without faith is sin, & so is all iniqutie. roma xiiii d i Iohn iii a u d And he that believeth not the gospel is a sinner i pet four a. There is none free from sin, and therefore all have need of christ to save them three ●e viii c pro twenty b. isaiah xli g liii c Ec viii c rome iii c i Io i c christ is without sin i Ioh. iii a i pet ii d: But God laying all our sins upon him, hath made him sin (that is to say, a sacrifice for the satisfaction of our sins) and even so by sin (that is by the sacrifice offered upon the tree of the cross) he hath taken away, condemned & done away our sin ii cor u d. ro. viii a i pe. ii d. Sins are not imputed to them that believe. psal. xxxiiii for they are purged thorough faith. prouer. xu d. Sins be forgiven by God only. exo. 34. a xiiii c Mat ix a. The sin irremyssible or not able to be forgiven, is the sin against the holy ghost. Math. xii c: for which ●a man aught not to pray i Ioh. u d: which shall not be forgiven in this world, neither in the world to come: that is to say, never. Marc iii d. victory is given us of God thorough Christ against sin, hell, and death i corin xu g. Paul doth warn us for to wake from the sleep of sin, and to put it away, that it reign not in our mortal body, and that thorough the deceit thereof, our heart be not hardened in unbelief. ro. vi b. Eph. v c Heb. iii c xii a. Io. 2. a He that hath sinned hath Christ to his advocate i Ioh. ii a: To whom we should confess our sins i Ioh. i d: for God may make us without sin & spot. judas i g: An example of the prodigal son. Lu. xv c: Also of the sinner. Lu. vii f: Also of the these. Mat .xx vi. ¶ Stone. God giveth water out of the stone. Exod. xvii b. Nu. xx u Christ is the stone of offence to them which stumble (that is, are offended at the word, not believing it) i pet ii b. christ is the stone upon which the jews did look upon thorough faith, believing that he should afterward come, out of whom they did draw out the spiritual drink i Corin ten a. The stone, that is to say, the faith that one hath in christ, is the foundation of the church Mat xvi c ¶ Sabbath or rest. The Sabbath or day of rest, touching the observation thereof, after the letter was very straightly commanded to the jews. Exo xvi e xx. b xxxi a. 34.35. a. leu nineteeen. a. f. 23. a xxvi. a. deu. u b. jer xvii c: because that God did rest upon the seventh day: that is, ceased from the making of any more new creatures. Ge. ii a. exo twenty b: Also in the remembrance of the rest, that he had given to the children of Israel, in delivering them out of the captivity of Egypt. deum u b. Also that the servants & beasts might rest. Exod. xxiii b This judicial ceremony is ceased: for we must no longer observe days. Galath four b. Mat xii a: but the spirit of truth contained under this shadow, aught always to be among us: That is to rest and to refrain ourselves from the works of our mind or will. Esa. lvi a lviii d: the which thing aught to be perpetual with us. esay lxvi g. Hebre four d. in applying ourselves unto the works of faith, that is to help one an other by charity. etc. math. xii a. luke vi a. ¶ Sacrament. Sacrament sometime for a mystery, a thing secret unknown or hide: the which for all that, is opened in a certain time when, it is the pleasure of God i cor four a. col. i d. ephe. b iii a u g i tim iii d ¶ Sacrifice. Sacrifice in the scripture signifieth generally all that was offered on the altar: whereof is spoken. exo xxix f. leu ii b vi c d x xxiii c nu v vii c xu a xvi c xxv xxviii a xxix c xxxix xviii a. duty xviii a. joshua xiii b. Also the scripture calleth sometime sin sacrifice: as appeareth. osee four And after that manner the death of christ (because it was a sacrifice) is called sin. roma viii a. Item also to eat the sacrifices of the dead, is to eat of the things presented and offered unto idols, Images and dead things Psal cvi ●. as it is i cor viii a ten b. e. sacrifices did not let the punishment of Eli i reg. iii c: for god regardeth not the sacrifices of the wicked. eccl. xxxiiii c but rather mocketh them Osee u b. esay i c God requireth of us the sacrifice of righteousness psal. four b. and of thanks giving. psal. l d mich vi b. Mercy & to love God and a man's neighbour, is a thing that passeth all sacrifices. mac v ix b xii a marc. c luc u f. The sacrifice of the faithful. mala iii a ¶ priests. Of priests, look leu ten b xvi a xxi c xxvi a. exod. xxix g i par. ix a. God was the heritage of the priests. deut. xviii a. The order of the judaical priesthood is translated: that is to say, abolysshed, ceased, and finysshed, in such wise as there must now be no more. heb. vii b. for we are all priests to God, that we should offer our own selves, a spiritual sacrifice, even as Christ offered himself, which thing will be acceptable unto god through jesus Christ i pet ii apo l b v c The priests of Baal iii ●e xviii c The kitchines of priests. Ezech. xlvi ●. their covetousness. mal. i c esa. 3. b. Their treason. dani xiii b. d. Their council against Christ. mat xxvi a .lu. 19 xx. Their envy. mat: xxvii c their evil will. mat xxi b. their malice: for they have been always far from charity, as Christ showeth in the parable of the Samaritan. luke ten f. And therefore they shall be destroyed according to the prophecy of Asariah ii para xu a. for christ is our only priest. After the order of Melchisedech, evermore living in heaven. for to pray for us to god his father. heb. v vi vii viii a. psal. ci ¶ Saint or holy. The word saint or holy, is taken diversly in the bible: that is to say, for the holy place of the temple in the which the people of the jews aught to praise god. psal. xx xxi cl Saints is taken also for all them that are right in heart by the faith of jesus Christ. whereby they be sanctified. Io xvii roma. i i cor i ii cor ii ephe. b. phi i Here and there amongs the psalms. As in the psal. cxlix All faithful men than are saints. duty xiiii & Nu. xu d. Ex xix a. ro. viii ● xvi a. b. eph. i a. phi four d. phil. a. Hebre four a Of whom christ being set on the right hand of his father, is the minister. Heb. viii And for whom we are bond to pray with continual prayer & fervent in sprite. Ephe. vi e. The saints do pray for their sins. psa. xxxii To whom god is merciful, although he punish them sometime. psal. lxxxix Let us then be saints in our conversation i Pet. i c: for God is holy. Levi xi g xix a twenty b xxi b: Look how we aught to help the saints. Ro xii c i. cor xvi a ii cor viii a ¶ Satan. Satan is an adversary. Marinell viii d Satan doth blind the hairs of the unbelievers, that they should not believe the gospel ii cor iii a: taking pain for to withdraw the faithful from the knowledge of it i Tessa iii b. Look of Satan. job i b xli a Luke xxii c i Corinth u d. ¶ Scandalon, in English slander or offence. Scandalon is a greek word, which signifieth a hindrance or let: and is translated unto sprytual things: for even as he hyrteth against a stone, is let: So may some man plukbacke, and withdraw his neighbour, teaching in matters of faith any thing contrary to the word of God, by the which he is scklaumbred, that is to say, let or plucked back from the truth, whereof is spoken. Mat xviii a. A man may also offend or slander his brother, as touching charity: that is to say, when a man doth not think upon the necessity of him, or that he troubleth the common peace, or giveth evil example, whereof you may see i cor viii d Math. xvii d. To slander or offend also, is to give an occasion of falling, thorough tribulation or any other means, how so ever it be, which thing christ showed before to his Apostles. Mat xvi c ¶ Servants. We are all the servants of God, by grace: that by the help of him, we should do the works of righteousness. Iohn viii d. roma vi d which thing christ showed in two parables Lu. xii e. f. How servants aught to behave themselves toward their masters. eph. vi a. col. iii d. ¶ Sorrow. The sorrow and heaviness, by which a man is sad, that he hath offended God, maketh him bolsomly to change his life: but the sadness which springeth of worldly affections bringeth death ii cor vii c ¶ Sycle. Sycle whereof is spoken. Ge. xxiii Exo iii: is after josephus mind four dragmas, which amounteth as Budeus saith to twenty shillings sterling. ☞ T ¶ Tree: A tree by a similitude, is every man i Mat iii c xii c Mat viii c Lu. vi f. If he be faithful he is a good tree, bringing forth good fruit, as well in doctrine as in work. Math. vii c But if he be without the fruit of faith, he is wicked. judas i d. ¶ Tithes. The tithes were sactified to God. Le. 27. d God commanded that the ministers, strangers, fatherless, and widows should be nourished with the tithes Deu xiiii d. The tithes were as well eaten of the people, as of the ministers. deum xii d xiiii c The Pharisees leaving mercy, faith & the principal works of the law, undone, were diligent to pay the tithes. Math. xxiii c ¶ Teachers. Teachers in the church of Christ i cor xii d. ephe. b. The christian is taught of god Ioh. vi c heb. viii d i Ioh. u d. esa. liiii d. We aught to teach the word of God one to an other. deum u b xi c i tess v c Against the questionary doctors or teachers i ti. vi b. Which is the wholesome learning. tit ii a. and which the devilish i Timoth four a. They that bring other learning then Christ's, are not to be received ii Ioh. i c against them speaketh Paul ii tim. iii b. he that teacheth any other thing than the word of God, is accursed. gala i b i cor xu a. ¶ Trust. He that trusteth in god is blessed. Ie xvii b. pro xvi c The Israelites trusting in their own strength, were vaynquysshed of the Beiamites. judge .xx c d. Let us have trust that we shall be saved by the blood of Christ. hebre ten d. to whom we ought to go, with great confidence. heb. four d. The jews have trust in their Images, in time of tribulation. deut. xxxii c God taketh away all trust from the trangressours of his commandments. deut. xxviii g. The sure trust is, to believe that God will never forsake his. psal. cxxu e. Examples of trust, in Asa ii chro xiiii c chro xviii b. in judas Machabeus i mac iii b. ¶ Thief A man must not rob. exod. xx c levi ix b. for thieves are accursed. Zach u a. And therefore they shall not have the kingdom of God ii cor vi b. Let thieves therefore labour with their hands for to help the poor. eph. four f All the herdsmen are thieves and brybers which will bring men by any other way unto health then through christ. Io ten a. Then one should not have any conversation with them. pro xxiiii d. ¶ Tabernacles. A tabernacle, tent, or pavilion, is the habitation or place, wherein men of war do use to lie: which doth signify that the people of God do in such wise devil in the church that they have always battle against sin the world and the devil i Ioh. ii c which thing belongeth to the mortifying of the old man. psal. xu Item for the body in which the soul dwelleth ii pet i c which thing. S. Paul calleth an earthly mansion ii cor u a. also the tabernacles of God, are the godly congregations of people, in the holy church of Christ. num xxiiii psal. lxxxiiii proverb xiiii The allegory of the two tabernacles of Moses. heb. ix b. Of the material tabernacle look. exo xxv a xxvi a xxxv a xxxvi ¶ Temple. Temple in the old testament was a certain place, where God required to be prayed unto, served & honoured. 3. Re. vi a viii a But S. Paul saith that god doth not devil in the temples made of men's hands. act vii f. xvii f. iii Reg. viii c esa. lxvi a. because every christian man is the holy temple of God i cor iii c ii cor vi c eph. ii d. God shall destroy him that doth pollute or violate his temple i cor iii d: For our membres are the temple of the holy ghost i corin vi d. ¶ temptation. To tempt is to prove. Gen. xxii a. Exo xu f xuj. a. dew viii a. temptation for afflyction Deu vii c Ioh. ii c vii a. The righteous are proved through temptations. Eccle. xxvii a. judit viii b. Bar ii a. An example in Ezechias, which was forsaken of the Lord for to prove him ii par. xxxii I●em of Elias, the which being ●amisshed, was sent to a woman that was likewise famisshed, for to be norisshed of her, iii reg. xvii b c: Item of job iii a. In the time of temptation, a man aught to commit himself holy unto God. psa. lxxi A man aught not to tempt God. Deu vi c Mat iiii d. that he perish not, as the jews did xi co ten b. exod. xvii a. b. num xiiii d. Christ tempted of the devil. Mat four a: That he might help them that be tempted. Heb. ii d four d. Every man is tempted of his own concupiscence & not of God. jac i b: out God will not suffer us to be tempted above that we may bear i cor ix c: for he delivereth us from temptation and affliction ii Pet. ii b. christ commandeth his to watch & pray, that they fall not in to temptation. Marinell xxvi d. To enter them in to temptation, is to commit a thing against the faith & trust which we aught to have in God. Math. vi b. ¶ Testament. The old testament (that is to say the covenant, made chiefly with the jews. rome ix a) was consecrated by blood. Exo xxiiii c Heb. ix e: but they had a veil before their hearts, so that they could not understand it ii cor iii d The new testament is promised to the true believers. Ie xxi f. bar ii g: & consecrate by the blood of Christ. Mat xxvi Marinell xviii b Lu. xxii b: of which he is the mediator. Heb. 8. b. The new testament consisteth not in the letters and ceremonies, but in the spirit, which is given thorough faith, and which doth writ his laws in our hearts ii cor iii b. ¶ tribulation. Trybulations to come unto them, which believe in Christ i, pet i b four d. Io. xvi a i tes. iii b. The which nevertheless we can not endure, without the grace of God. Phi i d: for by them we are proved i pet iiii c and do enter in to the kingdom of heaven. act xiiii d ii tes. i c tribulation doth engender patience. tom xii c u a: and the weight of glory ii cor four d for thorough tribulation God doth constrain his, for to return unto the change of life. Esa. xxvi c i petri v c In the time of tribulation, a man aught to praise God. psa. ii four An example in Paul & Silas. act xvi e. And to glory in them. gall ii ii cor vi a vii a ii timo ii d: putting his trust in god. esa. viii c for it is he only which doth deliver us i re. x c ex ii d The prayer of him that is in tribulation. psa. 43. To the persecutors & troublers, eternal pain, & to them that be troubled, test ii tes. i c: wherefore no tribulation aught for to part us from the love of God. roma viii g. ¶ Truth. christ is truth, john xiiii f. and his gospel ii pet i c by which we ought to serve God without feigning (that is to say with out trusting in any other, under the colour of the serving of him) joshua xiiii c i reg. xii d. Truth aught to be in the judges. exo xviii c for a man aught to do nothing against it. mich. b. ☞ V ¶ Vnbeleve. The hearts of the unbelievers be so blinded, that they see not the light of the gospel ii cor four a. For which thing they shall fall in to the terrible judgement of God ii ress ii c which is everlasting pain ii tess i c i petr four d. and therefore we aught to have no part with them ii cor vi c The words of unbelievers touching the knowledge of god job xxii b. ezech. u e. ¶ Vengeance. Vengeance belongeth unto God. deut. xxxi f. roma xii d. Vengeance is forbidden prouer. xx c eccle. xvii c xxiiii d xxviii a. Christ taketh vengeance of him that deceiveth his brothrer i tessa four b. and that doth despise christ. hebr ten e ¶ Virtue or power. The virtue or power wherewith God doth save us, is the gospel. roma i b. The power of God is the health to the faithful i cor i c and keepeth them in faith i petr i a. To be clothed with the virtue from above, is to receive the holy ghost .lu xxiiii g. Act i b. ¶ virgin. What. S. Paul would that men should do as concerning vyrgynes i cor viii e. f. g Look upon the saw of vyrgynes & of vyrgynytye. leuitici xxi c exodi xxii c judges xi g xxi b. d. num xxi deut. xxii c ¶ Vine. Christ is the true vine. ioh xu a. ¶ To visit. To visit for to remember. exod. twenty a xxxii .lu i g. To visit for to take care. ose. four d. To visit to ●ake vengeance. esay x c ¶ Vnytie. Unity is commended unto us. philip i d two. a i pet iii b. The unity of christian people cometh of Christ. ioh xvii d. Which was in the primitive church. act xiiii f. which is praised ephe. 4. a. We are all one in Christ ga. d ¶ Vocation or calling. Vocation what it is. roma xii d. We are called of God. roma ix a ii timot i c ii petr i a. as appeareth in the parable. mat .xx a. The calling of the gentiles and of the jews. roma xv c God hath predestinate those whom he calleth. roma viii f. gala i a. and they hear when they be called. Ioh. x c God hath called us unto his glory through jesus christ i pet v c ¶ Voice. The voice of God aught to be herded. exo xu g. dew xiii a xxvii b xxx d. One could not hear the voice of Anna when she prayed i reg. i u Men aught to shun the newness of voices and unprofitable questions i tim vi b. d ¶ Vows. Vows commonly are prayers. psal. lxi praises and giving of thanks. psal. lxu Vows are taken many times for the gifts that men were wont for to offer: that is to say, certain outward things and ceremonies, as to shave their here, and to taste no wy●●, which thing the Rachabytes had vowed. jeremy xxxvi a. To vow unto God, is commonly taken for to sanctify or consecrated, in Levi xvi Helcanah willing for to offer his vow, went up in to Sylo. 1. Reg. i c ¶ usury. God forbiddeth to give in usury, any manner of thing, what so ever it be. Deut. xxiii c Nehemiah kept the people, which would have given themselves to usury. Nehemi u b God doth forbid usury to be done upon his poor people. Exo xxii d. A man aught to nourish his poor brother, without taking usury of him. levit xxv f. He that giveth not his money unto usury, and taketh no gift of the poor and needy man, shall dwell in the tabernacle of God. psa. xu To lend for usury is against justice. Ezec xviii b usury doth displease God. ezechi xxii c ☞ W ¶ Worship. To worship one God only. Exo twenty a. Deu u a ten d. psal. lxvi a lxxxvi b. Esa. lxvi g. Mat four b. act xvii f. i coris xiiii c apoc xiiii b xxii b. In spirit and truth. Iohn four b. Without idols. ●x. xx. a 24. b. Lemot xix a xxvi a. dew xxvii c Let us worship with the heart, and not with lips. Esa. xxix d. Mat xu b. Mae vii a. And in all places. Ioh. four d. psal. ciii cv i par. xvi b Esay xii a To worship is sometime taken for to do reverence by certain outward signs, as: Gen. xviii a xix a xxxiii a xlvii b i reg. twenty g twenty-five. d. Mat ii a To worship, for to give thanks to God. Iu. viii d. exo four b. Gen. xxiii b The Angel would not be worshipped of joh. Apoc xix b xxii b All they that are not written in the book of life, do worship the beast apo xiii a c for which they are punished. apo xvi c ¶ To walk. To walk or to tread in the scripture, is put for to live, or to continue in a strong faith. psal. xv lxxxiiii c rome viii a: therefore is it said of Enoch that he walked before God. Gen. u d: Also of Abraham. Gen. xvii a. To walk in the way of the Lord, is to keep his commandments iii reg. iii b: which God teacheth. Deu viii b, and requireth. Deu x c xi c To walk in the light, is to believe in Christ Ioh. xii e To walk in the truth is to love God with all our heart, and with all our soul iii reg. ii a. To walk after the manner of man, is to be carnal, and to live in strife & dissension i cor iii a. To walk in the spirit, is to mortify the deeds of the flesh. Gala. v c ¶ Weak. The weak in the faith, should not be disdained of the strong. to xiiii a xu a i tes. v c To the weak Paul become weak i cor ix d. whom a man aught not to offend by eating of meat i cor viii c d. God chooseth the weak things, for to confound the strong i Cor i d. An example in Paul ii cor xii d. ¶ Wrong. We aught rather to suffer wrong, than to strive against our brother i cor vi b. for christ forbiddeth the revenging of wrong. mat u f. and therefore should we despise it. eccl. ten ● without having any mind of it. levi xix d An example in joseph. gene. l c God punyssheth the wrong done unto his ii te xvi b c ¶ Wrath of God The wrath of God upon many for the sin of one only. jos xxii d. by the which Pharaoh was destroyed. gen. xu b. For the wrath of God is upon the unbelievers. col. iii b. ioh iii d. An example in the jews i tess ii d. iud ii d. num xi a. deut. ix c exo xxxii c The rich men of this world, do heap up for them selves the wrath of God. jam u a. By nature we are the children of wrath. Ephe. ii a. but thorough Christ we are delivered from the wrath to come i tes. v c ¶ Wrath or passion of man. Let us cast aside wrath from us. roma xii d. ephe. g. col. iii b. ecc vii b xi d. prouer. xxvii a. for he that is angry with his brother killeth him. mat v c If any man be angry against his brother after he hath prayed, he aught to reconcile himself i tim ii c for the wrath of man followeth not the righteousness of God. Ia. i c Let wrathful men be over come with sweetness. prou. xu b. with whom we should make none alliance. pro xxii d. ne chide with them. ecc viii d ¶ The world. The world made by the word of God Iohn i a. in the which we have nothing i. cor ix f. And which passeth away with the concupyscences thereof, seven. e i john ii c The world is full of wickedness i Io u d. That is to say, the lust of the flesh, the desire of the eyes and pride of life i Ioh. ii c The friendship of which is enimytie to God. jam four a For he that loveth this world loveth not God i Ioh. ii b. and knoweth him not. ioh i a xvii d. Let not us than love the world not that which is in it i io ii b. The world hateth the faithful & why. Io xu & i io iii c The which thorough faith do overcome it i io u a b. Also they shall judge it i cor vi a ¶ The word of God. The word of God aught to be in our heart. deum u b xi c xxxi● g. The praise of the word of god. pro xxx a. An exhortation for to hear the word of god. esa. lv. a Men aught not to do but according to the word of God without any adding unto it, or diminishing from it. deum four a twelve. d. nu ix d. The word of God abideth evermore that is the gospel which is preached unto us. esa. xl i pe. i d. The which is the word of truth. eph. i c Of eternal life. act u d. & of the reconciliation i co u d by which we do over come the wicked i io ii b. And have a mean & manner of living. esay viii d xxviii d. The word of God is an offence or stumbling block to the unbelievers. ro. xi d Men aught to shone those, that do withdraw men from the word of God, roma xvi c The word of God, which christ calleth an holy thing and precious stones, aught not to be preached nor told to dogs, that is to say, adversaries nor impugners: nor to swine, that is mockers & despisers of it. mat vii a. pro. 23. b twenty-five c but yet they shall not escape unpunished. Mat ten b. Heb. ii a. esa. 28. a. 30 c deu. 8. d iii reg. xiii e. The word of God abideth not in us, if we believe not in Christ. Ioh. u f. Let us pray than that it may devil in us. col. 3 c: and that it may be preached & declared over all two. tes. ii a. by what occasion so ever it be ii ●im. 4. a: For it is the light to see by. psa. cxix i pe. i d the fountain of wisdom. esa. lv. a. eccl. i a: the food of the soul. Mat. 4. a. jer xv c: the helmet of health & sword of the spirit. Eph. vi c ¶ Whore. There aught to be no whormonger nor whore in the people of god. deu. 24 c: A man should then fly from an harlot. pro. 23 c for he that joineth himself with an harlot is one body within her i to vi d. The whores & the publycanes do enter in to the kingdom of God, and believe the gospel: but the Pharisees believe not math. 21, c The vision of the great whore, with whom the kings of the earth have done fornication. apoc xvii a ¶ wisdom. The wisdom of God is rich & profound. ro. xi d: which is Christ .lu xi g: as is interpreted. Mat xxiii d i cor i d: In whom the treasures of wisdom & of knowledge are hidden col. ii a. Of wisdom, look jaco i a. 3. d. job. 28. a. 32. b. pro i a ii c 4. a. 8.9.14. a. bar. 3. b. 1. Corin xii a. We aught to be filled with all wisdom in goodness, and to be simple in evil. Rome xv c ¶ witness. A man aught to bear no false witness. ex .xx c dew u b. The witness which God had made us of his son, is that by him only we have everlasting life i Io v c At the witness of two or three witnesses, the Idolatree was stoned. deu. 17. a The punishment of a false witness. deum xix d. proverb. xixa. 25 c The holy ghost is a witness that we be converted, & our sins forgiven by Christ. act u f The witnesses of the resurrection .lu. 24. g. Io. xu d. act i b ii e ten f ¶ Watch Christ commandeth all men to watch. Mat 24 u 26 c mar. 13. d. 14. d. Lu. xii e. 22. d. apo. 3 a: at all times. Mat. 25. a. ro. 13 c i cor xv xvi c i tes. u a i pe. 4. b. 5 c col. 4. a: after the example of Paul ii cor. 6. a ¶ Widow A man aught to do no hurt unto widows. Exodi. 22. d. deu. 24. d: but rather to nourish them. deum xiiii d. and to leave them the leavings of their corn, grapes & olives. Deu. 24. d without taking of their clotheses to pledge. In the same chapter c Of widows look. Deu ten d. 26. a. 27 c i timo u a. b i cor. 7. b. act vi a The Pharysies under the colour of prayer, did undo the widows. Mat. 23. b. Mar. 12. d. Lu. twenty g. ¶ Wine. Wine rejoiceth the heart of man. judit. 9 b Psal. 103. b. Ecc. 3. d A man aught not to drink over much wine. Eph. u d. pro twenty a, i tim. 3 c u d. tit ii a. The wine of compunction, what it is. psal. lx a ¶ Way. Christ is the way, by which men go to the father. Ioh. xliii a. The way of God is righteous. deum xxxii a. apo. xu b. &. roma xi d. wherefore we aught to follow ii.ii. re xxii e. which thing the ydolatrers do not. exo ix v c dew ix c Will. God hath made all things by his own will. ephe. b. apo four d. The which is immutable. prouer. xix c And which no man can withstand. gene. i c An example of Achab ii par. xviii g. Also of Balam. nu xxii d. The will of God aught to be done and known. Roma xii a. ephe. d. For he that doth it a christian man. Mat vii c An example in joshua & Caleb. nu xxxii b. It is the will of god that we be sanctified and purged of our sins by christ heb. ii c To thincent that we be holy i tess four a v c and that with well doing we stop the mouths of the wicked i pe. ii c We aught to pray that the will of God be done. math. vi a. After the example of Christ Ioh. four d math. xxvi Also of Paul ii tess i b. hebr. xiii d Also of Epaphras. colo iiii c All aught to be committed to the will of God. jam four d. an example in joseph. ge. xlv b i c Also of Paul ro. xu g i cor four d xvi a. A man aught not to do his own will. eccl. xviii d. but the will of God: for he that doth that, abideth ever more i Ioh. ii c and he that doth it not shall be beaten. Lu. xii f. ¶ Wages. A man aught not to withhold the wages of the labourer. deut. xxv b xxiiii c One and the same wages is given to the first and to the last, math. xx a. The wages promised to them that suffer for christ. math. u b. If they continue in the fire of tribulation i cor. 3. b. d ☞ Z ¶ Zeie. Zele, for vengeance. esay xlii c The zeal of God against the evil men. deut. xxix d. The zeal of Moses against the ydolatrers' xxxii. f. The zeal of jehu for the honour of god, when he slay all the priests of Baal four re. ten d e. The zeal of Phinees, which slay these ii that played the harlots. nu xxv b. The zeal of Elias iii reg. xviii d ❧ An end of the table of the principal matters contained in the bible. ¶ THE first BOOK OF MOSES CALLED GENESIS OR GENERATION. ¶ The creation of the world. ¶ By the word all things be created of God, of man's creation, rule and sustenance. CAPITULO. I IN the beginning 〈◊〉 iiij. Esd. uj Eccl. xviij a. ●ertinie ten b. ●ebr i e xj a. Psalm ci d. ●cxxxv. a. Elaie xliii d. 〈◊〉 breathed or ●eted. created God heaven & earth. The earth was void and emrye/ and darkness was upon the deep, and the spirit of God was born upon the waters. And God said: let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good: & divided the light from the darkness/ & called the light the day/ and the darkness the night: and the evening & morning was made one day. God also said: let there be a firmament between the waters/ & let it divide the waters asunder. Then God made the firmament/ and parted the waters which were under the firmament, from the waters above the firmament: And so it was done. And god called the firmament Heaven: And the evening and morning was made the second day. And God said: Spirit signifies a breath 〈◊〉 stirring, & 〈◊〉 taken sometime for the ●ynde, as in ●●viij. of this ●oke. a. but in his place the ●ostꝑte of learned men vn●erstande it of ●●e holy ghost. ● Ps. cxxxu a Prou. viij c the waters under heaven be gathered together in one place, that the dry land may appear: And so it was done. And God called the dry land the earth/ and the gatherynges together of waters called he the see. And God saw that it was good. And God said: let the earth bring forth green grass and that beareth seed/ and fruitful trees bearing fruit every one in his kind/ having their seed in themselves upon the earth: And it was done. And the earth brought forth herb & grass that bore seed every one in his kind/ and trees bearing fruit/ and having their seed in themselves/ every one in his kind: And God saw that it was good: and the evening and morning was made the third day. Than said God: * ● Ps. cxxxu a ●j. Esd. vi d. be there lights in the firmament of heaven/ to divide day from night that they may be for signs/ seasons/ days/ and years, And Deut. iiij c let them be lights in the firmament of heaven, to shine upon the earth: And so it was done. And God made * Iere xxxj f two great lights: A greater light to rule the day/ & a less light to rule the night: and made stars also: And God set them in the firmament of heaven to shine upon the earth/ and rule the day and the night: and to divide the light from darkness: And God saw that it was good: and the evening and morning was made the fourth day. And God said: * iiij. Es. vi d let the waters bring forth creatures that move and have life, and fowls for to flee over the earth under the firmament of heaven. And God created great whales and all manner of creatures that live and move which the waters brought forth in their kinds/ & all manner of feathered fowls in their kinds: And God saw that it was good: God blesseth ●hat is to say spereth his features. and blessed them saying: Increase and multiply & fill the waters of the seas: and let the fowls multiply upon the earth. And the eveuing and morning was made the fifth day. And God said: let the earth bring forth living creatures in their kinds: cattles and worms & beasts of the earth in their kinds/ and so it was. And God made the beasts of the earth in their kinds/ and cattles in their kinds/ and all manner worms of the earth in their kinds/ and god saw that it was good. And God said: let us make man to our similitude and after our likeness: and let him have rule over the fish of the see/ and over the fowls of the air/ and over cattle and over all the earth/ and over all worms that creep on the earth. And God created man after his likeness/ after the likeness of God created he him: male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and said: Grow and multiply, and fill the earth/ and subdue it/ and have dominion over the fishes of the see/ and fowls of the air/ and over all the beasts that move on the earth. And God said: See, I have given you all herbs that bear seed upon the earth/ and all manner trees that have fruit in them & bear seed: to be meat for you and for all beasts of the earth/ and unto all fowls of the air/ & unto all that move on the earth, and wherein is life/ that they may have all manner herbs & grass for to eat/ and so it was done. And * deut. xxij a Eccles xxxix e Marc vij d i Timon four a God beheld all that he had made/ and lo, they were exceeding good: and the evening and morning was made the sixt day. ¶ The chapter before is repeated again: the hallowing of the Saboth: the four floods of paradise: The setting in of man in paradise: the tree of knowledge is forbidden him: the creation of Eve: the institution of marriage. CAPI. II THus was heaven and earth finisshed with all their * The furniture of heaven is the stars & planett. etc. furniture/ and in the seventh day God ended his work which he had made/ and rested in the seventh day from all his works that he made. And blessed the seventh day/ and * sanctifying in this place is as much to say, as to dedicated & ordain a thing to his own use as Exo xiij a and twenty b. sanctified it/ for in it he ceased from all his works which he had created and made. These are the generations of heaven and earth when they were created, in the time when the Lord God created heaven and earth and all the shrubs of the field before they grew in the earth. And all the herbs of the field before they sprang/ for the Lord God had yet sent no rain upon the earth, neither was there yet any man to till the earth. But there arose a mist out of the ground/ and watered all the land Then the Lord God * Sapi ten a. Tobi eight b. Eccle. xxxiii b shope man/ of the mould of the earth/ and breathed in to his face the breath of life. So * 1. Cor xu f. man was made a living soul. The lord God also planted a garden of pleasure from the beginning/ and there he set man whom he had form. This garden is called paradise. And the Lord god made to spring forth of the earth, all manner trees beautiful to the sight, and pleasant to eat/ and the * Prou. iij c Apocali two b. tree of life in the mids of the garden: and also the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eden signifieth pleasures And there sprang a river out of Eden to water the garden, and thence divided itself/ and grew in to four principal waters. The name of the one is * Eccl. xxiii d Phison/ he it is that compasseth all the land of Hevyla/ where gold groweth. And the gold of that country is precious/ there is found Bidellion/ & a stone called Onyx. The name of the second river is Gihen, which compasseth all the land of Ind. And the name of the third river is Tigris/ which runneth on the East side of the Assiryans. And the fourth river is Euphrates. And the Lord God took Adam, and put him in the garden of pleasure, to dress it and to keep it. And ●●e Lord God commanded Adam saying: Of all the trees of the garden eat: But of the tree of knowledge of good and bad eat thou not: For the same day thou eatest of it, thou shalt die the death. And the Lord God said: It is not good that man be alone/ I will make him an help to bear him company. And after the Lord God had made of the earth all manner beestes of the field/ and all manner fowls of the air, he brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them. And as Adam called all manner living beestes, so are their names. And Adam gave names unto all manner cattle/ and unto the fowls of the air/ & unto all manner beestes of the field. But there was no help found unto Adam to bear him company. Then the Lord God cast a slumber on Adam/ and he slept. And he took out one of his ribs/ and in stead thereof, he filled up the place with flesh. And the Lord God made of the rib which he took out of Adam * Eccl. vii a 1. Cor xi a. a woman and brought her unto Adam. Then said Adam: This is now a bone of my bones/ and flesh of my flesh. This shall be called woman: because she was taken of man. * Gene. iii b. Math. xix a. Marc ten a. Ephe. u g i Cor vi d. For this cause shall man leave father and mother, and cleave unto his wife/ and they shall be one flesh. And they were either of them naked/ both Adam and his wife, and were not ashamed. ¶ The serpent deceiveth the woman. The serpent is cursed. christ our saviour is promised. Adam is cast out of paradise. CAPI. III But the serpent was more subtile than all the beestes of the earth, which the Lord God had made: & said unto the woman: why? hath God commanded you not to eat of all manner trees in the garden? The woman said unto the serpent/ of the fruit of the trees in the garden we eat/ but of the fruit of the tree that is in the mids of the garden (said God) see you eat not/ & see that you touch it not/ least you die. Then said * two. Cor xi a to have their eyes open, is to know and understand. the serpent unto the woman: not so, you shall not die: for God doth know that when so ever you should eat of it, your eyes should be opened/ and you should be as gods, and know both good and evil. And the * Eccl. xxv d woman saw that it was a good tree to eat of, and fair unto the eyes/ and a pleasant tree for to give understanding. And took of the fruit of it & are, and gave unto her husband also/ & he ate. And the eyes of both them were opened/ that they understood they were naked. Then they sowed fig leaves together, and made them apurns. And they heard the voice of the Lord God as he walked in the garden in the cool of the day. And Adam hid himself and his wife also from the ‡ Ch●●t is 〈◊〉 his presen●● face of the Lord God/ among the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called Adam/ and said unto him: where art thou? And he answered: Thy voice I heard in the garden/ but I was afraid/ because I was naked, and therefore hid myself. And he said: who told the that thou were naked? hast thou eaten of the tree, of which I bade the that thou shouldest not eat? And Adam answered: The woman which thou gavest me a compagnyon, gave me of the tree, and I ate. And the Lord God said unto the woman: wherefore didst thou so? The woman answered: The serpent deceived me and I ate. And the Lord God said unto the serpent: because thou haste done this, cursed be thou above all cattle and beasts of the earth: upon thy belie shalt thou go: and earth shalt thou eat all days of thy life. I will put enmity between the and the woman/ and between thy seed and her ‡ Here a p●●mise was ●●de that Ch●●●● should bec●●●● the seed or 〈◊〉 son of a 〈◊〉 man/ and th● he should destroy the s●●pent, which 〈◊〉 the devil, 〈◊〉 deliver h●●● faithful, A● where G●● said, the d●uyl sho●● tread 〈◊〉 on the h●le ●●ment that c●● devil sho●●● find the m●●nes to pu● Christ to 〈◊〉 seed. And that seed shall tread the on the head/ and thou shalt tread it on the heel. And unto the woman he said: I will increase thy sorrows/ and make the oft with child/ and with pain shalt thou be delivered. And thou shalt be under the power of thy husband,/ and he shall rule the. And unto Adam he said: Because thou hast obeyed the voice of thy wife/ and eaten of the tree of which I commanded the not to eat: Cursed be the earth in thy work. In sorrow shalt thou eat thereof all days of thy life: And it shall bear thorns and thystels unto the. And thou shalt eat the herbs of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat breed, till thou return unto the earth whence thou were taken: for * job xxxii earth thou art/ and unto earth shalt thou return. And Adam called his wife Eve/ because she was the mother of all that liveth. And the Lord God made Adam and his wife garments of skins/ which he put on them. And the Lord god said: Lo, Adam is become as one of us in knowledge of good and evil. But now least he stretch forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live ever. Then the Lord God cast him out of the garden of pleasure/ to till the earth whence he was taken. And he cast Adam out/ and did set at the entering of the garden of pleasure Cherubin with a fiery sword moving in and out, to keep the way to the tree of life. ¶ cain killeth his righteous brother Abel. cain dispayreth and is cursed. The generation of Enoch/ Mathusael/ Tubal/ Lamech/ Seth and Enos. CAPI. FOUR ADam lay with Eve his wife, which conceived and bore cain, and said: I have obtained a man of the Lord. And she proceeded forth/ and bore his brother Abel: And Abel become a shepherd, and cain a ploughman. And it fortuned in process of time, that cain brought of the fruit of the earth an offering un-the Lord. Abel brought also of the first born of his sheep, and of the fat of them. And the Lord looked unto Abel and his offering, but unto Cayn and his offering looked he not. And cain was wrath exceedingly, and lowered. And the Lord said unto him: why art angry, and why lourest thou? Wottest thou not if thou dost well thou shalt receive it? But if thou dost evil, forthwith thy sin lieth open in the door. Notwithstanding let it be subdued unto thee, and rule thou it. And cain talked with Abel his brother. And as soon as they were in the fields, cain fallen upon * Sapi ten a i Iohn iii c Hebre twelve f. Math. xxiij d Jude i d Abel his brother, and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cayn: Where is Abel thy brother? And he said: I can not tell, am I my brother's keeper? and he said: What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother's blood cried unto me out of the earth. And now cursed be thou upon the earth, which opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood of thine hand. For when thou tyllest the ground, she shall henceforth not give her power unto the. A vacabunde and a * Prover. ● viii c cain dispay●eth. runagate shalt thou be upon the earth. And cain said unto the lord: My sin is greater than that it may be forgiven. Behold thou castest me out this day from the earth, and from thy sight must I hide myself/ and I must be wand'ring and a vacabunde upon the earth: Moreover who soever findeth me, will kill me. And the Lord said unto him: Not so/ but who so ever steyeth Cayn shall be punished seven fold. And the Lord put a mark upon Cayn that no man the sound him should kill him. And cain went out from the face of the Lord, and dwelt in the land Noddle, on the east side of Eden. And cain lay with his wife, which conceived and bore Henoch. And builded a city, and called the name of it after the name of his son, Henoch. And Henoch begat Irad. And Irad begat Mathuiael. And Mathuiael begat Mathusael. And Mathusael begat Lamech. And Lamech took him two wives: the one called Ada, and the other Zilla. And Ada bore jabal, of whom came they that dwelt in tents, and had cattle. And his brother's name was jubal/ of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs. And Zilla also bore Tubalcayn a worker in metal, and father of all that grave in brass and iron. And Tubalcayns sister was called Noema. Then said Lamech unto his wives Ada and Zilla: hear my voice you wives of Lamech & hearken unto my words, for I have slain a man and wounded myself, and have slain a young man, and got myself stripes/ for cain shall be avenged seven fold, but Lamech seventy times seven fold. Adam also lay with his wife yet again, and she bore a son & called his name Seth. For God (said she) hath given me an other son for Abel whom Cayn slew. And Seth begat a son, and called his name Enos. And in that time began men to ο To call upon the name of the lord, is to require all things of him & to trust in him, giving him the honour & worship that belongeth to him as in. ge. twelve b call on the name of the Lord. ¶ The genealogy of Adam unto Noe. CAPI. V THis is the book of the generation of Adam. In the day when god created man and made him after the similitude of God. Male and female made he them, and blessed them/ and called their name's man, in the day when they were created. And when Adam was an hundred and thirty year old, he begat a son after his likeness and similitude: and called his name * i Para i a Seth. And the days of Adam after he begat Seth, were eight hundred year/ and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Adam which he lived, were ix hundred and thirty years, and then he died. Seth was an hundred and u years old and begat Enos. And after he had begotten Enos he lived eight C. and vij years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Seth were ix. hundred and twelve years, and died. And Enos was four score and ten year old and begat Kenan And Enos after he begat Kenan, lived eight hundred and xu years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the days of Enos were ix hundred and u years, and then he died. And Kenan lived lxx years & begat Malaliel. And Kenan after he had begotten Malaliel lived eight hundred & xl years, and begat sons & daughters: and all the days of Kenan were ix hundred & ten years, and then he died And Malaliel lived lxu years & begat Jared. And Malaliel after he had begotten Jared lived eight C. and xxx years, and begat sons & daughters: and all the days of Malaliel were eight hundred four score and xu years, and than he died. And Jared lived an hundred and lxij years, and begat Henoch: & Jared lived after he begat Henoch eight hundred years, & begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Jared were ix. hundred & lxij years, and then he died. And Henoch lived lxu years & begat Mathusala. And * Eccl. xliiij Hebre xi a. Henoch walked with God & lived after he had begotten Mathusala three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Henoch were three hundred & lxu years/ and Henoch lived a godly life, and was no more seen, for God took him away. And Mathusala lived an hundred & lxxxvij years, & begat Lamech: And Mathusala after he had begotten Lamech, lived vij hundred and lxxxij. years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Mathusala were ix hundred lxix years, and then he died. And Lamech lived an. C.lxxxij. years & begat a son, and called him No, saying. This same shall comfort us in our works & sorrow of our hands which we have about the earth that the Lord hath cursed. And Lamech lived after he had begotten No u C.lxxxv. years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Lamech were vij hundred lxxvij years, & then he died. And when No was five hundred years old, he begat Sem, Cham, and japheth. ¶ The cause of the flood. The malice of man's heart. The preparing of the are ske. CAPI. VI ANd it came to pass when men began to multiply upon the earth, The sons of god are the sons of Seth which had instruct and norysshed them in the fear of of God. The sons of men are the sons of Cayn instinct of him to all wickedness. and had begotten them daughters/ the φ sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair/ and took unto them wives, which they best liked among them all. And the Lord said: My spirit shall not alway strive with man, for he is flesh. Nevertheless I will give them yet * i Pet. three d. space an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the world in those days. For after that the children of God had lyen with the daughters of men, and had begotten them children/ the same children were the myghtyest of the world/ and men of renown. And when the Lord see that the malice of man was increased upon the earth/ and that all the imagination and thoughts of his * Gen. viii d. heart was only evil continually/ he ‡ i Reg. xv c repent that he had made man upon the earth, and sorrowed in his heart. And said: I will destroy mankind which I have made out of the earth: both man, be'st, worm and foul of the air/ for it repenteth me that I made them. But No found grace in the sight of the Lord. * Eccl. xliiij c These are the generations of Noe. No was a righteous man and perfit in his time/ and walked with God. And No begat three sons: Sem, Cham, & japheth. And the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and was full of mischief. And god looked upon the earth/ and lo it was corrupt: All flesh, that is all men that live fleshly as in the viii of the Roma. for all φ flesh had corrupt his way upon the earth. Then said God to No: ο the end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is full of their mischief. And lo, I will destroy them with the earth. Make the an ark of pine tree, and make chambers in the ark/ and pitch it within and without with pitch. The end of all flesh, the●●s, the end of all me is come before me. And of this fashion shalt thou make it. The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubytes, and the breedeth of it l cubytes/ and the height of it xxx cubytes. A window shalt thou make above in the ark/ and within a cubit compass shalt thou finish it. And the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side of it: and thou shalt make it with three lofts, one above an other. For behold, I will bring in a flood of water upon the earth to destroy all flesh under heaven, wherein breath of life is: and all that is in the earth shall perish. But I will make my leagge with thee, that both thou shalt come in to the ark and thy sons/ thy wife and thy sons wives with the. And of all that liveth what so ever flesh it be/ shalt thou bring in to the ark of every thing a pair, to keep them alive with the. And male and female see that they be/ of birds in their kind, & of beestes in their kind/ and of all manner of worms of the earth in their kind: a pair of every thing shall come unto the to keep them alive. And take unto the of all manner of meat that may be e●●●n, and lay it up in store by thee, that it may be meat both for the and for them: And No did according to all that god commanded him. ¶ The entering of No and such as were with him in to the ark. The rising of the flood wherewith all things did perish. CAPI. VII. ANd the Lord said unto No: Go into the ark both thou and all thy household. For the have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Of all clean beestes take unto the vij of every kind/ the male and female/ and of unclean beestis a pair/ the male and his female: likewise of the birds of the air vij of every kind/ male & female to save seed upon all the earth. For seven days hence will I send rain upon the earth xl days & xl nights/ and will destroy all manner of things that I have made from the earth. And No did according to all that the Lord commanded him: and No was two hundred year old when the * Mat. ●●● d. Luc. x●●● i P●t iii d flood of water came upon the earth: and No went and his sons, and his wife, and his sons wives with him in to the ark for the waters of the flood. And of clean beestes/ and of the beestes that were unclean/ and of birds and of all that moveth upon the earth came in by couples of every kind unto No in to the ark, a male and a female as God commanded Noe. And the seventh day the waters of the flood came upon the earth. The w●●dowes of ●●uen opened. 〈◊〉 that is, al●●ters above earth descē●● and increa●● the flood. In the uj hundred year of noah's life/ in the second month/ the xvij day of the month, were all the founteynes of the great deep broken up, and the wyndwoes φ of heaven were opened/ and there fallen a rain upon the earth xl days and xl nights. And the self same day went No, Sem, Cham and japheth noah's sons, and noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them in to the ark: both they and all manner of beestes in their kind/ and all manner of cattles in their kind/ and all manner of worms that move upon the earth in their kind/ and all manner of birds in their kind/ and all manner of fowls what so ever had feders. And they came unto No in to the ark by couples/ of all flesh that had breath of life in it. And they that came male and female of every flesh according as God commanded him: and the Lord shut the door upon him. And the * Eccl. ●●●. Sapien. ●. ●. flood came xl days and xl nights upon the earth, & the water increased & bore up the ark/ & it was lift up over the earth. And the water prevailed and increased exceedingly upon the earth: & the ark was born upon the top of the waters. And the waters prevailed above measure upon the earth/ so that all the high bills which are under all the parts of heaven were covered xu cubytes high prevailed the waters/ so that the hills were covered. And all flesh that moved on the earth/ both birds, cattle and beestes perished/ with all that moved on the earth, and all men: so that all that had the breath of life throughout all that was on dry land died. Thus was * Sapi. ●. ●. destroyed all that was upon the earth/ both man, beasts, worms and fowls of the air/ so that they were destroyed from the earth: only No was reserved, and they that were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and thirty days. ¶ After the sending forth of the raven and the dove. No went forth or the ark. He offereth sacrifice. The malice of man's heart. CAPI. VIII. ANd God remembered No and all the beestes, & all the cartel that were with him in the ark. Then God brought * Gene. i a a wind upon the earth/ and the waters ceased: and the ‡ Gene. vij b. fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain of heaven was forbidden, and the waters returne● from the earth, and abated after the end of an hundred and l days. And the ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat, the xvij day of the vii month. And the waters went away, and decreased till the ten month. And the first day of the ten month, the roppes of the mountains appeared. And after the end of xl days No opened the window of the ark which he had made/ and sent forth a raven, which went out, φ Some read, and never came again. ever going and coming again, till the waters were dried up upon the earth. He sent forth also a dove from him, to wit whether the waters were fallen from the earth. And when the dove could find no resting place for her foot, she returned to him again unto the ark, for the waters were upon all the earth. And he put out his hand, and took her, and pulled her to him into the ark. And he abode yet vii days more, and sent out the dove again out of the ark, and the dove came to him again about eventide, and behold/ there was in her mouth a l●fe of an olive tree, which she had plucked: whereby No perceived that the waters were abated upon the earth. And he carried yet vii other days, and sent forth the dove, which from thence forth came no more again to him. And it came to pass, the sixte hundred and one year, and the first day of the first month, that the waters were dried up upon the earth. And No tokeof, the hatches of the ark, and looked: and behold, the face of the earth was dry. So by the xxvii day of the second month the earth was dry. And God spoke unto No, saying: Come out of the ark, both thou and thy wife and thy sons & thy sons wives with the. And all the beasts that are with thee, whatsoever flesh it be, both foul and cattles, and all manner worms that creep on the earth, bring out with thee, & let them move, * Gene. i c/ d. and ix a. grow & multiply upon the earth. And no came out, & his sons, & his wife, and his sons wives with him. And all the beasts, & all the worms, & all the fowls, and all that moved upon the earth, came also out of the ark, all of one kind together. And No made an altar unto the lord, & took of all manner of clean beasts, and all manner of clean fowls, and offered sacrifice upon the altar. And the Lord φ The Lord's smelling of sauoure●s the allowance of the works of the faithful/ as in Exo xxix Levi. i.iij.iiij. smelled a sweet savour, and said in his heart: I will henceforth no more curse the earth for man's sake, for the imagination of man's heart is evil, even from the very youth of him. Moreover I will not destroy hence forth all that liveth as I have done. Neither shall sowing time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night cease, as long as the earth endureth. ¶ God blesseth No and his sons, and forbiddeth the shedding of man's blood. The law of the sword. He maketh a covenant that he will destroy the world no more by water/ and giveth the rainbow as a token and confirmation of the same. No is drunken/ and Cham getteth his father's curse. CAPI. IX. ANd God * Gen i c d. & eight d blessed No and his sons and said unto them: Increase & multiply and fill the earth. The tear also and dread of you be upon all beasts of the earth, and upon all fowls of the air, and upon all that creepeth on the earth, and upon all fishes of the see, which are given unto your hands. And all that moveth upon the earth having life, shall be your meat: Even as the green herbs so give I you all thing. Only the * Gene. i d flesh with his life, which is his blood, see that you eat not. * levit vij c. a xvij d For verily the φ The law of the sword blood of you, wherein your lives are, will I require: Even of the hand of all beasts will I require it, and of the hand of man, and of the hand of every man's brother, will I require the life of man: so that he which shedeth man's blood, shall have his blood shed by man again: for God * made man after his own likeness. See that you increase, and wax, and be occupied upon the earth, and multiply therein. Furthermore God spoke unto No and his sons with him, saying: See, I make * Gene. i ● my bond with you and your seed after you, and with all living thing that is with you: isaiah. lii●●. ● both foul and cattles, and all manner beasts of the earth that is with you, of all that cometh out of the ark, what so ever beast of the earth it be. I make my bond with you, that henceforth all flesh shall not be destroyed with the waters of any flood, & that henceforth there shall not be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said: * The rainbow. This is the token of my bond which I make between me and you, & between all living thing that is with you for ever: I will set my bow in the clouds, & it shall be a sign of the appointment made between me and the earth: so that when I bring in clouds upon the earth, the bow shall appear in the clouds. And than will I think upon my testament which I have made between me and you, and all that liveth what soever flesh it be. * Ecc xliiij b So that henceforth there shall be no more waters to make a flood, to destroy all flesh. The bow shallbe in the clouds, and I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting testament between God and all that liveth upon the earth, what so ever flesh it be. And God said unto No: This is the sign of the testament which I have made between me and all flesh that is on the earth. The sons of No that came out of the ark, were Sem, Cham, and japhet. And Cham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of No, and of these was all the world overspread. And No being an husband man, went forth and planted a vineyard, and drank of the wine and was drunk, and lay uncovered in the midst of his tent. And I'm the father of Canaan saw his father's privities, and told his two brethren that were without. And Sem and japheth took a mantel, & put it on both their shoulders and went backward, and covered their father's secrets, and their faces were backward, so that they saw not their father's nakedness. As soon as No was awaked from his wine, Cham is accursed and witted what his youngest son had done unto him, he said: φ Cursed be Canaan, and a servant of all servants be he to his brethren. And he said: Blessed be the Lord God of Sem, & Canaan be his servant. God increase japheth that he may devil in the tents of Sem. And Canaan be their servant. And No lived after the flood three hundred and fifty year: so that all the days of No were ix hundred & thirty year, & than he died. ¶ The genealogy of japheth/ Sem and Cham. CAPI. X. * i Parai i a THese be the generations of the sons of No: of Sem, Cham, and japheth, which begat them children after the flood. The sons of japheth were: Gomy●. Magog, Madai, javan, Zuball, Mesech and Thyras. And the sons of Gomyr were: Ascenas Riphat and Zogarma. And the sons of javan were: Elysa, Tharsis, Cithim and Dodanim. Of these came the Isles of the gentiles in their countries, every man in his speech, kindred and nation. The sons of Cham were: Chus, Milraim, Phut and Canaan. The sons of Chus were Seba, Hevyla, Sabta, Rayma & Sabtema. And the sons of Rayma were Sheba and Dedan. * i Paral i a Chus also begat Nemrod which began to be mighty in the earth. He was a mighty hunter in the sight of the Lord. Whereof came the proverb: he is as Nemrod that mighty hunter in the sight of the Lord. And the beginning of his kingdom was * Gene. xi b. Babel, Erech, Achad and Chalne in the land of Synear: Out of that land came Assur, and builded Ninyve, and the streets of the city, & Calah, and Ressen between * jonas i a. Ninyve & Calah. That is a great city. And Miztim begat Ludim, Enamim, Leabim, Naphtuhim. Pathrusim and Casiuhim: from whence came the Philystins, and the Capththerynes. Canaan also begat Zidon his elder son & Heth, jebusi, Emori, Girgosi, Hun, Arki, Sint, Aruadi, Zemari and Harmati. And afterward sprang the kindred's of the Cananytes. And the costs of the Cananytes were from Sydon till thou come to Gerara and to Asa, and till thou come to Sodoma, Gomorra, Adama, Zeboim, even unto Lasa. These were the children of Cham in their kynredes, tongues, lands and nations. And Sem the father of all the children of Eber, and the elder brother of japheth begat children also. And his sons we●● Elam, Assur, Arphachsad, Lud and Aram. And the children of Aram were: Vz, Hul, Gether & Mas. And * i Para i ● Arphachsad begat Sala, and Sala begat Eber. And Eber begat two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his time the earth was divided. And the name of his brother was jaketan. jaketan begat Almodad, Saleph, Hyzarmoneth, jarah, Hadoram, Vsal, Dikela, Obal, Abunael, Seba, Ophir, Hevila and jobab. All these are the sons of jaketan. And the dwelling of them was from Mesa until thou come unto Sephara a mountain of the cast land. These are the sons of Sem in their kynredes, languages, contreyes and nations. These are the kynredes of the sons of No, in their generations and nations. And of these came the people that were in the world after the flood. ¶ The building of the tower of Babel. The confusion of tongues. The generation of Sem the son of No until Abraham which goeth with Lot unto Haran. CAPI. XI. ANd all the world was of one tongue, and one language. And as th●y came from the east, they found a plain in the land of Synear, and there they dwelled. And they said one to another: come on, let us make brick and burn it wi●h fire. So brick was their stone, and slime was their mortar. And they said: Come on, let us build us a city and a tower, that the top may teach unto heaven. God showeth himself present among men by his wonderful work/ as it is in Psal xvii b. and. ● xliiii ●. And let us make us a name afore we be scattered abroad over all the earth. And the Lord came φ down to see the city & the tower which the children of Adam had builded. And the Lord said: See, the people is one, and have one tongue among them all. And this have they begun to do, and will not leave from all that they have purposed to do. Come on, let us descend, and mingle their tongue even there, that one understand not what an other sayeth. Thus the Lord skatered them from thence upon all the earth. And they left of to build the city. Wherefore the name of it is called Babel, because that the Lord there confounded the tongue of all the World. And because that the Lord from thence scattered them abroad upon all the earth. These are the generations of Sem: Sem was an hundred year old and begat Arphachsad ii year after the flood. And Sem lived after he had begot Arphachsad u hundred year and begat sons and daughters. And φ Here the seventy Interpreters leave out the generation of Caynan/ the which after the reckoning of the Chr●●es begat Sala/ when he was thirty. year of age. Luce iii g. Arphachsad lived xxxv year and begat Sala, and lived after he had begat Sala four hundred year and three and begat sons and daughters. And Sala was xxx year old and begat Eber, and lived after he had begotten Eber four hundred and three year, & begat sons and daughters. When Eber was xxxiiii. year old, he begat Peleg, and lived after he had begotten Peleg four hundred and xxx year, and begat sons and daughters. And Peleg when he was xxx year old begat Regu, and lived after he had begotten Regu two. hundred and ix year, and begat sons & daughters. And Regu when he had lived xxxii year begat Serug, and lived after he had begotten Serug ii hundred and vii year, and begat sons and daughters. And when Serug was xxx year old he begat Nahor, and lived after he had begotten Nahor ii hundred year, and begat sons and daughters. And Nahor when he was xxix year old, begat Terah, and lived after he had begotten Terah, an hundred and xix year, and begat sons and daughters. And when Terah was lxx year old, he begat Abram, Nahor and Haran. And these are the generations of * i Para i u. Io●● xxiiii a. Terah. Terah begat Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran begat Lor. And Haran died before Terah his father in the land where he was born, a● Vr in Chaldea. And Abram and Nahor took them wives. Abraham's wife was called Sarai. And Nahors wife Mylca the daughter of Haran, which was father to Mylca and to jesca. But * Hebr xi Sarai was barren, and had no child. Than took Terah Abram * Io xxiiii c two Eldre ix ● his son and Lot his son Harans son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abraham's wife. And they went with him from Vr in Chaldea, to go into the land of Chanaan. And they came to Haran and dwelled there. And when Terah was two hundred year old and five, he died in Haran. ¶ Abram is blessed of God, and goeth with Lot into Canaan. And God promiseth to give the same land to his seed. And afterward goeth Abram into egypt and causeth Sarai his wife to say that she is his sister. And she was taken away of Pharaoh/ for which the Lord plageth him. CAPI. XII THen the Lord said unto Abram, Get ‡ Artu vii a. ● Hebre xi c the out of thy country and from thy kindred, and out of thy father's house, into a land which I will show the. And I will make of the a mighty people, and will bless thee, & make thy name great, that thou mayst be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse the. And in the shall be blessed all the generations of the earth. And Abram went as the Lord bade him, & Lot went with him. * Gen. xiiii c Abram was lxxu year old, when he went out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, & Lot his brother's son, with all * Gene. xiii a their goods which they had gotten, and φ Souls here are taken for his servants and maidens/ which were very many as you may see in Genesis viiii c souls which they had begotten in Haran. And they departed to go into the land of Chanaan. And when they were come thither, Abram went forth into the land till he came unto a place called Sichem, and unto the oak of Moore. And the Cananytes dwelled then in the land. Then the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said: unto * Gene. xu d Gene. xvii b. Deu xxxiiii b Gene. xiii d. thy seed will I give this land. And he builded an altar there unto the lord which appeared to him. Then departed he thence unto a mountain that lieth on the eastside of bethel and pitched his tent: B●thell being on the west side, and Aye on the east: and he builded there an altar unto the Lord, and called on the name of the Lord. And than Abram departed, and took his journey southward. After this there came a dearth in the land. And Abram went down into egypt, to sojourn there, for the dearth was sore in the land. And when he was come nigh for to enter into Egypt, he said unto Sarai his wife. I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon. It will come to pass therefore when the Egyptians see thee, that they will say: she is his wife. And so shall they slay me, and save the. Say * Gen. twenty a. d I pray the therefore that thou art my sister, that I may fate the better by reason of thee, and that my soul may live for thy sake. As soon as he came into egypt, the Egyptians saw the woman that she was very fair. And Pharaos' lords saw her also, and praised her unto Pharaoh: So that she was taken into Pharaos' house, which entreated Abram well for her sake, so that he had sheep oxen and he asses, men servants, maid servants, she asses and camels. But God plagued Pharaoh, & his house with great plagues, because of Sarai Abraham's wife. Then Pharaoh called Abram and said: Why hast thou thus dealt with me? Wherefore toldest thou me not that she was thy wife? Why saidest thou that she was thy sister, and causedest me to take her to my wife? But now so, there is thy wife, take her and get the hence. Pharaoh and gave a charge unto his men over Abram, to lead him out, with his wy●e and all that he had. ¶ Abram and Lot departeth out of Egypt. And Abram divided his land and cattles with his brother Lot. Here again is promised to Abram the land of Canaan. CAPI. XIII. THan Abram departed out of egypt, both he and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him unto the south. Abram was very rich/ in cattles, silver, and gold. And he went on his journey from the south even unto bethel, & to the place where his tent was at the first time, between Bethel and Aye, and unto the place of the altar which he made before. And there called Abram upon the name of the Lord. Lot also which went with him had sheep, cattles and tents: so that the land was not able to receive them that they might devil together, for the * Ge. xxxvi a substance of their riches was so great, that they could not devil together. And there fell a strife between the herdsmen of Abraham's cattles, and the herdemen of Lot's cattles. Moreover the * Gene. xii a Cananytes and the Pheresytes dwelled at that time in the land. Than said Abram unto Lot: Let there be no strife (I pray thee) between the and me, and between my herdsmen and thine, for we be φ The Hebrews understand by this word brother all nevews/ cossyns' & neighbours/ & all that be of one stock. Ro ix a. Ioh. vij a. brethren. Is not all the hole land before thee? Depart, I pray thee, from me. If thou wilt take the left hand, I will take the right: or if thou take the right hand I will take the left. And Lot life up his eyes, and beheld all the country about jordane, which was a plenteous country of water every where before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorra, even as the garden of the Lord, & as the land of egypt till thou come to Zoar. Than Lot chose all the costs of jordane & took his journey from the east. And so departed the one brother from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan: and Lot in the cytes of the plain, and pitched his rent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked, & sinned exceedingly against the lord. And the Lord said unto Abraam after that Lot was departed from him: lift up thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, southward, eastward, & westward, for all * Gen. xvij d Gene. xxvi a. Gen. xij v Act● vij a the land which thou seyste will I give unto the and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed, as the dust of the earth: so that if a m●n can number the dust of the earth, than shall thy seed also be numbered Arise and walk about in the la●de, in the length of it and in the breadth, for I ●i●l give it unto the. Than Ab●●m took do●ne his tent and went and dwelled in the valley of Mainre which is in * Chron is the name of a city where Adam, Abraham and his wife with Isaac etc. were buried/ as in Gene. xxiiij d. Ebron, and builded there an altar unto the Lord. ¶ Lot is taken prisoner. The victory of Abram over the Sodomytes Lot is delivered by Abram. Melchisedech offereth gifts unto Abram. Abram payeth tithes unto Melchisedech. Abram holdeth nothing of the king of Sodomes' g●●●es. CAPI. XIIII. ANd it chanced within a while, that Amraphel king of Synear, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorladmor king of Elam and Thydeall king of the nations, made war with Bera king of Sodom, & with Birsa king of Gomorra. and with Sineab king of Adama, and with Semeabat king of Zeboim, and with the king of * Bela is that city that Lot desired for his refuge when he came out of Sodom as in Gene. xix c Bela, which Bela is called Zoar. All these came together unto the vale of Stodum, which is now the salt see. Twelve year were they subiiecte to king Kedorlaomor, and in the xiij year rebelled. Therefore in the xiiii year came Kedorlaomor and the kings that were with him, and smote the ‡ Raphaims are counted in the scripture for giants/ as in two Reg. u b Esa xvij b which lived of theft & robbery. Raphayms in Astaroth Karnaim, and the Susyms in Ham, and the Emyms in Sabe Katiathaim, and the Horryms in their own mount Seir, unto the plain of Pharan, which bordreth upon the wilderness. And then turned they and came to the well Misphat, which is Cades, and smote all the country of the Amalechytes, and also the Amorrytes that dwelt in Hazezon Thamar. Then went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorre, and the king of Adama/ and the king of Zeboim, and the king of Bela now called Zoar. And set their men in array to fight with them in the vale of Syddym, that is to say, with Kedorlaomor the king of Elam/ and with Chydeall king of the Nations, & with Amraphel king of Synear. And with Arioch king of Ellasar: four kings against five. And that vale of Syddym was full of lime pits. And the kings of Sodom and Gomorre fled, and fallen there. And the residue fled to the mountains. And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorre and all their vytalles, and went their way. And they took Lot also Abraham's brothers son and his goods (for he dwelled at Sodom) & departed. Then came one that had escaped, & told Abram the Hebrew which dwelled in the valley of * Gen. xiij ●. Mamre the Amoryte, brother of Eschol and Aner: which were confederate with Abram. When Abram heard that his brother was taken, he harnessed his servants born in his own house three hundred and eighteen, & followed till they came at Dan. And set himself and his servants in array, and fallen upon them by night, and smote them, & chased them away unto Hoba: which lieth on the left hand of Damascos, & brought again all the goods, and also his brother Loath, and his goods, the women also and the people. And as he returned again from the slaughter of Kedorlaomor & of the kings that were with him, than came the king of Sodom to meet him in the vale of Save, which now is called kings dale. Then * Hebr vij ● Melchisedech ‡ The Iew●● supposed Melchisedech to be Se● the son of No because he lived after the flood u hundred years & after the death of Abraham (by gods pro●●dence) was king of Salem. king of Salem brought forth breed and wine. And he being the priest of the most highest God, blessed him saying: φ Blessed be Abram unto the most highest God, possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be God the most highest, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hands. And Abraham gave him tithes of all. Then said the king of Sodom unto Abram: give me the ο Blessed be Abram/ that is praised be Abram and praised be the most highest God as it is in Genesis xlvij b. Souls are men & wo●●● as Gen xivi c and duty. x● souls, & take the goods to thyself. And Abram answered the king of Sodom: I lift up my hand unto the Lord God, most high possessor of heaven & earth, that I will not take of all that is thine so moche as a thread or a shoulachet, jest thou shouldest say, I have made Abraham rich. Save only that which the young men have eaten and the parts of the men which went with me, Aner, Escholl & Mamre. Let them take their parts. ¶ The land of Canaan is yet again promised to Abram. God promiseth him seed. He believeth and is justified. The prophecy of the bondage wherein the children of Israel should be under Pharaoh/ and of their deliverance from the same. CAPI. XU. AFter these deeds, the * The wor● of the Lord cometh whe● he showeth any thing unto us by revelation 〈◊〉 it is used in divers pla●●● of the scripture/ and specially in the Prophets and is a manner of speech of the Hebrews. word of God came unto Abram in a vision saying: Fear not Abraham, I am thy shield, and thy reward shall be exceeding great. And Abram answered: Lord God what will't thou give me: I go childless. & the steward of mine house, this Eleasar of Damascus hath a son. And Abram said moreover: See, to me hast thou given no seed: lo, a lad born in my house shall be mine heir. And behold, the word of the Lord spoke unto Abram, saying: He shall not be thine heir, but one that shall come out of thine own body shallbe thine heir. And he brought him out of the doors, & said: look up unto heaven and tell the * Deut. ten d Jere xxxiij d Roma four d stars if thou be able to number them. And said unto him: even so shall thy seed be. And Abram To believe ●s to have a ●●re trust and confidence's to obtain the ●hyng promised, and not ●o have any doubt in him ●hat ꝓmiseth ●s Rome four a Gall iii a ii d believed the Lord, and it was counted to him for righteousness. And he said unto him: I am the Lord that brought the out of Vr in Caldea to give the this land to possess it. And he said: Lord God/ whereby shall I know that I shall possess it? And he said unto him: Take a cow of three year old/ and a she got of three year old/ and a three year old ram/ a turtle dove and a young pigeon. And he took all these and divided them in the mids, and laid every piece one against an other. But the fowls divided he not. And the birds fallen on the carcases, and Abram drove them away. And when the son was down, there fallen a slumber upon Abram. And lo, fear and great darkness came upon him. And he said unto Abram: know this of a surety, that thy * Act vii a seed shall be a stranger in a land not theirs. And they shall make bondmen of them and entreat them evil ‡ Exod. xii f judith u b Gala. iii c iiij. hundred years. But the nation whom they shall serve will I To judge is ●ere to take ●egeaunce. ●sal xxxiiii a judge. And afterward shall they come out with great substance. Nevertheless thou shalt go unto thy fathers in peace, and shalt be buried when thou art of a good age: and in the fourth A generaciō●r an age, is ●ere taken for ●n. C. year, as Gene. vi b generation they shall come hither again/ for the wickedness of the Amorytes is not yet full. When the son was down and it was waxed dark: behold, there was a smoking furnace/ and a fire brand that This word ●ent between ●s taken for ●urnynge or consuming. went between the said pieces. And that same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram saying: unto thy * Ge. xxiiii a seed will I give this land, from the river of egypt, even unto the great river Euphrates/ the Kenites, the Kenizites, the Cadmonytes/ the Hethytes, the Pherizites, the Raphaims, the Amorytes, the Canaanytes, the Gergesytes and the jebuzytes. ¶ Sarai giveth Abram leave to take Agar her maid to wife. Agar despised her master: for which she was evil entreated of Sarai, and therefore runneth away. The angel meeting her, commandeth her to turn again and doth promise her seed. And nameth her first child Ishmael. CAPI. XVI. SArai Abraham's wife bore him no children. But she had an handmaid an Egyptian, whose name was Agar. Wherefore she said unto Abram: Behold, the Lord hath shut me up that I can not bear. I pray the ●o go in vn●o her maid 〈◊〉 to have carnal copulaci●n as her, as ●●●se words ●now & sleep 〈◊〉 also signify 〈◊〉 Gen. four a ●nd xxix e. go in unto my maid/ peradventure I shall be multyplyed by means of her. And Abram heard the voice of Sarai. Then Sarai Abraham's wife took Agar her maid the Egyptian (after Abram had dwelled ten year in the land of Canaan) and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Agar, & she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived: her master was despised in her sight. Then said Sarai unto Abram: Thou dost me unright, for I have given my maid in to thy φ bosom: Bosom: after the mane● of the Hebrews is take● for companyeng with a woman/ and it is also taken for faith as in Lu. xvi f. of Lazarus. and now because she seethe that she hath conceived I am despised in her sight: the Lord judge between the and me. Then said Abram to Sarai: behold, thy maid is in thy hand, do with her as it pleaseth the. And because Sarai fared soul with her, she fled from her. And the angel of the Lord found her beside a fountain of water in the wilderness: even by a well in the way to Sur. And he said: Agar Sarais maid/ whence comest thou, and whither wilt thou go? And she answered: I flee from my master Sarai. And the angel of the Lord said unto her: return to thy master again, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the Lord said unto her: I will so increase thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the lords angel said further unto her: see, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his * Gen. xvii e judic. iixi. b. Mat i c Luc i b c name Ishmael, because the Lord hath heard thy tribulation. He will be a wild man, & his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him, and yet shall he devil fast by all his brethren. And she called the name of the Lord that spoke unto her: thou art the God that lookest on me/ for she said: I have of a surety seen here the φ back parts of him that seethe me. They see the back parts of God that by reuelacio● or any otherwise have ●●lyng or knowledge of God Wherefore she calleth the well, the well of the living that seethe me, which well is between Cades & Bared. And Agar bore Abram a son, and Abram called his son's name which Agar bore Ishmael. And Abram was lxxxuj year old when Agar bore him Ishmael. ¶ Abram is called Abraham, and Sarai is named Sara. The land of Canaan is here the fourth time promised. Circumcision is here institute. Isaac is promised. Abraham prayeth for Ishmael. CAPI. XVII. WHen Abram was ninety year old and ix the Lord appeared to him, saying. I am the almighty God, walk * Gen. v c d before me and be uncorrupt. And I will * Gen. vi d Testament is in scripture taken for the most part for a covenant bargain or league. make my bond between the and me/ and will multiply the exceedingly. And Abram fallen on his face. And God talked moreover with him saying: It is I behold my φ testament is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many * Eccl. xliiii c nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply the exeedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea & kings shall spring out of the. Moreover I will make my bond Act vii b. between me and thee, and thy seed after the in their times to be an everlasting covenant/ so that I will be God unto the and to thy seed after the. And I will give unto the & to thy lead after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and will be their God. And God said unto Abraham: See thou keep my covenant/ both thou & thy seed after them their times: This is my testament which you shall keep between me & you, and thy seed after thee, that you circumcise all your men children. You shall cut of the foreskin of your flesh/ and it shall be a * Rome four ●. token of the bond between me and you. And every man-child when it is viii. days * Gene. xxi a Luc two d. Levi twelve a old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, & all servants also born at home or bought with money though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, & he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my testament may be in your flesh for an everlasting ο The scripture useth to call the sign of a thing by the name of the thing itself only to keep the thing signified the better in memory, as here he calleth circumcision his bond, which is but a token thereof, and as Peter calleth baptism Christ i Pet. three d. bond. If there be any uncircumcised man child, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut of, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my testament. And God said unto Abraham. Sarai thy wife shall no more be called Sarai, but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her, & give the a son of her/ I will bless her, so that people, yea kings of people shall spring of her. And Abraham fallen upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart: shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred year old/ and shall Sara that is. lxxxx. year old bear: And Abraham said unto God. O that Ishmael might live in thy sight, Then said God: Sara thy wife shall * Ge. xviij b xxi. a bear the a son in deed, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my bond with him, that it shall be an everlasting bond unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also I have herd thy request: lo, I will bless him, increase him, and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve * Gen. xxv b princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him. But my bond will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto the even this time twelve month. And god left of talking with him, & departed up from Abraham. And Abraham took Ishmael his son, & all the servants born in his house and all that was bought with money, as many as were men children among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the foreskin of their flesh, even that self same day, as God had said unto him. Abraham was four score and xix year old, when he cut of the foreskin of his flesh. And Ishmael his son was xiij year old when the foreskin of his flesh was circumcised. The self same day was Abraham circumcised and Ishmael his son. And all the men in his house, whether they were born in his house or bought with money (though they were strangers) were circumcised with him. ¶ There appeared three men unto Abraham. Isaac is promised to him again, at which Sara laughed. The destruction of the Sodomytes is declared unto Abraham. Abraham prayeth for them. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the Lord appeared unto him in the oak-grove of Mamre as he sat in his tent door in the heat of the day. And he lift up his eyes and looked: and lo, three men stood not far from him. And when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and fallen to the ground & said: Lord if I have found favour in thy sight: pass not by thy servant. Let a little water be fet and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will set a * Iudi xix b morsel of ο By breed in the scripture is understand all manner of food and meat for man's eating as in i Regum xxviij d breed to comfort your hearts withal. And then go your ways/ for even therefore are you come to your servant. And they answered: do as thou hast said. And Abraham went apace in to his tent unto Sara and said: Make ready at once three pecks of fyne meal/ knead it & make cakes. And Abraham ran unto his beestes & fet a calf that was tender & good, and gave it unto a young man which made it ready attonce. And he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared/ and set it before them, and stood himself by them under the tree: and * Tobi. ●●. Iudi xiij c. they ate. And they said unto him: where is Sara thy wife? He said: in the tent. And he said: I will come again unto the as soon as the fruit can live. And lo, Sara thy wife shall have a son That heard Sara out of the tent door which was behind his back. Abraham & Sara were both old and well stricken in age/ and it ceased to be with Sara after the manner as it is with wives. And Sara laughed in herself saying. Now when I am waxed old, shall I give myself to * Eccl. xx●● lust/ and my lord old also? Then said the Lord unto Abraham: wherefore doth Sara laugh saying: shall I of a surety bear a child now when I am old? is the thing to hard for the Lord to do? In the time * iiij. reg. ●● Roma ix appointed will I return unto thee, as soon as the fruit can have life/ and Sara shall have a son. Then Sara denied it, saying: I laughed not/ for she was afraid. But he said: yes thou didst laugh. Then the men stood up from thence and looked toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. And the Lord said: Can I hide from Abraham that thing which I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall be a * Eze. xv● jona i ● great and a mighty people/ and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? Eccl. xliii● Gene. xvi For I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord/ to do after right and conscience/ that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that he hath promised him. And the Lord said: The cry of Sodom and Gomorre is great/ and their sin is exceeding grievous. I will go down and see whether they have done all together according to that cry which is come unto me or not, that I may know. And the men departed thence and went towards Sodom. But Abraham stood yet before the Lord, and drew near and said. wilt thou destroy the righteous with the wicked? If there be l righteous within the city, wilt thou destroy it, and not spare the place for the sake of l righteous that are therein? That be far from thee, and thou shouldest do after this manner/ to slay the righteous with the wicked/ and that the righteous should be as the wicked: that be far from the. Should not the judge of all the world do according to right? And the Lord said: If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said: behold I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, and yet am but * Gene. i● dust and ashes. What though there lack u of l righteous/ wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of v? And he said: If I find there xl and u I will not destroy them. And he spoke unto him yet again and said: what if there be xl found there. And he said: I will not do it for fourtyes sake. And he said: O let not my Lord be angry, that I speak. What if there be found thirty? And he said: I will not do it, if I find xxx there. And he said: O, see/ I have begun to speak unto my Lord/ what if there be twenty found there? And he said: I will not destroy them for twentyes' sake. And he said: O let not my Lord be angry that I speak yet once more only. what if ten be found there? And he said: I will not destroy them for ten sake. And the Lord went his way as soon as he had left talking with Abraham. And Abraham returned unto his place. ¶ Lot received two angels in to his house. The filthy lusts of the Sodomytes. Lot is delivered and desireth to dwell in the city Zoar. Lot's wife is turned in to a pillar of salt. Sodom is destroyed. Lot is drunken and lieth with his daughters, which conceived children by him. CAPI. XIX. ANd there came two angels to Sodom at even. And Lot sat at the gate of the city. And Lot saw them/ and rose up to meet them/ and he * Gene. xxxiii a bowed himself to the ground with his face. And he said: See lords, turn in I pray you in to your servants house and tarry all night and wash your feet/ and rise up early and go on your ways. And they said: nay/ but we will abide in the streets all night. And he * Luc xxiiii c compelled them exceedingly. And they turned in unto him & entered in to his house, & he made them a feest & did bake sweet cakes/ and they * Tobi xii d are. But before they went to rest, the men of the city of Sodom compassed the house round about/ both old & young/ all the people from all quarters. And they called unto Lot and said unto him: where are the men which came in to thy house to night? bring them out unto us that we may do our lust with them. And Lot went out at the doors unto them & shut the door after him and said: nay for god's sake brethren, do not so wickedly. Behold I have two daughters which have known no man, them will I bring out unto you: do with them as it seemeth you good: Only unto these men do nothing, for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. And they said: come hither. And they said: Camest thou not hither to sojourn/ & wilt thou be now a * Exod. ii b. Math. xxi ●. ●● vii d. judge? we will surely deal worse with the than with them. And as they pressed sore upon Lot & began to break up the door/ the men put forth their hands and pulled Lot in to the house to them and put to the door. And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness * Sapi xix c ●iii. Reg. vi d. both small & great: so that they could not find the door. And the men said moreover unto Lot: If thou have yet here any son in law, or sons or daughters, or what so ever thou hast in the city/ bring out of this place: for we must destroy this place/ because the cry of them is great * Gen. xviii c before the Lord, which hath sent us to destroyed it. And Lot went out & spoke unto his sons in law, which should have married his daughters/ and said: stand up & get you out of this place/ for the Lord will destroy the city. But he seemed as though he had mocked unto his sons in law. And as the morning arose the angels caused Lot to speed him saying. Stand up/ take thy wife and thy two daughters, and that that is at hand, least thou perish in the sin of the city. And as he prolonged the time the men caught both him, his wife, and his two daughters by the hands, because the lord was merciful unto him/ and they brought him forth and set him without the city. When they had brought them out/ they said: Save thy life, and look not behind thee, neither tarry thou in any place of the country, but save thyself in the mountain, jest thou perish. Then said Lot unto them: O nay my Lord behold, forasmuch as thy servant hath found grace in thy sight/ now make thy mercy great/ which thou showest unto me, in saving my life. For I can not save myself in the mountains/ jest some misfortune fall upon me and I die. Behold, here is a city by, to i'll unto/ and it is a little one: let me save myself therein: is it not a little one, that my soul may live? And he said to him: see, I have received thy request concerning this thing/ I will not overthrow this city for which thou hast spoken. Haste thee/ and save thyself there/ for I can do nothing till thou become in thither. And therefore the name of the city is called zoar. And the son was upon the earth when Lot was entered in to zoar. Then the Lord rained upon * Esa. xiii d. Jere l f. Eze. xvi f. Sodom and Gomorra/ brimstone and tire from the Lord out of heaven/ and overthrew those cities & all the region, & all that dwelled in the cities/ and that that grew upon the earth. And Lot's wife looked behind her, & was turned in to a pillar of salt. Abraham rose up early, and got him to the place where he stood before the Lord/ & looked toward Sodom and Gomorre and toward all the land of that country. And as he looked: behold the smoke of the country arose as it had been the smoke of a furnace. But yet when god destroyed the cities of the region, he thought upon Abraham: & sent Lot * two. Pet. ii d. Sapien ten a. Amos four d. Luc xvii f. Jude i d. out from the danger of the overthrowing, when he over threw the cities where Lot dwelled. And Lot departed out of zoar and dwelled in the mountains, & his two daughters with him, for he feared to tarry in zoar: he dwelled therefore in a cave, both he and his two daughters also. Then said the elder unto the younger: our father is old/ and there are no more men in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the world. Come therefore, let us give our father wine to drink, and let us lie with him that we may save seed of our father. And they gave their father wine to drink that same night. And the elder daughter went and lay with her father. And he perceived it not/ neither when she lay down/ neither when she rose up. And on the morrow the elder said unto the younger: Behold, yesternight lay I with my father. Let us give him wine to drink this night also/ and go thou & lie with him, & let us save seed of our father. And they gave their father wine to drink the night also. And the younger arose and lay with him. And he perceived it not: neither when she lay down/ neither when she rose up. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. And the elder bore a son, and called him Moab/ which is the father of the Moabytꝭ unto this day. And the younger bore a son/ and called him Ben Ammi/ which is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day. ¶ Abraham went as a stranger in to the land of Gerar. The king of Gerar taketh away his wife. CAPI. XX. ANd Abraham departed thence toward the south country and dwelled between Cades and Sur and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sara his wife that she was his * Gene. xij c and xxvi b. sister. Than Abimelech king of Gerar sent and fet Sara away. And God came to Abimelech by night in a dream and said to him: Abimelech is threatened for Sara●s sake. See, thou art but a deed man for the woman's sake which thou hast taken away, for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had not yet come nigh her/ and therefore said: Lord, wilt thou slay righteous people? said not he unto me, that she was his sister? yea, and said not she herself that he was her brother? with a pure heart and innocent hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream. I wot it well that thou didst it in the pureness of thy heart. And therefore I kept the that thou shouldest not sin against me/ neither suffered I the to come nigh her. Now therefore deliver to the man his wife again/ for he is a Prophet. And let him pray for the that thou mayst live. But if thou deliver her not again/ be sure that thou shalt * Gene. ii c die the death/ with all that thou hast. Then Abimelech rose up be times in the morning, and called all his servants/ and toide all these things in their cares/ and the men were sore afraid. And Abimelech called Abraham and said unto him: what hast thou done unto us, & what have I offended thee, that thou shouldest bring on me and on my kingdom so great a sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that aught not to be done. And Abimelech said moreover unto Abraham: what sawest thou that moved the to do this thing? And Abraham answered. I thought that peradventure the * The fear of god among the Hebrews is principally taken for the honour & faith that we own unto god/ 〈◊〉 that with such a love as the child hath to the father. fear of God was not in this place/ & that they should slay me for my wife's sake: yet in very deed she is my sister, the daughter of my father/ but not of my mother: and become my wife. And after God caused me to wander out of my father's house/ I said unto her: This kindness shalt thou show unto me in all places where we come, that thou say of me, that I am thy brother. Then took Abimelech sheep and oxen/ men servants/ and women servants & gave them unto Abraham/ and delivered him Sara his wife again. And Abimelech said: behold the land lieth before thee/ devil where it pleaseth the best. And unto Sara he said: See, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver/ behold this thing shall be a covering to thine eyes, and unto all that are with thee/ and unto all men an excuse. And so Abraham prayed unto God/ & God healed Abimelech and his wife & his maidens so that they bore children. For the Lord had closed to all the matryces of the house of Abimelech, because of Sara Abraham's wife. ¶ Isaac is born. Agar is cast out with her young son Ishmael. The angel comforteth Agar. The covenant between Abimelech and Abraham. CAPI. XXI. THe Lord vysited Sara as he had said, and did unto her * gen. xv● & xvii c ● iiii. d. Heb. ● according as he had promised. And Sara was with child and bore Abraham a son in his old age, even the same season which the Lord had appointed. And Abraham called his sons name that was born unto him, which Sara * Math ● joshua. xx●● bore him Isaac/ and Abraham * Gen. xv● circumcised Isaac his son when he was eight days old, as God commanded him. And Abraham was an hundred year old/ when his son Isaac was born unto him. And Sara said: God hath made me a laughing stock: for all that hear will laugh at me. She said also: who would have said unto Abraham, that Sara should have given children suck/ or that I should have born him a son in his old age: The child grew, and was weaned/ and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. Sara saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian which she had born unto Abraham a mocking. Then she said unto Abraham: put away this * Gala. i● bondmaid & her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son Isaac: But the words seemed very grievous in Abraham's light because of his son. Then the Lord said unto Abraham: let it not be grievous unto the because of the child and of thy bondmaid: But in all that Sara hath said unto thee, hear her voice/ for in * Roma. ● Galat. ●. Hebre. ●●● Isaac shall thy seed be called. Moreover of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation/ because he is thy * Gen. xu seed. And Abraham rose up erly in the morning and took bread & a bottle with water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulders with the child also, and sent her away. And she departed & wandered up & down in the wilderness of Berseba. When the water was spent that was in the bottle, she cast the child under a bush & went & sat her out of sight a great way as it were a bowshote of: for she said: I will not see the child die. And she sat down out of sight, and lift up her voice and wept. And god heard the voice of the child. And the angel of God called Hagar from above, and said unto her: what aileth the Hagar? Fear not, for God hath herd the voice of the child where he lieth. Arise and lift up the child/ and take him in thy hand/ for I will make of him a great people. And god opened her eyes and she saw * isaiah. x● a well of water. And she went and filled the bottle with water/ and gave the boy drink. And God was with the lad, and he grew and dwelled in the wilderness, and become an archer. And he dwelled in the wilderness of Pharan. And his mother got him a wife out of the land of egypt. And it chanced the same season, that Abimelech and Phicoll his chief captain spoke unto Abraham, saying: * Gen. xxvi f God is with the in all that thou dost. Now therefore swear unto me even here by God, that thou wilt not hurt me nor my children, nor my children's children. But that thou shalt deal with me and the country where thou art a stranger, according unto the kindness that I have showed the. Then said Abraham: I will swear. And Abraham rebuked Abimelech for a well of water, which Abimelechs' servants had taken away. And Abimelech answered, I witted not who did it: also thou toldest me not, neither heard I of it, afore this day. And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech. And they made both of them a bond together. And Abraham set vij lambs by themselves. And Abimelech said unto Abraham: what mean these vij lambs which thou hast set by themselves. And he answered seven. lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that it may be a wycnesse unto me, that I have digged this well: Wherefore the place is called Berleba, because they swore both of them. Thus made they a bond together at Berseba. Then Abimelech & Phicol his chief captain rose up and turned again unto the land of the Philistines. And Abraham planted a wood in Berseba, and called ●here on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God: and dwelled in the Philistin land a long season. ¶ The faith of Abraham is proved in offering his son Isaac. christ our saviour is promised. The generation of Nachor Abraham's brother. CAPI. XXII. AFter these deeds, God did * Iudi viii c Eccle xviii c Hebre xi d. prove Abraham and said unto him: Abraham. And he answered: here am I And he said: take thy only son Isaac whom thou lovest, and get the unto the Land Moria, & sacrifice him there for a sacrifice upon one of the mountains which I will show the. Then Abraham rose up early in the morning & saddled his ass, and took two of his meinie with him, and Isaac his son: and clove would for the sacrifice, and rose up and got him to the place which God had appointed him. The third day Abraham life up his eyes and saw the place a far of, and said unto his young men: bide here with the ass. I and the lad will go yonder and worship & come again unto you. And Abraham took the wood of the sacrifice, & laid it upon Isaac his son, and took fire in his hand and a knife. And they went both of them together. Than spoke Isaac unto Abraham his father and said: My father? And he answered here am I my son. And he said: See here is fire and wood, but where is the sheep for sacrifice? And Abraham said: my son, God will provide him a sheep for sacrifice. So went they both together. And when they came unto the place which God showed him, Abraham made an altar there, and dressed the wood, and bound Isaac his son, and * james ii d i Macha ii f laid him on the altar, above upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, & took the knife to have killed his son. Then the angel of the Lord called unto him from heaven saying: Abraham Abraham? And he answered: here am I And he said: lay not thy hands upon the child, neither do any thing at all unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, in that thou hast not spared thine only son for my sake. And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked about: and behold, there was a ram caught by the horns in the breres. And he went and took the ram and offered him up for a sacrifice in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, the Lord will see: wherefore it is a comen saying this day: in the mount will the Lord be seen. And the angel of the Lord cried unto Abraham from heaven the second time saying: by myself have I * Psal ciiii a Luke i g. Ecc xliiii c Hebre vi c sworn (saith the Lord) because thou haste done this thing and haste not spared thy only son, that I will bless the & multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, & as the * Gen. xxiiii g sonde upon the see side. And thy seed shall possess the gates of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the * Gen. xii a Actu iii d. Gala. iii b nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice. So turned Abraham again unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Berseba. And Abraham dwelt at Berseba. And it chanced after these things, that one told Abraham saying: Behold, Milca she hath also born children unto thy brother Nachor: Hus his elder son, and Bus his brother, and Kemuel the father of the Syrians, and Cesed, and Haso, and Pyldas, and jedlaph, and Bethuel. And Bethuel begat Rebecca. These eight did Milca bear to Nachor Abraham's brother. And his concubine called Rheuma she bore also Tebah, Gahan, Thaas and Maacha. ¶ Sara dieth and is buried in the field that Abraham bought of Ephron the Hittite. CAPI. XXIII. SAra was an hundred and xxvij year old (for so long lived she) and than died in a head city called Hebron in the land of Canaan. Then Abraham came to morn and bewail Sara. And when Abraham stood up from the funerals, he talked with the sons of Heth, saying: I am a stranger and a foryner amongs you, give me a possession to bury in with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. And the children of Heth answered Abraham saying unto him: Hear us Lord, thou art a prince of God among us. In the chiefest of our sepulchres bury thy dead: None of us shall forbid the his sepulchre, that thou shouldest not bury thy dead therein. Abraham stood up, and reverently thanked the people of the land the children of Heth. And said unto them: If it be your minds that I shall bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and speak for me to Ephron the son of Zoar: and let him give me the double cave which he hath in the end of his field, for so moche money as it is worth, let him give it me in the presence of you, for a possession to bury in. For Ephron dwelled among the children of Heth. Then Ephron the Hethyte answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, and of all that went in at the gates of his city, saying: Not so my Lord, but hear me: The field give I thee, and the cave that therein is g●ue I the also: and even in the presence of the sons of my people give I it the to bury thy deed in. Then Abraham bowed himself before the people of the land, and spoke unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the country, saying: I pray the hear me, I will give silver for the field, take it of me, and so will I bury my deed there. Ephron answered Abraham, saying: My lord hearken unto me. The land is worth four C. sycles of silver: but what is that between the and me? bury thy deed. And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron, and paid him the silver which he had said in the audience of the sons of Heth, that is to wit four C. silver sycles of currant money among merchants. Thus was Ephrons' field wherein the double cave is before Mamre: aswell the field as the cave that is therein, and all the trees of the field which grow in all the borders round about, made sure unto Abraham for a possession, in the sight of the children of Heth, and of all that went in at the gates of the city. And then Abraham buried Sara his wife in the double cave of the field that lieth before Mamre, otherwise called Ebron in the land of Canaan. And so both the field & the cave that is ther●n, was made Abraham's sure possession to bury in, of the sons of Heth. ¶ Abraham maketh his servant to swear/ & sendeth him to seek a wife for Isaac his son. The servant was faithful and brought Rebecca/ which Isaac took to his wife. CAPI. XXIIII. ABraham was old and stricken in age, & the Lord had blessed him in all things. And he said unto his eldest servant of his house which had the rule over all that he had: φ To put the hand under the thigh was an oath which the hebrews used in such things as pertained to the testament & promise of god as in Genesi xlvii g. Put thy hand under my thy that I may make the swear by the Lord that is God of heaven and God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son, of the daughters of the Canaanites, among which I devil. But shalt go unto my country and to my kindred, and there take a wife unto my son Isaac. Then said the servant unto him: what if the woman will not agreed to come with me unto this land, shall I bring thy son again unto the land which thou camest out of? And Abraham said unto him: beware of that, that thou bring not my son thither. The Lord God of heaven which took me from my father's house and from the land where I was born, & which spoke unto me and swore unto me saying: unto thy * Gene. xu Gene x●●. ● seed will I give this land, he shall send his angel before the that thou mayst take a wife unto my son from thence. Nevertheless if the woman will not agreed to come with the then shalt thou be without danger of this oath. But above all thing bring not my son thither again. And the servant put his hand under the thy of Abraham and swore to him concerning that matter. And the servant took ten camels of his masters and departed, and had all manner goods of his master with him, and stood up & went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And made his camels to lie down without the city by a well's side at even: about the time that women come to draw water, and he said. Lord God of my master Abraham, sand me good speed this day/ and show mercy unto my master Abraham. Lo I stand here by the well and the daughters of the men of this city will come out to draw water: Now the damsel to whom I say, bow down thy pitcher, & let me drink. If she say: Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also, that same is she that thou hast ordained for thy servant Isaac: yea and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed mercy on my master. And it came to pass or ever he had left speaking, that Rebecca came out, the daughter of Bethuel, son to Milca the wife of Nahor Abraham's brother, and her pitcher upon her shoulder: The damsel was very fair to look upon, a maid and unknown of man. And she went down to the well, & filled her pitcher and came up again. Then the servant ran unto her and said: let me sup a little water of thy pitcher. And she said: drink Sir And she hasted and late down her pitcher upon her arm and gave him drink. And when she had given him drink, she said: I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have drunk enough. And she poured out her pitcher into ●he trough hastily, and ran again unto the well, to fet water: and drew for all his camels. And the fellow wondered at her. But held his peace, to weet whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. And as the camels had left drinking/ he took a golden ear ring of half a sycle weight and two bracelets for her hands, of ten sycles weight of gold, & said unto her: Whose daughter art thou? tell me: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in? And she said unto him: I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milca/ which she bore unto Nahor: and said moreover unto him: we have litter and provonder enough, and also room to lodge in. And the man bowed himself, and worshipped the Lord/ and said: blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham which ceaseth not to deal mercifully & truly with my master, and hath brought me the way to my master's brother's house. And the damsel ran and told unto them of her mother's house these things. And Rebecca had a brother called Laban. And Laban ran out unto the man, to the well: for as soon as he had seen the earerynges and the bracelets upon his sisters hands, and heard the words of Rebecca his sister, saying: thus said the man unto me, then he went out unto the man. And lo, he stood yet with the camels by the well side. And Laban said come in thou blessed of the Lord. Wherefore stondesse thou without? I have dressed up the house, and made room for the camels. And then the man came into the house and he unbridled the camels: & brought litter and provonder for the camels, & water to wash his feet & their feet that were with him, and there was meat set before him to eat. But he said: I will not eat, till I have said my message. And he said: say on. And he said: I am Abraham's servant, and the Lord hath blessed my master out of measure, so that he is become great, and hath given him sheep, oxen, silver & gold, menseruauntes, mayde-seruauntes, camels and asses. And Sara my master's wife bore him a son, when she was old: to whom hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear saying: thou shalt not seek a wife to my son among the daughters of the Cananytes in whose land I devil, But shalt go to my father's house and to my kindred, and there take a wife unto my son. And I said unto my master: what if the wife will not follow me? And he said unto me: The Lord before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, & prosper thy journey that thou shalt take a wife for my son, of my kindred and of my father's house. But if (when thou comest unto my kindred) they will not give the one, then shalt thou here no peril of mine oath. And I came this day unto the well & said: O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, if it be so that thou makest my journey which I go, prosperous: behold I stand by this well of water, and when a virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her: give me a little water of thy pitcher to drink, & she say again to me: drink thou, and I will also draw water for thy camels: that same is the wife whom the Lord hath prepared for my master's son. And afore I had made an end of speaking in mine heart: behold Rebecca came forth, & her pitcher on her shoulder, & she went down to the well and drew. And I said unto her: give me drink. And she made haste, and took down her pitcher from her shoulders, & said: drink, and I will give thy camels drink also. And I drank, & she gave my camels drink also. And I asked her saying: whose daughter art thou? she answered: the daughter of Bethuel Nahors son, whom Milca bore unto him. * Sen. xxiii b ●●ii. ● And I put the ear rings upon her face and the bracelets upon her hands. And I bowed myself, and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham which had brought me the right way, to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. Now therefore if you will deal mercifully and truly with my master, tell me: if not tell me also: that I may turn me to the right hand or to the left. Then answered Laban and Bethuel, saying: The thing is proceeded of the Lord, we can not therefore say unto thee, either good or bad: behold Rebecca before thy face, take her and go, and let her be thy master's sons wife, as the Lord hath appointed. And when Abraham's servant heard their words, he bowed him to the Lord, flat upon the earth. And the servant took forth jewels of silver & jewels of gold and raiment, and gave them to Rebecca: but unto her brother and to her mother he gave spices. And then they ate and drank, both he & the men that were with him, & tarried all night and rose up in the morning. And he said: let me depart unto my master. But her brother and her mother said: let the damsel abide with us a while, at the least x. days, and then go thy ways. And he said unto them: hinder me not, for the Lord hath prospered my journey. Send me away that I may go to my master. And they said: let us call the damsel, and wit what she says to the matter. So they called forth Rebecca, and said unto her: wilt thou go with this man? And she said: yea. So they let Rebecca their sister go with her norse and Abraham's servant, & the men that were with him. And they blessed Rebecca, and said unto her: Thou art our sister grow into thousand thousands, & thy seed possess the gates of their enemies. And Rebecca arose and her damsels, and sat them up upon the camels, and went their way after the man. And the servant took Rebecca, and went his way. And Isaac was coming from the well of the * Gen. xvi d living and saying, for he dwelled in the south country, and was go out to walk in his meditations about the even tide. And he life up his eyes and looked, and behold the camels were coming. And Rebecca lift up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted down of the camel, and said unto the servant: what man is this that cometh against us in the field? And the servant said: it is my master. Then she took her mantel, and put it about her. And the servant told Isaac all that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Saras tent, and took Rebecca, & she become his wife, and he loved her: and so was Isaac comforted over his mother. ¶ Abraham taketh Kethura to his wife/ & begetteth many children. Abraham dieth & giveth all his goods to Isaac. The genealogy of Ishmael. The birth of jacob and Esau. Esau telleth his title of inheritance for a mess of pottage. CAPI. XXV. ABraham took him another wife called Ketura, which bore him Simran, jecksan, Medan, Midian, jesback & Suah. And jecklan begat Seba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Assutim, Letusun and Leumim. And the sons of Midian were Epha, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Elda. All these were the children of Ketura. But Abraham gave all that he had, unto Isaac. And unto the sons of his concubines he gave gifts, Gene. xxx a. and sent them away from Isaac his son (while he yet lived) eastward, unto the east country. These are the days of the life of Abraham which he lived: an hundred and lxxu year, and then fell sick and died, in a * Gene. xv c lusty age, (when he had lived enough) and was φ Put with the company of the ancient fathers that died in the same faith that he did. put unto his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the double cave in the field of Ephron son of Zoar the Hethyce before Mamre, Which field Abraham bought of the sons of Heth: There was Abraham buried and Sara his wife. And after the death of Abraham, god blessed Isaac his son, which dwelled by the well of the living & seeing. These are the generations of Ishmael Abraham's son, which Hagar the Egyptian Saras handmaid bore unto Abraham. And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, with their names in their kynreddes. The eldest son of Ishmael Nevaioth, than Cedar, Adbeel. Mibsam, Misma, Duma, Masa, Hadar, Thema, jetur, Naphis, and Kedma: These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, in their towns and castles * Gen. xvii c i Para i b. xii princes of nations. And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an. C xxxvij year, & then he fallen sick & died, & was laid unto his people. And he dwelled from Euila unto Sur that is before egypt, as men go toward the Assyrians. And he died in the presence of all his brethren. And these are the generations of Isaac Abraham's son: Abraham begat Isaac. And Isaac was xl year old when he took Rebecca to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Sirian of Mesopotamia & sister to Laban the Sirien. And Isaac made intercession unto the Lord for his wife: because she was barren: and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebecca his wife conceived: and the children strove together within her. Then she said: if it should go so to pass, what helpeth it that I am with child? And she went and asked the Lord And the Lord said unto her: there are φ By this ii people is signified unto us the law and the gospel as you may read in. Gala. iii d two manner of people in thy womb, and two nations shall springe out of thy bowels, and the one nation shallbe mightier than the other, and the elder shallbe servant unto the younger. And when her time was come to be delivered: behold there were two twines in her womb. And he that came out first was read and rough over all as it were an hide: & they called his name Esau. And afterward his brother came out, his hand holding Esau by the * Osee xii b heel. Wherefore his name was called jacob. And Isaac was lx year old when she bore them: and the boys grew, & Esau become a cunning hunter and a till man. But jacob was a φ Simple: he is simple that is without craft & deceit & continueth in believing & executing of gods will simple man, & dwelled in the tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison, but Rebecca loved jacob. jacob sod pottage, and Esau came from the field and was weary, and said to jacob: let me sup of that red pottage, for I am faint And therefore was his name called * Abdi i a Edom. And jacob said: cell me this day thy ‡ Heb●● xii c φ heritage signifieth here the ty●● and right 〈◊〉 enheritau●● that the el●● son hath after his ●●thers death. heritage. And Esau answered: Lo, I am at the point to die, and what profit shall this heritage do me? And jacob said: * Gen. xlvi swear to me then this day. And he sworn to him, and sold his heritage unto jacob. Than jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of read rise. And heat and drunk, and rose up, and went his way. And so Esau regarded not his heritage. ¶ The journey of Isaac toward Abimelech. The promise made to Isaac and his seed. Isaac is rebuked of Abimelech for calling his wife his sister. The chiding of the shephardes for the wells. Isaac is comforted. The league between Abimelech & Isaac. CAPI. XXVI. ANd there fallen a dearth in the land, passing the first dearth that fallen in the days of Abraham. Wherefore Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistians unto Gerar. Then the Lord appeared unto him, and said: Go not down into egypt but abide in the land which I bid thee: sojourn in that land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee: for to the and to they seed I will give all these * Gene. xi● & xiii d. contreyes. And I will perform the oath which I made to Abraham thy father, and will ‡ Gen. xv 〈◊〉 xxii c E●● xliiii. d. multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and will give to thy seed all these contreyes. And thorough thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because that Abraham hearkened unto my voice and kept mine ordinances, commandments, statutes and laws. And Isaac dwelled in Gerar. And the men of the place asked him of his wife, & he said that she was his * Gene. ●●. and xx. ●. sister: for he feared to call her his wife, jest the men of the place should have killed him for her sake, because she was beautiful to the eye. And it happened after he had been there long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistians looked out at a window, & saw Isaac sporting with Rebecca his wife. And Abimelech send for Isaac and said: se, she is of a surety thy wife/ and why saidest thou that she was thy sister? And Isaac said unto him: I thought that I might peradventure have died for her sake. Then said Abimelech: Why hast thou done this unto us? one of the people might lightly have lyen by thy wife, and so shouldst thou have brought sin upon us. Then Abimelech charged all his people, saying: he that toucheth this man's wife, shall undoubtedly die for it. And Isaac sowed in that land, and found in that same year an. C. fold as much: for the Lord blessed him, & the man waxed mighty, & went forth & grew till he was exceeding great, that he had possession of sheep, of oxen & a mighty household: so that the Philistians had spite at him: in so much that they stopped & filled up with earth all the wells which his father's servants digged in his father Abrahams tyme. Then said Abimelech unto Isaac: get the from me, for thou art myghtyer than we a great deal. Then Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley Gerar, & dwelled there. And Isaac digged again the wells of water which they digged in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistians had stopped after the death of Abraham/ and gave them the same names, which his father gave them. As Isaac's servants digged in the valley, they found a well of living water. And the herdemen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying: the water is ours. Then called he the well Eseck, because they strove with him. Then digged they another well, and they strove for that also. Therefore called he it Sirena. And then he departed thence, and digged an other well for which they strove not: therefore called he it Rehoboth, saying: the Lord hath now made us room, and we are increased upon the earth. afterward departed he thence, and came to Berseba. And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said: I am the God of Abraham thy father, fear not for I am with thee, & will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake. And then he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the Lord, and there pitched his tent. And there Isaac's servants digged a well. Then came Abimelech to him from Gerar and Ahusath his friend & Phicoll his chief captain. And Isaac said unto them: wherefore come you to me, saying you hate me, & have put me away from you? Then said they: we saw that the * Gene. xxi c judic xi d Lord was with thee, & therefore we said that there should be an oath between us and thee, and that we would make a bond with thee, that thou shouldst do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and have done unto the nothing but good, and sent the away in peace: for thou art now the blessed of the Lord. And he made them a feast, and they are and drunk. And they rose up early in the morning, and swore one to an other. And Isaac sent them away. And they departed from him in peace. And that same day came Isaac's servants, and told him of a well which they had digged: and said unto him, that they had found water. And he called it Seba, wherefore the name of the city is called Berseba unto this day. And Esau was was xl year old and took to his wy●es judith the daughter of Beer an Hethyre, and Basemath daughter of Elon an Hethyte also, and these two wives were a great grief to the mind of Isaac and Rebecca. ¶ jacob steleth the blessing from Esau by his mother's counsel. Isaac is sad. Esau is comforted. The hatred of Esau toward jacob. CAPI. XXVII. ANd it came to pass that Isaac waxed old and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see. Then called he Esau his elder son and said to him: my son. And he answered him, here Sir. And he said: behold, I am old, and know not the day of my death: now therefore take thy artillery, thy quiver and thy bow, and get the to the fields, and kill me some venyson, and dress me meat such as I love, and bring i● me, & let me eat that my soul may bless the afore I die. And Rebecca heard when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And as soon as Esau was go to the field to hunt venison, & to bring it, she spoke unto jacob her son, saying: Behold I have herd thy father talking with Esau thy brother and saying: bring me venison and dress me meat, that I may eat & bless the before the Lord, ere I die. Now therefore my son hear my voice in the which I command thee: get the to the stock, and bring me thence two good kyddes, & I will make meat of them for thy father, such as he loveth. And thou shalt bring it to thy father and he shall eat, & bless the before his death. Than said jacob to Rebecca his mother: behold Esau my brother is rough, and I am smooth. My father shall peradventure feel me, and I shall seem unto him as though I went about to beguile him, & so shall he bring a curse upon me, for a blessing: and his mother said unto him: Upon me be thy curse my son, only hear my voice, and go and fetch me them. And jacob went and fet them/ and brought them to his mother. And his mother made meat of them, according as his father loved. And she went and fet goodly raiment that was her elder son Esau's, which she had in the house with her, & put them upon jacob her youngest son, and she put the skins upon his hands & upon the smooth of his neck. And she put the meat & bread which she had made, in the hand of her son jacob. And he went in to his father, saying: Genesi iii c ● Deut. xxiii a. my father? And he answered: here am I: who art thou my son? And jacob said unto his father: I am Esau thy elder son, I have done as thou badst me: arise, sit up, and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me. But Isaac said unto his son: how cometh it that thou haste found it so quickly, my son? He answered: The Lord thy God brought it to my hand. Then said Isaac unto jacob: come near, and let me feel thee, my son, whether thou be my son Esau or not Then went jacob to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said: the voice is jacobs' voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he knew him not, because his hands were rough as his brother Esau's hands: and so he blessed him. And he asked him: art thou my son Esau? And he said: I am. Then said he: bring forth and let me eat of my sons venison, that my soul may bless the. And he brought him, and he ate. He brought him wine also, and he drank. And his father Isaac said unto him: come near and kiss me my son. And he went unto him & kissed him. And he smelled the savour of his raiment, and * Eccli iii b & Heb. xi a blessed him, and said: See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed. God give the of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine. People be thy servants, and nations bow unto the. Be lord over thy brethren, and thy mother's children sloupe unto the. Cursed be he that curseth thee, & blessed be he that blesseth the. As soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing, jacob was scate go out from the presence of Isaac his father: but Esau his brother was come from huntynge, and had made also meat, and brought it unto his father, & said unto him: Arise my tather and eat of thy sons venison, that thy soul may bless me. Then his father Isaac said unto him: who art thou? he answered: I am thy elder son Esau. And Isaac was astonied out of measure, and said: Where is he then that hath hunted venison and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, & have blessed him, and he shall be blessed still. When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out greatly and bitterly above measure, and said to his father: bless me also my father. And he said: thy brother came with subtlety, and hath taken away thy blessing. Then said he: He may well be called jacob, for he hath undermined me now two times, first he took away my heritage: and se/ now hath he taken away my blessing also. And he said: hast thou kept never a blessing for me? Isaac answered and said unto Esau: behold I have made him thy lord, and all his mother's children have I made his servants. Moreover, with corn and wine have I stablished him, what can I do unto the now my son? And Esau said unto his father: hast thou but that one blessing my father? bless me also my father: so ly●ted up Esau his voice and * Hebre xii c jacob is also blessed of his father. wept. Than Isaac his father answered and said unto him: behold thy dwelling place shall have of the fatness of the earth, & of the dew of heaven from above. And which thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt be thy brother's servant. But the time will come, when thou shalt get the mastery, and louse his yoke from thy neck. And Esau * Abdi i a hated jacob, because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and said in his heart: The days of my father's sorrow are at hand, for I will slay my brother jacob. And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebecca. And she sent and called jacob her youngest son, and said unto him: behold thy brother Esau threateneth to kill thee: now therefore my son hear my voice, make the ready, and flee to Laban my brother at Haran: and tarry with him a while till thy brother's fierceness be assuaged, and till thy brother's wrath turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou haste done to him. Then will I send and fet the away from thence. Why should I loose you both in one day? And Rebecca spoke to Isaac: I am weary of my life, for fear of the daughters of Heth. If jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such one as these are, or of the daughters of the land, what lust should I have to live. ¶ jacob is sent into Mesopotamia/ to Laban for a wife. Esau marrieth an Ismaelyte. jacob dreameth a dream. Christ is promised. jacob maketh a vow. CAPI. XXVIII. THen Isaac called jacob his son, and blessed him/ and charged him, saying/ see thou take not a wife of the daughters of Canaan, jacob is blessed. but arise and get the to Mesopotamia to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father: and there take the a wife of the daughters of Laban thy uncle. And God almighty bless thee, increase thee, and multiply the that thou mayst be a number of people, & give the the blessing of Abraham: both to the and to thy seed with thee, that thou mayst possess the land (wherein thou art a stranger) which God gave unto Abraham. Thus Isaac sent forth jacob/ to go to Mesopotamia unto Laban/ son of Bethuel the Syrien / and brother to Rebecca Jacob'S and Esau's mother. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed jacob/ and sent him to * Oze● xii ● Mesopotamia/ to fet him a wife thence/ and that as he blessed him/ he gave him a charge/ saying: see thou take not a wife of the daughters of Canaan: and that jacob had obeyed his father & mother, and was go to Mesopotamia: and saying also that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father: then went he unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had, Esau maneth an Is●●elite. Mahala the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nabaioth to be his wife. jacob departed from Berseba, and went toward Haran, and came unto a place, and tarried there all night, because the son was down. And took a stone of the place, jacob d●●meth. and put it under his head/ and laid him down in the same place to sleep. And he dreamt: and behold there stood a ladder upon the earth, & the top of it reached up to heaven. And see, the angels of God went up and down upon it/ yea and the Lord stood upon it, and said: I am the Lord God of Abraham/ thy father, and the God of Isaac: The * Par. xv● land on which thou sleepest will I give the and thy seed. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth: and thou shalt spread abroad: west, east, north and south. And thorough the and thy seed shall all the kynredes of the earth be blessed. And see I am with thee, and will be thy keeper in all places whether thou goest, & will bring the again into this land: neither will I leave the till I have performed all that I have promised the. When jacob was awaked out of his sleep he said: surely the Lord is in this place/ & I will not. And he was afraid and said: how fearful is this place? it is none other but even the φ He called it the hous● god because of the ho● hold of angels' th●● there sa● we in like ●●ner call th● church of lime & s●● the house God/ beca●● the people co● thither wh●●●re the church ●f God. As ●aynt Paul reaches i Corin iii ii Cor vi Ephe twelve. house of God/ and the gate of heaven. And jacob stood up early in the morning and took the stone that he had laid under his head, and pitched it up an end, & poured oil on the top of it. And he called the name of the place bethel, for the name of the city was called Lus, before tyme. And jacob vowed a vow/ saying: If God will be with me, and will keep me in this journey which I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clotheses to put on, so that I come again unto my father's house in sauftie: then shall the lord be my God/ and this stone, which I have set up an end, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me/ will I give the * Tithes or ●●nthe●. tithes unto the. ¶ jacob cometh to Laban and serveth seven year for Rachel. Lea was brought to his bed in stead of Rachel. He marrieth them both/ and serveth yet vij year more for Rachel. Lea conceiveth. CAPI. XXIX. THen jacob lift up his feet, and went toward the Eest country. And as he looked about, behold there was a well in the field, and three flocks of sheep lay thereby (for at that well were the flocks watered) and there lay a great stone at the well mouth. And the manner was to bring the flocks thither, and to roull the stone from the wells mouth, and to water the sheep/ and to put the stone again upon the wells mouth unto his place. And jacob said unto them: Brethrens whence be you? And they said, of Haran are we. And he laid unto them: know you Laban the son of Nahor? And they said: we know him. And he said unto them: is he in good health? And they said: he is in good health, and behold, ●athel ke●●th her fa●●ers sheep. his daughter Rachel cometh with the sheep. And he said/ lo, it is yet a great while to night/ neither is it time that the cattles should be gathered together/ water the sheep, and go and feed them. And they said: we may not, till all the flocks be brought together, and the stone be roulled from the wells mouth/ and so we water our sheep. While he yet talked with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them. As soon as jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his uncle, and his uncles sheep/ he went and roulled the stone from the wells mouth, and watered the sheep of Laban his mother's brother. And jacob kissed Rachel/ and lift up his voice and wept: and told her also that he was her father's brother, and Rebeccas' son. Then Rachel can and told her father. When Laban heard tell of jacob his sisters son, he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him/ and brought him to his house. And then jacob told Laban all the matter. And then Laban said: well, thou art my bone and my flesh. Abide with me the space of a month. And afterward Laban said unto jacob: Though thou be my kinsman/ shouldest thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me what shall thy wages be? And Laban had two daughters, the elder called Lea, and the youngest Rachel. Lea was sore eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. And jacob loved her well, and said: I will serve the seven year for Rachel thy youngest dougher. And Laban answered: it is better that I give her to the than to an other man: abide therefore with me. And jacob served * ●ee xii d ●●cob ser●●h seven. yers' 〈◊〉 Rachel. seven years for Rachel, and they seemed unto him but a few days/ for the love he had to her. And jacob said unto Laban: give me my wife that I may lie with her, for the time appointed is come. Then Laban bade all men of that country, and made a feest. And when even was come, he took Lea his daughter and brought her to him: and he lay with her. And Laban gave to his daughter Lea Zilpha his maid, to be her servant. And when the morning was come behold it was Lea. Then said he to Laban: wherefore hast thou played thus with me? did not I serve the for Rachel, jacob marrieth two. daughters of his mother's brother. wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? Laban answered: it is not the manner of this country, to mary the youngest gefore the elder. Pass out this week, and then shall this also be given the for the service which thou shalt serve me yet vij years more. And jacob did even so, and passed out that week, & then he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, Bilha his handmaid to be her servant. So lay he by Rachel also, and loved Rachel more than Lea, and served him yet vij years more. When the Lord saw that Lea was despised, he made her fruitful: but Rachel was barren. And Lea conceived and bore a son, and called his name Reuben/ for she said: the Lord hath looked upon my * Deut. xxvi b. tribulation. And now my husband will love me. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said: the Lord hath herd that I am despised, and hath therefore given me this son also/ and she called him * Paral ii ● simeon. And She conceived yet and bore a son, and said: now this one's will my husband keep me company, because I have born him three sons: and therefore she called his name Levi. And she conceived yet again and bore a son saying: now will I praise the Lord, therefore she called his name juda/ and left bearing, ¶ Rachel and Lea being both barren give their maidens unto their husband/ & they bore him children. jacob deceiveth Laban in the conceiving of the sheep and kyddes. jacobs' reward for his service. CAPI. XXX. WHen Rachel saw that she bore jacob no children/ she envy her sister/ and said unto jacob: give me children, or else I am but deed. Then was jacob wroth with Rachel saying: Am I in God's stead, which keepeth from the the fruit of thy womb? Then she said: here is my maid Bilha: lie with her, that she may bear upon my lap, that I may be increased by her. And she gave him Bilha her handmaid to wife. And jacob lay with her: and Bilha conceived and bore jacob a son. Then said Rachel. God hath given sentence on my side/ and hath also heard my voice/ and hath given me a son. Therefore called she him Dan. And Bilha Rachel's maid conceived again, and bore jacob an other son. And Rachel said: God is turned, and I have made a change wi●h my sister, and have got the upper hand. And she called his name Nepthali. When Lea saw that she had left bearing/ she took Silpha her maid, and gave her jacob to wife. And Silpha Leas maid bore jacob a son. Then said Lea: Good luck: and called his name Gad. And Silpha Leas maid bore jacob an other son. Then said Lea: happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed, and called his name Aser. And Reuben went out in the wheet harvest time, and found Mandragoras: The Hebrews call it an erbe or rather a rote the beareth the similitude of man's body. Other call it an apple which being eaten with meat causeth conception. mandragoras in the fields, & brought them unto his mother Lea. Then said Rachel to Lea, give me of thy sons mandragoras. And Lea answered: Is it not enough that thou hast taken away my husband/ but wouldest take away my sons mandragoras also? Then said Rachel, well let him sleep with the this night, for thy sons mandragoras. And when jacob came from the fields at even/ Lea went out to meet him, and said: lie with we, for I have bought the with my sons mandragoras. And he slept with her that night. And God heard Lea, that she conceived and bore unto jacob the fifth son. Then said Lea. God hath given me my reward, because I gave my maiden to my husband/ & she called him Isachar. And Lea conceived yet again, & bore jacob the sixth son. Then said she: God hath endued me with a good dowry. Now will my husband devil with me, because I have born him uj sons/ & called his name Zabulon. After that she bore a daughter, and called her * Ge. xxxiiij a Dina. And God remembered Rachel, herd her, and made her fruitful: Rachel beareth joseph. so that she conceived and bore a son, and said: God hath taken away my rebuke. And she called his name joseph, saying: The Lord give me yet an other son. As soon as Rachel had born joseph. jacob said to his father in law. * three reg. xj d Sand me away that I may go unto my own place & country/ give me my wives and my children for whom I have served thee, & let me go, for thou knowest what service I have done the. Then said Laban unto him. If I have found favour in thy sight (for I suppose that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake) appoint what thy reward shall be, and I will give it the. Then he said unto him, thou knowest what service I have done thee/ and in what case thy cattles have been under me: for it was but little that thou hadst before I came/ and now it is increased in to a multitude/ and the Lord hath blessed the for my sake. But now when shall I make provision for mine own house also. And he said/ what shall I then give thee? And jacob answered: thou shalt give me nothing at all so thou wilt do this one thing for me/ and than will I turn again & feed thy sheep and keep them. Go thou about all thy sheep this day, and separate from them all the sheep that are spotted and of divers colours, and all black sheep among the lambs. And then look, all that shall be party coloured, black and spotted, as well amongis the sheep as the kyddes, the same shall be my reward. So shall my φ righteousness signifieth here true and faithful service. righteousness answer for me, when the time cometh that I shall receive my reward of thee, so that what so ever is not speckled and party among the goats and black among the lambs/ let that be theft with me. Then said Laban: Lo I am content, that it be according as thou hast said. And he sorted out that same day the goats that were party and of divers colours, and all the kyddes that were spotted and party coloured, and all that had white in them, and all the black among the lambs, and put them in the keeping of his sons/ and set three days journey between himself and jacob. And so jacob kept the rest of Laban's sheep. jacob took rods of green popull hazel, and of chestnottrees, and pilled white streaks in them, and made the white appear in the staves: And he laid the staves which he had pilled before the sheep in the gutters and watering troughs/ when the sheep came to drink: that they should conceive when they came to drink. And the sheep conceived before the staves & brought forth speckled, spotted, and party coloured. Then jacob divided the flock and put the rods in the troughs before the eyes of the wethers and all white & all black were Laban's, but the residue were jacobs', and he severed the flocks one from an other. And alway in the first bucking time of the shape. jacob put the slaves before the sheep in the gutters, that they might conceive before the slaves: But in the latter bucking time he put them not there: so the last brood was Laban's, and the first Jacob'S. And the man become exceeding rich, and had many sheep/ maid servants/ men servants/ cametles and asles. ¶ At the commandment of God, jacob departed from Laban/ and took his gods with him. Rachel stealeth her father's images. Laban followeth jacob. The covenant between Laban and jacob. CAPI. XXXI. ANd jacob herd the words of Laban's sons how they said: jacob hath taken away all that was our father's/ and of our father's goods hath he gotten all this honour. And jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, that it was not toward him as it was in times past. And the Lord said unto jacob: turn again in to the land of of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I will be with the. Then jacob sent and called Rachel and Lea to the field unto his sheep, and said unto them: I see your father's countenance that it is not toward me as in times passed. Moreover the God of my father hath been with me. And you know how that I have served your father with all my might. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times: but God suffered him not to hurt me. When he said, the spotted shall be thy wages, than all the sheep bore spotted. If he said, the speckled shall be thy reward, then bore all the sheep speckled: thus hath God taken away your father's cattles, and given them me. For in bucking time I lifted up mine eyes and saw in a dream/ and behold, the rams that bucked the sheep were streaked, spotted, and party. And the angel of God spoke unto me in a dream, saying: jacob? And I answered: here am I And he said, life up thine eyes and see, how all the rams that leap upon the sheep are streaked, spotted, and party: for I have seen all that Laban doth unto the. I am the God of * Genesis. ●x●viii. d. bethel were thou annoyntedst the stone, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me. Now arise and get the * Gen xxxli c out of this country, and return unto the land where thou were born. Than answered Rachel and Lea, and said unto him: we have no part nor inheritance in our father's house, he counteth us as strangers/ for he hath sold us, and hath eaten up the price of us. Moreover all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours and our children's. Now therefore what so ever God hath said unto thee, that do. Then jacob rose up, and set his sons and wives up upon camels, and carried away all his cattles and all his substance which he had got in Mesopotamia, for to go to Isaac his father unto the land of Canaan. Laban was go to * Gene. xxxv iii b ii Reg. xiii e shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen her father's images. And jacob stolen away privily from Laban the Syrien, and told him not that he would depart. So fled he and all that he had, and made himself ready, & passed over the rivers, & went straight toward the mount Gilead. Upon the third day after, was it told Laban that jacob fled. Then he took his brethren with him, and pursued him vij days journey, and overtook him at the mount Gilead. And God came to Laban the Sirian in a dream by night, and said unto him: take heed to thyself, that thou speak not to jacob over sharply. And Laban overtook jacob: and jacob had pitched his tent in the mount. And Laban with his brethren, pitched their tent also upon the mount Gilead. Then said Laban to jacob: why hast thou this done to steal away from me, and carry away my daughters as though they had been taken captive with the sword? Wherefore wenteste thou away secretly unknown to me, and diddest not tell me, that I might have brought the on the way with mirth, singing, tymrels, and haps, and haste not suffered me to kiss my children and my daughters? Thou wert a * i Reg. xiii c i Par. xvi c fool to do it, for I am able to do you evil. But the God of your father spoke unto me yesterday, saying: take heed that thou speak not to jacob aught save good. And now though thou wentest thy way, because thou longest after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my goods? jacob answered and said to Laban: I departed privily/ because I was afraed, and thought that thou wouldest have taken away thy daughters from me. But where as thou dost calenge me for theft, with whom so ever thou findest thy gods, let him die here before our brethren. Seek that thine is with me, and take it to thee: for jacob witted not that Rachel had stolen them. Then went Laban in to jacobs' tent, and into Leas tent, and into the two maidens tents: but found them not. Then went he out of Leas tent, & entered into Rachel's tent. And Rachel took the images and put them in the camels straw, & sat down upon them. And Laban searched all the tent: but found them not. Then said she to her father: Sir, Racheles policy. be not angry that I can not rise up before thee, for the disease of women is come upon me. So searched he, but found them not. jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban. jacob also answered and said to him: what have I trespased, or what have I offended, that thou folowedeste after me? Thou haste searched all my stuff, and what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? put it here before thy brethren and mine, and let them judge between us both. This twenty year that I have been with thee, thy sheep and thy gootes have not been barren, and the rams of thy flock, have I not eaten. What so ever was torn of beast is, I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of my hand diddest thou require it, whether it was stolen by day or night. Moreover, by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes. Thus have I been twenty year in thy house, & served the * Gene. xxix xiv. years for thy two daughters, & vi. year for thy sheep, and thou hast changed my reward ten times. And except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the God whom Isaac φ Fear taken for honour as afore in. Gene. xx c fears had been with me: surely thou hadst sent me away now all empty. But God beheld my tribulation, and the labour of my hands: and rebuked the yesterday. Laban answered and said unto jacob: the daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the sheep, are my sheep, and all that thou sayst is mine. And what can I do this day, unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? Now therefore come on, let us make a bond, I and thou together, and let it be a witness between the and me. Then took jacob a stone and set it up for a pillar and mark stone, and said unto his brethren, gather stones. And they took stones, and made an heap, & they ate there upon the heap. And Laban called it jegar Sahadutha, but jacob called it Gilead, either of them after the property of his language. Then said Laban: this heap be * Io xxii f xxiiii. f. witness between the and me this day, (therefore is it called Gilead) The Lord look & judge between me & thee, when we are departed one from another: that thou shalt not vex my daughters, neither shalt take other wives unto them. Here is no man with us: behold, God is witness between the and me. And Laban said moreover to jacob: behold, this heap and this mark which I have set here, between me and thee: this heap be witness and also this mark, that I will not come over this heap to thee, and thou shalt not come over this heap & this mark to do any harm. The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father's/ be judge between us. And jacob swore by him that his father Isaac feared. Then jacob did sacrifice upon the mount, & called his brethren to eat bread. And they ate breed and tarried all night in the hill. And early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his children and his daughters, and blessed them and departed and went unto his place again, but jacob went forth on his journey/ and the angels of God came & met him. And when jacob saw them, he said: this is God's host, and called the name of that same place, Mahanaim. ¶ The vision of the angels. jacob sendeth presents unto his brother E●au. How he wrestled with the angel which changed his name and called him Israel. CAPI. XXXII. Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, unto the land josu xxiiii a. of Seir and the field of Edom. And he commanded them saying: See that you speak after this manner to my Lord Esau: thy servant jacob saith thus. I have sojourned and been a stranger with Laban unto this time and have got oxen, asses and sheep, men servants and women servants, and now I send embassage to the my Lord, that I may find grace in thy sight. And the messengers came again to jacob saying: we came unto thy brother Esau, and he cometh against the & four hundred men with him. Then was jacob greatly afraid and witted not which way to turn himself, and divided the people that was with him, & the sheep, oxen, and camels in to two companies, and said: If Esau come to the one part and smite it, the other may save itself. And jacob said: O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac: Lord which saidest unto me, return unto thy country and to thy kynted/ and I will do all well with the. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant. For with my φ To go with a staff is a manner of speaking of the Hebrews which sygnifieth nothing else but to go simply/ barely & with out any riches or strength as in Marinell vi b. staff came I over this jordane, and now have I got two droves. deliver me from the hands of my brother Esau: for I fear him, least he will come and smite the mother with the children. Thou saidest that thou wouldest surely do me good, and wouldest make my seed as the sand of the see, which can not be numbered for multitude. And he tarried there that same night/ and took of that which came to hand, a present/ unto Esau his brother two hundred she gootes and twenty he goats/ two hundred sheep, and xx. rams: thirty mylshe camels with their colts xl kine, and ten bulls twenty she asses, and x fools, and delivered them unto his servants/ every drove by themselves/ and said unto them: go forth before me, and put a space between every drove. And he commanded the formest, saying. When Esau my brother meeteth the and asketh the saying: whose servant art thou, and whither goest thou, and whose are these that go before thee: thou shalt say, they be thy servant jacobs', and are a present sent unto my Lord Esau, and behold, he himself cometh after us. And so commanded he the second and even so the third/ and likewise all that followed the droves saying, of this manner see that you speak unto Esau when you meet him and said moreover. Behold thy servant jacob cometh after us/ for he said I will pease his wrath with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see him myself/ so peradventure he will receive me to grace. So went the present before him, and he tarried all that night in the tent/ and rose up the same night, and took his two wives and his two maidens, and his xj sons, and went over the ford jacob. And he took them and sent them all over the river, and tarried behind himself alone. And there * Osce. ●● jacob ●● steleth 〈◊〉 angel. wrestled a man with him unto the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he could not prevail against him he smote him under the thigh, and the senow of jacobs' thigh shrank as he wrestled with him. And he said: let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said: I will not let the go/ except thou bless me. And he said unto him: What is thy name? He answered: jacob. And he said: thou shalt be called jacob no more/ but * Gen. xii● jacob b ●●. l●d Israe● Israel. For thou hast wrestled with God, and hast prevailed. And jacob asked him saying, tell me thy name. And he said, wherefore dost thou ask after my name? and he blessed him there. And jacob called the name of the place Phemel/ for I have seen God face to face, * judi. ● and yet is my life reserved. And as he went over Phemel the son rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh, wherefore the children of Israel eat not of the senow of the thigh unto this day/ because that he smote jacob under the thigh in the senowe that shrunk. ¶ Esau and jacob are agreed. And jacob came in to Sichem. CAPI. XXXIII. Jacob life up his eyes and saw his brother Esau come, and with him four C. men. And he divided his children unto Lea, unto Rachel, and unto his two women servants. And did set the women servants & their children foremost/ and Lea & her children after, and Rachel & joseph hyndermost. And himself went before them and fallen on the ground vij times till he came unto his brother. Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fallen on his neck & kissed him, and they wept. And he life up his eyes & see the wives and their children, & said: what are these which thou there hast? And he said: they are the children which God hath given thy servant. Then came the maidens forth/ and did their obeisance. Lea also and her children came and did their obeisance. And last of all came joseph and Rachel, and did their obeisance. And he said: what meanest thou with all the droves which I met. And he answered: to find grace in the sight of my Lord. And Esau said: I have enough my brother keep that thou hast unto thyself. jacob answered: o nay/ but if I have found grace in thy sight, receive my present of my hand: for I have seen thy face * as though I had seen the face of God, wherefore receive me to grace and take my blessing that I have brought the for god hath given it me. And I have enough of all things. And so he compelled him to take it. And he said: let us take our journey and go And I will go in thy company. And he said unto him: my lord knoweth that I have render children/ ewes and kine with young under mine hand, which if men should overdryve but even one day, the hole flock would die. Let my Lord therefore go before his servant, and I will drive fair and softly, according as the cattles that goth before me and the children be able to endure: till I come to my lord unto Seir. And Esau said: let me yet leave some of my folk with the. And he said: what needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. So Esau went his way again that same day unto Seir. And jacob took his journey toward Sucoth, and bylt him an house, & made booths for his cattle: wherefore the name of the place is called Sucoth. And jacob came peasybly in to the city of Sithem in the land of Canaan/ after that he was come from Mesopotamia, and pitched before the city, and bought parcel of ground where he pitched his tent, of the children of Hemor Sichems' father, for an hundred lambs. And he made there an altar, and there called upon the mighty God of Israel. ¶ The ravysshing of Dina jacobs' daughter by the men of Sichem. And of the great blood shedding done by the sons of jacob. CAPI. XXXIIII. DIna the daughter of Lea which she bore unto jacob, 〈◊〉 is ra●●ed. went out to see the daughters of the land. And Sichem the son of Hemor the Hevite lord of the country saw her, and took her and say with her, and forced her: and his heart lay unto Dina the daughter of jacob. And he loved the damsel and spoke kindly unto her, and spoke unto his father Hemor saying/ get me this maiden unto my wife. And jacob herd that he had defiled Dina his daughter, but his sons were with the cattles in the field, and therefore he held his peace till they were come. Then Hemor the father of Sichem went out unto jacob, to comen with him. And the sons of jacob came out of the field as soon as they heard it/ for it grieved them/ and they were not a little wrath, because he had wrought folly in Israel, in that he had lyen with jacobs' daughter, which thing aught not to be done. And Hemor commoned with them saying: The soul of my son Sichem longeth for your daughter: give her him to wife, and make marriages with us: give your daughters unto us, and take our doughers unto you, and devil with us, and the land shall be at your pleasure/ devil and do your business, and have your possessions therein. And Sichem said unto her father and her brethren: let me find grace in your eyes, and what so ever you appoint me, that will I give. Ask freely of me both the dowry and gifts, & I will give according as you say unto me, and give me the damsel to wife. Then the sons of jacob answered to Sichem and Hemor his father disceytfully, byhe had defiled Dina their sister. And they said unto them/ we can not do this thing that we should give our sister to one that is uncircumcised/ for that were a shame unto us. Only in this will we consent unto you. If you will be as we be, that all the men children among you be circumcised, than will we give our daughter to you, and take yours to us, & will devil with you and be one people. But if you will not hearken unto us to be circumcised, then will we take our daughter and go our ways. And their words pleased Hemor: and Sichem his son. And the young man deferred not for to do the thing, because he had a lust to jacobs' daughter: he was also most set by of all that were in his father's house. Then Hemor and Sichem went unto the gate of their city and commoned with the men of their city, saying: these men are peaceable with us/ and will devil in the land and do their occupation therein. And in the land is room enough for them/ let us take their daughters to wives, and give them ours: only herein will they consent unto us for to dwell with us and to be one people: if all the men children that are among us be circumcised as they are. Their goods and their substance and all their cattles are ours, only let us consent unto them, that they may devil with us. And unto Hemor and Sichem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city. And all the men children were circumcised what so ever went out at the gates of his city. And the third day when it was painful to them, two of the sons of jacob Simeon and Levi Dinas brethren, took either of them his * Gen. xlix ●. judith. ●x. a. sword, and went in to the city boldly, and slew all that was male and slew also Hemor and Sichem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dina their sister out of Sichems' house, and went their way. Then came the sons of jacob upon the deed, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister: and took their sheep, oxen, asses and what so ever was in the city & also in the fields. And all their goods, all their children and their wives took they captive & made havoc of all that was in the houses. And jacob said to Simeon & Levi: you have troubled me and made me stink unto the inhabitants of the land, both to the Canaanytes and also to the Pherezytes. And I am few in number. Wherefore they shall gather themselves together against me and slay me/ and so shall I and my house be destroyed. And they answered, should they deal with our sister as with an whore? ¶ jacob goeth up unto Bethel, and buried his images under an oak. Deborah dieth. jacob is called Israel. The land of Canaan is promised him. Rachel dieth in labour. Reuben lay with his father's concubine. The death of Isaac. CAPI. XXXV. ANd God said unto jacob/ arise, and get the up to Bethel, and devil there. And make there an altar unto God that appeared unto thee, when thou fleddest from Elau thy brother. Then said jacob unto his household & to all that were with him: put away the strange gods that are among you & make yourselves clean/ & change your garments and let us arise and go up to bethel that I may make an altar there unto God which heard me in the day of my tribulation, φ The scripture calleth all manner of idols or images/ strange god's/ because the worshippers of them esteem them as gods and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto jacob all the strange gods which were under their hands, and all their ear rings which were in their ears/ and jacob hid them under an oak at Sichem And they departed. And the fear of God fallen upon the cities that were round about them/ that they dared not follow after the sons of jacob. So came jacob to Lus in the sand of Canaan, otherwise called Bethel, with all the people that was with him. And he builded here an altar, and called the place bethel, because that God appeared unto him there, when he fled from his brother. Then died * Gen. xxiiii g Deborah Rebeccas' nurse/ and was buried beneath Bethel under an oak. And it was called the oak of lamentation. And god appeared unto * Osee xii a. jacob again after he came out of Mesopotamia and blessed him and said unto him: thy name is jacob. Notwithstanding thou shalt be no more called * Gen. xxii f. jacob, but Israel shall be thy name. And so was his name called Israel. And God said unto him: I am God almighty, grow and multiply: for people and a multitude of people shall spring of thee, yea and kings shall come out of thy loins. And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac will I give unto thee, and unto thy seed after the will I give it also. And god departed from him in the place where he talked with him. And jacob set up a mark in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone, and poured drink offering thereon and poured also oil thereon, and called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel. And they departed from bethel, and when he was but a field breadth from Ephrath / Rachel began to travel. And in traveling she was in peril. And as she was in pains of her labour, the midwife said unto her: Fear not for thou shalt have this son also. Then as her soul was departing, φ BenIamin: that is the son of the right hand. And right hand is taken for good fortune. that she * Reg. four b must die: she called his name BenOni. But his father called him BenIamin. And thus died Rachel and was buried in the way to Ephrath which is now called Bethlehem. And jacob set up a pillar upon her grave, which is called Rachel's grave pillar unto this day. And Israel went thence and pytched up his tent beyond the * Mich iiij c tour of Eder. And it chanced as Israel dwelt in the land, that Reuben went and * Gen. xlix a lay with Bilha his father's concubine, and it came to Israel's ear. The xii sons of jacob The sons of jacob were twelve in number. The sons of Lea. Reuben jacobs' elder son, and Simeon, Levi, juda, Isachar, and Zabulon. The sons of Rachel: joseph and BenIamin. The sons of Bilha Rachel's maid: Dan and Nepthali. The sons of Zilpha Leas maid Gad and Asar. These are the sons of jacob which were born him in Mesopotamia. Then jacob went unto Isaac his father to Mamre a principal city, Isaac ●● otherwise called Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned as strangers. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and lxxx years: and then fell he sick and died, and was put unto his people being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and and jacob buried him. ¶ The wives of Esau. jacob and Esau are rich. The genealogy of Esau. Esau dwelleth in the hill Seir. CAPI. XXXVI. THese are the generations of Esau which is called Edon. Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan, Ada the daughter of Elon an Hittite, and Ahalibama the daughter of Ana, which Ana was the son of Zibeon an Hevite. And Basmath Ismaels' * Gen. i●● daughter and sister of Nebatoth. And Ada bore unto Esau/ Eliphas: and φ Ba●● other●●●led Meheleth. Basmath bore Reguel: And Ahalibama bore jeus, jaelam and Korah. These are the sons of Esau which were born him in the land of Canaan. And Esau took his wives, his sons and daughters and all the souls of his house: his goods and all his cattles and all his substance which he had got in the land of Canaan/ and went in to a country away from his brother jacob: for their * Gen. ●● riches was so moche that they could not devil together, and that the land wherein they were strangers, could not receive them: because of their cattles. Thus dwelt Esau in the mount Seir, which Esau is called Edon. These are the generations of Esau father of the Edomites in mount Seir, & these are the names of Esau's sons: * i B●● Eliphas the son of Ada the wife of Esau/ and Reguel the sons of Basmath the wife of Esau also. And the sons of Eliphas were Theman, Omar, Zepho, Gaetham and Kenas. And Thimna was concubine to Eliphas Esau's son, and bore unto Eliphas Amalech And these be the sons of Ada Esau's wife. And these are the sons of Reguel: Nahath, Serah, Samma, & Misa: these were the sons of Basmath Esau's wife. And these were the sons of Dahalibama Esau's wife the daughter of Ana son of Zebeon, which she bore unto Esau: jeus, jealam and Roah. These were dukes of the sons of Esau. The children of * i 〈◊〉 Eliphas the first son of Esau were these: duke Theman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenas, duke Korah, duke Gaetham & duke Amelech: these are the dukes that came of Eliphas in the land of Edom/ and these were the sons of Ada. These were the children of Reguel Esau's son: duke Nahah, duke Serah, duke Samma, duke Missa. These are the dukes that came of Reguel in the land of Edom, and these were the sons of Basmath Esau's wife. These were the children of Ahalibama Esau's wife: duke jeus, duke Gaclam, duke Korah: these dukes came of Ahalibama the daughter of Ana Esau's wife. These are the children of Esau/ & these are the dukes of them, which Esau is called Edom. These are the children of Seir the Horyte, the inhabior of the land, Lothan, Sobal, Zibeon, Ana, Dison/ Eser and Disan. These are the dukes of the Horytes the children of Seir in the land of Edom. And the children of Lothan were. Hori and Hemam. And Lothans' sister was called Thymna. The children of Sobal were these: Aluan, Manahath, Ebal, Sepho and Onan. These were the children of Zibeon. Aia & Ana/ this was that Ana that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed his father Zibeons asses. The children of Ana were these. Dison & Ahalibama the daughter of Ana. These are the children of Dison, Hemdan, Esban, jethran and Cheran. The children of Ezer were these. Bilhan, Seavan, & Akan. The children of Disan were Vz and Aran. These are the dukes that came of Hori: duke Lothan, duke Sabal, duke Zibeon, duke Ana, duke Dison, duke Ezer, duke Disan. These be the dukes that came of Hoary in their dukedoms in the land of Seir. These are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before there reigned any king among the children of Israel. Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edomea/ and the name of of his city was Dinhaba. And when Bela died, jobab the son of Serah out of Bezara reigned in his stead. when jobab was deed, Husam of the land of Themany reigned in his stead. And after the death of Husam, Hadad the son of Bedad which slew the Madianytes in the field of the Moabytes, reigned in his stead/ and the name of his city was Auith. When Hadad was dead, Samla of Masteka reigned in his stead. When Samla was deed, Saul of the river Rehoboth reigned in his stead. When Saul was deed, Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And after the death of Baal Hanan the son of Achbor, Hadad reigned in his stead, & the name of the city was Pagu. And his wife's name Mehetabeel the daughter of Matred the daughter or Mesaab. These are the names of the dukes that came of Esau. in the twelve kinredes, places and names: Duke Thimma, duke Alva, duke jetheth, duke Ahalibama, duke Ela, duke Pinon, duke Kenas, duke Theman, duke Mibzar, duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These be the dukes of Edomea in their habitations/ in the land of their possessions. This Esau is the father of the Edomytes. ¶ joseph accuseth his brethren. joseph dreameth and is hated of his brethren, and is sold to the Ismaelytes jacob bewaileth joseph. CAPI. XXXVII. ANd jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger/ that is to say in the land of Canaan. And these are the generations of jacob: when joseph was xuj year old, he kept sheep with his brethren/ & the lad was with the sons of Bilha and of Zilpha his father's wives. And he accused his brethren unto his father of an evil crime. And Israel loved joseph more than all his children, because he begat him in his old age/ & he made him a cote of many colours. When his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren/ they hated him, and could not speak one kind word unto him. Moreover joseph * Gene. xlii b joseph dreameth. dreamt a dream and told it his brethren: wherefore they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them/ hear I pray you this dream which I have dreamt: Behold we were making sheves in the field: and lo, my sheaf arose and stood upright, and yours stood round about and made obeisance to my sheaf. Then said his brethren unto him: What, shalt thou be our king, or shalt thou reign over us? And they hated him yet the more, because of his dream and of his words. And he dreamt yet an other dream & told it his brethren saying: behold, I have had one dream more: Me thought the son and the moon and xj stars made obeisance to me. And when he had told it unto his father and his brethren, his father rebuked him and said unto him: what means this dream which thou hast dreamt: shall I and thy mother & thy brethren come and fall on the ground before thee? And his brethren hated him/ but his father noted the saying. His brethren went to keep their father's sheep in Sichem/ and Israel said unto joseph: Do not thy brethren keep sheep in Sichem? come, that I may lend the to them. And he answered, * i Reg. three ● here am I And he said unto him: Go & see whether it be well with thy brethren and the sheep, and bring me word again. And sent him out of the vale of Hebron, for to go to Sichem. And a certain man found him wand'ring out of his way in the field, and asked him what he sought. And he answered: I seek my brethren, tell me I pray the where they keep sheep. And the man said, they are departed hence/ for I herd them say, let us go unto Dothan. Thus went joseph after his brethren, and found them in Dochan. And when he saw them a far of before he came at them/ they took counsel against him for to slay him/ and said one to an other: Behold, this * Mat xxj d Marc twelve a Luc .xx c dreamer cometh/ come now and let us slay him, and cast him in to some pit/ and let us say that some wicked be'st hath devoured him, and let us see what his dreams will come to. When Reuben saw that, he went about to rid him out of their hands and said/ let us not kill, him. And Reuben said moreover unto them/ shed not his * Gen. xlij d. blood, but cast him in to this pit that is in the wilderness/ and lay no hands upon him: for he would have rid him out of their hands, and delivered him to his father again. And as soon as joseph was come unto his brethren, they strypte him out of his gay cote that was upon him/ and they took him and cast him in to a pit: But the pit was empty and had no water therein. And they sat them down to eat breed. And as they life up their eyes and looked about, there came a company of Ismaelites from Gilead, and their camels laden with spicery, balm and myrrh, and were going down into egypt. Then said juda to his brethren, what availeth it that we slay our brother, and keep his blood secret? come on, let us * Act vii b cell him to the Ismaelytes, and let not our hands be defiled upon him: for he is our brother, and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then as the Madianites merchant men passed by, they drew joseph out of the pit/ and sold him unto the Ismaelytes for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought him into egypt. And when Reuben came again unto the pit and found not joseph there, he rend his clotheses, and went again unto his brethren saying: the lad is not yonder, and where shall I go? And they took josephs' cote and killed a goote, and dypped the cote in the blood. And they sent the gay cote & caused it to be brought unto their father, and said: This have we found: se, whether it be thy sons cote, or no. And he knew it saying: it is my sons cote, a wicked beast hath * Gen. xliiii f devoured him, and joseph is rend in pieces. And jacob rend his clotheses, and put sack clot about his loins and sorrowed for his son a long season. Then came all his sons, and all his daughters to comfort him. And he would not be comforted but said: I will go down into the grave unto my son, mourning. And thus his father wept for him. And the Madianytes * Psal xiiii f Sapien x c sold him in Egypt unto Putiphar a lord of Pharaos': and his chief marshal. ¶ The marriage of juda. The trespass of Er and Onan, and the vengeance of god that came there upon. juda lay with his daughter Thamar. The birth of Pharez and zara. CAPI. XXXVIII. ANd it fortuned at that time, that judas went from his brethren, and got him to a man called Hira of Odollam and there he saw the daughter of a man called * i Par. two a. Sua, a Canaanyte: And he took her, & lay with her. And she contained, and bore a son, and called his name Er. And she conceived again, and bore a son, and called him Onan. And she conceived the third time and bore a son, whom she called Sela: and he was at Chesyb when she bore him. And judas gave Ere his elder son a wife whose name was Thamar. But this Er judas elder son, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, wherefore the Lord slay him. Then said judas unto Onan: go in to thy brother's wife and mary her, and stir up seed unto thy brother. And when Onan perceived that the seed should not be his: therefore when he went in to his brother's wife, he spilled it on the ground, because he would not give seed unto his brother. And the thing which he did, Onan is slain because he would not raise seed to his brother. displeased the Lord, wherefore he slew him also. Then said judas to Thamar his daughter in law: remain a widow at thy father's house, till Sela my son be grown: for he feared jest he should have died also, as his brethren did. Thus went Thamar, and dwelled in her father's house. And in process of time, the daughter of Sua, judas wife, died. Then judas when he had left morning, went unto his sheep sherers to Thymnath, with his friend Hira of Odollam. And one told Thamar, saying: behold, thy father in law goth up to Thymnath, to * Gen. ●●●ij. Regū●●● shear his sheep. And she put her widows garments from her, and covered her with a cloak, and disgysed herself: And sat her down at the entering of Enaim, which is by the high ways side to Thimnath, because she see that Sela was grown, and she was not given him to wife. When juda saw her, he thought it had been an whore, because she had covered her face. And turned to her unto the way & said Come I pray thee, let me lie with thee, for he knew not that it was his daughter in law. And she said what will't thou give me, to lie with me? Then said he, I will send the a kid from the flock. She answered, Then give me a pledge till thou send it. Then said he, what pledge shall I give thee? And she said thy sygner, thy bracelet, juda hunteth 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 and thy staff that is in thy hand. And he gave it her, and lay by her, and she was with child by him. And she got her up, and went, and put her mantel from her, & put on her widows raiment again. And judas sent the kid by his neighbour of Odollam, for to fetch out his pledge again from the wives hand. But he found her not. Then asked he the men of the same place, saying: Where is the whore that sat at Enaim in the way? And they said: there was no whore here. And he came to juda again, saying: I can not find her, and also the men of the place said: that there was no whore there. And juda said: let her take it to her, jest we be shamed: for I sent the kid, and thou couldst not find her. And it came to pass that after three months, one told juda, saying: Thamar thy daughter in law hath played the whore, and with playing the whore is become great with child. And juda said: bring her forth, and let her be brent. And when they brought her forth, she sent to her father in law, saying: by the man unto whom these things pertain, am I with child. And said also: look whose are this seal, bracelet, and staff. And juda knew them, saying: she is more rightwise than I, because I gave her not to Sela my son. But he lay with her no more. When time was come that she should be delivered, behold there was two twins in her womb. And as she traveled, the one put out his hand, & the midwife took & bound a reed thread about it saying: this will come out first. But he plucked his hand back again, and his brother came out. And she said: wherefore hast thou φ Rent●● that is ●●fore did 〈◊〉 open th●●●●trie fir●● was fir●● born. rend a rent upon thee? and called him Pharez. And afterward came out his brother that had the read thread about his hand, which was called Zara. ¶ God prospereth joseph. His master tempteth him. He is accused and cast in prison. God hath mercy upon him. CAPI. XXXIX. joseph was brought unto Egypt, and Putiphar * Genesis ●xxvii. g a lord of Pharaos': and his chief marshal an Egyptian bought him of the Ismaelytes, which brought him thither. And the Lord was with joseph/ and he prospered and continued in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him/ and that the Lord made all that he did prosper in his hand: Wherefore he found grace in his master's sight, and served him. And his master made him ruler of his house, and put all that he had in his hand. And as soon as he had made him ruler over his house, and over all that he had, the Lord blessed this Egyptians house for josephs' sake/ and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had: both in the house, and also in the fields. And therefore he left all that he had in josephs' hand/ and looked upon nothing that was with him, save only on the breed which he ate. And joseph was a * i Reg. xvi c ●oseph is in●sed of his ●aysteres to ●●odnes. goodly person, and a well favoured. And it fortuned after this, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon joseph, and said: come lie with me: But he denied and said to her. Behold, my master woteth not what he hath in the house with me/ but hath committed all that he hath to my hand. He himself is not greater in the house than I/ and hath kept nothing from me/ but only the because thou art his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, for to sin against God? And after this manner spoke she to joseph day by day: but he hearkened not unto her, to sleep near her, or to be in her company. And it fortuned about the same season, that joseph entered in to the house, to do his business: and there was none of the household by in the house. And she caught him by the garment, saying: come sleep with me. And he left his garment in her hand, and fled and got him out. When she saw that he had let his garment in her hand, and was fled out, she called unto the men of the house, and told them saying: See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us, to do us shame: for he came in to me, for to have slept with me. But I cried with a loud voice. And when he heard that I lytte up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled away, and got him out. And she laid up his garment by her, until her lord came home. And she told him according to these words saying. This Hebrews servant which thou hast brought unto us came in to me to do me shame. But as soon as I lift up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled out. When his master heard the words of his wife which she told him saying: after this manner did thy servant to me, he waxed wroth. And he took joseph and put him in ●sal xiiii b prison even in the place where the kings prisoners lay bound. And there continued he in prison/ but the Lord was with joseph, & showed him mercy/ and got him ravour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, which committed to josephs' hand all the prisoners that were in the prison house. And what so ever was done there, that did he. And the keeper of the prison looked unto nothing that was under his hand, because the Lord was with him, & because that what so ever he did, the Lord made it come luckily to pass. ¶ joseph expoundeth the dreams of the two prisoners. CAPI. XL. ANd it chanced after this, that the chief butler of the king of Egypt & his chief baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry with them and put them in ward in his chief marshal's house: even in the prison where joseph was bound. And the chief marshal gave joseph a charge with them/ & he served them. And they continued a season in ward. And they dreamt either of them in one night: The kings baker & butler do dreams both the butler and the baker of the king of egypt which were bound in the prison house, either of them his dream, and each man's dream of a sundry interpretation. When joseph came in unto them in the morning/ and looked upon them: Behold, they were sad. And he asked them saying, wherefore look you so sadly to day? They answered him/ we have dreamt a dream/ and have no man to declare it. And joseph said unto them. Interpreting belongeth to god, Expowninge of dreams appertaineth to god. but tell me yet. And the chief butler told his dream to joseph, and said unto him. In my dream me thought there stood a vine before me/ and in the vine were three branches, and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth: and the grapes thereof waxed ripe. And I had Pharaos' cup in my hand, and took of the grapes and wrong them in to Pharaos' cup, and delivered Pharaos' cup in to his hand. And joseph said unto him/ this is the interpretation of it. The three branches are three days: for within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine heed/ and restore the unto thine office again/ and thou shalt deliver Pharaos' cup in to his hand, after the old manner, even as thou didst when thou wast his butler. But think on me when thou art in good case/ and show mercy unto me. And make mention of me to Pharaoh/ and help to bring me out of this house/ for I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing at all wherefore they should have put me in to this dungeon. When the chief baker saw that he had well expowned it/ he said unto joseph/ Mendoza thought also in my dream, that I had three wyker baskets on my heed. And in the uppermost basket, of all manner bake meats for Pharaoh. And the birds ate them out of the basket upon my heed. joseph answered and said: this is the interpretation thereof. The three baskets are three days/ for this day three days shall Pharaoh take thy heed from thee/ and shall hung the on a tree, and the birds shall eat thy flesh from the. And it came to pass the third day which was Pharaos' * Mat xiiii a birth day/ that he made a feast unto all his servants. And he lifted up the heed of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. And restored the chief butler unto his butlershyp again/ and he reached the cup in to Pharaos' hand/ and hanged the chief baker: even as joseph had interpretated unto them. Notwithstanding the chief butler remembered not joseph/ but forgot him. ¶ Pharaos' dreams are expounded by joseph. He is made ruler over all Egypt. He hath two sons/ Manasies and Ephraim. The dearth beginneth in egypt. CAPI. XLI. ANd it fortuned at two years end that Pharaoh dreamt, Pharaoh dreameth. and thought that he stood by a rivers side/ and that there came out of the river vij goodly kine, & fat flesshed, and fed in a meadow/ & him thought that vij other cows came up after them out of the river evil favoured and lean flesshed, and stood by the other upon the brink of the river. And the evil favoured and lean flesshed kine, ate up the vij well-favoured & fat kine/ and he awoke therewith. And he slept again and dreamt the second time, that vij ears of corn grew upon one stalk rank & goodly. And that vij thin ears blasted with the wind, sprang up after them/ and that the vij thin ears devoured the vij rank and full ears. And then Pharaoh awaked, and see, here is his dream. When the morning came, his spirit was troubled. And he sent and called for the soothsayers of egypt/ and all the wise men thereof, and told them his dream: but there was none of them that could interpret it unto Pharaoh. Then spoke the chief butler unto Pharaoh saying. I do remember my fault his day. Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put inward in the chief marshal's house, both me and the chief baker. And we dreamt both of us in one night, & each man's dream of a sundry interpretation. And there was with us a young man an Hebrew born, servant unto the chief marshal. And we told him, & he declared our dreams to us according to either of our dreams. And as he declared them unto us so it came to pass. I was restored to mine office again, and he was hanged. Then Pharaoh sent and called joseph. And they brought him forthwith out of prison. And he shaved himself and changed his raiment, & went in to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto joseph, I have dreamt a dream and no man can interpretate it/ but I have herd tell of thee, that as soon as thou hearest a dream, thou dost declare it. And joseph answered Pharaoh saying: God shall give Pharaoh a prosperous answer without me. Pharaoh said unto joseph: In my dream me thought I stood by a rivers side, and there came out of the river vij fat flesshed and well-favoured kine, and fed in the meadow. And then vij other kine came up after them, poor and very evylfavoured & lean flesshed: so that I never s●we their like in all the land of egypt in evylfavourdnes. And the vij lean and evil-favoured kine ate up the first vij fat kine. And when they had eaten them up a man could not perceive that they had eaten them: for they were still as evylfavoured as they were at the beginning, And I awoke. And I see again in my dream vij ears spring out of one stalk full and good, and vij other ears withered, thine and blasted with wind, spring up after them. And the thin ears devoured the vij good ears. And I have told it unto the soothsayers, but no man can tell me what it means. Then joseph said unto Pharaoh, both Pharaos' dreams are one. And god doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. The vij good kine are vij years, and the vij good ears are seven. years also/ and it is but one dream. Likewise the vij thine and evylfavoured kine that came out after them, are seven years/ and the seven empty and blasted ears shall be seven years of hunger. This is that which I said unto Pharaoh, that God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. Behold there shall come vij years of great plenteousness throughout all the land of Egypt. And there shall arise after them vij years of hunger: So that all the plenteousness shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt. And the hunger shall consume the land, so that the plenteousness shall not be once perceived in the land by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shall be exceeding great. And where as the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh the second time, it betokeneth that the thing is certainly prepared of God, & that God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt. And let Pharaoh make officers over the land, and take up the fift part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years, and let them gather all the food of these good years that come, & lay up corn under the power of Pharaoh, that there may be food in the cities, and there let them keep it, that there may be food in store in the land against the seven years of hunger which shall come in the land of Egypt, and that the land perish not thorough hunger. And the saying pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. Then said Pharaoh unto his servants where shall we find such a man as this is, that hath the spirit of God in him? wherefore Pharaoh said unto joseph: forasmoch as god hath showed the all this, there is no man of understanding or of wisdom like unto the. Thou therefore shalt be * Psalms Actu. v●●. ● i Math● Daniel. ●. over my house, & according to thy word shall all my people obey: only in the kings seat will I be above the. And he said unto joseph, behold, I have set the over all the land of Egypt. And he took of his ring from his ●yngre, & put it upon joseps' fyngres/ and arrayed him in raiment of silk, and h●ng a golden chain about his neck, and set him upon the best chariot that he had save one. And proclamation was made, that every person should bow his knee before him, as to him whom Pharaoh had set over all the land of egypt. And Pharaoh said unto joseph. I am Pharaoh/ without thy will shall no man life up either his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. And he called joseps' name zaphnath ●ena: they 〈◊〉 words of egypt/ and 〈◊〉 moche to ●e As a man 〈◊〉 whom se●● things 〈◊〉 opened. Zaphnath Paena. And he gave him to wife Asnath the daughter of Putiphar priest of On. Then went joseph abroad in the land of Egypt. And he was thirty year old when he stood before Pharaoh king of egypt. And then joseph departed from Pharaoh, and went throughout all all the land of egypt. And in the seven plentiful years they made sheves, and gathered up all the increase of the seven plenteous years which were in the land of egypt, and put it in to the cities. And he put the food of the fields that grew round about every city, even in the same. And joseph laid up corn in store, like to the sand of the see in multitude above measure, until he left nombring: For it was without number. And unto joseph were born two sons before the years of hunger came, which Asnath the daughter of Putiphar priest of On, bore unto him. And he called the name of the first son Gen. xlvi c Manasie/ for God (said he) hath made me forget all my labour, and all my father's household. The second called he Ephraim, for God (said he) hath caused me to grow in the land of my trouble. And when the seven plentiful years that were in the land of Egypt were ended, then came the seven years of ●●m. uli. b dearth, according as joseph had said. And the dearth was in all lands, but in the land of egypt was there yet food. When now all the land of Egypt began to hunger, than cried the people to Pharaoh for breed. And Pharaoh said unto all egypt: go unto joseph, and what he saith to you, that do. And when the dearth was throughout all the land/ joseph opened all that was in the cities and sold unto the Egyptians. And hunger waxed sore in the land of egypt. And all countries came to Egypt to joseph for to buy corn: because that the hunger was so sore in all lands. ¶ josephs' brethren come into egypt to buy corn. he knoweth and trieth them. simeon is put in prison/ the other return to their father to fetch BenIamin. His father loath to let him go, at last granted. CAPI. XLII. WHen jacob saw there was corn to be sold in egypt, he said to his sons: Why are you negligent? Behold I have herd that there is corn to be sold in Egypt. ●●ni vii b Get you thither & buy us corn from thence, that we may live and not die. So went josephs' ten brethren down to buy corn in egypt/ for jacob would not send BenIamin with his other brethren: for he said, some misfortune might happen him. And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among other that came, for there was dearth also in the land of Canaan. And joseph was governor in the land, ●seph exa●neth his ●thern. and sold corn to all the people of the land. And his brethren came and fallen flat on the ground before him. When joseph saw his brethren, he knew them, but made strange unto them, and spoke roughly unto them saying: whence come you? and they said: out of the land of Canaan, to buy victual. joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And joseph remembered his * Genesis xxxvii b dreams which he dreamt of them/ and said unto them, you are spies, and you come to see where the land is weak. And they said unto him: nay my lord, but to buy victual thy servants are come. We are all one man's sons/ and we mean truly/ and thy servants are no spies. He said unto them: nay verily, but even to see where the land is weak is your coming. And they said: we thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is yet with our father/ but one no man woteth where he is. joseph said unto them/ that is it that I said unto you, that you are surely spies. Hereby you shall be proved. For by the life of Pharaoh you shall not go hence till your youngest brother be brought hither. Send therefore one of you to fetch your brother, and you shall be in prison in the mean season. And thereby shall your words be proved/ whether you be true, or else by the life of Pharaoh, you are but spies. And he put them inward three days. Then joseph said unto them, the third day. This do, and you shall live/ for I fear god. If you mean truly, let one of your brethren be bound in prison, and go you and bear necessary food to your households, and bring with you your youngest brother unto me: that your words may be believed, and that you die not. And they did so. Then they said one to an other; we have verily sinned against our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and would not hear him: therefore is this trouble come upon us. Reuben answered them saying. Said I not unto you that you should not * Genesis xxxvii d. sin against the child? but you would not hear. And now verily see, his blood is φ To require the blood of the hand of an other is to take vengeance of the evil done unto him/ as in Genesis ix a Psa ix b and Ezechiel iii ss required. They were not ware that joseph understand them/ for he spoke unto them by an interpreter. And he turned from them & wept, and then turned to them again & talked with them, and took out simeon from them and bound him before their eyes, and commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to put every man's money in his sack, & to give them uttayle to spend by the way. And so it was done to them. And they jaded their asses with the corn and departed thence. And as one of them opened his sack for to give his ass provender in the Inn, he spied his money in his sacks mouth. And he said unto his brethren: my money is restored me again, and is in my sacks mouth. Then their hearts failed them, and were astonied, and said one to an other/ how cometh it that God dealeth thus with us? And they came to jacob their father unto the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened them saying. The lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies to search the country. And we said unto him: we mean truly and are no spies. We be twelve brethren sons of our father/ one is away, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan. Then the lord of the country said unto us: by this shall I know if you mean truly: leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food necessary for your households, and get you away, and bring your youngest brother unto me. And hereby shall I know that you are no spies, but mean truly: So will I deliver you your brother again/ and you shall occupy in the land. And as they emptied their sacks, behold every man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when both they and their father see the bundles of money, they were afraid. And jacob their father said unto them, have you rob me of my children: joseph is deed, and simeon is away/ and you will take BenIamin from me. All these things fall upon me. Reuben answered his father saying: Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to the again. deliver him therefore unto my hand, and I will bring him to the again: But he said: my son shall not go down with you/ for his brother is deed, and he is left alone. Moreover some misfortune might happen upon him by the way which you go. And so should φ Bring me to my grave: that is you shall bring me to my death/ as in Isaiah xxxviii you bring my grey heed with sorrow unto the grave. ¶ when BenIamin was brought they returned with gifts Simeon is delivered out of prison. joseph goth aside & weepeth. They feast together. CAPI. XLIII. ANd the dearth waxed sore in the land. And when they had eaten up the corn which they brought out of the land of Egypt, their father said unto them: go again and buy us a little food. Then said juda unto him: the man did testify unto us saying, * Gen. xlii d look you see not my face, unless your brother come with you. Therefore if thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go and buy the food. If thou wilt not send him, we will not go: For the man said unto us: look you see not my face, except your brother be with you. And Israel said: wherefore dealt you so cruelly with me, to tell the man you had yet an other brother? They said: The man asked us of our kindred, saying: Is your father yet alive? have you not an other brother? And we told him according to these words: How could we know that he would bid us bring our brother down with us? Then said juda unto Israel his father: Sand the lad with me, and we will rise and go, that we may live and not die: both we, thou and also our children. I will be surety for him/ and of my hands require him. If I bring him not to thee, and set him before thine eyes * Gen. xliiii g. let me bear the blame for ever. For unless we had made this tarrying, by this we had been there twice and come again. Then their father Israel said unto them. If it must needs be so now, then do thus, take of the best fruits of the land in your vessels, and carry the man a present, a quantity of bawlme and a portion of honey, spices and myrrh, dates and almonds. And take as much money more with you. And the money that was brought again in your sacks, take it again with you, peradventure it was some oversight. Take also your brother with you, and arise and go again to the man. And God almighty give you mercy in the sight of the man and send you your other brother & also Beniamin and I will be as a man rob of his children. Thus took they the present & twice so much more money with them, and BenIamin. And rose up, went down to Egypt, and presented themselves to joseph. When joseph see Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house/ bring these men home, and slay & make ready: for they shall dine with me at none. And the man did as joseph bade, and brought them in to josephs' house. When they were brought to joseps' house/ they were afraid and said, because of the money that came in our sacks mouths at the first time/ be we brought that they might pike a quarrel with us, and lay some thing to our charge, to bring us in bondage and our asses also. So came they to the man that was the ruler over josephs' house, and spoke with him at the door and said. Sir, we came hither at the first time to buy food, and as we came to an Inn, and opened our sacks: behold every man's * Gen. money was in his sack with full weight: But we have brought it again with us, and other money have we brought also in our hands, to buy food but we can not tell who put our money in our sacks. And he said: be of good cheer/ fear not: your God, and the God of your fathers hath put that treasure in your sacks/ for I had your money. And he brought Simeon out to them, & led them in to josephs' house, & gave them water to wash their feet, & gave their asses provender: And they made ready their present, against joseph came at none/ for they heard say that they should dine there. When joseph came home, they brought the present in to the house to him, which they had in their hands, and fallen flat in the ground before him. And he welcomed them courteysly, saying/ is your father that old man which you told me of in good health? and is he yet alive? They answered: thy servant our father is in good health and is yet alive. And they bowed themselves and fallen to the ground. And he life up his eyes and beheld his brother BenIamin his mother's son and said: * Ge●● Is this your youngest brother of whom you said unto me? And said: God be merciful unto the my son. And joseph made haste (for * iii R●●● his heart did melt upon his brother) & sought where to weep, and entered in to his chamber, for to weep there. And he washed his face and came out and refrained himself, and bade set bread on the table. And they prepared for him by himself, & for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians which ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians may not eat breed with the Hebrews/ for that is an φ Abhor 〈◊〉, that is ●as abhor ●ot the E●ciās, that 〈◊〉 hebrew ●d eat wt●m. abomination unto the Egyptians. And they sat before him: the elder according unto his age, and the youngest according unto his youth. And the man merueled among themselves. And they brought rewards unto them from him: but Benjamin'S part was five times so much as any of there's. And they ate and drunk, and were merry with him. ¶ joseph accuseth his brethren of theft. juda becometh surety for BenIamin. CAPI. XLIIII. ANd he commanded the ruler of his house saying: fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, & put every man's money in his bag mouth, and put my silver cup in the sacks mouth of the youngest and his corn money also. And he did as joseph had said. And in the morning as soon as it was light, the men were let go with their asses. And when they were out of the city and not yet far passed, joseph said unto the ruler of his house: Arise and purive after the men, and overtake them, and say unto them: Wherefore have you rewarded evil for good? is that not the cup, of which my lord drinketh, and doth he not prophecy therein? you have evil done, that you have done. And he overtook them and said the same words unto them. And they answered him: wherefore saith my lord such words? God forbid that thy servants should do so. Behold, the money which we found in our sacks mouths, we brought again unto thee, out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of my lords house, either silver or gold? with whomsoever of thy servants it be found let him die, and let us also be my lords bondmen. And he said. Now therefore according unto your words he with whom it is found, shallbe my servant: but you, shallbe harmless. And forthwith every man took down his sack to the ground, and every man opened his sack. And he searched/ from the elder, to the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin'S sack. Then they * Genesis. ●vii. f rent their clotheses, and jaded every man his ass, and went again unto the city. And juda and his brethren came to josephs' house, for he was yet there, and they fallen before him on the ground. And joseph said unto them: what deed is this which you have done? wist you not that such a man as I, can prophecy? Then said juda: what shall we say unto my lord, what shall we speak, or what excuse can we make? God hath found out the wickedness of thy servants. Behold, both we and he, with whom the cup is found, are thy servants. And he answered: God forbid that I should do so, the man with whom the cup is found, he shallbe my servant: but go you in peace home to your father. ●da entreat for Ben●●min. Then juda went unto him and said: o my lord, let thy servant speak a word in my lords ear, and be not wroth with thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. My lord asked his servant saying: have you a father or a brother? And we answered my lord * Gene. xlii c we have a father that is old, and a young lad which he begat in his age: and the brother of the said lad is dead, and he is all that is left of that mother. And his father loveth him. Then said my lord unto his servants, bring him unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. And we answered my lord, that the lad could not go from his father, for if he should leave his father, his father were but a deed man. Then saydeste thou unto thy servants * Gen. xliii a unless your youngest brother come with you, look that you see my face no more. And when we came unto thy servant our father, we showed him, what my lord had said. And when our father said unto us, go again, and buy us a little food: we said, that we could not go. Nevertheless if our youngest brother go with us, then will we go, for we may not see the man's face except our youngest brother come with us. Then said thy servant our father unto us. You know that my wife bore me two sons. And the one went out from me, and it is said that he is * Genesis xxxvii g corn in pieces, of wild beasts, & I saw him not sense. If you shall take this also away from me, and some misfortune happen upon him, * Gene. xlii you shall bring my grey heed, with sorrow unto the grave. Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, if the lad be not with me: saying that his life hangs by the lads life, then as soon as he seethe that the lad is not come, he shall die. So shall we thy servants, bring the grey head of thy servant our father, with sorrow unto the grave. For I thy servant, become surety for the lad, unto my father, and said: * Gen. xliii b If I bring him not to the again, I will bear the blame all my life long. Now therefore let me thy servant, remain here for the lad, and be my lords bondman: and let the lad go home with his brethren: For how can I go unto my father, and the lad not with me: jest I should see the wretchedness that shall come on my father. ¶ joseph maketh himself known unto his brethren and sendeth for his father. CAPI. XLV. And joseph could no longer refrain before all them that stood about him/ but commanded that they should go all out from him, and that there should be no man with him, while he uttered himself unto his brethren. And he * Gene. xlii c xiiii. g wept aloud, so that the Egyptians, and the house of Pharaoh heard it. And he said unto his brethren: I am joseph, doth my father yet live? But his brethren could not answer him, for they were abashed at his presence. And joseph said unto his brethren: come near to me, and they came near. And he said: * Actu vii b. Gen. xxxvii f. I am joseph your brother, whom you sold into egypt. And now be not grieved therewith, neither let it seem a cruel thing in your eyes, that you sold me hither. For God did sand me before you, to save your lives. * Gene. i d For this is the second year of dearth in the land, and five more are behind, in which there shall neither be earring nor harvest. Wherefore God sent me afore to make provision, that you might continued in the earth, & to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now, it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me as a father unto Pharaoh, and lord over all his house, & ruler in all the land of egypt. Haste you therefore, and go to my father, and tell him, this saith thy son joseph: God hath made me lord over all egypt. Come down unto me and tarry not. And thou shalt devil in the land of Gosan, and be by me: both thou, & thy children, and thy children's children: and thy sheep, and beasts, and all that thou hast. There will I make provision for thee: For there remain yet five years of dearth, least thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, perish. Behold, your eyes do see, and the eyes also of my brother BenIamin, that I speak to you by mouth. Therefore tell my father of all my honour, which I have in egypt, and of all that you have seen, and make haste & bring my father hither. And he fallen on his brother Benjamin'S neck and wept/ and BenIamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren, & wept upon them. And after that, his brethren talked with him. And when the tidings were brought to Pharaos' house, that josephs' brethren were come, it pleased Pharaoh well, and all his servants. And Pharaoh spoke unto joseph: say unto thy brethren, this do you: lad your beasts, & get you hence, And when you be come unto the land of Canaan, take your father, and your households, and come unto me, and I will give you the best of the land of egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land. And commanded also. This do you: take charettes with you, out of the land of egypt, for your children, and for your wives: and bring your father, and come. Also, regard not your stuff, for the goods of all the land of egypt shall be yours. And the children of Israel did accordingly, And joseph gave them charettes at the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them victual also, to spend by the way. And he gave unto each of them, change of raiment: but unto BenIamin, he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five change of raiment. And unto his father he sent likewise ten asses laden with good out of egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn, bread and meat: to serve his father by the way. So sent he his brethren away, and they departed. And he said unto them: see that you fall not out by the way. And they departed from egypt/ and entered the land of Canaan, and came to jacob their father, and told him, saying. joseph is yet a live, and is governor over all the land of egypt. And jacobs' heart was troubled, but he believed them not. And they told him all the words of joseph, which he had said unto them. But when he saw the charettes which joseph had sent to carry him, than his spirits revived. And Israel said. I have enough, if joseph my son be yet alive: I will go and see him, or that I die. ¶ jacob with all his household goeth to joseph in to Egypt. The genealogy of jacob. joseph meeteth his father. CAPI. XLVI. ISrael took his * Io●● Actu. ●● Isaiah. ● journey, with all he had, and came unto Berseba, and offered offerings unto the God of his father Isaac. And God said unto Israel in a vision by night, and called unto him: jacob jacob. And he answered: here am I And he said: I am that mighty God of thy father, fear not to go down into egypt. For I will make of the a great people. I will go down with the into egypt, and I will also bring the up again, and joseph shall φ To p● hand 〈◊〉 his eyes be prese his dea● to bu●●● as in E● xiiii. d put his hand upon thine eyes. And jacob rose up from Berseba. And the sons of Israel carried jacob their father, and their children, and their wives in the charettes, which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. And they took their cattles, & the goods which they had got in the land of Canaan, & came into Egypt: both jacob and all his seed with him, his sons, and his sons sons with him, his daughters, & his sons daughters, and all his seed brought he with him in to egypt. These are the names of the children of Israel, which came into egypt, both jacob and his sons: * Exo●● vi c 〈◊〉 xxvi. a i Para. ● Reuben jacobs' first son. The children of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Charmi. The children of Simeon: jemuel, jamim, Ohad, jachin, Zohar, and Saul the son of a Cananytish woman. The children of * i Par●● Levi: Gerson, Rahath, and Merari. The children of * i Pa●● juda: Er, Onan, Sela, Pharez, and Zerah, But Er, and Onan, died in the land of Canaan. The children of Pharez, Hezron, and Hamul. The children of Isachar: Tola, Phua, job and Semson. The children of Zabulon: Sered, Elon and jaheleel. These be the children of Lea, which she bore unto jacob in Mesopotamia, with his daughter Dina. All these souls of his sons and daughters, make thirty and three. The children of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Sum, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. The children of * i Par. ● Asser: jemna, jesua, jesui, Brya, and Serah their sister. And the children of Brya, were Heber, and Malchiel. These are the children of Silpha, whom Laban gave to Lea his daughter. And these she bore unto jacob, In numbered sixteen souls. The children of Rachel/ jacobs' wife: joseph and BenIamin. And unto joseph, in the land of egypt, were born: Manasses, and Ephraim, which * Gene. xli g. Asnath the daughter of Putiphar, priest of On, bore unto him. The children of * i Par. vii ●and viii a BenIamin: Bela, Becher, Asbel, Gera, Naeman, Ehi, Ros, Mupim, Hupim, and Ard. These are the children of Rachel, which were born unto jacob xiiij souls all together. The children of Dan: Husim. The children of Nepthali: jahezeel, Guni, jezer, and Sillem. These are the sons of Bilha, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, duty ten d. and she bore these unto jacob, all together vij souls. All the souls that came with jacob into egypt, which came out of his loins (beside his sons wives (were all together lx and uj souls. And the sons of joseph, which were born him in egypt were two souls: So that all the souls of the house of jacob, which came into egypt are lxx And he sent juda before him unto joseph, that the way might be showed him unto Gosan, and they came into the land of Gosan. And joseph made ready his chariot, & went to meet Israel his father, unto Gosan, & presented himself unto him, & fallen on his neck and wept upon his neck a good while. And Israel said unto joseph: Now am I content to die, for asmuch as I have seen thee, that thou art yet alive. And joseph said unto his brethren & unto his father's house: I will go and show Pharaoh, and tell him: that my brethren and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me, and how they are shepardes (for they were men of cattles) & they have brought their sheep and their oxen, and all that they have, with them. If Pharaoh call you, and ask you what your occupation is/ say: thy servants have been occupied about cattles, from our childhod unto this time: both we and our fathers, that you may devil in the land of Gosan. For the Egyptians abhor all shephardes. ¶ jacob cometh before Pharaoh/ and unto him is given the land of Gosan. He sweareth his son for his burial. CAPI. XLVII ANd joseph went and told Pharaoh, & said: my father and my brethren, their sheep and their beasts, & all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan/ & are in the land of Gosan. And joseph took a part of his brethren: even five of them, and presented them unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto his brethren: what is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh: shepherds are thy servants, both we and also our fathers. They said moreover unto Pharaoh: for to * Gen. xxiii a sojourn in the land are we come, for thy servants have no pasture for their sheep, so sore is the famyshement in the land of Canaan. Now therefore let thy servants devil in the land of Gosan. And Pharaoh said unto joseph: thy father and thy brethren are come unto the. The land of egypt is open before thee: In the best place of the land, make both thy father and thy brethren devil: And even in the land of Gosan let them devil. Moreover if thou know any men of activity among them, make them rulars over my cattles. And joseph brought in jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh. And jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh asked jacob, how old art thou? And jacob said unto Pharaoh: the days of my pilgrimage, are an hundred and thirty years. Few and evil have the days of my life been, and have not attained unto the years of the life of my fathers, in the days of their pilgremages. And jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from him. And joseph prepared dwellings for his father and his brethren, and gave them possessions in the land of egypt, in the best of the land: even in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh commanded. And joseph made provision for his father, his brethren and all his father's household, as young children are fed with bread. There was no bread in all the land, for the dearth was exceeding sore: so that the land of egypt, and the land of Canaan, were famyshed, by the reason of the dearth. And joseph gathered together all the money that was found in the land of egypt, and of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and he laid up the money in Pharaos' house. When money failed in the land of egypt, & of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto joseph, and said: give us sustenance: wherefore sufferest thou us to die before thee: for our money is spent. Then said joseph: bring your cattles, and I will give you for your cattles, if you be without money. And they brought their cattle unto joseph. And he gave them bread for horses and sheep, and oxen and asses: so he fed them with bread, for all their cattles, that year. When that year was ended, they came unto him the next year, and said unto him: we will not hide it from my lord, how that we have neither money nor cattles, for my lord: there is no more left for my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. Wherefore latest thou us die before thine eyes, and the land to go to nought? buy us and our lands for bread: and let both us and our lands be bond to Pharaoh. give us seed, that we may live/ & not die, and that the land go not to waste. And joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. For the Egyptians sold every man his land, The Egypcians sold all their lands unto the king because the dearth was sore upon them: and so the land become Pharaos'. And he appointed the people unto the cities/ from one side of egypt unto the other: only the land of priests bought he not. For there was an ordinance made, by Pharaoh/ for the priests, that they should eat that which was appointed unto them: which Pharaoh had given them, wherefore they sold not their lands. Then joseph said unto the folk: behold I have bought you this day, and your lands for Pharaoh. Take there seed, and go sow the land. And of the increase, you shall give the fift part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own for seed to sow the field: and for you. and them of your households, and for your children, to eat. And they answered: Thou hast saved our lives. Let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and let us be Pharaos' servants. And joseph made it a law over the land of egypt unto this day: that men must give Pharaoh the fift part, except the land of the priests only, which was not bound unto Pharaoh. And Israel dwelt in egypt: even in the country of Gosan. And they had their possessions therein, and they grew and multyplyed exceadyngly. Moreover jacob lived in the land of egypt xvij years, so that the hole age of jacob, was an hundred, and xlvij years. When the time drawn nigh, that Israel must die: he sent for his son joseph, and said unto him: If I have found grace in thy sight, put thy hand under my thy, and deal mercifully and truly with me, that thou bury me not in Egypt: but let me lie by my fathers and carry me out of egypt, and bury me in their burial. And he answered: I will do as thou haste said. And he said * Gen. xxv d swear unto me. And he swore unto him. And then Israel worshipped the Lord, and bowed him unto the beds head. ¶ jacob lieth sick. He desireth Ephraim and Manasses for his sons and blesseth them. CAPI. XLVIII. AFter these deeds, tydingis were brought unto joseph, that his father was sick. And he took with him his two sons, Manasses and Ephraim. Then was it said unto jacob: behold, thy son joseph cometh unto the. And Israel took his strength unto him, and sat up on the bed, and said unto joseph: God almighty appeared unto me at * Gen. xviii Lus, in the land of Canaan, & blessed me, and said unto me: behold, I will make the grow, and will multiply thee, and will make a great * Gen. xlvi a number of people of thee, and will give this land unto thee, and unto thy seed after thee, for an everlasting possession. Now therefore thy two sons Manasses and Ephraim, which were born unto the before I came to the into Egypt, shallbe mine even as Reuben and simeon shall they be unto me. jacob adopteth the two sons of joseph. And the children which thou getteste after them, shallbe thine own: but shallbe called with the names of their brethren in their enheritaunces. And after I came from Mesopotamia, Rachel * Gen. xxxv c died upon my hand in the land of Canaan, by the way: when I had but a fields breed to go unto Ephrate. And I buried her there in the way to Ephrat which is now called Bethlehem. And Israhel beheld josephs' sons, and said: what are these? And joseph said unto his father: they are my sons. Which God hath given me here. And he said: bring them to me, and let me bless them. And the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not well see. And he brought them to him, and he kissed them, and embraced them. And Israel said unto joseph: I would not have thought, that I should have seen thy face, and yet lo. God hath showed it me, and also thy seed. And joseph took them away from his lap, and they fallen on the ground before him. Then took joseph them both: Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand and Manasses in his left hand, toward Israel's right hand, and brought them unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and φ Th● ting 〈◊〉 hands 〈◊〉 comē●● 〈◊〉 of the He●● when 〈◊〉 comm●● or offe●● thing 〈◊〉 as Le●● laid it upon Ephraim's head, which was the younger, and his left hand, upon Manasses head, crossing his hands, for Manasses was the elder. And he blessed joseph, saying: God before whom my father's Abraham and Isaac did walk, and the God which hath fed me all my life long unto this day, And the angel which hath delivered me from all evil, bless these lads: that they may be called after my name and after my father Abraham and Isaac, Ephra●● youngest 〈◊〉 is prefr●●●fore his 〈◊〉 brother ●nasses. and that they may grow and multiply, upon the earth. When joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it disposed him. And he lift up his father's hand, to have removed it from Ephraim's head unto Manasses head, and said unto his father. Not so my father, for this is the elder. Put thy right hand upon his head. And his father would not, but said: I know it well my son, I know it well. He shallbe also a * Gen. x● people, and shallbe great. But of a truth his younger brother shallbe greater than he, and his seed shallbe full of people. And he blessed them, saying: At the ensample of these, the israelites shall bless, and say: God make thee, as Ephraim and as Manasses. Thus set he Ephraim before Manasses. And Israel said unto joseph: behold, I die. And God shallbe with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Moreover I give unto thee, a portion of * Ioha● land above thy brethren, which I got out of the hands of the Amorites, with my sword and with my bow. ¶ jacob blesseth all his own sons, and showeth them what is to come. He apointeth where he wylld buried: and dieth. CAPI. XLIX. ANd jacob called for his sons/ and said: come together, that I may tell you what shall happen you in the last days. Gather you together, and hear you sons of jacob, and hearken unto Israel your father. Reuben * Gen. x● thou art mine elder son, my might and the beginning of my strength, chief in receiving, and chief in power. As unstable as water were thou: thou shalt therefore not be the chiefest, for thou * Gen. xx● i Par. u ● wentest up upon thy father's bed, and than defyldest thou my couch with going up. The brethren simeon and Levi, wicked instruments are their weapons. Into their secrets come not my soul, and unto their congregation ●mesis ●i. d be my honour not coupled: for in their wrath they slew a man, and in their lust they threw down the walls of the city. Cursed be their wrath, for it was strong, and their fearsenesse, for it was cruel. I will therefore divide them in jacob, and scatter them in Israel. But the (O juda) thy brethren shall praise, and thine hand shallbe in the ●ar u a. neck of thine enemies, and thy father's children shall stoop unto the. juda is a ●●che v c lions whelp, from spoil (my son) thou art come an high: he laid him down and couched himself as a lion, and as a 〈◊〉 xxiii d lioness. Who dare steer him up? The septre is taken for ●r royal ●ignytie 〈◊〉 is also ●ecied imming ●●t/ as ●aye ix a sceptre shall not depart from juda, nor a ruler from his legs, till he come, that is to be sent, unto whom the people shall hearken. He shall bind his fool unto the vine, and his asses colt unto the vine braunceh, and shall wash his garment in wine, and his mantel in the blood of grapes, his eyes are roudyer than wine, & his teeth whitter than milk. ●u xix a Zabulon shall devil in the haven of the see, and in the port of ships, & shall reach unto Sydon. Isachar is a strong ass, he couched him down between two borders, and saw that rest was good and the land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and become a servant unto tribute. Dan shall ●dge his ●e/ that shall rule govern ●as 〈◊〉 xviii. d judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shallbe a serpent in the way, and an edder in the path, and bite the horse heel's, so that his rider shall fall backward. After thy saving look I Lord. Gad, men of war shall invade. And he shall turn them to flight. Of Asser cometh ●●t breed ●●s plenty's or ye●s encre scorn & 〈◊〉 c. there shall feed ●s and 〈◊〉 men of ●th as ●ra ix e. fat bread, and he shall give pleasures for a king. Nephtalim is a swift hind, and giveth goodly words. That floryshing child joseph, that flourishing child, and goodly unto the eye: the daughters ran upon the brickwall. The shoters have envy him, and chide with him and hated him, and yet his bow bode fast, and his arms and his hands were strong, by the hands of the mighty God of jacob: out of him shall come an herd man a stone in Israel. Thy father's god shall help thee, and the almighty shall bless thee, with blessings from heaven above, and with blessings of the water that lieth under, and with blessings of the breasts, and of the womb. The blessings of thy father were strong: even as the blessings of my elders, after the desire of the highest in the world, and these blessings shall fall on the head of joseph, and on the top of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. BenIamin is a ravishing wolf is ●aken in ●d sense/ ●ignifi● fervent ●her of god's word, as was Paul in whom this text is verified. wolf. In the morning he shall devour his pray, and at night he shall divide his spoil. All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, & this is that which their father spoke unto them, when he blessed them, every man with a several blessing. And he charged them, and said unto them. I shallbe put unto my * Gen. xxv a people: see that you bury me with my fathers, in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hethyte, in the double cave, that is in the field, before Mamre, in the land of Canaan. Which field Abraham bought of Ephron the Hethyte, for a possession to bury in. There they buried Abraham and Sara his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebecca his wife. And there I buried Lea: which field, and the cave that is therein, was bought of the children of Heth. When jacob had commanded all that he would unto his sons, he plucked up his feet upon the bed, and died, and was * Actu vij a● put unto his people. And joseph fallen upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him. ¶ jacob is buried. joseph forgiveth his brethren the Injury that they did to him. And he dieth. CAPI. L. ANd joseph commanded his servants that were Physicians, to embawme his father, and the physicians embawmed Israel xi days long, for so long doth the embawminge last, and the Egyptians bewepte him lxx days. And when the days of weeping were ended, joseph spoke unto the house of Pharaoh, saying. If I have found favour in your eyes speak unto Pharaoh and tell him, that my ●ather made me swear and said: Lo, I die, see that thou * Gen. xlvij ● bury me in my grave which I have made me in the land of Canaan. Now therefore let me go, and bury my father, and then will I come again. And Pharaoh said, go and bury thy father, according as he made the swear. And joseph went up to bury his father, & with him went all the servants of Pharaoh that were the elders of his house, and all the elders of egypt, and all the house of joseph, and his brethren, and his father's house: only their children, and their sheep, and their cattles left they behind them in the land of Gosan. And there went with him also Chariots and horsemen: so that they were an exceeding great company. And when they came to the field of Atad beyond jordane, there they made great and exceeding sore lamentation. And he * Eccl. xxij. b mourned for his father vij days. When the enhabyters of the land of the Cananytes see the mourning in the field of Arad, they said: this is a great mourning which the Egyptians make. Wherefore the name of the place is called Abelmizraim, which place lieth beyond jordane. And his sons did unto him according as he had commanded them. And his sons carried him into the * Gen. xlix c, Actu vij b land of Canaan, and buried him in the double cave which Abraham had * Gen. xxiii d bought with the field to be a place to bury in, of Ephron the Hittite before Manre. And joseph returned to egypt again and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, as soon as he had buried him. When josephs' brethren saw that their father was dead, they said: joseph may forrune hate us, and * Genesis xxxvii d reward us again/ all the evil which we did unto him. They did therefore a commandment unto joseph, saying: thy father charged us before his death, saying. This wise say unto joseph, forgive (I pray thee) the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin, for they rewarded the evil. Now therefore we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of thy fathers God. And joseph wept when they spoke unto him. And his brethren came and fallen before him, and said: Behold we be thy servants. And joseph said unto them * Gen. xlv b fear not, for am not I under god? You thought evil unto me: but God turned it unto good, even to advance me, as you see at this present time, and to save moche people a live. Fear not therefore, for I will care for you and for your children, and he spoke kindly unto them. joseph dwelt in egypt, and his father's house also, and lived an hundred and ten year. And joseph saw * Tob xiiii a job x●● Psa. ●● Ephraim's children, even unto the third generation. And unto Machir the son of Manasses, were children born, and sat on josephs' knees. And joseph said unto his brethren: I die And God will surely φ G● vysard is/ he 〈◊〉 ●ne 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 you 〈◊〉 dage 〈◊〉 shal●●der 〈◊〉 visit you, and bring you out of this land, unto the land which he swore unto Abraham, Isaac, and jacob. And joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, and said: God will not fail but visit you: see therefore that you carry my * He●● Exod ●● Ios●● bones hence. And so joseph died, when he was an hundred and ten year old. And they embalmed him, and put him in a chest in egypt. ¶ The end of the first book of Moses, called Genesis, or Generation. MOSES EXODUS. THE second BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED EXODUS, OR DEPARTURE. ¶ The children of jacob are numbered. The new Pharaoh oppresseth them. The act of the godly midwives'. CAPITULO. I THESE ARE THE Name's of the * Gen. xlvi b children of Israel, which came to egypt with jacob, every man with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, juda, Isachar, Zabulon, BenIamin, Dan, Nephtali, Gad and Aser. All these souls proceeding out of the loins of jacob, were lxx where as joseph was in egypt all ready. When joseph was dead, and all his brethren and all the generation: the * Act vij c Psal ciiij c children of Israel grew, increased, multyplyed, and waxed very mighty: so that the land was full of them. Then there rose up a new king in Egypt which knew not joseph. And he said unto his folk: behold the people of the children of Israel are tō & mightier than we. Come, let us play wisely with them: jest they multiply, and so (if there chance any war) they join themselves to our enemies and fight against us, and so get them out of the land. And he set taskemasters over them, to keep them under with burdens. And they built unto Pharaoh cities of defence: Phiton and Rameses. But the more they vexed than, the more they multyplyed and grew: so that they abhorred the children of Israel. And the Egyptians held the children of Israel in bondage without mercy, and made their lives bitter unto them, with cruel labour in clay, and brick, and all manner work in the fields, and in all manner service, which they caused them to work, cruelly. And the king of egypt said unto the midwives' of the Ebrueswomen, of which the one's name was Sephora, and the other Phua: When you do the office of a midwife, to the women of the Ebrues, & see in the birth time that it is a boy, kill it. But if it be a maid, let it live. Notwithstanding the midwives' feared God, and did not as the king of egypt commanded them: but saved the men children. Then the king of egypt called for the midwives', and said unto them: why have you dealt on this manner, and have saved the menchildren? And the midwives' answered Pharaoh/ that the Ebrues women were not as the women of egypt: but were sturdy women, and were delivered afore the midwives' come at them. And god therefore dealt well with the midwives'. And the people multiplied and waxed very mighty. And because the midwives' feared God, he made them houses. Then Pharaoh charged all his people, saying. All the menchildren that are born, cast into the river, and save the maydechildrens a live. ¶ Moses is born, and being cast into the flags, is taken up of Pharaos' daughter. He killeth the Egypcians, he fleeth and taketh a wife. The Israelites cry unto the Lord. CAPI. II ANd there went a man of * Exodi vi c Par. xxiij b the house of Levi. And took a daughter of Levi. And the wife conceived & bore a son. And when she see that it was a proper child, she hid him for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she took a basket made of bulrusshes, and daubed it with slime and pitch, and laid the child therein, and put it in the flags by the rivers brink. And his sister stood a far of, to wit what would come of it. * Sa. xviii a ●d Act vii c ●brew xi d. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to the river to wash herself, and her maidens walked a long by the rivers side. And when she saw the basket among the flags, she sent one of her maidens, and caused it to be fet. And when she had opened it she saw the child, and behold: the babe wept. And she had compassion on it and said: it is one of the Ebrues children. Then said his sister unto Pharaos' daughter: shall I go and call unto the a nurse of the Ebrues women, to nurse the the child? Pharaos' daughter answered. Go thy way, And the maid ran, and called the chyldes' mother. Then Pharaos' daughter said unto her. Take this child away, and nurse it for me/ and I will reward thee, for thy labour. And the woman took the child, and nursed it up. And when the child was grown, she brought it unto Pharaos' daughter, & it was made her son, and she called it φ Moses is 〈◊〉 egypt ●me and it ●nifieth ●awen out the water. Moses, because (said she) I took him out of the water. And it happenned in these days, when Moses was waxed great, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens, & spied an Egyptian smiting one of his brethren an Ebrue. And he looked round about, & when he saw that there was no man by, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And he went forth the next day: and behold, two Hebrews strove together. And he said unto him that did the wrong: Wherefore smytest thou thine neighbour? And he answered: who hath made the a ruler or a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou kylledst yesterday the Egyptian? Then Moses feared and said: Truly the thing is known. And Pharaoh heard of it, and went about ●o slay Moses: but he fled from Pharaoh, and dwelled in the land of Madian, and he sat down by a wells side. The priest of Madian had vij daughters, which came and drew water, and filled the troughs, for to water their father's sheep. And the shepherds came and drove the maidens away: but Moses stood up, and helped them, and watered their sheep. When they came to φ This Ra●e●is not Ie●o/ but the ●her of Ie●o & grandfather of zephora/ & was also the priest of Madian. For it was a like order with them, as it was with the jews'/ that the son possessed the office of his father. Raguel their father, he said: how happeneth it that you are come so soon to day? They answered: An Egyptian delivered us from the shepherds, and so drew us water, and watered the sheep. And he said unto his daughters: Where is he? why have you left the man? Go call him that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to devil with the man. And he gave Moses Zephora his daughter which bore a son, and he called him Gerson: for he said: I have been a stranger in a strange land. And she bore yet another son whom he called Elieser, saying: The God of my father is mine helper, & hath rid me out of the hands of Pharaoh. And it chanced in process of time, that the king of egypt died, and the children of Israel syghed by the reason of labour, and cried. And their complaint ascended unto God from the labour. And God remembered his promise with Abraham, Isaac and jacob. And God φ Looked upon them: that is he had pity and compassion over their sore labours/ as Deut. xxvi d. looked upon the children of Israel, and knew them. ¶ Moses keepeth sheep, God appeareth unto him in a bush/ and sendeth him to the children of Israel/ and to Pharaoh the oppressor. CAPI. III MOses kept the sheep of jethro his father in law, priest of Madian, and he drove the flock to the backside of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, in a flame of fire, out of a bush. And he perceived that the bush burned with fire, and consumed not. The bush with fire. Then Moses said: I will go hence, & see this great sight, how it cometh that the bush burneth not. And when the Lord saw that he came forth to see, he called him out of the bush, and said: Moses, Moses. He answered, I am at hand. And he said: come not hither, but put thy shoes of thy feet: for the place whereon thou stondest is φ The scripture useth to call that holy which either the Lord chooseth unto himself: or is dedicated unto the Lord as Exode xxii d holy ground. And he said: I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. Then the Lord said: I have surely seen the trouble of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry, which they have of their taskemasters. For I know their sorrow and am come down to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians, and to bring them out of that land, unto a good land, and a large, and unto a land that floweth with φ By milk and honey is understand abundance and plenty of all things appartaining the comfort of man. milk and honey: even unto the place of the Cananytes, Hethytes, Amorites, Pherezites, Hevites, & of the jebusites. Now therefore behold, the complaint of the children of Israel is come unto me, and I have also seen the oppression, wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. But come, I will send the to Pharaoh, that thou mayst bring my people the children of Israel out of egypt. And Moses said unto God: what am I to go unto Pharaoh, and to bring the children of Israel out of egypt? And he said: I will be with the. And this shallbe a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: After that thou hast brought the people out of egypt, you shall serve God upon this mountain. Then said Moses to God: When I come unto the children of Israel, & say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you, and they say unto me, what is his name, what answer shall I give them? Then said God unto Moses: φ I am that I am; that is to wit, I am ever without end, unchangeable, for nothing is a being of itself, without treation, without corruption, without beginning, without ending, save only god almighty. I am that I am: And he said: This shalt thou say unto the children of Israel: He that is did send me unto you. And God spoke further unto Moses: Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel: the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memory all thorough out all generations. Go therefore and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them: The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob, appeared unto me, and said: I have visited and seen both you and that which is done to you in Egypt. And I have said it, that I will bring you out of the tribulation of egypt unto the land of the Cananytes, Hethytes, Amorytes, Pherezites, Hevites and jebusites: a land that floweth with milk and honey. If it come to pass that they hear thy voice then go, both thou and the elders of Israel unto the king of Egypt, and say unto him: The Lord God of the Ebrues hath called us: let us go therefore three days journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God. Notwithstanding I am sure that the king of egypt will not let you go, whiles it be with a mighty hand: I will therefore stretch out mine hand and smite egypt with all my wonders which I will do therein. And after that, he will let you go. And * Exodi xi a and xii e I will get this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: so that when you go, you shall not go empty: but every wife shall borrow of her neyghbouresse, and of her that soiourneth in her house, jewels of silver and of gold and raiment. And you shall put them on your sons and daughters, and shall φ This spoil was made by god's appointment and commandment: wherefore it followeth not, that we may do the like of our own private authority. spoil the Egyptians. ¶ Moses receiveth signs of his calling and was sent into Egypt. His wife zephora circumciseth her son. Aaron meeteth with Moses, Moses taketh his leave of his father in law. CAPI. FOUR MOses answered and said: See, they will not believe me nor hearken unto my voice but will say, the Lord hath not appeared unto the. Then the Lord said unto him: What is that in thine hand? and he said, a rod. And he said cast it on the ground, he did cast it, and it turned unto a serpent. And Moses ran away from it. And the Lord said unto Moses: put forth thine hand and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand and caught it, and it become a rod again in his hand, and this shalt thou do saith the Lord, that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob hath appeared unto the. Sygnet. And the Lord said further more unto him thrust thine hand into thy bosom. And he thrust his hand into his bosom, and took it out. And behold, his hand was leprous even as snow. And he said: put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again, and plucked it out of his bosom, and behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. If they will not believe thee, neither hear the voice of the first token: yet will they believe the voice of the second token. But if they will not believe the two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, them take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land. And the water which thou takest out of the river, shall turn to blood upon the dry land. And Moses said to the Lord: o my Lord, * Ier●● I am not eloquent, neither in times past, ne yet sense thou haste spoken unto thy servant: but I have an impediment of speech, and am slow tongued. And the Lord said unto him: who hath made man's mouth or who hath made the dumb or the deaf, the saying or the blind? have not I the Lord? Go therefore, and * Ma●● I will be with thy mouth and teach the what thou shalt say. But he said: o my Lord, send I pray the whom thou wilt. And the Lord was angry with Moses and said, I know Aaron thy brother the Levite that he can speak. And moreover behold, he cometh to meet thee, and when he saith thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put the words in his mouth, and I willbe with thy mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. And he shallbe thy spokesman unto the people: he shall be thy mouth, and thou shalt be φ His 〈◊〉 a man●● speakyn● which is that he appoin●● a god, 〈◊〉 thing 〈◊〉 shall de● speak. his God: and take this rod in thy hand wherewith thou shalt do miracles. And Moses went and returned to jethro his father in law again, and said unto him Let me go (I pray thee) and return to my brethren which are in egypt, that I may see whether they be yet alive. And jethro said to Moses: go in peace. And the Lord said unto Moses in Madian: return again into egypt * Mat● for they are deed which went about to kill the. And Moses took his wife, and his sons, and sat them on an ass, and returned to egypt, and took the rod of God in his hand. And the Lord said to Moses: when thou art come to egypt again, see that thou do all the wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in thy hand: Phar●● heart 〈◊〉 hard●● but I will harden his heart so that he shall not let the people go. And tell Pharaoh, thus saith the Lord: Israel is mine elder son, and therefore saith unto thee: Let my son go, that he may serve me. If thou wilt not let him go: behold, I will slay thine elder son. And it chanced by the way in the in that the Lord met him, and would have killed him. Then Zephora took a stone and circumcised her son, Moses 〈◊〉 circum● her son●● and fallen at his feet, and said: a bloody husband art thou unto me. And he let him go. She said a bloody husband, because of the circumcision. Then said the Lord unto Aaron: go meet Moses in the wilderness. And he went and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord, which he had sent by him, and all the tokens which he had charged him with all. So went Moses and Aaron, and gathered all the elders of the children of Israel. And Aaron told all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the miracles in the sight of the people, and the people believed. And when they heard that the Lord had vysited the children of Israel, and had looked upon their tribulation, they bowed themselves and worshipped. ¶ Moses and Aaron go unto Pharaoh. The people of Israel are oppressed more and more/ and they cry out upon Moses and Aaron therefore. CAPI. V THen Moses and Aaron went and told Pharaoh, thus saith the Lord God of Israel. Let my people go, that they may keep holy day unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh answered: What fellow is the Lord, that I should hear his voice for to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will let Israel go. And they said: the God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go (we pray thee) three days journey into the desert, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God: jest he smite us either with pestilence, or with sword. Then said the king of Egypt unto them: Wherefore do you, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their work, get you unto your labour. And Pharaoh said furthermore: behold there is moche people in the land, and you make them play, and let their work stand. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskemasters over the people, and the officers, saying: see that you give the people no more straw to make brick with, as you did in time passed: let them go and gather straw themselves, and the number of brick, which they were wont to make in time passed, lay unto their charges also, and diminish nothing thereof. For they be idle, and therefore cry, saying: Let us go and do sacrifice unto our God. They must have more work laid upon them, that they may labour therein, and then will they not turn themselves to false words. Then went the taskemasters of the people and the officers out, and told the people saying: Thus saith Pharaoh: I will give you no more straw, but go yourselves, and gather you straw where you can find it, yet shall none of your labour be mynyshed. Then the people scattered abroad thorough out all the land of egypt, for to gather them stubyll, to be in stead of straw. And the taskemasters hasted them forward, saying: Fulfil your work day by day, even as when straw was given you. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaos' taskemasters had set over them, were beaten. And it was said unto them: Wherefore have you not fulfilled your task in making brick, both yesterday and to day, as well as in times passed. Then went the officers of the children of Israel, and complained unto Pharaoh, saying: Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? there is no straw given unto thy servants, and yet they say unto us: make brick. And lo, thy servants are beaten, and thy people is foul entreated. And he answered: Idle are you, and therefore you say: let us go and do sacrifice unto the Lord. Go therefore and work, for there shall no straw be given you, and yet see that you deliver the hole tale of brick. When the officers of the children of Israel saw themselves in shrewd case (in that he said, you shall minish nothing of your daily making of brick) than they met Moses and Aaron, standing in their way, as they came out from Pharaoh, and said unto them: The Lord look unto you & judge, for you have made the savour of us stink in the sight of Pharaoh, and of his servants, and have put a sword into their hands to slay us. Moses returned unto the Lord, and said: Lord, wherefore dealest thou cruelly with this people: and wherefore hast thou sent me? For sense I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath fared foul with this folk, and yet thou hast not delivered thy people at all. Then the Lord said unto Moses: Now shalt thou see what I will do unto Pharaoh, for with a mighty hand, shall he let them go, & with a mighty hand, shall he drive them out of his land. ¶ God promiseth deliverance of the Israelites, and the land of Canaan. The genealogy of Reuben/ Simeon and Levi. CAPI. VI ANd God said unto Moses: I am the Lord, that appeared unto Abraham, Isaac and jacob, an almighty God: but in my name φ jehovah is the name of god. jehovah, was I not known unto them. Moreover I made an appointment with them, to give them the land of Canaan: the land of their pilgrimage wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, because the Egyptians keep them in bondage, & have remembered my promise. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel I am the lord, A promise or a Testament and will deliver you from the burdens of the Egyptians, and will rid you out of their bondage, and will deliver you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgements. And I will take you for my people, & will be to you a God. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God, which deliver you from the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land over which I did φ To lift up the hand is to promise by an oath/ as in Gen. xiiii d of Abraham. life up my hand to give it unto Abraham, Isaac and jacob, and will give it unto you for a possession: even I the lord. And Moses told the children of Israel even so: But they herkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: Go and bid Pharaoh king of egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And Moses spoke before the Lord, saying: behold, the children of Israel hearken not unto me, how then shall Pharaoh hear me: saying that I have φ uncircumcised that is to wit vnfin unpolished without utterance. uncircumcised lips. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh, king of Egypt: to bring the children of Israel, out of the land of egypt. These be the heads of their father's houses. The * Gen. xlvi a Exodi i a. Num xxvi a i Parali u a. children of Reuben the elder son of Israel, are these: Hanoh, Pallu, Hezron, Charmi, these be the householders of Reuben. The children of simeon are these: Gemuel, jamin, Ohad, jachin, Zohar, and Saul the son of a Cananytysh wife: these are the kynreddes of simeon. These * i Par. vi a and xxiii a Numeri iii c and xxvi g are the names of the children of Levi in their generations: Gerson, Kahath, and Merari. And Levi lived and hundred and xxxvij year. The sons of Gerson: Libni and Semei in their kynreddes. The children of Kahath: Amram, jesear, Hebron and Vsiel. And Kahath lived an hundred and xxxiij year. The children of Merari are these: Mahely and Musi: these are the kynreddes of Levi in their generations. And Amram took jochebed his niece to wife which bore him Aaron and Moses. And Amram lived an hundred and xxxvij year. The children of jezear: Korah, Nepheg and Sychri. The children of Vsiel: Misael, Elzaphan and Sithri. And Aaron took Elizaba daughter of Aminadab and sister of Nahason, to wife: which bore him Nadab, Abehu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The children of Korah: Assir, Elkana, and Abiassaph: these are the kynreddes of th● Korahites. And Eleazar Aaron's son, took him one of the daughters of Putuel to wife, which bore him Pinehas: these be the principal fathers of the Levites/ in their kynreddes. These are that Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said: carry the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, with their armies These are the same Moses and Aaron which spoke to Pharaoh king of egypt, that they might bring the children of Israel out of egypt. And in the day when the Lord spoke unto Moses in the land of egypt, he spoke unto him, saying, I am the Lord, see that thou speak unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt all that I say unto the. And Moses answered before the Lord: I am of uncircumcised lips, how shall Pharaoh then give me audience? ¶ Tokens. The rod of Moses is turned to a serpent. The sorcerars do the same. The waters are turned into blood. CAPI. VII. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: behold. I have made the Pharaos' God/ that is: I have φ I have made thee, Pharaos' God and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee, and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh: made the P●●raos iud● in Exod. ● that he send the children of Israel out of his land. But I will harden Pharaos' heart, that I may multiply my miracles and my wonders in the land of egypt. And yet Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may set mine hand upon egypt, and bring out mine armies, even my people the children of Israel out of the land of egypt, with great judgements. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have stretched forth my hand upon egypt, & have brought out the children of Israel from them. Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them. And Moses was lxxx year old, and Aaron lxxxiij when they spoke unto Pharaoh. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: When Pharaoh speaketh unto you, and saith: Show a wonder, then shalt thou say unto Aaron: Take the rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall turn to a serpent. Then went Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh, and did as the Lord had commanded. And Aaron cast forth his rod before Pharaoh and his servants, and it turned to a serpent. Then Pharaoh called for the wise men and * ij. iii● enchanters of egypt: and they did in like manner with their sorcery. And they cast down every man his rod, and they turned to serpents: but Aaron's rod ate up their rods: and yet for all this Pharaos' heart was hardened, so that he herkened not unto them, according as the Lord had said. Then said the Lord unto Moses. Pharaos' heart is hardened, and he refuseth to let the people go. Get the unto Pharaoh in the morning, for he will come unto the water, and stand thou upon the rivers brink, against he come, and the rod which turned to a serpent take in thine hand. And say unto him: the Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying: let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: but hitherunto thou wouldst not hear. Wherefore thus saith the Lord: hereby thou shalt know that I am the Lord. Behold, I will smite with the staff that is in mine hand, the waters that are in the river, and they shall turn to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink, so that it shall grieve the Egyptians to drink of the water of the river. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say unto Aaron: take thy staff & stretch out thine hand over the waters of egypt, over their streams, rivers, ponds, & all pools of water, that they may be blood, and that there may be blood in all the land of Egypt: both in vessels of wood and also of stone. And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded. And he lift up the staff, and smote the waters that were in the river, The fyr●● plague. in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the river, turned into blood. And the fish that was in the river died, * Psa. l● c ciiii ●. and the river stank: so that the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river. And there was blood thorough out all the land of egypt. And the enchanters of egypt, did likewise with their enchauntementes, so that Pharaos' heart was hardened, and did not regard them, as the Lord had said. And Pharaoh turned himself, & went into his house, and set not his heart there unto. And the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the river. And it continued a week, ●●xlvij. b after that the Lord had smitten the river. ¶ The plague of frogs. Moses prayeth for Pharaoh. The plague of flies. CAPI. VIII. THe Lord spoke unto Moses: Go unto Pharaoh, and tell him, thus saith the Lord: exod vij c ● ten a Let my people go, that they may serve me. If thou will't not let them go, behold, I will smite all thy land with frogs. And the river shall scrale with frogs, and they shall come up, & go into thine house and into thy chamber, where thou slepeste, and upon thy bed, and into the horses of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and upon thy vytayles, which thou haste in store. And the frogs shall come upon thee, and on thy people, and upon all thy servants. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say unto Aaron: stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, rivers and ponds. And bring up frogs upon the land of egypt. And Aaron stretched his hand over the water of egypt, ●he second ●age. and the frogs came up, and covered the land of egypt. And the sorcerers did likewise with their sorcery, and the frogs came up, upon the land of egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses, and Aaron, and said: Pray you unto the Lord that he may take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord And Moses said unto Pharaoh: appoint thou the time unto me, when I shall pray for thee/ and thy servants, and thy people, to drive away the frogs from thee, and thy house, so that they shall remain but in the river only. And he said to morrow. And he said: even as thou hast said that thou mayst know that there is none like unto the Lord our God. And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thine houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people, and shall remain in the river only. And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried unto the Lord upon the appointment of frogs, which he had made unto Pharaoh. And the Lord did according to the saying of Moses. And the frogs died out of the horses, courts & fields. And they gathered them together upon heaps so that the land stank of them. But when Pharaoh saw that he had rest given him, he hardened his heart, and herkened not unto them, as the Lord had said. And the Lord said unto Moses: say unto Aaron, stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may turn to life/ in all the land of egypt. And they did so. And Aaron stretched out his hand, with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, The third plague. and it turned to lice, both in man and beast, so that all the dust of the land, turned to lice, thorough out all the land of egypt. And the enchanters assayed likewise with their enchauntementes, to bring forth lice, but they could not. And the lice were both upon man and beast. Then said the enchanters unto Pharaoh: It is the finger of God. neverthelater Pharaos' heart was hardened, and he regarded them not, as the Lord had said. And the Lord said unto Moses: rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, for he will come unto the water: and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord: let my people go, that they may serve me. If thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send all manner flies, both upon thee, thy servants, and thy people, and into thy horses. And the horses of the Egyptians shallbe full of flies, and the ground whereon they are. But I will separate the same day, the land of Gosan where my people are, so that there shall no flies be there: that thou mayst know, that I am the Lord upon the earth. And I will put a division, between my people and thine. And even to morrow shall this miracle be done. And the Lord did accordingly: and there came noisome flies into the house of Pharaoh and into his servants houses, The fourth plague. and into all the land of egypt: so that the land was marred with flies. Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said: Go and do sacrifice unto your God in the land. And Moses answered: it is not meet so to do. For we should so offer unto the Lord our God, that which is an abomination unto the Egyptians: behold, shall we sacrifice that which is an abomination unto the Egyptians before their eyes, & shall they not stone us? we will therefore go three days journey, into the wilderness, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God as he hath commanded us. And Pharaoh said: I will let you go, that you may sacrifice unto the Lord your God in the wilderness: only go not far away, and see that you pray for me. And Moses said: behold, I will go out from thee, and pray unto the Lord, and the flies shall depart from Pharaoh, and from his servants and from his people, to morrow. But let Pharaoh from henceforth desceave no more, that he will not let the people go to sacrifice unto the Lord. And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord did as Moses had said, and took away the flies from Pharaoh, and from his servants, and from his people, so that there remained not one. But for all that, Pharaoh hardened his heart even then also, and would not let the people go. ¶ The murrain of beestes. The plague of botches and sores. The horrible hail/ thunder and lightning. CAPI. IX. ANd the Lord said to Moses, go to Pharaoh and tell him, thus saith the Lord God of the Ebrues: let my people go that they may serve me. If thou will't not let them go, The fifth plague. but will't hold them still: behold, the hand of the Lord shallbe upon thy cattles which thou hast in the field, upon horses, asses, camels, oxen, & sheep, with a mighty great morrayne. But the Lord shall make a division between the beasts of the Israelites, and the beasts of the Egyptians: so that there shall nothing die of all that belong to the children of Israel. And the Lord appointed a time, saying: to morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. And the Lord did the thing on the morrow, and all the cattles of egypt died: but of the cattles of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent to were: but there was not one of the cattles of the Israelites dead. Notwithstanding the heart of Pharaoh hardened, and he would not let the people go. And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron: take your hands full of ashes out of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkel it up into the air, in the sight of Pharaoh, and it shall turn to dust in all the land of egypt, and shall make swelling soores with blaynes, both man and beast, in all the land of egypt. And they took ashes out of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses sprinkled it up, The sixth plague. into the air: And there broke out soores with blaynes, both in man and beast, so that the sorcerers could not stand before Moses, for there were botches upon the enchanters and upon all the Egyptians, But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, that he herkened not unto them, as the Lord had showed Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses: rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, thus saith the Lord God of the Ebrues: Let my people go, that they may serve me, or else I will at this time sand all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, & on thy people, that thou mayst know that there is none like me in all the earth. For now will I stretch out my hand, and will smite thee, and thy people with pestilence: so that thou shalt perish from the earth. Yet in very deed * Roma ix c for this cause have I stirred the up, for to show my power in the ‡ Psa. xlvii c and to declare my name thorough out all the world. If it be so that thou stoppest my people that thou will't not let them go: behold, to morrow this time I will send down a mighty great hail: even such one as was not in egypt sithence it was founded, unto this tyme. Send therefore and fet home thy beasts, and all that thou hast in the field. For upon all the men & beasts which are found in the field, & not brought home, shall the hail fall, and they shall die. And as many as feared the word of the Lord, among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their beasts i'll to house: and they that regarded not the word of the Lord, left their servants and their beasts in the field. And the Lord said unto Moses: stretch forth thine hand unto heaven, The 〈◊〉 plague. that there may be hail in all the land of egypt: upon man and beast, and upon all the herbs of the field of egypt. And Moses stretched out his rod unto heaven, and the Lord thundered & hailed, so that the fire run a long upon the ground * Psa● c. and 〈◊〉 And the Lord so hailed in the land of egypt, that there was hail and fire mingled with the hail, so grievous, that there was none such in all the land of egypt, sithence people inhabited it. And the hail smote in the land of egypt, all that was in the field both man and beast. And the hail smote all the herbs of the field, and broke all the trees of the field: only in the land of Gosan where the children of Israel were, was there no hail. And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses & Aaron, and said unto them: I have now sinned, the Lord is rightwise, and I and my people are wicked. Pray you unto the Lord, that the thunder of God and hail may cease and I will let you go, and you shall tarry no longer. And Moses said unto him: assoon as I am out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord, and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail: that thou mayst know how that the earth is the Lords. But I know that thou and thy servants yet fear not the Lord God. The flax and the barley were smitten, for the barley was shot up, and the flax was boulled: but the where and the rye were not smitten, for they were late sown. And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the Lord, and the thunder and hail ceased, neither rained it any more upon the earth: when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail & thunder were ceased, he sinned again & hardened his heart: both he and his servants. So was the heart of Pharaoh hardened, that he would not let the children of Israel go, as the Lord had said to Moses. ¶ The heart of Pharaoh is hardened of God. The grasshoppers, The thick darkness. CAPI. X. THe Lord said unto Moses: go unto Pharaoh: nevertheless * Exod 〈…〉 I have hardened his heart, and the hearts of his servants, that I might show these my signs among them, and that thou tell in the audience of thy son, and of thy sons son, the valiant acts which I have done in Egypt, and the miracles which I have showed among them: that you may know that I am the Lord. Then Moses and Aaron went unto Pharaoh, and said unto him: Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews: how long shall it be, or thou wilt submit thyself unto me? * Exo. ●● and ix ● Let my people go that they may serve me. If thou wilt not let my people go: behold, to morrow will I bring grasshoppers into thy land, and they shall cover the earth, so that it can not be seen/ and they shall eat the residue, which remaineth unto you and escaped the hail/ and they shall eat all your green trees upon the field/ and they shall fill thy houses, & all thy servants houses/ and the houses of all the Egyptians after such a manner as neither thy fathers nor thy father's fathers have seen, sithence the time they were created upon the earth vn●o this day. And he turned himself about, and went out from Pharaoh. And Pharaos' servants said unto him: How long shall we be thus evil entreated? Let the men go that they may serve the Lord their god: wilt thou not yet know that egypt is destroyed? And then Moses & Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh, & he said unto them: Go and serve the lord your god, but who are they that shall go? And Moses answered, we will go with young and old/ yea and with our sons and with our daughters/ & with our sheep and oxen must we go. For we must hold a feast unto the Lord. And he said unto them: shall it be so? The Lord be with you/ should I let you go/ and your children also? Take heed, for you have some mischief in hand. Nay not so, but go you that are men and serve the Lord, for that was your desire. And they thrust them out of Pharaos' presence. The eight ●age. And the Lord said unto Moses: Stretch out thine hand over the land of egypt for greshoppers, that they come upon the land of Egypt and eat all the herbs of the land/ and all that the hail left untouched. And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land, all that day and all night. And in the morning the east wind brought the greshoppers/ and the greshoppers went up over all the land of Egypt and lighted in all quarters of egypt very grievously, so that before them were there no such greshoppers, neither after them shall be. And they covered all the earth/ so that the land was dark therewith. And they are all the herbs of the land, and all the fruits of the trees which the hail had left, so that there was no green thing left in the trees and herbs of the field through all the land of egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste and said: I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. forgive me yet my sin only this one's, and pray unto the Lord your God, that he may take away from me this death only. And he went out from Pharaoh, and prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord turned the wind in to a mighty strong west wind/ and it took away the greshoppers and cast them in to the reed see: so that there was not one grasshopper in all the coostes of egypt. But the Lord ●●d four f. hardened Pharaos' heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. And the Lord said unto Moses: Stretch out thy hand unto heaven/ & let there be darkness upon the land of Egypt, even that they may grope the darkness. And Moses stretched forth his hand unto heaven, and there was a thick darkness upon the land of Egypt iii The ninth plague. Palpable darkness. days long, so that no man saw an other neither rose up from the place where he was by the space of three days/ but all the children of Israel had light where they dwelled. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and said: Go and serve the Lord, only let your sheep and your oxen abide, but let your children go with you. And Moses answered: thou must give us also offerings and burned offerings for to sacrifice unto the Lord our God: our cattles therefore shall go with us/ and there shall not one hoof be left behind, for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God. A godly simulation. Moreover we can not know wherewith we shall serve the Lord, till we come thither. But the Lord hardened Pharaos' heart, so that he would not let them go. And Pharaoh said unto him: get the from me and take heed to thyself that thou see my face no more. For when so ever thou comest in my sight/ thou shalt die. And Moses said: Let it be as thou hast said: I will see thy face no more. ¶ The Lord commandeth to spoil the Egyptians. The death of all the first begotten in Egypt. CAPI. XI. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh and upon egypt/ and after that he will let you go hence. And when he letteth you go, he shall utterly drive you hence. But bid the people that every man borrow of his friend, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver and jewels of gold. And the Lord gate the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Eccl. xlv a Moreover * Exodi iii g twelve. a. and e Psalm. ciiii c Moses was very great in the land of egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh, and also in the sight of the people. And Moses said: thus saith the Lord * About midnight will I go out among the Egyptians/ and all the first born in the land of egypt shall die: even from the first born of Pharaoh, that sitteth on his fear, unto the first born of the maid servant that is in the mill/ and all the first born of the cattles. And there shall be a great cry thorough out the land of egypt: so that there was never none like, nor shall be. And among all the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue/ nor yet man or be'st: that you may know how the Lord putteth a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. and these thy servants shall come down unto me, and fall before me, and say: get the out and all the people that are under thee, and then will I depart. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. And the Lord said unto Moses: Pharaoh shall not regard you, that many wonders may be wrought in the land of egypt. And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh. But the Lord hardened Pharaos' heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land. ¶ The passover is eaten. The sweet breed. They must teach their children what the passover signifieth. The destruction of the first begotten in Egypt. The robbery of the Egyptians. The going out of the israelites. CAPI. XII. ANd the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, Passover of the jews, but our passouer or pasth lamb is christ which for us was offered as witnesseth Paul 1 Corinth u saying: This month shall be your chief month, even of the first month of the year shall it be unto you, Speke you unto all the fellowship of Israel, saying: that they take the tenth day of this month to every household a sheep. If the household be to few for a sheep, then let him and his neighbour that is next unto his house take according to the number of the souls/ and count unto a sheep according to every man's eating. A sheep without spot, and a male of one year old shall it be/ and out of the flock of the lambs and the gootes shall you take it. And you shall keep him in till the xiiij day of the same month. And every man of the multitude of Israel shall kill him about even. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts, & on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they eat him. And they shall eat the flesh the same night, tossed with fire and with unleavened breed/ & with sour herbs they shall eat it. See that you eat not thereof raw, nor sudden in water/ but toast with fire: both the heed, feet, and puttenance together. And see that you let nothing of it remain unto the morning: if aught remain burn it with fire. Of this manner shall you eat it: with your loins girded/ and shoes on your feet/ & your slaves in your hands. And you shall eat it in haste/ for it is the Lords passover, for I will go about in the land of egypt this same night/ and will smite all the first born in the land of egypt, both of man and be'st/ and upon all the Gods of egypt will I the Lord do execution. And the blood shall be unto you a token upon the houses wherein you are, for when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you/ when I smite the land of egypt. And this day shall be unto you a remembrance/ & you shall keep it holy unto the Lord even throughout your generations after you shall you keep it holy day, that it be a custom for ever. Seven days shall you eat unleavened breed/ so that even the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses. For who so ever eateth levended breed from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be plucked out from Israel. * Leu xxiii a Nu. xxviii c The first day shall be a holy feast unto you/ and the vij also. There shall be no manner of work done in them/ save about that only which every man must eat, that only may you do. And see that you keep you to unleavened breed. For upon that same day I will bring your armies out of the land of egypt/ therefore you shall observe this day, and all your children after you, that it be a custom for ever. The first month and the xiiij day of the month at even, you shall eat sweet breed unto the xxj day of the month at even again. Seven days see that there be no leavening breed found in your houses. For woe so ever eateth levended breed, that soul shall be rooted out from the multitude of Israel: whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. Therefore see that you eat not levended breed, but in all your habitations eat sweet breed. And Moses called for the elders of Israel, and said unto them: Choose out and take to every household a sheep, and kill passover. And take a bunch of ysope, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin/ and strike it upon the upper post, and on the two side posts, and see that none of you go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will go about & smite egypt. And when he seethe the blood upon the upper door post, and on the two side posts, he will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in to your house to plague you. Therefore see that thou observe this thing, that it be an ordinance to the and thy sons for ever. And when you be come in to the land which the Lord will give you according as he hath promised/ se that you keep this service. And when your children are you what manner of service is this you do? You shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lords passover, which passed over the houses of the children of Israel in egypt, as he smote the Egyptians, and saved our houses. Then the people bowed them selves & worshipped. And the children of Israel went and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron. And at midnight the Lord smote all the first born in the lanbe of Egypt from the first born of Pharaoh that sat on his seat, 〈◊〉 pla●e. unto the first born of the captive that was in prison, and all the first born of cattles. Then Pharaoh arose the same night and all the servants and all the Egyptians: * S●● & there was a great crying throughout egypt, for there was no house where there was not one deed. And he called unto Moses and Aaron by night saying: Rise up, and get you hence from my people, both you and also the children of Israel, and go and serve the Lord as you have said. And take your sheep and your oxen with you as you have said, and depart and φ Lo●● Gen. ●● bless me also. And the Egyptians were fierce upon the people, and made haste to sand them out of the land: for they said: we be all deed men. And the people took the dough before it was soured which they had in store, and bound it in clotheses/ and put it upon their shoulders. And the children of Israel did according to the saying of Moses: and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold/ and raiment. And the Lord got the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, and so they borrowed and rob the Egyptians. Thus took the children of Israel their journey from Rameses to φ 〈◊〉 Scoth. Suchoth uj hundred thousand men of foot, beside children. And much common people went also with them, and sheep and oxen, and cattle exceeding moche. And they baked sweet cakes of the dough which they brought out of egypt/ for it was not soured, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not tarry, neither had they prepared any other provision of meat. And the time of the dwelling of the children of Israel which they dwelled in egypt was four hundred and xxx year. And when the iiij. hundred and xxx years was expired, even the self same day departed all the hosts of the Lord out of the land of egypt. This is a night to be observed to the Lord/ because he brought them out of the land of egypt. This is a night of the Lord, to be kept of all the children of Israel and of their generations after them. And the Lord said unto Moses & Aaron: this is the manner of Passeover: there shall no stranger eat thereof/ but all the servants that are bought for money shall you circumcise, and then let them eat thereof. A stranger and a hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten. You shall carry none of the flesh out at the doors: moreover john xix g see that you break not a bone thereof. All the multitude of the children of Israel shall observe it. If a stranger devil among you, and will hold Passeover unto the Lord, let him circumcise all that be males, & then let him come and observe it, & be taken as one that is born in the land. Not uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One manner of law shall be unto them that are born in the land/ & unto the strangers that devil among you. And all the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron. And even the self same day did the Lord bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egygte with their armies. ¶ The first begotten must be sanctified unto the Lord. The memorial of their deliverance. why they were carried through the wilderness. The bones of joseph. The pillar of the cloud. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying Sanctify ●t is to say ●e. See how ●ny ceremo●s were con●unded the ●es only to ●ilk & print ●eir myndis 〈◊〉 memory their dely●aunce. That is of ●yll. Sanctify unto me all the first born that open all manner matrices among the children of Israel as well of men as of beestes: for they are mine. And Moses said unto the people, think on this day in which you came out of Egypt, and out of the house of bondage: for with a mighty hand the Lord brought you out from thence. See therefore that you eat no leavening breed. This day come you out of Egypt, in the month of φ Abib. When the Lord hath brought the in to the land of the Cananytes, Hethytes, Amorites, Hevites and jebusites, which he swore unto thy fathers that he would give the a land wherein milk and honey floweth, then see that thou keep this ceremony in this same month. Seven days thou shalt eat sweet breed: * Deut. u b. and the vij day shall be feastful unto the Lord. Therefore thou shalt eat sweet breed seven days, and see that there be no leavening breed seen nor yet leaven among you in all your quarters. God will 〈◊〉 the cause of the ceremony be declared at the time of the celebration thereof. And thou shalt show thy son at that time saying: this is done, because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came out of egypt. Therefore it shall be a sign unto the upon thine hand, and as a remembrance between thine eyes, that the lords law may be in thy mouth. For φ Look Psal cxxxu b. with a strong hand the Lord brought the out of egypt, see thou keep therefore this ordinance in his season from year to year. Moreover when the Lord hath brought the in to the land of the Cananytes, as he hath sworn unto the and to thy fathers, and hath given it thee, than thou shalt appoint unto the Lord all that openeth the matrice, all the first born among the beestes which thou hast if they be males. And all the first born of the asses, thou shalt redeem with a sheep: if thou redeem him not, then break his neck. But all the first born among thy children shalt thou buy out. And when thy son axeth the in time to come saying: what is this? thou shalt say unto him: with a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of egypt, out of the house of bondage. And when Pharaoh was loath to let us go/ the Lord slew all the first born in the land of Egypt: as well the first born of men as of beestes. And therefore I sacrifice unto the Lord all the males that open the matrice, but all the first born of my children I must redeem. And this shall be as a token in thine hand, and as a thing hanged up between thine eyes because the Lord brought us out of egypt with a mighty hand. When Pharaoh had let the people go, God carried them not thorough the land of the philistines, though it were a nigh way, thinking that the people might happily repent when they see war, and so turn again to Egypt: therefore god led them about thorough the wilderness that bordreth on the read see. The children of Israel went harnessed out of the land of egypt. And Moses took the bones of joseph with him: for he made the children of Israel swear saying * Genes. l d. & josu xxiiii g. God will surely visit you, take my bones therefore away hence with you. And they took their journey from Sucoch, and pitched their tents in Etham in the edge of the wilderness. * Nu. xiiii c i Corinth ten ● And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them the way: and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might go both by day and night. * Nun ix d And the pillar of the cloud never departed by day, nor the pillar of fire by night out of the people's sight. ¶ Pharaos' heart is hardened and followeth the Israelites with all his host/ and is drowned. The Israelites grudge. They go through the read see. CAPI. XIIII. THen the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: bid the children of Israel that they turn and pitch their tents before the entering of Hiroth between Migdole and the see toward Baalzephon: even before that shall you pitch upon the see. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel: they are inveigled in the land/ the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden his heart, that he shall follow after them, to th'intent I may get me honour upon Pharaoh and upon all his host, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did even so, And when it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled, than Pharaos' heart and all his servants turned against the people and said: why have we this done, that we have let Israel go out of our service? And he made ready his charettes and took his people with him, & took uj hundred choose charettes and all the charettes of egypt, and capteyns upon all his people. For the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of egypt, that he followed after the children of Israel, which nevertheless went out thorough an high hand, and the Egyptians followed after them, and overtook them where they pytched by the see with all the horses and charettes of Pharaoh and with his horsemen and his host: fast by the entering of Hiroth before Baal Zephon. And Pharaoh drew nigh/ and when the children of Israel lift up their eyes, and saw that the Egygtians followed after them, they were sore afraid, & cried out unto the Lord. Then said they unto Moses. Were there no graves for us in egypt, but thou must bring us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou served us thus, to carry us out of Egypt? Did not we tell the this in egypt saying/ let us be in rest and serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, then to die in the wilderness. And Moses said to the people: fear not but stand still and behold how the Lord shall save you this day: For the Egyptians whom you see this day, you shall never see more for ever, The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall be still. The Lord said unto Moses: Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak to the children of Israel to go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch forth thy hand over the see and divide it asunder, that the children of Israel may go on dry ground, thorough the midst thereof. And behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians that they may follow you. And I will get me honour upon Pharaoh and upon all his host upon his charettes, and upon his horse men. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord when I have got me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his charettes and upon his horsemen. And the angel of god which went before the host of Israel, removed and went behind them. And the clouden pillar that was before them, removed and stood behind them, & went between the host of the Egyptians & the host of Israel. It was a dark cloud, & gave light by night: so that all the night long the one could not come at the other. * job ii b iiii d. judit u b. Psa lxxvii b Eccli xxxix c When Moses stretched forth his hand over the see, the Lord carried away the see with a strong east wind that blue all night, and made the see dry land, and the water divided itself. And the children of Israel went in thorough the midst of the see upon the dry ground. And the water was a brickwall unto them both on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians followed, and went in after them to the midst of the see, with all Pharaos' horses and his charettes & his horsemen. And in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians out of the fiery and cloudy pillar/ & troubled their host/ and smote of their chariot wheels, and cast them down to the ground. Then said the Egyptians: Let us i'll from Israel, for the Lord fighteth for them against us. Then said the Lord unto Moses: stretch forth thine hand over the see, that the water may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their charettes and horsemen. Then stretched forth Moses his hand over the see/ and it came again to his course early in the morning/ and the Egyptians fled against it. The 〈◊〉 plag●. Thus the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the see/ and the water returned and covered the charets & the horsemen: so that of all the host of Pharaoh that came in to the see after them, remained not one. But the children of Israel went upon dry land in the midst of the see, and the water was a brickwall to them, both on the right hand of them and also on the left. * E●● Thus the Lord delivered Israel the self same day out of the hand of the Egyptians/ and Israel saw the Egyptians deed upon the see side. And when Israel saw that mighty hand, which the Lord had showed upon the Egyptians * Psa● they feared the Lord, and believed both the Lord, and also his servant Moses. ¶ Moses and the people with the women sing. At the prayer of Moses/ the bitter waters were sweet God must be heard. They come to Elim. CAPI. XU. THen Moses and the children of Israel sang this song unto the Lord, & said. A son● 〈◊〉 lord. Let us sing unto the Lord/ for he is become glorious/ the horse and him that road upon him, hath he overthrown in the see. * Ps● Esa. ●● The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. He is my God and I will glorify him/ he is my father's God, and I will life him up on high. The Lord is a man of war almighty is his name: Pharaos' charettes and his host hath he cast in to the see. His jolly captains are drowned in the read see/ the deep waters have covered them: they sunk to the bottom as a stone. Thine hand Lord is glorious in power/ thine hand Lord hath all to dashed the enemy. And with thy great glory thou haste destroyed thine adversaries/ thou sentest forth thy wrath, and it consumed them as stobell. With the breath of thine anger the water gathered together and the floods stood still as a rock/ and the deep water congealed together in the midst of the see. The enemy said: I will follow and overtake them/ and will divide the spoil: I will satisfy my lust upon them: I will draw my sword, and mine hand shall destroy them. Thou bluest with thy breath and the see covered them, and they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee, oh Lord, among gods: who is like thee, so glorious in holiness, fearful, laudable, and that showest wonders? Thou stretchedest out thy right hand, & the earth swallowed them. And thou caryedest with thy mercy this people which thou deliverdest, and broughtest them with thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The nations heard, and were afraid, pangs came upon the philistines. Then the dukes of the Edomytes were amazed/ and trembling came upon the myghtyest of the Moabytes, and all the inhabiters of Canaan waxed faint hearted. Let fear and dread fall upon them thorough the ●oke in ●b xl a. greatness of thine arm, and let them be as still as a stone: while thy people pass thorough, oh Lord, while the people pass thorough, which thou hast gotten. Bring them in, and plant them in the mountains of thine inheritance, the place Lord which thou hast made for to devil in/ the sanctuary Lord, which thy hands have prepared. The Lord reign ever and alway. For Pharaoh went in on horseback with his charettes and horsemen in to the see, & the Lord brought the waters of the see upon them. And the children of Israel went on dry land thorough the midst of the see. And Myr jam a ꝓphetesse the sister of Aaron, took a tymbrel in her hand, ●he song of ●●riam or ●aria. & all the women came out after her with timbrels in a dance. And MirIam sang before them: Sing you unto the Lord, for he is become glorious in deed: the horse and his rider hath he overthrown in the see. Moses brought Israel from the read see, and they went out in to the wilderness of Sur. And they went three days long in the wilderness, and could find no water. At last they came to Mara: but could not drink of the waters for bitterness, for they were bitter, therefore the name of the place was called Mara. Then the people murmured against Moses, saying: judi v c & ●c xxxviii a what shall we drink? And Moses cried unto the Lord, and he showed him a tree which he cast in to the waters, and they waxed sweet. 〈◊〉 promise. There he made unto them an ordinance and a law, and there he proved them, and said: If you will hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his sight, and give ear to his commandments, and keep all his ordinances: I will put none of these diseases upon you, which I brought upon the Egyptians/ for I am the Lord God your surgeon. ¶ The Israelites come into the desert of Sin. It raineth quails and Manna. They grudge. CAPI. XVI. ANd N● xxxii a they came to Elim, where were xii. wells of water, and lxx date trees, & they pytched there by the water. And And they took their journey from Elim, and all the hole company of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which lieth between Elim and Sinai, the xu day of the ij. month after that they were come out of the land of egypt. And the hole multitude of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness/ and said unto them: Murmone. would God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesshepottes, & ate breed our belies full/ for you have brought us out in to this wilderness to kill this hole multitude for hunger. Then said the Lord to Moses: behold, I will rain breed from heaven down to you, and let the people go out, and gather day by day that I may prove them whether they will walk in my law or no. The uj day let them prepare that which they will bring in, and let it be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel: at even you shall know that it is the Lord, which brought you out of the land of egypt, and in the morning you shall see φ The glory of the Lord is here taken for the brightness and light that was seen in the cloud Of which glory the Apostle maketh mention two. Corin iii c d. the glory of the Lord: because hath heard your grudgynges against the Lord: for what are we that you should murmur against us. And moreover Moses said. At even the Lord will give you flesh to eat, and in the morning breed enough, because the Lord hath heard your murmur which you murmur against him: for what are we? your murmuring is not against us, but against the Lord. And Moses said to Aaron: Say to all the company of the children of Israel, come forth before the Lord, for he hath heard your grudgynges. And while Aaron spoke unto the hole multitude of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness: and behold the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud. And the Lord spoke to Moses saying: I have herd the murmuring of the children of Israel, tell them therefore and say that at even they shall eat flesh, and in the morning they shall be filled with breed, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God. quails. And at even the quails came and covered the ground where they lay: And in the morning the dew lay round about the host. * Ps. lxxvl●●● and ciiii d. Sapien xvi c And when the dew was fallen, behold it say upon the ground in the wilderness small and round and thine as the door frost on the ground. When the children of Israel see it, they said one to an other what is this? For they wist not what it was. And Moses said: * i Corin ten ● this is the breed which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded that you gather every man enough for him to eat: a gomer full for a man according to the number of you, Manna. and gather every man for them which are in his tent. And the children of Israel did so/ and gathered some more, some less, and did meet it with a gomer. * two Corinth viii c And to him that gathered moche was no superfluity, and to him that had gathered little, was no lack but every man had gathered sufficient for his eating. And Moses said to them: see that no man let aught remain of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they obeyed not Moses: but some of them left of it till morning, and it waxed full of worms and stank/ and Moses was angry with them. And they gathered it all mornings: every man as much as sufficed for his eating/ for as soon as the * Gen. xviii a. heat of the son came it moult. And the uj day they gathered twice so moche breed, that is to wite, two gomers for one man/ and the rulers of the multitude came and told Moses. And he said unto them, this is that which the Lord hath said: tomorrow is the Saboth of the holy rest of the Lord, bake that you will bake, and seeth that you will seethe, and that remaineth say up for you, & keep it till the morning. And they laid it up till the morning as Moses bade, and it stank not, neither was there any worms therein. And Moses said: eat this to day: for to day it is the Lords Saboth: to day you shall find none in the field. Six days you shall gather/ for the vij is the Saboth: in it shall be none. Notwithstanding there went out of the people in the vij day to gather, but they found none. Then the Lord said to Moses: how long shall it be ere you will keep my commandments and laws? * Ezech. twenty b See, because the Lord hath given you a Saboth, therefore he giveth you the sixt day breed for two days. Abide therefore every man at home, and let no man go out of his place the vij day. And the people rested the seventh day. And the house of Israel called it man Man * Nun xi b And it was like unto Coryander seed, and white/ and the taste of it was like unto wafers made with honey. And Moses said: this is that the Lord commandeth, fill a Gomor of it that it may be kept for your children after you, that they may see the breed wherewith he fed you in wilderness, when he had brought you out of the land of Egypt. And Moses said unto Aaron: take a cruse, and put a Gomer full of Man therein/ and lay it up before the Lord to be kept for your children after you, as the Lord commanded Moses. And Aaron laid it up before the testimony there to be kept. * two. Esd. ix d judith v c And the children of Israel are Man xl year until they came to a land inhabited. So they ate Man till they came to the borders of the land of Canaan. Truly a Gomor is the tenth part of an Epha. ¶ The israelites come in to Raphidim. They grudge. water is given them out of the rock. Moses holdeth up his hands, and they overcome the Amelechytes. CAPI. XVII. ANd all the company of the children of Israel went on their journeys from the wilderness of Sin at the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Raphidim: where was no water for the people to drink who chode with Moses and said: give us water to drink. Moses said unto them: Why chide you with me, and wherefore do you tempt the Lord? So the people thyrsted for water, and murmured against Moses, and said: wherefore hast thou brought us out of egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattles with thirst? So Moses cried to the Lord saying, what shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. Then the Lord said to Moses: go before the people, and take with the of the elders of Israel, & thy rod wherewith thou smotest the river take in thine hand and go. Behold I will stand there upon a rock in Horeb: and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out thereof, that the people may drink. * N●● Psal. ●● i Cor. ●● And Moses did so before the elders of Israel: And called the name of the place Massa, and Meriba, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying: Is the Lord among us or not? Then came Amelech and fought with Israel in Raphidim. A ba●● the Ami●● And Moses said unto josua: chose out men, and go fight with Amelech. To morrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and the rod of God in mine hand. And josua did as Moses bade him, & fought with the Amelechites. And Moses, Aaron and Her went up to the top of the hill. And when Moses held up his hand, Israel had the better. And when he late his hand down Amelech had the better. When Moses hands were weighed, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down thereon. And Aaron and Her stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. And his hands were stedye until the son was down. * Io● Sap●● Deut. And josua discomfeted Amelech and his people with the edge of his sword. And the Lord said unto Moses, writ this for a remembrance in a book and tell it unto josua, for I will put out the remembrance of Amelech under heaven. And Moses made an altar, and called the name of it * T● the L●● he that 〈◊〉 jeovah Nisli/ for he said: the hand is on the sight of the Lord, that the Lord will have war with Amelech throughout all generations. ¶ jethros counsel is received of Moses. CAPI. XVIII. IEthro the priest of Madian Moses father in law heard of all that God had done to Moses and Israel his people, how that the Lord had brought Israel forth of egypt. * Ex●● and iii● And he took Ziphora Moses wife, after she was sent back, and her two sons, of which the one was called Gerson/ for he said: I have been an alien in a strange land. And the other was called Elieser, for the god of my father was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh. So jethro Moses father in law came with his two sons & his wife to Moses in the wilderness: where he had pytched his tent by the mount of God. And he sent word to Moses: I thy father in law jethro am come to thee, and thy wife also and her two sons with her. And Moses went forth to meet his father in law, and did obeisance and kissed him/ and they saluted each other and came in to the tent. And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done unto Pharaoh, and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake/ and all the travail that had happened them by the way, & how the Lord had delivered them. And jethro rejoiced over all the good which the Lord had done to Israel/ and that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. And jethro said: blessed be the Lord, which hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and hath delivered his people from the power of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all Gods, because they dealt proudly with them. And jethro Moses father in law offered burned offerings and sacrifices to God. And Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat breed with Moses father in law before God. And it chanced on the morrow that Moses sat to judge the people/ and the people stood about Moses from morning till even. When his father in law saw all that he did unto the people, he said: What is this that thou dost unto the people? ●e cown●●e of Ie●● accepted Moses. why sittest thou thyself, and lettest all the people stand about the from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law, because the people came unto me to seek counsel of God. For when they have a matter, they come to me, and I must judge between every man and his neighbour, and must show them the ordinances of God and his laws. And his father in law said to him: It is not well that thou dost. Thou dost unwisely, and also this people that is with thee, because the thing is to grievous for thee, * ●eut i b and thou art not able to do it thyself alone. But hear my voice, and I will give the counsel, and God shall be with the. Be thou unto the people to ●o god war ●hat is to 〈◊〉 gods 〈◊〉 god's ●re shower them 〈◊〉 they ●●ht to do. Godward, and bring the causes unto God/ and provide them ordinances and laws/ and show them the way wherein they must walk, and the works that they must do. Moreover seek out among all the people men of activity, which fear God, and men that are true, & hate covetousness: and make them heeds over the people, rulers over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten. And let them judge the people at all seasons: If there be any great matter, let them bring that unto thee, and let them judge all small causes themselves, and ease thyself, and let them bear with the. If thou shalt do this thing, than thou shalt be able to endure that which God charges the withal, and all this people shall go to their places quietly. And Moses heard the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said, and chose active men out of all Israel, and made them heeds over the people, captains over thousands, over hundreds, over thirty, & over ten. And they judged the people at all seasons, and brought the hard causes unto Moses, & judged all small matters themselves. And then Moses let his father in law depart, and he went in to his own land. ¶ The children of Israel come to the mount Sinai The people of God are holy and royal priesthood. He that toucheth the hill dieth. God appeareth to Moses on the mount in thunder and lightening. CAPI. XIX. THe third month after the children of Israel were go out of Egypt, the same day they came in to the wilderness of Sinai. * Nu. xxxiii ● For they were departed from Raphidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched their tents in the wilderness. And there Israel pytched before the mounted. And Moses went up to God. And the Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying/ thus say to the house of jacob, and tell the children of Israel: you have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I took you up upon eagles wings, and have brought you unto myself. Now therefore if you will hear my voice, and keep mine appointment, you shall be mine own above all nations, for all the earth is mine. You shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy people, i Petter ii b these are the words which thou shalt say unto the children of Israel. And Moses came and called for the elders of Israel, and laid before them all these words, which the Lord had commanded him. And the people answered all together and said: All that the Lord hath said, we will do. And Moses brought the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses: Lo, I will come unto the in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I talk with thee, and also believe the for ever. So Moses showed the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses: God unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, The wosshing of the clotheses is but a monition to purify the hearts. and let them φ wash their clotheses, that they may be ready against the third day. For the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And set marks round about the people, and say: beware that you go not up in to the mount, and that you touch not the borders of it/ for who so ever toucheth the mount, shall surely die. Reverence. There shall not an hand touch it, but that he shall either be stoned or else shot thorough: whether it be be'st or man, it shall not live/ when the horn bloweth, then let them come up in to the mountain. And Moses went down from the mount to the people, and sanctified them, and they washed their clotheses. And he said unto the people: be ready against the third day, φ This proveth not that wedlock is an unholy thing but willeth us in time of prayer and serious meditation to sequester ours minds from all pleasure & delights according to Paul's monition i Corin vii a and see that you come not at your wives. And the third day in the morning there was thunder, and lightening, and a thick cloud upon mount, and the voice of the horn waxed exceeding loud, and all the people that was in the host was afraid. And Moses brought the people out of the tents to meet with God, and they stood under the hill. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke: because the Lord descended down upon it in fire. And the smoke thereof ascended up, as it had been the smoke of a kill, and all the mount was exceeding fearful. And the voice of the horn blue and waxed louder & louder. Moses spoke, and God answered him and that with a voice. And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, even in the top of the hill, and called Moses up in to the top of the hill. And Moses went up. And the Lord said unto Moses: Go down and charge the people that they press not up unto the Lord to see him, least so many of them perish. And let the priests also which come to the lords presence, sanctify themselves, least the Lord smite them. Then Moses said unto the Lord: the people can not come up in to the mount Sinai, for thou chargedest us, saying: set marks about the hill, and sanctify it. And the Lord said unto him: away, and get the down, and come up again both thou and Aaron with the. But let not the priests and the people presume to come up unto the Lord, least he smite them. And Moses went down unto the people, and told them. ¶ The ten commandments are given. The altar of earth. CAPI. XX. ANd God spoke all these words & said: I am the Lord thy God, which have brought the out of the land of Egypt, * duty u a Psal lxxx b. Leuiti xxvi a Psal xcvi a. and out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other Gods in my sight. Thou shalt make the no graven image, neither any similitude that is in heaven above, either in the earth beneath, or in the water that is beneath the earth. See that thou neither bow thyself unto them neither serve them/ for I am the Lord thy God strong φ jealous that as: I am the Lord that watcheth a looketh narrowly unto your wickedness, & will punish it straightly And again the fervently loveth your godliness and will reward it abundantly. jealous, and visit the sin of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and yet show mercy unto thousands among them that love me and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain/ for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the Saboth day that thou sanctify it. Syxe days thou shalt labour, and do all that thou hast to do/ but the seventh day is the Saboth of the Lord thy God, in it thou shalt do no manner work: neither thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, neither thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, neither thy cattles, neither the stranger that is within thy gates. i Genesis i For in six days the Lord made both heaven and earth and the see, & all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Saboth day, and hallowed it. φ To honour father and mother is not only to show obedience to 〈…〉 then 〈◊〉 age y●● poor ●●dy, 〈◊〉 vi. a. ● d. M●● Ma●● Ro●● Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not break wedlock. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt bear no false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house: neither shalt covet thy neighbour's wife, his man servant, his maid, his ox, his ass, or aught that is his. * D●● Heb●● And all the people saw the thunder and the lightening, and the noise of the horn, and how the mountain smoked. And when the people saw it, they removed and stood a far of, and said unto Moses: talk thou with us, and we will hear, * D●● but let not God talk with us least we die. And Moses said unto the people, fear not/ for god is come to prove you, and that his fear may be among you that you sin not. And the people stood a far of, and Moses went in to the thick cloud, where God was. And the Lord said unto Moses: thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel: You have se●e how I have talked with you out of heaven: you shall not make therefore with me Gods of silver, nor Gods of gold: in no wise shall you do it. * D●● a. I●● An altar of earth thou shalt make me, and thereon offer thy burned offerings, and thy peace offerings, and thy sheep, and thine oxen. And in all places where I shall put the remembrance of my name, thither will I come to thee, and * G●● bless the. But if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, see thou make it not of hewed stone, for it thou life up thy toll upon it, thou shalt defile it. Moreover thou shalt not go up with steps unto mine altar, that thy foulness be not showed thereon. ¶ Temporal and civil ordinannces. CAPI. XXI. THese are the laws which thou shalt set before the. La●● * D● Ie●● Le●● If thou buy a servant that is an Hebrew: six years he shall serve, and the seventh he shall go out free paying nothing. If he came alone, he shall go out alone: If he came married, his wife shall go out with him. And if his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters: then the wife and he● children shall be her masters, and he shall go out alone. But if the servant say, I love my master, and my wife and my children, I will not go out free: Then let his master bring him to the φ I●● pri●● calle● scr●●● ten●●● godd●● caus●● cey●●● off●●● as 〈◊〉 xxii. ● the 〈◊〉 call ●●nist● God xiii ● Gods, and set him to the door or the door post, and bore his ear thorough with a awl, and let him be his servant for ever. If a man cell his daughter to be a servant, she shall not go out as the men servants do. If she please not her master, so that he hath given her to no man to wife/ then shall he let her go free: to cell her unto a strange nation shall he have no power, because he despised her. If he have promised her unto his son to wife, he shall deal with her as men do with their daughters. If he take him an other wife, yet her food, raiment, and duty of marriage shall he not minish. If he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free and pay no money. 〈◊〉 xix a. ●●ce ●●ey He that smiteth a man that he die shall be slain for it. If a man lay not await but God deliver him in to his hand, than I will point the a place whither he shall flee. If a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour and slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from mine altar that he die. ●●ll mur● And he that smiteth his father or his mother shall die for it. He that stealeth a man and selleth him (if it be proved upon him) he shall be slain for it. ●●uit twenty b ●●er .xx c ●●h xu a. ●●ck vii b And he that curseth his father or mother, shall be put to death for it. If men strive together, and one smite an other with a stone or with his fist, so that he die not, but lieth in bed: if he rise again, and walk without upon his staff, them shall he that smote him go quite, save only he shall bear his charges while he lay in bed, and pay for his healing. If a man smite his servant or his maid with a staff that they die under his hand, it shall be avenged. But if they continue a day or two, it shall not be avenged, for they are his money. When men strive and smite a woman with child, so that her fruit departed from her, and yet no misfortune followeth: then shall he be amerced according as the woman's husband will say to his charge, & he shall pay as the days men appoint him. But ●●n xxiiii c ●●te xix d. ●ath u f. if any misfortune follow: then shall he pay life for life, eye for eye/ tooth for tooth/ hand for hand/ foot for foot/ burning for burning/ wound for wound/ and stripe for stripe. If a man smite his servant or his maid in the eye, and put it out/ he shall let them go free for the eyes sake. Also if he smite out his servants or his maids tooth, he shall let them go out free for the tothes sake. If an ox gore a man or a woman that they die, than the ox shall be stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten/ and his master shall go quite. If the ox were wont to run at men in times past, and it hath been told his master, and hath not kept him, but that he hath killed a man or a woman, than the ox shall be stoned, and his master shall die also. If he be set to a some of money, than he shall give for the deliverance of his life, according to all that is put unto him. And whether he hath gored a son or a daughter, he shall be served after the same manner. But if it be a servant or a maid that the ox hath gored, than he shall give unto their master the some of thirty ●●cle, after ●brewes 〈◊〉 ounce: ●fter the 〈◊〉 and La● it is but ●●urthe 〈◊〉 of on ●●e And it ●yueth xx. ●●s as in ●i xxx b. ●●he is ten 〈◊〉 sterling ●ere a●●e. sycles, and the ox shall be stoned. If a man open a well or dig a pit, and cover it not, but that an ox or an ass fall therein, the owner of the pity shall make it good, and give money unto their master, and the deed be'st shall be his. If one man's ox hurt an others that he die: then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money, and the deed ox also they shall divide. But if it be known that the ox hath used to push times pass, then because his master hath not kept him/ he shall pay ox for ox, and the deed shall be his own, ¶ Such like laws as are in the chapter above. CAPI. XXII. IF a man steal an ox or a sheep and kill it or sell it, Theft he shall restore five oxen for an ox, & four sheep for a sheep. If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him, except the son be up when he is found, then there shall be blood shed for him. A thief shall make restitution: If he have not wherewith, he shall be sold for his theft. If the theft be found in his hand alive (whether it be ox, ass, or sheep) he shall restore double. If a man do hurt field or vineyard/ so that he put in his be'st to feed in an other man's field, of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution. If fire break out and catch in the thorns, so that the stacks of corn or the standing corn or field be consumed therewith/ he that kindled the fire shall make restitution. If a man deliver his neighbour money or stuff to keep, God's delivered to keep. and it be stolen out of his house: If the thief be found, he shall pay double. If the thief be not found/ then the goodman of the house shall be brought unto the gods and swear, whether he have put his hand unto his neighbours good. And in all manner of trespass, whether it be ox, ass, sheep, raiment, or any manner lost thing which an other challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the Gods. And whom the Gods condemn, the same shall pay double unto his neighbour. If a man deliver unto his neighbour to keep, ass, ox, sheep, or what so ever be'st it be and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, and no man see it, then shall φ An oath is the end of strife and division, the which is lawful to be done, when it is either to the glory of God or perfect of our neighbour or for the common wealth, or else not, as Matthew u f an oath of the Lord go between them, whether he have put his hand unto his neighbours good, and the owner of it shall take the oath, and the other shall not make it good: If it be stolen from him, than he shall make restitution unto the owner: If it it be torn with wild beestes, then let him bring record of the tearing, and he shall not make it good. When a man borroweth ought of his neighbour, if it be hurt or else die, and if the owner thereof be not by, he shall make it good: If the owner thereof be by, he shall not make it good, namely if it be an hired thing and came for hire. If a man beguile a maid that is not betrothed and lie with her, he shall endow her, and take her to his wife: If her father refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money, according to the dowry of virgins. Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. wytches. woe so ever lieth with a be'st, shall be slain for it. He that offereth unto any gods save unto the Lord only, let him die without redemption. * levit xix g Vex not a stranger, neither oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. * zacha vii c You shall trouble no widow nor fatherless child: * zacha vii c If you shall trouble them, they shall cry unto me, and I will surely hear their cry, Let all opressars of the poor take heed to this text and then will my wrath wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, Usury. thou shalt not be an usurer unto him, neither shalt oppress him with usury. If thou take thy neighbours raiment to pledge, Pledgee. see that thou deliver it unto him again, by that the son go down. For that is his coverlet only, even the raiment for his skin, wherein he sleepeth: or else he will cry unto me, and I will hear him, for I am merciful. * Actis xiii a. Thou shalt not rail upon the gods, neither curse the ruler of thy people. Thy tithes and first fruits see thou keep not back. Thy first born son thou shalt give me: likewise shalt thou do of thine oxen, and of thy sheep. Seven days it shall be with the dame, and the viij, day thou shalt give it me. You shall be holy people unto me, and therefore shall you eat no flesh, that is tasted of beestes in the field: But shall cast it to dogs. ¶ divers laws and polityque ordinances. CAPI. XXIII. THou shalt not receive a vain tale, neither shalt put thine hand with the wicked to be an unryghtous witness. False witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil: neither answer in a matter of plea, least thou willing to follow many, turn aside from the truth, neither shalt thou paint a poor man's cause. * Deu xxii a Enemies ox When thou meetest thine enemies ox or ass going astray, thou shalt bring them to him again. If thou see thine enemies ass sink under his burden, thou shalt not pass by and let him alone: but shalt help him to lift him up again. Thou shalt not hinder the right of the poor that are among you in their suit. Keep the far from a false matter, and the innocent and righteous, see thou slay not/ for I will not justify the wicked. Thou shalt take no gifts, for gifts blind the prudent, and pervert the words of the righteous. judges may take no brybꝭ Thou shalt not oppress a stranger, for I know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in egypt. Six years thou shalt sow thy land, and gather in the fruits thereof: And the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still, that the poor of thy people may eat, and what they leave, the beestes of the field shall eat: In like manner thou shalt do with thy vineyard and thine olive trees. Six days thou shalt do thy work, and the seventh day thou shalt keep holy day, Saboth day. that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy maid, and the stranger may be refreshed. And in all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect. And you shall not swear by the names of strange God's/ neither let any man hear them out of your mouths. Swear not by other gods. Three feestes thou shalt hold unto me in a year. E●●●● Thou shalt keep the feest of sweet breed, that thou eat unlevende breed seven days long, as I commanded the in the time appointed of the month of Abib, for in that month thou camest out of egypt: * Ex●● De●● and see that no man appear before me empty. And the feest of harvest, when thou repest thy first fruits of thy labours which thou hast sown in field. And the feest of ingathering in the end of the year: when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in a year shall all thy men children appear before the Lord God. * E●● Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavening breed/ neither shall the fat of my feest remain till the morning. * Ex●● The first of the first fruits of thy land thou shalt bring in to the house of the Lord thy God/ thou shalt also not seethe a kid in his mother's milk. Behold I send mine angel before thee, to keep the in the way, and to bring the in to the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and hear his voice, and anger him not/ for he will not spare your misdeeds/ yea and my name is in him. But if thou shalt hearken unto his voice, and keep all that I shall tell thee, than I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. When mine angel goeth before thee, and hath brought the unto the Amorytes, Hethytes, Pherezytes, Cananytes, Hevites, and jebuzites, & I shall have destroyed them/ see thou worship not their Gods, neither serve them, neither do after the works of them, but overthrow them, & break down the places of them. The 〈◊〉 of god And see that you serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy breed, and thy water/ and I will take all sycknesses, away from you. Moreover there shall be no woman childless or unfruitful in thy land, and the number of thy days I will fulfil, I will send my fear before thee, and will kill all the people whither thou shalt go. And I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee/ and I will send φ A h●● like a 〈◊〉 she is 〈◊〉 more ●●mus ●●sting●● sorer, 〈◊〉 Deu●● & Ios. ● hornettes before thee/ and they shall drive out the Hevites, the Cananytes, and the Hethytes before the. I will not cast them out in one year, least the land grow to a wilderness, and the beestes of the field multiply upon the. But by little and little I will drive them out before thee, till thou be increased that thou mayst inherit the land. And I will make thy costs from the read see, unto the see of the philistines, and from the desert unto the river. I will deliver the inhabiters of the land in to thine hand/ and thou shalt drive them out before the. * D●● Exo. ●● And thou shalt make none appointment with them, nor with their gods. Neither shall they dwell in thy land/ lest they make the sin against me, for if thou serve their Gods * Ex●● it will surely be thy decay. ¶ Moses goeth up to the mount and writeth the words of the Lord. The blood of the tavenaunt. The elders of Israel judge the people. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd he said unto Moses: come up to the Lord, thou & Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the lxx elders of Israel, and worship a far of. And Moses went himself alone unto the Lord, but they came not nigh, neither came the people up with him. Exod. xix a Moses then came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the laws. And all the people answered with one voice and said: all the words which the Lord hath said, will we do. Then Moses written all the words of the Lord, and rose up early, and made an altar under the hill, an● twelve pyllers according to the number of thee. xi●●. tribes of Israel, and sent young men of the children of Israel to sacrifice burned offerings, and ●o offer peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood, ●●e blood covenant. and put it in basins/ and the other half he sprynckled on the altar. And he took the book of the appointment, and read it in the audience of the people. And they said: All that the Lord hath said, we will do and hear. And Moses took the blood, and sprynckled it on the people, and said: behold, this is the blood of the appointment, which the Lord hath made with you upon all these words. Then went Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the lxx elders of Israel up, & saw the God of Israel, and under his feet as it were a brick work of Saphir, and as it were the fashion of heaven when it is clear, and upon the nobles of the children of Israel he set not his hand. And when they had seen God, they ate and drunk. And the Lord said to Moses: come up to me in to the hill, and be there, and I will give the tables of stone, ●ables of ●e. and a law and commaundementis which I have written to teach them. Then Moses rose up, and his minister josua/ and Moses went up in to the hill of God, and said unto the elders: tarry you here till we come again unto you: And behold here is Aaron and Her with you. If any man have any matters to do, let him come to them. When Moses was come up to the mount/ a cloud covered the hill, and the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the cloud. And the fashion of the glory of the Lord was like consuming fire on the top of the hill in the sight of the children of Israel. And Moses went in to the mountain. And Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. ●oses fasheh xl days ¶ The Lord showeth Moses the fashion of the holy place and the things pertaining thereto. CAPI. XXV. ANd the Lord talked with Moses saying: Speak to the children of Israel, that they give me first fruits of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart, you shall take it. And these things he they which you shall take of them: gold●, silver and brass: and hyacinth colour, scarlet, purple, bice, and goats here: rams skins that are red/ and the skins of taxus and set him wood, oil for lights, and spices fo: anointing oil, and for sweet cense. Onyx stones, and set stones for the φ Ephod is a garment like an amyce Ephod, and for the breest lap. And they shall make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. And I shall show thee, the fashion of the habitation, and of all the ornaments thereof, even so see that you make it in all things. And they shall make an ark of set him wood, two cubits and an half long, a cubit and an half brood, and a cubit and an half high. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, both within and without, and shalt make a● high upon it a crown of gold round about. And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof, two rings on the one side of it, and two on the other. And thou shalt make slaves of sethim wood, and cover them with gold, and put the slaves of the rings along by the sides of the ark to bear it withal. And the slaves shall abide in the rings of the ark, and shall not be taken away. And thou shalt put in the ark the witness which I shall give the. And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold, two cubutes and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad. Cherubin's. And make two cherubyns of thick gold on the two ends of the mercy seat, and set the one cherub on the one end, and the other on the other end of the mercy seat: so see that thou make them on the two ends thereof. And the cherubyns shall stretch their wings abroad over on high, and cover the mercy seat with their wings/ and their faces shall look one to an other: to the mercy seat ward, shall the faces of the cherubyns be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark, and in the ark thou shalt put the witness which I will give the. There I will meet the. and will common with the upon the mercy seat, between the two Cherubyns which are upon the ark of witness, of all thing which I will give the in commandment unto the children of Israel. Thou shalt also make a table of set him wood of two cubytes long, and one cubit broad, and a cubit and an half high. And cover it with pure gold, and make there to a crown of gold round about. And make unto that an hoop of four fingers broad, round about. And make a golden crown also to the hoop round about. And make for it four rings of gold, and put them in the corners that are on the four feet thereof, hard under the hoop shall the rings be, to put in slaves to bear the table withal. And thou shalt make slaves of Sethym wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be born with them. And thou shalt make his dysshes, spoons, pots, and flat pieces to pour out withal, of fine gold. And thou shalt set upon the table shewbreed before me alway. Shewbreed because it was always in the presence and sight of the Lord. And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure thick gold with his shaft, branches, bolles, knops, and flowers, proceeding there out. Syxe branches shall proceed out of the sides of the candlestick, three out of the one side, and three out of the other. And there shall be three cups like unto almonds, with knops and flowers upon every one of the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick/ and in the candelstycke self four cups like unto almonds with their knops & flowers: that there be a knop under every two branches of the six that proceed out of the candlestick. And the knops and the branches shall be all together one piece of pure thick gold. And thou shalt make vij lamps, and put them an high thereon, to give light unto the other side that is over against it, A talon is an hundred pound weight with snoffers and fire pans of pure gold. And a talon of fine gold shall make it with all the apparel. * Hebr viii a Actu vii f And see that thou make them after the fashion that was showed the in the mount. ¶ This chapter also describeth the things pertaining to the holy place. CAPI. XXVI. ANd thou shalt make an habitation with ten curtains of twined bice, hyacinth, scarlet, and purple/ and shalt make them with cherubyns of broidered work. The length of a curtain shall be xxviij cubytes, and the breadth four/ and they shall be all of one measure: five curtains shall be coupled together one to an other/ and the other five likewise shall be coupled together one to an other. Then shalt thou make loupes of hyacinth colour, along by the edge of the one curtain even in the seluege of the coupling curtain. And likewise shalt thou make in the edge of the uttermost curtain, that is coupled therewith on the other side. fifty loupes shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty in the edge of the other that is coupled therewith on the other side: so that the loupes be one over against an other. And thou shalt make fifty buttons of gold, and couple the curtains together with the buttons, that it may be an habitation. And thou shalt make eleven curtains of goats here, to be a tent to cover the habitation. The length of a curtain shall be xxx cubytes/ and the breadth four/ and they shall be all xi of one measure. And thou shalt couple five by themselves, and the other six by themselves, and shalt double the sixth in the fore front of the tabernacle. And thou shalt make fifty loupes in the edge of the uttermost curtain on the one side, even in the coupling curtain: and as many in the edge of the coupling curtain on the other side. And thou shalt make fifty buttons of brass, and put them on the loupes, and couple the tent together withal, that there may be one covering. And the remnant that rests in the curtains of the tent, the breadth of half a curtain, that remains shall be left on the back sides of the habitation: a cubit on the one side and a cubit on the other side, of that that remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tabernacle, which shall remain of either side of the habitation, to cover it with. And thou shalt make an other covering for the tent of rams skins died read/ and yet an other above all of taxus skins. And thou shalt make boards for the habitation of Sethim wood to stand upright, Bord● the tabe● ten cubytes long shall every board be, and a cubit and a half broad. Two feet shall one board have to couple them together with, and so thou shalt make unto all the boards of the tabernacle. And thou shalt make twenty boards for the habitation on the south side, Cor●● and 〈◊〉 & thou shalt make xl. sockettes of silver, and put them under the xx. boards, two sockettes under every board for their two feet. In like manner in the north side of the habitation there shall be twenty boards and xl sockettes of silver: two sockettes under every board. And for the west end of the habitation shalt thou make six boards, and two boards more for the two West corners of the habitation: so that these two boards be coupled together beneath, and likewise above with clampes. And so shall it be in both the corners. And so there shall be eight boards in all, and sixteen sockettes of silver, two sockettes under every board. And thou shalt make bars of Sethimwod, five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, and five for the other side, and five for the boards of the west end. And the middle bar shall go along thorough the mids of the boards, and bar them together from the one end unto the other. And thou shalt cover the boards with gold, and make golden rings for them to put the bars thorough, and shalt cover the bars with gold also. And rear up the habitation according to the fashion thereof that was showed in the mount. And thou shalt make a veil of hyacinth, of scarlet, purple, and twined bice/ and shalt make it of broidered work, and full of cherubyns. And hang it upon four pyllers of sethim would covered with gold, and that their knops be covered with gold also, and stand upon four sockettes of silver. And thou shalt hang up the veil with rings, and shalt bring in within the veil the ark of witness. And the veil shall divide the holy from the φ T●● holy 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 place 〈◊〉 sanct● where 〈◊〉 the ar● the mer● 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 but the ●stes only aht come, that but 〈◊〉 a year 〈◊〉 figure which ●ge is de●d in the ●c ix a degu vi c most holy. And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of witness in the holiest place. And thou shalt put the table without the veil, and candelstycke over against the table upon the south side of the habitation. and put the table on the north side. And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tabernacle, of hyacinth, of scarlet, of purpul and of twined bice wrought with needle work. And thou shalt make for the hanging, five pylers of Sethim wood, and cover both them and their knops, with gold, and shalt cast five sockettes of brass for them. ¶ yet mother things pertaining to the holy place. CAPI. XXVII. ANd thou shalt make an aultare of Sethim wood: five cubytes long, and five cubytes broad, 〈◊〉 form ●e Altar that it be foursquare, and three cubytes high. And make it horns proceeding out in the four corners of it, & cover it with brass. And make his asshe-pannes, ●es shovels, basins, fleshhokes, fyrepamnes, and all the appartenaunces, of brass, & thou shalt make a gredyern also like a net, of brass: upon whose four corners, shallbe four brazen rings: and the gredyern shall reach unto the mids of the altar. And thou shalt make slaves for the altar of Sethim wood, & cover them with brass, and let them be put in rings along by the sides of the altar to bear it with, and make the altar hollow with boards: as it was showed the in the mount, so let them make it. And thou shalt make The cowrt ●●at which 〈◊〉 call a ●●●ch yard. a court unto the habitation, which shall have in the south side hangings of twined bice, being an hundred cubytes long, and twenty pylers thereof, with their twenty sockettes of brass: but the knops of the pylers and their howpes shallbe silver. In likewise on the north side, there shall be hangynges of an hundred cubytes long, and xx. pilers with their sockettes of brass, and the knops and the howpes of silver. And in the breadth of the court westward, there shall be hangynges of thirty cubytes long, and ten pylers, with their ten sockettes. And in the breadth of the court eastward, toward the rising of the son, shallbe hangynges of l cubytes. So there shallbe hangynges of xu cubytes in the one side of it, with three pylers. and three sockettes: and likewise on the other side shall be hangynges of xu cubytes with three pylers and three sockettes. And in the gate of the court shallbe a veil of twenty cubits: of hyacinth, scarlet, purpul and twined bice wrought with needle work and four pylers with their four sockettes. All the pylers round about the court, shall be howped with silver, and their knops of silver, and their sockettes of brass. The length of the court shallbe an hundred cubytes, and the breadth l and the height five, and the hangynges shall be of twined bice, and the sockettes of brass. And all the vessels of the habytation to all manner service, and the pins thereof: ye and the pins also of the court shallbe brass. And command the children of Israel that they give the pure oil olive beaten for the lights to power alway into the lamps. In the 〈◊〉 is called taberna●●f witness. because there in was contained the covenant and witness where unto god would that the children of Israel should trust, as Leuitici iij c tabernacle of witness without the veil which is before the witness: and Aaron and his sons shall dress it both even and morning before the Lord: and it shallbe a duty for ever unto your generations after you: to be given of the children of Israel. ¶ Aaron's apparel, and his sons. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd take thou unto the Aaron thy brother and his sons with him, forth of the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me, both Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And thou shalt make holy raiment for Aaron thy brother, both honourable & glorious. Moreover speak unto all that are wise hearted, which I have filled with the spirit of wisdom: that they make Aaron's raiment to consecrated him with, that he may minister unto me. These are the garments which they shall make: a φ Brestlapp● or brestflapp● is such a flap as is in the breast of a cope. breastlap, Ephod, a tunicle, a straight cote, a mitre and a girdle. And they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me. And they shall take thereto gold, hyacinth, scarlet purple and bice. And they shall make the Ephod of Gold, iacyncte, scarlet, purpul and white twined bice with broderdworke. The two sides shall come together, closed up in the edges thereof. And the girdle of the Ephod shallbe of the same workmanship and of the same stuff, even of gold, iacincte, scarlet, purple and twined bice. And thou shalt take two Onyx stones, and grave in them the names of the children of Israel: six in the one stone, and the other six in the other stone: according to the order of their birth. After the work of a stonegraver, even as sygnettes are graven, shalt thou grave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel, and shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold. And thou shalt put the two stones upon the two shoulders of the Ephod, & they shallbe stones of remembrance unto the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a remembrance. And thou shalt make hokes of gold and two chains of fine gold: lynkeworke and wreathed, and fasten the wreathed chains to the hokes. And thou shalt make the breastlap of judgement with broderd work: even after the work of the Ephod, shalt thou make it: of gold, iacincte, scarlet, purple & twined bice shalt thou make it. Fowresquare it shallbe, & double, an hand breed long, and an hand breed broad. And thou shalt fill it with four Four rows of stones. rows of stones. In the first row shall be a Sardios, a Topas, and an emerald. The second row, a φ Some red a carbuncle. Ruby, Saphir and Diamond. The third: Lygurios, an Achat and Amethyst. The fourth: a Turcas, Onyx, and jaspis. And they shall be set in gold in their inclosers. And the stones shall be graven, as sygnettes be graven: with the names of the children of Israel even with twelve names every one with his name according to the xij tribes. And thou shalt make upon the breastlap, two fastening chains of pure gold & wreathen work. And thou shalt make likewise upon the breastlap two rings of gold, and put them on the edges of the breastlap, and put the two wreathen chains of gold, in the two rings, which are in the edges of the breastlap. And the two ends, of the two chains, thou shalt fasten in the two rings, and put them upon the shoulders of the Ephod on the foreside of it. And thou shalt yet make two rings of gold, and put them in the two edges of the breastlap even in the borders thereof toward the inside of the Ephop that is over against it. And yet two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath over against the breastlap, allow where the sides are joined together upon the bordered girdle of the Ephod. And they shall bind the breastlap by his rings, unto the rings of the Ephod, with a lace of hyacinth, that it may lie close unto the broidered girdle of the Ephod, that the breastlap be not loosed from the Ephod. And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel, in the breastlap of judgement, upon his heart, when he goeth into the holy place, for a remembrance, before the Lord always. And thou shalt put in the breastlap of judgement * Urim and Thumin, are Hebreve words Urim signifieth light and Thumin perfectness. Urim and Thumin: that they be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the Lord, and Aaron shall bear the ensample of the children of Israel, upon his heart, before the Lord alway. And thou shalt make the tunicle unto the Ephod, all together of hyacinth. And there shallbe an hole for the heed, in the mids of it, and let there be a bond of woven work round about the collar of it, (as it were the collar of a partlet) that it rend not. And beneath upon the hem, thou shalt make pomegranates of hyacinth. of scarlet, and of purple, round about the hem, & bells of gold between them round about: that there be ever a golden bell and a pomegranate, round about upon the hem of the tunicle. And Aaron shall have it upon him, when he ministereth, that the sound may be herd, when he goeth into the holy place, before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not. And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave thereon, (as sygnettes are graven) φ The holiness of the Lord was a name of God, made with four letters, which the Hebrews durst not name for honour which they had to God instead where, of they sayd-Adonay the holiness of the Lord, and put it on a lace of hyacinth. and tie it unto the mitre, upon the forefront of it, that it be upon Aaron's forehead: that Aaron bear the ‡ The sin: for the offering made for s●ne as Ro viii a sin of the holy things which the children of Israel have hallowed in all their holy gifts. And it shallbe always upon Aaron's forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. And thou shalt make an albe of bice, and thou shalt make a mitre of bice, and a girdle of needle work. And thou shalt make for Aaron's sons also coats, gyrdels and bonettes honourable & glorious and thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and on his sons with him and shalt anoint them. and fill their hands, & consecrated them that they may minister unto me. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their privities: from the loins unto the thighs shall they reach. And they shallbe upon Aaron and his sons, when they go into the tabernacle of witness, or when they go unto the altar to minister in holiness that they bear no sin, and so die. And it shallbe a law for ever unto Aaron and his seed after him. ¶ The consecration of Aaron and his sons. CAPI. XXIX. THis is the thing that thou shalt do unto them when thou halowest them to be my priests. Take one ox and two rams that are without blemish, and unleavened bread, and cakes of sweet bred tempered with oil, and wafers of sweet bread, anointed with oil (of wheten flower shalt thou make them) and put them in a mand and bring them in the mand with the ox, and the two rams. And bring Aaron and his sons, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and wash them with water, and take the garments, & put upon Aaron: the straight cote, and the tunicle of the Ephod, and the Ephod, and the breastlap: and gird them to him, with the broidered girdle of the Ephod. And put the mitre upon his heed, and put the holy crown upon the mitre. Then take the anointing oil, and power it upon his heed and anoint him. And bring his sons, and put albes upon them, and gird them with gyrdels: as well Aaron as his sons. And put the bonettes on them, that the priests office may be there's for a perpetual law. And fill the hands of Aaron and of his sons, and bring the ox before the tabernacle of witness. * I●● And let Aaron and his sons put their hands upon his heed, and kill him before the Lord in the door of the tabernacle of witness. And take of the blood of the ox and put it upon the horns of the altar, with thy finger and power all the blood upon the bottom of the altar, and take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the kall that is on the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is upon them: and burn them upon the altar: But the flesh of the ox & his skin and his dung shalt thou burn with fire without the host, For it is a sin offering. Then take one of the rams, and let Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the head of the ram, and 'cause him to be slain and take of his blood, and sprenkel it round about upon the altar, and cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him and his legs, and put them unto the pieces, and unto his heed, and burn the hole ram upon the altar. For it is a burned offering to the Lord and a sweet savour of the lords sacrifice. And take the other ram, and let Aaron and his sons, put their hands upon his heed, & let him than be killed. And take of his blood and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron and of his sons, & upon the thumb of their right hands, and upon the great too of their right feet, and sprenkell the blood upon the altar round about. Then take of the blood, that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprenkell it upon Aaron, and his vestiments, and upon his sons, and upon their garments also. Then is he and his clotheses holy and his sons, and their clotheses holy also. Then take the fat of the ram, and his rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the kall of the liver, and the two kydneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder (for that ram is a full offering) and a symnell of bread, and a cake of oiled bread and a wafer out of the basket of sweet bread that is before the Lord, and put all upon the hands of Aaron, and on the hands of his sons: and wave them in & out a wave offering unto the Lord. Then take it from of their hands, and burn it upon the altar: even upon the burned offering, to be a savour of sweetness before the Lord. For it is a sacrifice unto the Lord. Then take the breast of the ram that is Aaron's full offering, and shalt sanctify it an offering before the Lord, and let that be thy part. And sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the have offering, which is the full offering of Aaron, and of his sons. And it shallbe Aaron's and his sons duty for ever, of the children of Israel, for it is an heave-offering. And the heveoffring shall be the lords duty of the children of Israel: even of the sacrifice of their peaceofferinges, which they have unto the Lord. And the holy garments of Aaron, shallbe his sons after him, to anoint them therein, and to fill their hands therein. And that son that is priest in his stead after him, shall put them on seven days: that he go into the tabernacle of witness, to minister in the holy place. Then take the ram that is the fulloffringe and seethe his flesh in an holy place. And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of him and the bread that is in the basket: even in the door of the tabernacle of witness. And they shall eat them, because the atonement was made therewith to fill their hands, and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy. If aught of the flesh of the fulloffringes, or of the breed remain unto the morning, thou shalt burn it with fire: for it shall not be eaten, because it is holy. And see thou do unto Aaron and his sons, even so in all things as I have commanded thee: that thou fill their hands seven days, and offer every day an ox for a sin offering to reconcile with. And thou shalt hallow the altar, when thou reconcylest it, and shalt anoint it, to sanctify it. Seven days thou shalt reconcile the altar. and sanctify it, that it may be an altar most holy: so that no man may touch it but they that be consecrated. This is that thou shalt offer upon the altar two lambs of one year old, day by day for ever, the one thou shalt offer in the morning and the other at even. And unto the one lamb take a tenth deal of flower mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of an hin of wine, for a drynkoffringe. And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, and shalt do thereto according to the meateoffringe and drynkeoffringe in the morning, to be an odour of a sweet favour of the sacrifice of the Lord. And it shallbe a continual burned offering, among your children after you, in the door of the tabernacle of witness, before the Lord, where I will meet you, to speak unto you there. There I will meet with the children of Israel, and will be sanctified, in mine honour. And I will sanctify the tabernacle of witness, and the altar: and I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons to be my priests. And moreover I will devil among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them out of the land of egypt, to devil among them: even I the Lord their God. ¶ The altar of incense. The brazen laver. The anointing oil. CAPI. XXX. ANd thou shalt make an altar to burn cense therein, of Sethim wood: a cubit long, and a cubit broad, even foursquare shall it be, and two cubytes high: with horns proceeding out of it, and thou shalt overlay it with fine gold, both the roof, and the walls round about, and his horns also, and shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about, and two golden rings on either side, even under the crown, to put staves therein, for to bear it withal. And thou shalt make the staves of Sethim wood and cover them with gold. And thou shalt put it before the veil, that hangs before the ark of witness, and before the mercy-seat that is before the witness, where I will meet the. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet cense every morning, when he dresseth the lamps: and likewise at even, when he setteth up the lamps, he shall burn cense perpetually before the Lord, thorough out your generations. You shall put no strange sense thereon, neither burnt-sacrifice, nor meat-offering, neither pour any drynkeoffering thereon. And Aaron shall reconcile upon the horns of it, once in a year, with the blood of the synneofferinge of reconciling: even once in the year shall he reconcile it thorough your generations. And so is it most holy unto the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: * Numer i ● When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel, and tellest them, they shall give every man a reconcyling of his soul unto the Lord that there be no plague among them when thou tellest them. And thus much shall every man give that goeth in the number: half a sycle, after the sycle * Le xxvii d Numeri three g Ezechi xlv d of the sanctuary A sycle is twenty geeras: and an half sycle shallbe the have offering unto the Lord. And all that are numbered of them that are twenty year old and above, shall give an have offering unto the Lord. The rich shall not pass, and the poor shall not go under half a sycle, when they give an have offering unto the Lord, for the atonement of their souls. And thou shalt take the reconciling money of the children of Israel, and shalt put it unto the use of the tabernacle of witness, and it shall be a memorial of the children of Israel, before the Lord, to make an attonnement, for their souls. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: * Exodi xl. d Thou shalt make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass to wash with, and shalt put it between the tabernacle of witness and the altar, and put water therein: that Aaron and his sons may wash both their hands and their seat thereout, when they go into the tabernacle of witness, or when they go unto the altar, to minister and to burn the lords offering, jest they die. And it shallbe an ordinance for ever unto him & his seed among your children after you. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: take principal spices: of pure myrrh five hundred sycles, of sweet cinnamon half so much two hundred and fifty sycles: of sweet calamity, two hundred and thirty. Of caslia, two hundred and thirty, after the holy sycle, and of oil olive, an hin. And make of them φ This holy anointing oil, doth figure the virtue of the holy ghost, declared or showed by the word of god: & descending down first on the head of Aaron, which is Christ, and consequently upon the Apostles and all the faithful as in Psalmus cxxxii. a holy anointing oil, even an oil compound after the craft of the Apotycary. And anoint the tabernacle of witness therewith, and the ark of witness, and the table with all his appertenaunce, and the candlestick with all his ordinance, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burned sacrifice and all his vessels, & the saver and his foot. And sacrify them that they may be most holy: so that no man touch them, but they that be hallowed. And anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrated them to ministre unto me. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying: This shallbe an holy oynting oil unto me, thorough out your generations. Not man's flesh shallbe anointed therewith: neither shall you make any other after the making of it, for it is holy, see therefore that you take it for holy: Who so ever maketh like that, or who so ever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall perish from his people. And the Lord said to Moses: Take to the sweet spices: stacte, onycha, sweet galbanum, and pure frankencens, of each like moche: and make incense of them compound after the craft of the apotycary, mingled together, that it may be made pure and holy. And beat it to powder, and put it before the witness, in the tabernacle of witness, where I will meet thee, but let it be unto you holy. And see that you make none after the making of that, but let it be unto you holy for the Lord. And who so ever shall make like unto that, to smell there to, shall perish from his people. ¶ The calling of Bezaleel and Ahaliah the work men. The Saboth is commanded. The tables of stone are given Moses. CAPI. XXXI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Behold * E●● I have called by name Bezaleel, the son of Vry, son to Hut, of the tribe of juda. And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge: even in all manner work, to find out soot feaytes, to work in gold, silver and brass, and with the craft to grave stones, to set and to carve in timber, and to work in all manner workmanship. And behold, I have given him, to be companion, Ahaliab, the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, & in the hearts of all that are wise hearted, I have put wisdom to make all that I have commanded thee: the tabernacle of witness, and the ark of witness, and the mercy seat that is there upon all the ornaments of the tabernacle, and the table with his ordinance, and the pure candlestick with all his apparel, and the altar of incens, and the altar of burned offerings, with all his vessels, and the laver with his foot, and the vestiments to minister in, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons to minister in, & the anointing oil, and the sweet cense for the sanctuary: according to all that I have commanded thee, shall they do. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say: In any wise, see that you keep my * C●● both 〈◊〉 it se●● come 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 God 〈◊〉 seke● 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 recō●●selues It ●ne 〈◊〉 also 〈◊〉 pu●● 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 god 〈◊〉 tyf●● wi●● 〈◊〉 spi●● the●●●tice● hol● 〈◊〉 Sabbath, for it shall be a sign between me and you, in your generations, for to know, that I the Lord do sanctify you. Keep my Sabbath therefore, that it be an holy thing unto you. He that defileth it shallbe slain therefore. For who so ever worketh there in, the same soul shallbe rooted out from his people. Six days shall men work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath, of the holy rest of the Lord: so that who so ever doth any work in the Sabbath day, shall die for it: Wherefore let the children of Israel keep the Sabbath, that they observe it thorough out their generations, that it be an appointment for ever. For it shallbe a sign between me and the children of Israel, for ever. * 〈…〉 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. And when he had made an end of commoning with Moses upon the mount Sinai, * E● and 〈◊〉 he gave him two tables of witness: which were of stone, and written with the φ 〈◊〉 fin●● tha● 〈◊〉 th●● 〈◊〉 E●● th●● god● Lu●● finger of God. ¶ The Israelites worship the golden calf. Moses prayeth for them, putting God in remembrance of his promise. He breaketh the tables for anger. He chideth Aaron. The ydolaters are slain. Moses prayeth God to forgive them, or to put him out of the book of life. CAPI. XXXII. ANd when the people saw that it was long or Moses came down of the mountain, they gathered themselves together, and came unto Aaron, and said unto him. ●es vii e Arise and make us a God to go before us: for of this Moses thy fellow that brought us out of the land of egypt, we wot not what is become. And Aaron said unto them: pluck of the golden earynges, which are in the ears of your wives, your sons and of your daughters: and bring them unto me. And all the people plucked of the golden earynges, that were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he psalm iu ● received them of their hands, and fashioned it with a graver and made it a calf of molten metal. And they said: Reg. xii f This is thy God O Israel, which brought the out of the land of egypt. And when Aaron see that, he made an altar before it, and made a Proclamation saying, To morrow shall be holy day unto the Lord. And they rose up in the morning and offered burned offerings, and brought offerings of atonement also. Corin ten b And than they sat them down to eat and drink, and rose up again to play. Then the Lord said unto Moses: Deut. ix b. go get the down, for thy people which thou broughteste out of the land of egypt have marred all, they are turned at once out of the way which I commanded them: ●sal c u e. & have made them a calf of molten metal, and have worshipped it, and have offered thereto, & have said: This is thy God thou Israel, which hath brought the out of the land of egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses: behold 〈◊〉 xxxiii a I see this people that it is a stiff necked people and now therefore suffer me that my wrath may wax hot upon them, and that I may consume them: and then will I make of the a mighty people. Then Moses besought the Lord his God and said: O Lord, Why should thy wrath wax hot upon thy people which thou haste brought out of the land of egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? ●●ut xiiii e wherefore should the Egypcians speak and say: For a mischief did he bring them out: even to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and have compassion over the wickedness of thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac and Israel thy servants, to whom thou sworest by thine own self, and saidest unto them: ●●n xlviii ● xu b ●ii. a I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land which I have said, I will give unto your seed: & they shall enheret it for ever. And the Lord refrained himself from that evil, which he said he would do unto his people. And Moses turned his back, and went down from the hill, and the two tables of witness in his hand: which were written on both the leaves, and were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. And when josua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses: there is a noise of war in the host. And he said: it is not the cry of them that have the mastery, nor of them that have the worse: but I do hear the noise of singing. And as soon as he came nigh unto the host and saw the calf and the dancing, his wrath waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hand, and broke them even at the hill foot. And he took the calf which they had made, & burned it with fire, and stamped it unto powder, and strawed it in the water, and made the children of Israel drink. And than Moses said unto Aaron: What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron said: let not the wrath of my Lord wax fierce, thou knowest the people that they are even set on mischief: they said unto me: Make us a God to go before us, for we wot not what is become of Moses thy fellow, that brought us out of the land of egypt. And I said unto them: Let them that have gold, take and bring it me: And I cast it into the fire, & thereof came out this calf. When Moses saw that the people were naked (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame when they made insurrection) he went and stood in the gate of the host, & said: If any man pertain unto the Lord, let him come to me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together, and came unto him. And he said unto them: Thus saith the Lord of Israel: * Nu. xxv a Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate thorough out the host: and slay every man his brother, every man his friend, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did as Moses had said. * i Corin ten b And there were slain of the people the same day, about three thousand men. Then Moses said: fill your hands unto the Lord this day, every man upon his son and upon his brother: to bring upon you a blessing this day. And on the morrow, Moses said unto the people: You have sinned a great sin. But now I will go up unto the Lord, to wit whither I can make an atonement for your sin. And Moses went again unto the Lord, & said: O, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them a god of gold: yet forgive them their sin I pray thee: If not φ To wipe him out of the book, is to put him out of the number of the choose and to cast him clean out from god, as Roman ix a. wipe me out of thy book which thou haste written. And the Lord said unto Moses: I will put him out of my book that hath sinned against me. But go and bring the people unto the land which I said unto thee: behold, mine angel shall go before the. neverthelater in the day when I visit. I will ‡ To visit their sin is to have their sin in remembrance to punish it: as in Genesis l d visit their sin upon them. And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf which Aaron made. ¶ The Lord sendeth an angel before his people. The Lord denieth to go up with the people. The people lament their sin. Moses talketh with the Lord and desireth to see his face: and is commanded to stand upon the rock. CAP. XXXIII. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: depart and go hence: both thou and the people which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sworn unto Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, saying: unto thy seed I will give it. * Exo xxiii c And I will send an angel before thee, and will cast out the Cananytes, the Amorytes, the hittites, the Pherezites, the Hevites, and the jebusites: that thou mayst go into a land that floweth with milk and honey. But I will not go among you myself, for you are a slyfenecked people: jest I consume you by the way. And when the people heard this evil tidings, they sorrowed: and no man did put on his best raiment. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel: you are a slytenecked people: I must come once suddenly upon you, and make an end of you. But now put your goodly raiment from you, that I may weet what to do unto you. And the children of Israel laid their goodly raiment from them even under the mount Horeb. And Moses took the tabernacle & pytched it without the host a far of from the host, and called it the tabernacle of witness. And all that would are any question of the Lord, went out unto the tabernacle of witness, which was without the host. And when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, all the peo-people rose up, and stood every man in his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was go into the tabernacle. And as soon as Moses was entered into the tabernacle, the clouden pillar descended, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and he talked with Moses. And when all the people see the clouden pillar stand in the tabernacle door, they rose up & worshipped: every man in his tent door. And the Lord spoke unto Moses φ To see God, or to speak to God, face to face, is: to have a manifest and a sure knowledge of him as in Gene. xxxii g. face to face, as a man speaketh unto his trende. And when Moses turned again into the host, the lad josua his servant the son of Nun departed not out of the tabernacle. And Moses said unto the Lord: See, thou saidest unto me: Lead this people forth, but thou showest me not whom thou will't send with me. And hast said moreover: I know the by name and thou hast also sound grace in my sight: Now therefore, if I have found favour in thy sight, then show me thy way, & let me know thee: that I may find grace in thy sight. And look on this also, how that this nation is thy people. And he said: my presence shall go with thee, and I will give the rest. And he said: If thy presence go not with me, carry us not hence for how shall it be known now that both I and thy people have found favour in thy sight, but in that thou goest with us: that both I and thy people have a preminence before all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said unto Moses: I will do this also that thou haste said, for thou haste found grace in my sight, and I know the by name. And he said: I beseech thee, show me thy glory: And he said: I will make all my good go before thee, & I will be called in this name jehovah before thee, and will show mercy to whom I show mercy, and will have compassion on whom I have compassion. And he said furthermore: thou mayst not see my face, for φ Th●● no m●● face a●● Not t●● face 〈◊〉 which ●ace of 〈◊〉 the cau●●●ath to e●●se it forts th●● heaven d● see it. B● none 〈◊〉neth 〈◊〉 die 〈◊〉 comp●● the 〈◊〉 his fa●● must i● puryc death ●●le de●● Cori●● there shall no man see me and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, & thou shalt stand upon a rock, and while my glory goeth forth, I will put the in a cleft of the rock, and will put mine hand upon the while I pass by. And then I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. ¶ The tables are renewed. The mercy of God. To have fellowship with the gentiles is forbidden, and their idolatry also. The feast of sweet bread. The first begotten. The Sabbath. The feast of three weeks. The first fruits. Moses fast, Moses face glystreth. CAPI. XXXIIII. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: hew the two tables of stone, like unto the first, that I may write in them the words which were in the first two tables, which thou brakest. And be ready against the morning that thou mayst come up early unto the mount of Sinai and stand me there upon the top of the mount. But let no man come up with thee, neither let any man be seen thorough out all the mount, neither let sheep nor oxen feed before the hill. And Moses hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and rose up early in the morning and went up unto the mount of Sinai as the Lord commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. And the Lord descended in the cloud, & stood with him there: and he called upon the name of the Lord. And when the Lord walked before him, he cried: Lord * I●● Lord God, full of compassion and mercy, which art not lightly angry, but abundant in mercy and truth, and keepest mercy in store for thousands, and forgyvest wickedness, trespass, and sin (for there is no man innocent before thee) and visytest the wickedness of the fathers upon the children, & upon children's children, even unto the third and fourth generations. And Moses bowed himself to the earth quickly, and worshipped and said: If I have found grace in thy sight, oh Lord, then let my Lord go with us (for it is a stubborn people) and have mercy upon our wickedness and our sin, and let us be thine inheritance. And he said: behold, I make an appointment before all this people, that I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the world, neither among any nation. And all the people, among which thou art, shall see the work of the Lord: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee: keep all that I command the this day/ and behold, I will cast out before thee: the Amorites, Canaanytes, Hethytes, Pherezites, Hevites, and jebusites. * Deu vii a. Regum xi a Take heed to thyself, that thou make no league with the inhabyters of the land whether thou goest, least it be cause of ruin among you. But overthrow their altars and break their pylers, and cut down their groans, ☞ for thou shalt worship no strange God. For the Lord is called jealous, because he is a jealous God: lest if thou make any agreement with the inhabitants of the land when they go a hooring after their gods and do sacrifice unto their gods, they call the and thou eat of their sacrifice: and thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and when their daughters go a hooringe after their gods, they make thy sons go a hooring after their gods also. Thou shalt make the no gods of metal, The feast of sweet bread shalt thou keep, and seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread (as I commanded thee) in the time appointed in the month of Abib: for in the month of Abib thou camest out of egypt. All that breaketh up the matrice shallbe mine, and all that breaketh the matrice among thy cattles, if it be male: whether it be ox or a sheep. But the first of the ass thou shalt buy out with a sheep, or if thou redeem him not: see thou break his neck. All the first born of thy sons thou must needs redeem. * Exo xxiii c ●●cle xxxv a Deuter xvi c And see that no man appear before me empty. Six days thou shalt work, and the seventh thou shalt rest: both from earring & reaping. Exo xxiii c Thou shalt observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest and the feast of ingadering at the years end. Thrice in a year shall all your men children appear before the Lord omnipotent God of Israel: for I will cast out the nations before thee, and will enlarge thy costs, so that no man shall desire thy land, while thou goest up to appear before the face of the Lord thy God, thrice in the year. Ex xxxiii c duty xiiii c Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavening breed: neither shall aught of the sacrifice of the feast of Passeover be left unto the morning. The first of the first fruits of thy land, thou shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God. And see, thou seeth not a kid in his mother's milk. And the Lord said unto Moses: Write these words, for upon these words I have made a covenant with thee, and with the children of Israel. Ex xxiiii d And he was there with the Lord xl days, and xl nights, and neither ate bread nor drank water. And he written in the tables the words of the covenant: even ten verses. And Moses came down from mount Sinai, and the two tables of witness in his hand, and wist not that his face shone with beams of his commening with the Lord. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel looked upon Moses, and saw that the skin of his face shone with beams, they were afraid to come night him. But he called them to him, and then Aaron and all the chief of the company came unto him, & Moses talked with them. And at last all the children of Israel came unto him, and he gave commandment unto them of all that the Lord had said unto him in mount Sinai. And as soon as he had made an end of talking with them, he put a covering upon his face. But when he went before the Lord to speak with him, he took the covering of, until he came out. And he came out and spoke unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of his face shone with beams/ but Moses put a covering upon his face, till he went in to comen with him. ¶ The Sabbath. The first fruits are required The readiness of the people to offer. Bezaleel and Ahaliab are praised of Moses and set to work. CAPI. XXXV. ANd Moses gathered all the company of the children of Israel together, and said unto them/ these are the things which the Lord hath commanded to do. Six days you shall work, but the seventh day shall be unto you the holy Sabbath of the lords rest/ so that who so ever doth any work therein, shall die. Moreover you shall kindle no fire thorough out all your habitations, upon the Sabbath day. And Moses spoke unto all the multitude of the children of Israel saying * Exo xxv a. this is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying. give from among you first fruits unto the Lord. All that are willing in their hearts, shall bring first fruits unto the Lord: gold, silver, brass, hyacinth, scarlet, purple, bice, and goats hear: rams skins reed and taxus skins and Sethim wood: and oil for lights and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense: & Onixstones and stones to be set for the Ephod and for the breastlap. And let all them that are wise hearted among you, come and make all that the Lord hath commanded: the habitation and the tent thereof with his covering and his rings, boards, bars, pyllers, and sockettes, the ark and the slaves thereof with the mercyseat and the veil that covered it/ the table and his slaves, with all that pertaineth thereto and the shewbred/ the candlestick of light with his furnishing and his lamps, and the oil for the lights/ the incense altar and his slaves, the anointing oil, and the sweet incense and the hanging before the tabernacle door/ the altar of burnt-sacrifices, & his brazen gridiron that longeth thereto with his slaves and all his ordinance, and the laver & his foot: the hangynges of the court with his pylers and their sockettes, and the hanging to the door of the court: the pins of the habitation, and the pins of the court with their boards: the ministering garments to minister with in holiness, and the holy vestymentes of Aaron the priest and the vestymentes of his sons, to minister in. And all the company of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they went (as many as their hearts couraged them, & as many as their spirits made them willing) and brought have offerings unto the Lord, to the making of the tabernacle of witness, and for all his uses, & for the holy vestiments. And the men came with the women (even as many as were willing hearted) and brought bracelets, earynges, rings and gyrdels, and all manner jewels of gold. And all the men that waved wave offerings of gold unto the Lord and every man with whom was found hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple, Bysse or gootes hear or read skins of Rams or Taxus skins, brought it. And all the hove up gold or brass, brought an have offering unto the Lord. And all men with whom was found Set him wood meet for any manner work/ or service, brought it. And all the women that were wise hearted to work with their hands, span & brought the spun work, both of hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple and Bysse. And all the women that excelled in wisdom of heart, span the goats hair. And the Lords brought Onyx stones and setstones for the Ephod, and for the breastlap, and spice and oil/ both for the lights and for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense. And the children of Israel brought willing offerings unto the Lord, both men and women/ as many as their hearts made them willing to bring, for all manner works which the Lord had commanded to make by the hand of Moses. And Moses said unto the children of Israel/ behold * Exo xxxi a. the Lord hath cast by name Bezaleel the son of Vry the son of Her of the tribe of juda, and hath filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge, even in all manner work, and to find our curious works, to work in gold, silver and brass/ & with graving of stones to set, and with keruinge in wood, and to work in all manner of soot works. And he hath put in his h●rte the grace to teach/ both him and Ahaliab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of graven work/ they are also broderers and workers with needle, In hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple and Bysse, and are weavers that can make all manner work, and can detryse subtle works. ¶ The things that Bazaleel and Ahaliab made for the holy place of the Lord. CAPI. XXXVI. ANd Bezaleel wrought and Ahaliab & all wise hearted men, to whom the Lord had given wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner work for the holy service, in all that the Lord commanded. And Moses called for Bezaleel Ahaliab, & all the wise hearted men, in whose hearts the Lord had put wisdom, even as many as their hearts were encouraged to come unto the work to work it. And they received of Moses all the have offerings which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the holy service to make it with all. And they brought beside that willing offerings every morning. And all the wise men that wrought all the holy work, came every man from his work which they made, and spoke unto Moses say enge/ the people bring to moche and above that is enough to serve for the work which the Lord hath commanded to make. And then Moses gave a commandment, & they caused it to be proclaimed thorough out the host saying/ se that neither man nor woman prepare any more work for the holy heveofferinge, and so the people were forbidden to bring/ for the stuff they had, was sufficient for them unto all the work, to make it and to moche. And all the wise hearted men among them that wrought in the work of the habytanon made/ even ten corteynes of twined Bysse, hyacinth, Scarlet, and Purple, and made them full of Cherubins with broderd work. The length of one curtain was xxviij cubytes, and the breadth four, and were all of one size. And they coupled five curtains by themselves, and other five by themselves. And they made thirty loupes of hyacinth along by the edge of the furthest curtain, even in the seluege of the coupling cuttayne/ And likewise they made on the side of the furthest coupling curtain on the other side, thirty loupes they made in the one curtain, and thirty in the edge of the coupling curtain on the other side/ so that the loupes were one over against an other. And they made thirty rings of gold/ and coupled the curtains one to an other with the rings/ and so was it made a dwelling place. And they made xi curtains of goats hair to be a tent over the tabernacle thirty cubytes long a piece, and four cubytes broad, & they all xj of one size. And they coupled u by themselves, and vi by themselves, & they made thirty loupes along by the border of the furthest coupling curtain on the one side/ & fifty in the edge of the coupling curtain on the other side. And they made fifty rings of brass to couple the tent together that it might be one. And they made a covering unto the tent of Rams skins reed, and yet an other of Taxus skins above all. And they made boards for the dwelling place of Sethim wooed that stood upright every board ten cubytes long, and a cubit and an half broad. And they made two feet to every board of the dwelling place joining one to an other. And they made twenty boards for the southside of the habitation, and xl sockettes of silver under the twenty boards two sockettes under every board, even for the two feet of them. And for the other side of the dwelling toward the North, they made other twenty boards with forty sockettes of silver, two sockettes under every board. And behind in the end of the tabernacle toward the west, they made six boards and two other boards for the corners of the habytation behind, and they were joined close both beneath and also above with clampes & thus they did to both the corners: so they were in all eight boards and xvi sockettes under every board two sockettes. And they made bars of Sethim wode u for the boards of the one side of the habitation and five for the other, and five for the boards of the west end of the habitation. And they made the middle bar to shoot thorough the boards: from the one end to the other, and gainsaid the boards with gold, and made them rings of gold to thrust the bars thorough, and covered the bars with gold. And they made an hanging of hyacinth, of Scarlet, Purple and twined bice with Cherubins of broderd work. And made thereunto four pylers of Sethim wooed, and gainsaid them with gold. Their knops were also of gold, and they cast for them iiij sockettes of silver. And they made an hanging for the tabernacle door: of hyacinth, Scarlet, purple and twined Bysse of nedleworke, and the pylers of it were five with their knops, and gainsaid the heads of them and the hoops with gold, with their five sockettes of brass. ¶ The ark of witness. The mercyseat. The table. The candlestick. The lights. The altar and the incense CAPI. XXXVII. ANd Bezaleel made the ark of Sethim wooed two cubytes and an half long and a cubit and a half broad, and a cubit and an half high: and gainsaid it with fine gold both within & without, and made a crown of gold to it round about, and cast for it four rings of gold for the four corners of it: two rings for the one side and two for the other, and made slaves of Sethim wooed, and covered them with gold, and put the staves in the rings along by the side of the ark to bear it with. And he made the mercyseat of pure gold two cubytes and a half long and one cubit and a half broad, and made two Cherubins of thick gold upon the two ends of the mercyseat: One Cherub on the one end, and an other Cherub on the other end of the mercy-seat. And the Cherubins spread out their wings above an high, and covered the mercy-seat therewith. And their faces were one to an other: towards the mercyseat, were the faces of the Cherubins. And he made the table of Sethim wode two cubytes long and a cubit broad, and a cubit and a half high, and gainsaid it with fine gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round about, and made thereto an hoop of an hand breadth round about, and made unto the hoop a crown of gold round about, & cast for it four rings of gold and put the rings in the four corners by the feet: even under the hoop to put staves in to bear the table with. And he made staves of Sethim wooed and covered them with gold to bear the table with, and made the vessels that were on the table of pure gold, the dysshes, spoons, flatpeces and pots to pour with. And he made the candlestick of pure thick gold: both the candlestick and his shaft: with braunces, bolles, knops and flowers proceeding out of it. Sire branches, proceeding out of the sides thereof, three out of the one side, and three out of the other. And on every branch were three cups like unto almonds with knops and flowers thorough out the six branches that proceeded out of the candlestick. And upon the candlestick self were four cups/ after the fashion/ of almonds with knops and flowers: under every two branches a knop. And the knops, and the branches proceeded out of it, & were all one piece of pure thick gold. And he made seven lamps thereto, and the snoffers thereof, and fyrepannes of pure gold. An hundred weight of pure gold, made both it and all that belonged thereto. And he made the altar of incense, of Sethim wood, of a cubit long, and a cubit brood: even four square, and two cubytes high with horns proceeding out of it. And he covered it with pure gold, both the top and the sides round about, and the horns of it, and made unto it a crown of gold round about. And he made two rings of gold unto it, even under the crown upon either side of it, to put staves in for to bear it with: & made staves of Sethym wooed, and gainsaid them with gold. And he made the holy anointing oil and the sweet pure incense after the Apothecaris craft. ¶ The altar of burntoffrynges. The brazen laver. The some of that the people offered to the building of the habitation of the Lord. CAPI. XXXVIII. ANd he made the burntoffering altar of Sethim wooed, five cubytes long/ and five cubytes broad: even iiij. square and three cubytes high. And he made horns in the four corners of it proceeding out of it, and gainsaid it with brass. And he made all the vessels of the altar: the cauldrons, shovels, basyns, flesshehookes, and colepannes, all of brass. And he made a brazen gridiron of network unto the altar round about allow beneath under the compass of the altar: so that it reached unto half the altar, and cast four rings of brass, for the four ends of the gridiron to put slaves in. And he made slaves of Sethim wood, and covered them with brass, and put the slaves in the rings along by the altar side to bear it, and made the altar hollow with boards. And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it also of brass in the sight of them that did watch before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And he made the court with hangynges of twined Bysse, of an hundred cubytes long, upon the southside, and twenty pylers with twenty sockettes of brass: but the knops of the pylers, and the hoops were silver. And on the northside the hangings were an hundred cubytes long with twenty pylers, and twenty sockettes of brass, but the knops and the hoops of the pylers were of silver. And on the west side, were hangynges of thirty cubytes long, and ten pylers with their ten sockettes, and the knops and the hoops of the pylers were silver. And on the east side toward the son rising, were hangynges of thirty cubytes: the hangynges of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubytes long, and their pylers three with their three sockettes. And of the other side of the court gate were hangynges also of xu cubytes long, and their pylers three with three sockettes. Now all the hangynges of the court round about, were of twined Bysse, and the sockettes of the pylers were brass: but the knops and the hoops of the pylers were silver and the heeds were overlayed with silver, & all the pylers of the court were hooped about with silver. And the hanging of the gate of the court was nedleworke, of hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple, and twined bice twenty cubytes long and five in the breadth, according to the hangynges of the court. And the pylers were four with four sockettes of brass and the knops of silver, and the heeds overlayed with silver and hooped about with silver, and all the pins of the tabernacle and of the court round about were brass. This is the sum of the habitation of witness, which was counted at the commandment of Moses: and was the office of the levites by the hand of Ithamar son to Aaron the priest. And Bezaleel son of Vri, son to Her of the tribe of juda, made all that the Lord commanded Moses, and with him Ahaliab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, a cunning graver, and a worker of nedleworke in hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple and Bysse. All the gold that was occupied upon all the work of the holy place (which was the gold of the wave-offering) was xxix hundred weight, and seven hundred and thirty sycles, according to the holy sycle. And the sum of silver that came of the multitude, was five score hundred weight, and a thousand seven hundred and lxxu sycles of the holy sycle. Every man offering half a sycle after the weight of the holy sycle among them that went to be numbered from twenty year old and above, among six hundred thousand and three thousand, and five hundred and thirty men. And the five score hundred weight of silver went to the casting of the sockettes of the sanctuary and the sockettes of the veil: an hundred sockettes of the five score hundred weight, an hundred weight to every socket. And the thousand seven hundred and lxxu sycles, made knops to the pylers, and gainsaid the heeds and hooped them. And the brass of the wave-offering was lxx hundred weight and two thousand, and four hundred sycles. And therewith he made the sockettes to the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the brazen altar, and the brazen gridiron that longeth thereto, and all the vessels of the altar, and the sockettes of the court round about, and the sockettes of the court gate, and all the pins of the habitation, and all the pins of the court round about. ¶ The making of Aaron and his sons apparel. All that the Lord commanded was offered. CAPI. XXXIX. ANd of the hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple, and twined Bysse, they made the vestiments of ministration to do service in that holy place, and made the holy garments that pertained to Aaron, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they made the Ephod of gold, hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple, and twined bice. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wyrts: to work it in the hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple, and the Bysse, with broderd work. And they made the sides come together, and closed them up by the two edges. And the broidering of the girdle that was upon it, was of the same stuff and after the same work of Gold, hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple and twined Bysse, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they wrought Onyx stones, closed in ouches of gold and graved as signettes are graven with the names of the children of Israel, & put them on the shoulders of the Ephod that they should be a remembrance of the children of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they made the breastlap of cunning work, after the work of the Ephod: even of Gold, hyacinth, Scarlet, Purple & twined Bysse. And they made it four square and double, an hand breadth long and an hand breadth broad. And they filled it with four rows of stones (the first row Sardios, a Topas, and φ Or ●raud●. Smaragdus: the second row, a ‡ Or 〈◊〉 buncle. Ruby, a Saphir & a Diamond: the third ●owe, Ligurios, an Achat & an Amatiste: the fourth row, a Turcas, an Onyx and a jaspis) closed in ouches of gold in their inclosers. And the twelve stones were graven as signettes with the names of the children of Israel, every stone with his name, according to the twelve tribes. And they made upon the breastlap, two fastening chains of wreathen work & pure gold. And they made two hokes of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings upon the two corners of the breastlap. And they put the two chains of gold in the two rings, in the corners of the brastlappe. And the two ends of the two chains they fastened in the two books, and put them on the shoulders of the Ephod upon the forefront of it. And they made two other rings of gold and put them on the two other corners of the breastlap a long upon the edge, toward the inside of the Ephod that is over against it. And they made yet two other golden rings, and put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath on the foreside of it, even where the sides go together, above upon the brodringe of the Ephod, and they strained the breastlap by his rings unto the rings of the Ephod, with laces of hyacinth, that it might lie fast upon the broidering of the Ephod, and should not be loosed from of the Ephod, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he made the Tunicle unto the Ephod of woven work, and all together of hyacinth, and the head of the Tunicle was in the midst of it as the collar of a partlet, with a bond round about the collar, that it should not rend. And they made beneath upon the hem of the tunicle, Pommegranates of hyacinth, Scarlet, purple and twined Bysse. And they made little bells of pure gold, and put them among the Pommegranates round about upon the edge of the tunicle a bell & a pomegranate, a bell and a Pommegranate round about the hems of the tunicle, to minister in/ as the Lord commanded Moses. And they made coats of bice of woven work for Aaron and his sons, and a mitre of Bysse, and goodly bonettes of Bysse, and linen breeches of twined bice, and a girdle of twined Bysse, hyacinth, Scarlet and purple/ even of nedleworke, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they made the plate of the holy crown of fine gold, and written upon it with graven work, the holiness of the Lord/ and tied it to a lace of hyacinth to fasten it an high upon the mitre, as the Lord commanded Moses. Thus was all the work of the habitation of the tabernacle of witness finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses. And they brought the habitation unto Moses/ the tent and all the furniture thereof/ the buttons, boards, bars, pylers and sockettes / and the covering of Rams skins red/ and the covering of Taxus skins, and the hanging veil, and the ark of witness with the slaves thereof, and the mercyseat: the table and all the ordinance thereof, and the shewbred, and the pure candlestick, and the lamps prepared thereunto, with all the vessels thereof, and the oil for lights, and the golden altar, and the anointing oil and the sweet incense, and the hanging of the tabernacle door, and the brazen altar/ and the gridiron of brass longing thereunto with his bars and all his vessels, and the laver with his foot, and the hangynges of the court with his pylers and sockettes, and the hanging to the court gate, his boards and pins, and all the ordinance that serveth to the habitation of the tabernacle of witness, and the mynistring vestiments to serve in the holy place, and the holy vestiments of Aaron the preaste and his sons raymentes to minister in/ according to all the the Lord commanded Moses/ even so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses beheld all the work/ and se, they had done it even as the Lord commanded/ and than Moses blessed them. ¶ The tabernacle is reared up. The glory of the Lord appeareth in a cloud covering the tabernacle. CAPI. XL. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. In the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the habitation of the tabernacle of witness, and put therein the ark of witness, and cover the ark with the veil, and bring in the table and apparel it, and bring in the candlestick and put on his lamps, and set the cense altar of gold, before the ark of witness, and put the hanging of the door unto the habitation. And set the burnteoffringe altar before the door of the tabernacle of witness, and set the laver between the tabernacle of witness and the altar, and put water therein, and make the court round about, and set up the hanging of the court gate. * Exod. xxx c And take anointing oil and anoint the habitation, and all that is therein, and hallow it, and all that belongeth thereto: that it may be holy. And anoint the altar of the burntoffrynges, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar that it may be most holy. And anoint also the laver and his foot and sanctify it. Than bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and wash them with water. And put upon Aaron the holy vestiments, and anoint him and sanctify him that he may minister unto me, that their anointing may be an everlasting preasthode unto them thorough out their generations. * Num vii a And Moses did according to all that the Lord commanded him. Thus was the tabernacle teared up the first day, in the first month, in the second year. And Moses reared up the tabernacle/ and fastened his sockettes, and set up the boards, and put in their bars, and reared up the pillars, and spread abroad the tent over the habitation, and put the covering of the tent on high above it: as the Lord commanded Moses. And he took and put the testimony in the ark, and set the staves to the ark, and put the guercy seat on high upon the ark, and brogeh te the ark into the habitation, and hanmd up the veil and covered the ark of witness, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he put the table in the Tabernacle of witness in the northside of the habitation, without the veil, and set the breed in order before the Lord, even as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the candlestick in the tabernacle of witness over against the table in the southside of the habitation, and set up the lamps before the Lord: as the Lord commanded Moses. And he put the golden altar in the tabernacle of witness before the veil, and brent sweet incense thereon as the Lord commanded Moses. And set up the hanging in the door of the habitation, and set the burntoffering altar before the door of the tabernacle of witness, and offered burnt-offerings and meateofferynges thereon: as the Lord commanded Moses. * Exodi xxx c And he set the laver between the tabernacle of witness and the altar, and poured water therein to wash with. And both Moses, Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat: both when they went into the tabernacle of witness, & when they went to the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he reared up the court round about the habitation and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate: and so Moses fynisshed the work. * Nu●● 〈◊〉 And the cloud covered the tabernacle of witness, and the glory of the Lord, filled the habitation, so that Moses could not enter into the tabernacle of witness, because the cloud abode therein, and the glory of the Lord filled the habitation. When the cloud was taken up from of the habytation, the children of Israel took their journeys as oft as they had iorneyed. And if the cloud departed not, they iorneyed not, till it departed, for the cloud of the Lord was upon the habitation by day, and fire by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel in all their journeys. ¶ The end of the second book of Moses. THE third BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED LEVITICUS. ¶ The order of burnt offerings, whether it be of small or great cattles or fowls. CAPI. I ANd the Lord called Moses, and spoke unto him out of the tabernacle of witness, saying: Speke to the children of Israel, and say unto them: who so ever of you shall bring a gift unto the Lord shall bring it of the cattle: even of the oxen and of the sheep. If he bring a burned offering of the oxen, he shall bring a male without blemish, and shall bring him to the door of the tabernacle of witness, that he may be accepted before the Lord. And let him put his hand upon the heed of the burned sacrifice, and favour shall be given him to make an atonement for him, und let him kill the ox before the Lord. And let the priests Aaron's sons bring the blood and let them sprinkle it round about upon the altar, that is before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And let the burned offerings be strypped and hewed in pieces. And then let the sons of Aaron the priest put fire upon the altar, and put would upon the fire, and let them say the pieces with the heed and the fat upon the wood that is on the fire in the altar. But the entrails and the legs they shall wash in water, and the priest shall burn altogether upon the altar, that it be a burned sacrifice, and an offering of a sweet odour unto the Lord. If he will offer a burned sacrifice of the sheep, whether it be of lambs or of the goats he shall offer a male without blemish. And let him kill it on the north side of the altar before the Lord. And let the priests, Aaron's sons sprynckle the blood of it round about upon the altar. And let it be cut in pieces: even with his heed and his fat, and let the Priest put them upon the wood that lieth upon the fire in the altar. But let him wash the entrails and the legs with water, and then bring all together and burn it upon the altar: that is a burned offering, and a sacrifices of sweet savour unto the Lord. If he will offer a burned offering of the fowls, he shall offer either of the turtle doves, or of the young pygyons. And the Priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring the neck asunder, and burn it on the altar, and let the blood run out upon the sides of the altar, and pluck away his crop and his feathers, and cast them beside the altar on the East part upon the heap of ashes, and break his wings, but pluck them not asunder. And then let the Priest burn it upon the altar: even upon the wood that lieth upon the fire, a burned sacrifice, and an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord. ¶ The order of meateoffrynges, of sweet cakes, of fine flower, of frankencens. etc. without leaven and without honey, but not without salt. CAPI. II IF any soul will offer a meat offering unto the Lord, his offering shall be fine flower, and he shall pour thereto oil, and put frankincense thereon, and shall bring it unto Aaron's sons the Preestes. And one of them shall take thereout his handful of the flower, and of the oil with all the frankincense, and burn it for a remembrance upon the altar: an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord. And the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons, as a thing most holy of the sacrifices of the Lord. If any man bring a meat offering that is baken in the oven, let him bring sweet cakes of fine flower mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. If thy meat offering be baken in the fryinge pan, than it shall be of sweet flower mingled with oil. And thou shalt mince it small, and pour oil thereon: and so it is a meat offering. If thy meat offering be a thing broiled upon the gridiron, of flower mingled with oil it shall be. And thou shalt bring the meat offering that is made of these things unto the Lord, and shalt deliver it to the priest, and he shall bring it unto the altar, and shall have up part of the meat offering for a memorial, and shall burn it upon the altar: an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord. And that is left of the meat offering shall be Aaron's, and his sons, as a thing that is most holy of the offerings of the Lord. All the meat offerings which you shall bring unto the Lord, shall be made without leaven. For you shall neither burn leaven nor honey in any offering of the Lord: Notwithstanding you shall bring the first fruits of them unto the Lord: but they shall not come upon the altar, to make a sweet savour. All thy meat offerings thou shalt salt with salt: neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: but upon all thine offerings thou shalt bring salt. If thou offer a meat offering of the first ripe fruits unto the Lord, then take that which is yet green, and dry it by the fire, and beaten it small, and so offer the meat offering of thy first ripe fruits. And then pour oil thereto, and put frankincense thereon: and so it is a meat-offering. And the priest shall burn part of the beaten corn, and part of that oil with all the frankincense, for a remembrance, that is an offering unto the Lord. ¶ The order of peaxoffeynges, which were offered for the keeping of peax, made of oxen, sheep, lambs and goats. CAPI. III IF any man bring a * Ex xxiiii v peax offering of the oxen: whether it be male or female, he shall bring such as is without blemish before the Lord: and let him put his hand upon the heed of his offering, and kill it before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Aaron's sons the Preestes shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And they shall offer of the peax offering to be a sacrifice unto the Lord: the fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards: and the two kydneys, with the fat that lieth upon the loins: and the kall that is on the liver they shall take away with the kydneys. And Aaron's sons shall burn them upon the altar with the burned sacrifice which is upon the wood on the fire: that is a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the Lord. If a man bring a peax offering unto the Lord from the flock, whether it be male or female, it shall be without blemisshe. If he offer a lamb, he shall bring it before the Lord, and put his hand upon his offerings heed, and kill it in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and Aaron's sons shall sprynckle the blood thereof round about the altar. And the of peax offering they shall bring a sacrifice unto the Lord: the fat thereof and the cedar all together which they shall take of, hard by the back bone: and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, and the two kidneys with the fat that lieth upon them, and upon the loins, and the kall that is upon the liver, he shall take away with the kydneys. And the Priest shall burn them upon the altar, to feed the Lords ofering with. If the offering be a goote, he shall bring 〈◊〉 afore the Lord, and put his hand upon 〈◊〉 ●eed of it, and kill it before the taberna● 〈◊〉 witness, and the sons of Aaron shall ●●nckle the blood thereof upon the altar ●●unde about. And he shall bring thereof his offering unto the lords sacrifice: the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, and the two kydneys, and the fat that lieth upon them, and upon the loins, & upon the kall that is upon the liver, he shall take away with the kydneys. And the Priest shall burn them upon the altar, to feed the lords sacrifice with, and to make a sweet savour. And thus shall all the fat be the Lords, and it shall be a law for ever among your generations after you in your dwelling places: that you eat neither fat nor blood. ¶ The offering made for sins done of ignorance. CAPI. FOUR ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying Speak unto the children of Israel and say: when a soul sinneth thorough ignorance, and hath done any of those things which the Lord hath forbidden in his commandments to be done: If the priest that is anointed, sin and make the people to do amiss, he shall bring for his sin which he hath done: an ox without blemish unto the Lord for a sin offering. And he shall bring the ox unto the door of the tabernacle of witness before the Lord, and shall put his hand upon the ox heed, & kill him before the Lord. And the priest that is * 〈…〉 anointed shall take of the ox blood, and bring it in to the tabernacle of witness, and shall dip his finger in the blood and sprynckle thereof seven times before the Lord: even before the hanging of the holy place. And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of witness, and shall pour all the blood of the oxen upon the bottom of the altar of burned offerings, which is by the door of the tabernacle of witness. And he shall take away all the fat of the ox that is the sin offering: the fat that covereth the entrails, and all the fat that is about them, and the two kydneys with the fat that lieth upon them and upon the loins, and the kall upon the liver let them take away also with the kydneys: as it was taken from the ox of the peax offering, and let the Priest burn them upon the altar of burned offerings. But the skin of the ox, and all his flesh with his heed, his legs, his entrails with his dung, shall he carry all together out of the host unto a clean place: where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on wood with fire: even upon the heap of ashes. If the hole commonalty of the children of Israel sin thorough ignorance, and the thing be hid from their eyes: so that they have committed any of these things which the Lord hath forbidden to be done in his commandments and have offended, and the sin which they have sinned be afterward known, then shall they offer an ox for a sin offering, and shall bring him before the tabernacle of witness, and the elders of the multitude shall put their hands upon his heed before the Lord. * 〈…〉 And the Priest that is anointed, shall bring of his blood in to the tabernacle of witness, and shall dip his finger in to the blood, and sprynckle it seven times before the Lord, even before the veil. And shall put of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness, and shall pour all the blood upon the bottom of the altar of burned offerings, which is by the door of the tabernacle of witness, and shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar, and shall do with his ox as he hid with the sin offering ox. And the Priest shall make an atonement for them, and so it shall be forgiven them. And he shall bring the ox without the host, and burn him as he burned the first: so is this the sin offering of the commonoltie. When a Lord sinneth, and committeth thorough ignorance any of these things which the Lord his God hath forbidden to be done in his commandments and hath so offended: when his sin is showed unto him which he hath sinned, he shall bring for his offering an he goote without blemish, and lay his hand upon the heed of it, and kill it in the place where the burned offerings are killed before the Lord: this is a sin offering. Then let the priest take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the burned offering altar, and pour his blood upon the bottom of the burned offering altar, and burn all his fat upon the altar, as he doth the fat of the peax offerings. And the Priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and so it shall be forgiven him. If one of the common people of the land sin thorough ignorance, and commit any of the things which the Lord hath forbidden in his commandments to be done and so hath trespased, when his sin which he hath sinned is come to his knowledge, he shall bring for his offering a she got without blemish for his sin which he hath sinned, and lay his hand upon the heed of the sin offering, and slay it in the place of burned offerings. ●euit iii d And the priest shall take of the blood with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the burned offering altar, and pour all the blood upon the bottom of the altar, and shall take away all his fat as the fat of the peax offerings is taken away. And the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the Lord, and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him. If he bring a lamb, and offer it for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish, and lay his hand upon the heed of the sin offering, and slay it in the place where the burned offerings are slain. And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the burned offering altar, and shall pour all the blood thereof unto the bottom of the altar. * ●●uit four d And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the sheep of the peax offerings was taken away. And the Priest shall burn it upon the altar of the lords sacrifice, and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin, and it shall be forgiven him. ¶ Of oaths. The cleansing of him that toucheth unclean things. The purgation of an oath and of sin done by ignorance. CAPI. V WHen the soul hath sinned, and herd the voice of cursing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it, ☜ if he have not uttered it, he shall bear his sin. Either when a man toucheth any unclean thing: whether it be the carrion of an unclean be'st, or of unclean cattles or unclean worm, and is not ware of it, he is also unclean and hath offended. Either when he toucheth any uncleanness of man (what so ever uncleanness it be, that a man is defiled with) and is not ware of it, and after cometh to the knowledge of it, he is a trespasser. Either when a soul sweareth, so that he pronounceth with his lips to do evil, ☜ or to do good (what so ever it be that a man pronounceth with an oath) and the thing be out of his mind, and afterward cometh to the knowledge of it, than he hath offended in one of these. Then when he hath sinned in one of these things, he shall confess that wherein he hath sinned, and shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned. A female from the flock, whether it be a lamb, or a she goote, for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin. * levit xii ● Luke ii d But if he be not able to bring a sheep, then let him bring for his trespass which he hath sinned, two turtle doves, or two young pygions to the Lord, one for a sin offering, and an other for a burned offering. And he shall bring them unto the priest, which shall offer the sin offering first, and wring the neck asunder of it, but pluck it not clean of. And let him sprynckle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar, and let the rest of the blood bleed upon the bottom of the altar, and then it is a sin offering. And let him offer the second for a burned offering as the manner is: and so shall the Priest make an atonement for him for the sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. And yet if he be not able to bring two turtle doves or two young pygyons, then let him bring his offering for his sin: * Exodi ten g. the tenth part of an Epha of fine flower for a sin offering, but put none oil thereto neither put any franckencens thereon, for it is a sin offering. And let him bring it to the priest, and the Priest shall take his handful of it, and burn it upon the altar for a remembrance. to be a sacrifice for the Lord: that is a sin offering. And let the Priest make an atonement for him for his sin (whatsoever of these he hath sinned) and it shall be forgiven. And the remnant shallbe the priests as it is in the meat offering. And the Lord communed with Moses, saying: When a soul trespaseth and sinneth thorough ignorance in any of the holy things of the Lord, he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flock valued at two sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering. And he shall make amendss for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and put the fift part more to, and give it unto the Priest. And the Priest shall make an atonement for him which the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him. When a soul sinneth and committeth any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord: though he wist it not, he hath yet offended and is in sin, and shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock that is esteemed to be worth a sin offering, unto the Priest. And the Priest shall make an atonement for him for the ignorance which he did, and was not ware, and it shall be forgiven him: This is a trespass offering, for he trespassed against the Lord. ¶ The offerings for sins which are done willingly. The law of burntoffrynges. The tire must abide evermore upon the altar. The offerings of Aaron and his sons. CAPI. VI ANd the Lord talked with Moses, saying: When a soul sinneth, and trespaceth against the Lord, and denied unto his neighbour that which was taken him to keep, or that was put under his hand or that which he hath violently taken away, or that which he hath deceived his neighbour of with subtlety, or hath found that which was lost and denieth it, and sweareth falsely in what so ever thing it be that a man doth, and sinneth therein. Then when he hath sinned or trespassed, he shall restore again that he took violently away or the wrong which he did, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, ☞ or what so ever it be about which he hath sworn falsely, he shall restore it again in the hole sum, and add the fift part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it pertaineth, the same day that he offereth for his trespass, and shall bring for his trespass offering unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flock that is esteemed worth a trespass offering unto the Priest. And the Priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord, and it shall be forgiven him, in what so ever thing it be that a man doth and trespaceth therein. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: Command Aaron and his sons, saying: this is the law of the burned offering. The burned offering shall be upon the hearth of the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall burn therein. And the priest shall put on his lynne Albe, and his linen breeches upon his shesshe, and take away the ashes which the fire of the burned sacrifice in the altar hath made, and put them beside the altar, & then put of his raiment, and put on other, and carry the ashes out, without the host unto a clean place. The fire that is upon the altar shall burn therein, and not go out. And the priest shall put wood on the fire every morning, and put the burned sacrifice upon it, and he shall burn thereon the far of the peax offerings. The fire shall ever burn upon the altar, * L●●● xiii. d and never go out. This is the law of the meat offering: Aaron's sons shall bring it before the Lord, unto the altar: and one of them shall take his handful of the flower of the meat offering and of the oil with all the frankencens which is thereon, and shall burn it for a remembrance upon the altar, to be a sweet savour of the memorial of it unto the Lord. And the rest thereof, Aaron and his sons shall eat unleavened: it shall be eaten in the holy place: even in the court of the tabernacle of witness they shall eat it. Their part which I have given them of my sacrifice shall not be baken with l●uen, for it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and trespass offering. All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it: and it shall be a duty for ever unto your generations of the sacrifices of the Lord, neither shall any man touch it, but he that is hallowed. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: this is the offering of Aaron and of his sons which he shall offer unto the Lord in the day when they are anointed: the tenth part of an Epha of flower, which is a daily meat offering perpetually: half in the morning and half at night: and in the fryinge pan it shall be made with oil. And when it is fried, thou shalt bring it in as a baken meat offering mynsed small, and shalt offer it for a sweet savour unto the Lord. And that priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: and it shallbe the Lords duty for ever, and it shall be burned all together. For all the meat offerings of the priests shall be burned all together, and shall not be eaten. And the Lord talked with Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, and say: This is the law of the sin offering. In the place where the burned offernge is killed, shall the sin offering be killed also before the Lord, for it is most holy. The priest that offereth it, shall eat it in the holy place: even in the court of the tabernacle of witness. No man shall touch the flesh thereof save he that is hallowed. And if any raiment be sprynckled therewith, it shall be washed in the holy place, Leui●● and the earthen pot that it is sudden in, shall be broken. If it be sudden in brass, than the potie shall be scoured and rynsed in water. All the males among the Preestes shall eat thereof, for it is most holy. Notwithstanding no sin offering that hath his blood brought in to the tabernacle of witness to reconcile with, in the holy place, shall be eaten: but shall be burned in the fire. ¶ Trespass offerings. Sin offerings and peace offerings. The fat and the blood may not be ea●en. CAPI. VII. THis is the law of the trespass offering which is most holy. In the place where the burned offering is killed, the trespass offering shall be killed also: & his blood shall be sprinkled round about upon the altar. And all the fat that covered the inwards and the two kydneys with the fat that lieth on them and upon the loins, and the kall on the liver shall be taken away with the kydneys: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, to be an offering unto the Lord, this is a trespass offering. All the males among the priests shall eat thereof in the holy place, for it is most holy. As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering, one law serveth for both. And it shall be the priests that reconcileth therewith. And the priest that offered a man's burned offering shall have the skin of the burned offering which he hath offered. And all the meat offerings that are baken in the oven, & all that is dressed upon the gridiron and in the frying pan, shall be the priests that offereth them. And all the meat offerings that are mingled with oil or dry, shall pertain unto all the sons of Aaron, and one shall have as much as an other. This is the law of the peax offerings which shall be offered unto the Lord. If he offer to give thanks, he shall bring unto his thank offering: sweet cakes mingled with oil & sweet wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil of fine flower fried, and he shall bring his offering upon cakes made of levend breed unto the thank offering of his peax offerings, and of them all, he shall offer one to be an have offering unto the Lord, and it shall be the priests that sprinkleth the blood of the peax offerings. And the flesh of the thank offering of his peax offerings shall be eaten the same day that it is offered/ and there shall none of it be laid up until the morning. If it be a vow of a free-will offering that he brydgeth that same day that he offereth it it shall be eaten, and that remaineth may be eaten on the morrow: but as much of the offered flesh as remaineth unto the third day, shall be burned with fire. For if any of the flesh of the peax offerings be eaten in the third day, then shall he that offered it obtain no favour, neither shall it be reckoned unto him, but shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it, shall bear the sin thereof. The flesh that toucheth any unclean thing, shall not be eaten, but burnt with fire: and all that be clean in their flesh, may eat flesh. If any soul eat of the flesh of the peax offerings that pertain unto the Lord, and his uncleanness yet upon him, the same soul shall perish out of his people. Moreover if a soul toucheth any unclean thing, whether it be the uncleanness of man, or of any unclean be'st, or any abomination that is unclean, and then eat of the flesh of the peax offerings, which pertain unto the Lord, that soul shall perish from his people. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say: You shall eat no manner fat of oxen, sheep, or gootes: yet the fat of the be'st that dieth alone and the fat of that which is torn with wild beestes, may be occupied in all manner uses: but you shall in no wise eat of it. For who so ever eateth the fat of the be'st of which men bring an offering unto the Lord, that soul that eateth it, shall perish from his people. Moreover you * Leu xvii d shall eat no manner of blood where so ever you devil, whether it be of foul or of be'st. What so ever soul it be that eateth any manner blood, shall perish from his people. And the Lord talked with Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say: He that offereth his peax offering unto the Lord, shall bring his gift unto the Lord of his peax offering: his own hands shall bring the offering of the Lord: even the fat upon the breast, he shall bring with the breast, to wave it a wave offering before the Lord. And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar, and the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons. And the right shoulder they shall give unto the priest, to be an have offering, of their peax offerings. And the same that offereth the blood of the peax offerings and the fat among the sons of Aaron, shall have the right shoulder unto his part, for the wavebreast and the heveshoulder I have taken of the children of Israel, even of their peaxofferynges, and have given it unto Aaron the priest, and unto his sons: to be a duty for ever of the children of Israel. This is the anointing of Aaron, and of the sacrifices of the Lord, in the day when they were offered to the priests unto the Lord, which the Lord commanded to be given them in the day when he anointed them, of the children of Israel, & to be a duty for ever among their generations. This is the law of burntoffrynges, of meateoffrenges, of sin offerings, of trespaceoffringes, of fuloffringes, of peaceffrynges, which the Lord commanded Moses in the mount Sinai, in the day when he commanded the children of Israel to offer their offerings unto the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai. ¶ The anointing and consecration of Aaron and his sons. CAPI. VIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses. saying: take Aaron and his sons with him, and the vestures and the anointing oil, and an ox for a sin-offering, and two rams and a basket of sweet breed: and gather all the commentye together unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and the people gathered themselves together, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Moses said unto the people, this is the thing which the Lord commanded to do. And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water, and put upon him the albe, and girded him with a girdle, & put upon him the tunicle, and put the Ephod thereon, and girded him with the broidered girdle of the Ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. And he put the brestlap thereon, and put in the brestlap Urim and thumim. And he put the mitre upon his heed, and put upon the mitre even upon the forefront of it the golden plate of the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses. And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the habitation and all that was therein, & sanctified them, and sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, and the laver with the foot, to sanctify them. And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's heed, and anointed him to sanctify him. And he brought Aaron's sons, and put albes upon them, and girded them with gyroles, and put bonettes upon their heeds: as the Lord commanded Moses. And the sin offering was brought. And Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the heed of the ox of the sin-offering. And when it was slain, Moses took of the blood and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified it, and poured the blood upon the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, and reconciled it. And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the kall that was on the liver, and the two kydneys with their fat, and burned it upon the altar. But the ox, the hide, his flesh and his dung, he burned with fire without the host, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he brought the ram of the burntoffering, and Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the heed of the ram, and it was killed. And Moses sprynckled the blood upon the altar round about, and cut the ram in pieces, and burned the heed, the pieces and the fat, and washed the inwards and the legs in water, and burnt the ram every whit upon the altar. That was a burned sacrifice of a sweet savour, and an offering unto the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he brought the other ram that was the fulloffering, and Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the heed of the ram, and when it was slain, Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the typ of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot. Then were Aaron's sons brought, and Moses put of the blood on the typ of the right ear of them, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet, and sprynckled the blood upon the altar round about. And he took the fat and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the kall of the liver, and the two kydneys with their fat, and their right shoulder. And out of the basket of sweet breed that was before the Lord, he took one sweet take of oiled bread and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder: and put all together upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons hands, and waved it a wave offering before the Lord. And then Moses took them from their hands again, and burned them upon the altar, even upon the burntoffering: These are the fulofferynges of a sweet favour, and a sacrifice unto the Lord. And Moses took the breast, and waved it a wave offering before the Lord, of the ram of the fulofferinges: and it was Moses part, as the Lord commanded Moses. And Moses took of the anointing oil, & of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his vestiments, and upon his sons and on their vestiments with him, and sanctified Aaron and his vestures, and his sons and his sons vestures also. Then Moses said unto Aaron & his sons: boil the flesh in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and there * 〈…〉 eat it with the breed that is in the basket of fulofferynges, as the Lord commanded, saying: Aaron and his sons shall eat it: and that which remaineth of the flesh and of the breed, burn it with fire. And see you depart not from the door of the tabernacle of witness seven days long, till the days of your fulofferynges be at an end. For seven days must your hands be filled, as they were this day: even so the Lord hath commanded to do, to th'intent to reconcile you. See therefore you abide in the door of the tabernacle of witness day and night seven days long: and keep the watch of the Lord that you die not, for so I am commanded. And Aaron and his sons did all that the Lord commanded by the hands of Moses. ¶ The first offerings of Aaron, for himself and for the people. Aaron blesseth the people. The glory of the Lord is showed. The fire coming from above consumeth the sacrifice. CAPI. IX. ANd the eight day, Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel, and said to Aaron: take a calf for a sin offering, a ram for a burntoffering: both without blemish, and bring them before the Lord. And unto the children of Israel he spoke, saying: take you an he got for a sin-offering, and a calf and a lamb both two of a year old, & without blemish for a burned sacrifice, and an ox and a ram for peaxofferynges, to offer before the Lord, and a meat-offering mingled with oil, for to day the Lord will appear unto you. And they brought that which Moses commanded unto the tabernacle of witness and all the people came and stood before the Lord. And Moses said: this is that the Lord commanded you should do: and then the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you. And Moses said unto Aaron: Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin-offering, and make an atonement for the and the people: and then offer the offering of the people, and reconcile them also: as the Lord commanded Moses. And Aaron went to the altar, and slew the calf that was his sin-offering. And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him, and he dypte his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured the blood unto the bottom of the altar. And the fat and the two kydneys, with the kall of the liver of the sin offering he burned upon the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses: but the flesh and the hide, he burned with fire without the host. afterward he slew the burntoffering, and Aaron's sons brought the blood unto him, and he sprinkled it round about upon the altar. And they brought the burntoffering unto him in pieces, and the heed also, and he burned it upon the altar, and did wash the inwards, and the legs, and burned them also upon the burntoffering in the altar. And then he brought the people's offering and took the goote that was the people's synoffering, and slew it, and offered it for a sin-offering: as he did the first. And then brought the burntoffering, and offered it as the manner was, and brought the meatoffering and filled his hand thereof, and burned it upon the altar, beside the burned sacrifice in the morning. Then he slew the ox and the ram that were the people's peaceofferinges, and Aaron's sons brought the blood unto him, and he sprynckled it upon the altar round about, and took the fat of the ox and of the ram: the rump & the fat that covereth the inwards and the kidneys and the kall of the liver, and put them upon the breasts and burn it upon the altar: but the breasts and the right shoulders Aaron waved before the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. And Aaron lift up his hand over the people and blessed them, and came down from offering of synofferinges, burntofferinges and peaxofferingꝭ. Then Moses and Aaron went in to the tabernacle of witness, and came out again and blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from the Lord, and consumed upon the altar, the burntoffering and the fat. And all the people saw it, and shoted, and fell on their faces. ¶ Nadab and Abihu are slain. Israel mourneth for them. The priests are forbidden wine. The residue of the sacrifice the Preestes eat. CAPI. X. ANd Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron took either of them his censor, ☜ and put fire therein, and put cens upon, and brought strange fire before the Lord: which he commanded them not: and there went a fire out from the Lord, & consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron: this is that the Lord spoke saying: I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peax. And Moses called Misael and Elisaphan the sons of Oziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them: Go and carry your brethren from the holy place out of the host. And they went to them and carried them in their albes out of the host as Moses bade. And Moses said unto Aaron and Eliazar, and Ithamar his elder sons: uncover not your heed, neither rent your clotheses, lest you die, and wrath come upon all the people, let your brethren the hole house of Israel bewep the burning which the Lord hath burned. But go you not out by the door of the tabernacle of witness, least you die: for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you. And they did as Moses bade, And the Lord spoke unto Aaron, saying: drink no wine ne strong drink, ☜ neither thou nor thy sons with thee: when you go in to the tabernacle of witness, jest you die. And let it be a law for ever unto your children after you: that you may put difference between holy and unholy, between unclean and clean, and that you may teach the children of Israel all the ordinances which the the Lord hath commanded them by the hands of Moses. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and Ithamar his sons that were left. Take the meat-offering that remaineth of the sacrifices of the Lord, and eat it without leaven beside the altar, for it is most holy: eat it therefore in the holy place, because it is thy duty and thy sons duty of the sacrifice of the Lord: for so I am commanded. And the wavebreast and have shoulder eat in a clean place: both thou and thy sons, and thy daughters with the. For it is thy duty, and thy sons duty with thee, of the peaxofferynges of the children of Israel. For the heveshoulder, and the wavebreast which they bring with the sacrifices of the fat, to wave it before the Lord, shall be thine, and thy sons with thee: and be a law for ever, as the Lord hath commanded. And Moses sought for the goote that was the sin-offering, and see it was burned. And he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar the sons of Aaaron, wihche were left alive, saying: wherefore have you not eaten the sin-offering in the holy place, saying it is most holy: and for as much as it is given you to bear the sin of the people, and make agreement for them before the Lord? Behold, the blood of it was not wrought in within the holy place, therefore should you have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded. And Aaron said unto Moses: behold, this day have they offered their sin-offering and their burned offering before the Lord, and it is chanced me after this manner. If I should eat of the sin offering to day, would the Lord be content withal? And when Moses heard that, he was content. ¶ Of beasts which be clean and which be unclean. CAPI. XI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say: these are the beestes which you shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth: what so ever hath hoof and divideth it in to two claws, and cheweth cud among the beasts, that shall you eat. But these shall you not eat of them that chew cud and have hofes. The Camel, The Camel. for he cheweth cud, but he divideth not the hoof in to two claws, therefore he shall be unclean unto you. And the Conye, The Conye. for he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof in to two claws, therefore he is unclean to you. And the Hare, The Hare. for he like wise cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof into two claws, he is therefore unclean to you And the swine, The swine. for though he divide the hoof in to two claws, yet he cheweth not the cud, and therefore is unclean to you. Of their flesh see you eat not, and their carcases see you touch not, for they are unclean to you. ☞ These shall you eat, of all that are in the waters: fishes. what so ever have fynnes and scales in the waters, seas and rivers, that shall you eat. And all that have not fynnes and scales in the seas and rivers of all that move and live in the waters shall you abhor. See you eat not of their flesh, and also that you abhor their carcases: for all that have no fynnes nor scales in the waters, shall be abomination unto you. These are the fowls Foules. which you shall abhor, and which shall not be eaten, for they are abomination. The eagle, the goshawk, the cormorant, the kite, the vulture and all his kind, and all kind of ravens, the ostrich the nyghtcrow, the cuckoo, the sparowhauke and all the kind: and the little owl, the storcke, the great owl, the back, the pelican, the pie, the heron, that say with the kind, the lapwing, and the swallow. And all fowls that creep and go upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you. Yet these may you eat of all the fowls that move and go upon four feet: even those that have no knees above upon their feet to leap withal upon the earth: even these of them you may eat: the Arbe and all his kind: the Selaam with all his kind: the Hargo I and all the kind, the Hagab and all his kind. All other fowls that move and have four fere, shall be abomination unto you. In such you shall be unclean who so ever touch the carcase of them, shall be unclean unto the even/ and who so ever beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clotheses, and so shall be unclean until even. Among all manner beasts that have hofes and divide them not in to two claws, or that chew not the cud, shall be unclean unto you: and all that toucheth them shall be unclean. And all that goeth upon his hands among all manner beaves that go on all four feet, are unclean unto you: and as many as touch their carcases, shall be unclean until the even. And he that beareth the carcase of them, shall wash his clotheses, and be unclean until the even, for such are unclean unto you. And these are also unclean to you among the things that creep upon the crathe: the weasel, the mouse, the toode, and all his kind, Ve●● the hedge hog, stellio, the licerte, the snail, and the mole: these are unclean to you among all that move, and all that touch them when they be deed, shall be unclean until the even. And what so ever any of the deed carcases of them fall upon, shall be unclean: what so ever vessel of would it be, or raiment, or skin, or bag, or what so ever thing it be that any work is wrought withal. And they shall be plunged in the water, and be unclean till the even, and then they shall be clean again. All manner of earthen vessel wherinto any of them falls is unclean with all that therein is and * 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 you shall break it. All manner meat that is eaten, if any such water come upon it, it shall be unclean. And all manner drink that is drunk in all manner such vessels shall be unclean. And whether it be oven or kettle it shall be broken. For they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you. Howbeit the fountains and wells, and ponds of water, shall be clean still. But who so ever toucheth their carcases, shall be unclean. If the deed carcase of any such fall upon any seed used to sow, it shall yet be clean still: but if any water be poured upon the seed, and afterward the deed carcase of them fall thereon, than it shall be unclean unto you. If any be'st of which you may eat, die/ he the toucheth the deed carcase shall be unclean till the even. And he that eateth of any such deed carcase, shall wash his clotheses, and remain unclean till the even. And he also that beareth the carcase of it, shall wash his clotheses and be unclean till even. All that scrauleth upon the earth, is abomination, and shall not be eaten. And what so ever goeth upon the breast, and what so ever goeth upon four or more feet, among all that scrauleth upon the earth, of that see you eat not: for they are abominable. Make not your souls abominable with nothing that creepeth, neither make your soul's unclean with them: that you should be defiled thereby. For I am the Lord your God, * 〈◊〉 i H●● be sanctified therefore that you may be holy, or I am holy: and defile not your souls with any manner thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord that brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: ☜ be holy therefore, for I am holy. This is the law of be'st and foul, and of all manner thing that liveth and moveth in the water, & of all things that creep on the earth, that you may put difference between unclean and clean, and between the beestes that are eaten, and the beestes that are not eaten. ¶ A law how women should be purged after their deliverance. CAPI. XII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, and said: speak unto the children of Israel and say: when a woman hath conceived, and hath born a man child, she shall be unclean seven days: even in like manner as when she is put apart in time of her natural disease. And in the eight day the flesh of the chyldes' foreskin shall be cut away. And she shall continued in the blood of her purifying xxxiij days, she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come in to the sanctuary, until the time of her purifying be out. If she bear a maydechylde, than she shall be unclean two weeks, as when she hath her natural disease. And she shall continued in the blood of her purifying lxuj days. ●uke ii d. And when the days of her purifying are out: whether it be a son or a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of one year old for a burned offering, and a young pigyon or a turtle dove for a sin offering unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, unto the priest: which shall offer them before the Lord, and make an atonement for her, & so she shall be purged of her issue of blood. ●●iiii. u b. Luke ii d This is the law for her that hath born a child, whether it be male or female. But if she be not able to bring a sheep then let her bring two turtles, or two young pygions: the one for the burned offering, and the other for the sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean. ¶ The Preestes are appointed to judge who are Lepers. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying: when there appeareth a rising in a man's flesh either a scab or a glystering white: as though the plague of leprosy were in the skin of his flesh, let him be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests, and let the priest look on the sore that is in the skin of his flesh. If the here in the sore be turned unto white, & the sore also some to be lower than the skin of his flesh, than it is surely a leprosy, and let the priest look on him, and judge him unclean. If there be but a white plecke in the skin of his flesh, and some not to be lower than the other skin, nor the here thereof is turned unto white, then let the priest shut him up seven days. And let the priest look upon him the seventh day: if the sore seem to him to abide still, and to go no further in the skin, then let the priest shut him up yet seven days more. And let the priest look on him again the seventh day. Then if the sore be waxed blackish, and is not grown abroad in the skin, let the priest make him clean, for it is but a skirf. And let him wash his clotheses, and then he is clean: But if the scab grow in the skin after that he is seen of the priest again: if the priest see that the scab be grown abroad in the skin, let him make him unclean: for it is surely a leprosy. If the plague of leprosy be in a man, let him be brought unto the priest, and let the priest see him. If the rising appear why●e in the skin, and have also made the here white, and there be raw flesh in the sore also: than it is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh. And the priest shall judge him unclean, and shall not shut him up. for he is unclean. If a leprosy break out in the skin, and cover all the skin from the heed to the foot over all where so ever the priest looketh, then let the priest look upon him. If the leprosy have covered all his flesshed, let him judge the disease clean, for in as much as he is all together white, he is clean. But if there be raw flesh on him when he is seen, than he shall be unclean. Therefore when the priest seethe the raw flesh, let him judge him unclean. For in as much as his flesh is raw, he is unclean: and it is surely a true leprosy. But if the raw flesh departed again and change in to white, then let him come to the priest, and let the priest se him. If the sore be changed unto white, let the priest judge the disease clean, and then he is clean. When there is a bile in the skin of any man's flesh, and is healed and after in the place of the bile there appear a white rising either a shining white, somewhat redysshe, let him be seen of the priest. If when the priest seethe him, it appear lower than the other skin, and the here thereof be changed unto white, let the priest judge him unclean: for it is a very leprosy, that is broken out in the place of the bile But if when the priest, looketh on it there be no white hairs therein, neither the scab lower than the other skin, and be somewhat blackysshe, than the Priest shall shut him apart seven days. If it spread abroad in the mean season, then let the priest judge him unclean: for it is a leprosy. But if the glistering white abide still in one place, and go no further, than it is but the print of the bile, and the Priest shall judge him clean. When the skin of any man's flesh is burned with fire that it be raw, and there appear in the burning a glistering white that is somewhat redysshe or all together white, let the priest look upon it. If the here in that brightness be changed to white, and it also appear lower than the other skin, than it is a leprosy that is broken out of the place of the burning. And the priest shall judge him unclean, for it is a leprosy. But if (when the Priest looketh on it) he see there is no white here in the brightness, and that it is no lower than tother skin, and that it is also blackesshe, then let the Priest shut him up seven days. And if (when the priest looketh on him the seventh day) it be grown abroad in the skin, let him judge him unclean: for it is a leprosy. But if that brightness abide still in one place and go no further in the skin and be blackesh, than it is but a rising in the place of the burning, and the Priest shall make him clean: for it is but the print of the burning only. When either man or woman hath a breaking out upon the heed or the beerde, let the Priest see it. And if it appear lower than the other skin, and there be therein golden hairs and thin, let the priest judge him unclean, for it is a breaking out of leprosy upon the heed or beerde. If (when the Priest looketh on the breaking out) he see it is no lower than tother skin, and that there are black hairs therein, let him shut him up seven days. And let the priest look on the disease the seventh day: and if the breaking out be go no further, neither be any golden hairs therein, neither the scab be lower than the other skin, then let him be shaven, but let him not shave the scab: and let the priest shut him up seven days more. And let the priest look on the breaking out the vij day again: If the breaking out be go no further in the skin, nor more lower than tother skin, then let the priest judge him clean, and let him wash his clotheses, and then he is clean. If the breaking out grow in the skin after he be once judged clean, let the priest see him. If it be grown abroad in deed in the skin, let the Priest seek no further for any golden hairs, ●or he is unclean. But if he see the scab stand still, and that there is black here grown up therein, than the scab is healed, and he is clean: and the Priest shall judge him clean. If there be round in the skin of the flesh of man or woman a glistering white, let the priest see it. If there appear in their flesh a glistering white, somewhat blackysshe, than it is but frekels grown up in the skin: and he is clean. If a man's here fall of his heed, than he is heedbaulde and clean. If his here fall before in his forehead, than he is foreheedbaulde and clean. If there be in the baulde herd, or baulde forehead a redysshe white scab, than there is leprosy sprung up in his baulde heed, or baulde forehead. And let the priest see it: and if the rising of the sore be reddyshwhyte in his baulde heed or foreheed after the manner of a leprosy in the skin of the flesh, than he is a leper, and unclean: and the priest shall judge him unclean, for the plague of his heed. And the leper in whom the plague is, shall have his clotheses rend, and his heed bore, and his mouth moffeld, and shall be called unclean. And as long as the disease lasteth upon him, he shall be unclean, for he is unclean: & shall therefore devil alone, and even without the host shall his habitation be. When the plague of leprosy is in a cloth: Lep●●●● cloth. whether it be linen or woollen, yea and whether it be in the warp or wolf of the linen, or of the woollen: either in a skin, or any thing made of skin, if the disease be pale or somewhat redysshe in the cloth or skin: whether it be in the warp or wolf, or any thing that is made of skin, than it is a very leprosy, and must be showed unto the priest And when the priest saith the plague, let him shut it up seven days, and let him look on the plague the seventh day. If it be increased in the clot, whether it be in the warp or wolf or in a skin, or in any thing that is made of skin, than the plague is a treating leprosy, and it is unclean: and that cloth shall be burned, either warp or wolf, whether it be woollen or linen, or any thing that is made of skin wherein the plague is, for it is a freating leprosy, and shall be burned in the fire. If the priest see that the plague hath freaten no ●urther in the cloth: either in the warp or wolf, or in what so ever thing of skin it be, then let the priest command them to wash the thing wherein the plague is, and let him shut it up seven days and more. And let the priest look on it again after that the plague is washed. If the plague have not changed his fashion, though it be spread no further abroad, it is yet unclean. And see you burn it in the fire, for it is fret inward: whether in part or in all. But if the priest see it somewhat blackysshe after it is washed, let him rend it out of the cloth, or out of the skin, or out of the warp or wolf. And if it appear any more in the cloth either in the warp, or in the wolf, or in any thing made of skin, than it is a waxing plague. And see you burn that with fire wherein the plague is. Moreover the clot either warp or wolf, or what so ever thing of skin it be which thou hast washed, and the plague be departed from it shall be washed once again. and then it is clean. This is the law for the plague of leprosy in a clot, whether it be woollen or linen: either whether it be in the warp or wolf, or in any thing made of skins, to judge it clean or unclean. ¶ The cleansing of the leper, and of the house that he is in. CAPI. XIIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: * M●● Ma● Luk●●● and 〈◊〉 this is the law for a leper when he shall be cleansed: He shall be brouhht unto the priest, and the priest shall go forth without the host and look upon him. If the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper, then shall the priest command that there be brought for him that shall be cleansed two living birds that are clean, and cedar wood, and a piece of purple clot and ysope. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel with running water. And the Priest shall take the living bird and the cedar wood and the purple and the ysope, and shall dype them and the living bird in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water and sprinkle it upon him that must be cleansed of his leprosy seven times and cleanse him, and shall let the living bird go free in to the fields. And he that is cleansed shall wash his clotheses, and shave of all his here, and wash himself in water, and then he is clean. And after that he shall come in to the host, but shall carry without his rent seven days. When the seventh day is come, he shall shave of all his here, both upon his heed, and his beard, and on his brows: and even all the here that is on him, shall be shaven of. And he shall wash his clotheses and his flesh in water, and then he shall be clean. And when the eight day is come, let him take two lambs without blemish, and a yewelambe of a year old without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flower, for a meat offering mingled with oil, and a log of oil. Then let the Priest that maketh him clean, bring the man that is made clean with those things before the Lord unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And let the priest take one of the lambs, & offer him for a trespaceoffering, and the log of oil: and wave them before the Lord. And then let them flee the lamb in the place where the sin offering and the burntoffering were slain: even in the holy place. For as the sin-offering is, even so is the trespaceoffering of the priests for it is most holy. Then let the priest take of the blood of the trespaceoffering, and put it upon the typ of the right ear of him that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot. Then let the priest take of the log of oil, and pour it in to the palm of his left hand, and dip his right finger in the oil that is in the palm of his left hand, and let him sprynckle it with his finger seven times before the Lord. And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand, shall the priest put upon the typ of the right ear of him that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot: even upon the blood of the trespaceoffering. And the rest of the oil that is in the priests hand, he shall pour upon the heed of him that is cleansed: and so shall the priest make an atonement for him before the Lord. Then let the priest offer the sin-offering and make an atonement for him that is cleansed for his uncleanness. And then let the burned offering be slain, and let the priest put both the burned offering and the meat-offering upon the altar: and make an atonement for him and then he shall be clean. If he be poor and can not get so moche, then let him bring one lamb for a trespass offering to wave it, and to make an atonement for him, and a tenth deal of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering, and a log of oil, and two turtle dours or two young pigeons which he is able to get, and let th'one be a sin-offering, and tother a burned offering. And let him bring them the eight day for his cleansing unto the priest to the door of the tabernacle of witness before the Lord. And let the priest take the lamb that is the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and wave them before the Lord. And when the lamb of the trespaceoffering is killed, the priest shall take of the blood of the trespass offering, and put it upon the typ of his right care that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot. And the priest shall pour of the oil in to his right hand, and shall sprynckle with his finger of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the Lord. And the Priest shall put on the oil that is in his hand (upon the typ of the right ear of him that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot: even in the place where the blood of the trespaceoffering was put. And the rest of the oil that is in his hunde, he shall pour upon the heed of him that is cleansed: to make an atonement for him before the Lord. And he shall offer one of the turtle doves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get: the one for a sin offering, and tother for a burntoffering upon the altar. And so shall the priest make an atonement for him that is cleansed before the Lord. This is the law of him that hath the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that belongeth to his cleansing. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron saying: when you become unto the land of Canaan which I give you to possess: if I put the plague of leprosy in the house of the land of your possession, let him that oweth the house go and tell the priest, saying: me think that there is as it were a leprosy in the house. And the priest shall command them to rid all thing forth of the house, before the priest, enter to see the plague: that he make not all that is in the house unclean, and then the priest shall go in, and see the house. If the Priest see that the plague is in the walls of the house, and that there be hollow streaks pale or red which seem to be lower than the other parts of the brickwall, then let the priest go out at the house doors, and shut up the house for seven days. And let the priest come again the seventh day and see it, if the plague be increased in the walls of the house, let the Priest command them to take away the stones in which the plague is, and let them cast them in a foul place without the city, and scrape the house within round about: and pour out the dust without the city in a foul place. And let them take other stones, and put them in the places of those stones, and other mortar, and plaster the house with. If now the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that they have taken away the stones, and scraped the house, and after that the house is playstered anew: let the Priest come and see it. And if then he perceive that the plague hath eaten further in the house, it is a freting leprosy that is in the house, and it is unclean. Then they shall break down the house: both stones, timber, and all the mortar of the house, and carry it forth of the city unto a foul place. Moreover he that goeth in to the house all the while it is shut up, shall be unclean till night. And he that sleepeth in the house shall wash his clotheses, and he also that eateth in the house, shall wash his clotheses. But if the Priest come and see that the plague hath spread no further in the house after it is new plastered, then let him make it clean, for the plague is healed. And let him take to cleanse the house with: two birds, cedar wood, and purple cloth and ysope. And let him kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel with running water and take the cedar wood, the ysope, the purple and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprynckle upon the house seven times, and cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living bird, and with the cedar wood, and the ysope, and the purple cloth. And he shall let the living bird flee forth of the town in to the wild fields, and so make an atonement for the house, and it shall be clean. This is the law for all manner plague of leprosy and breaking out, and of the leprosy of cloth and house, and of rysinges, scabs, and glistering white, to teach when a thing is unclean or clean. This is the law of leprosy. ¶ The manner of purging the uncleanness both of men and women. CAPI. XU. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: every man that hath a running issue in his flesh, is unclean by reason of his issue. And hereby shall it be known when he is unclean. If his flesh run, or if his flesh congeal by the reason of his issue, than he is unclean. Every couch whereon he lieth, and every thing whereon he sitteth shall be unclean. He that toucheth his couch shall wash his clotheses, and hath himself with water, and be unclean till the even. He that sitteth on that whereon he sat, shall shasshe his clotheses, and bathe himself with water, and be unclean until the evening. And he that toucheth his flesh, shall wash his clotheses, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even. If any such spit upon him that is clean, he must wash his clotheses, and bathe himself in water and be unclean until even. And what so ever saddle that he rideth upon shall be unclean. And who so ever toucheth any thing that was under him, shall be unclean unto the even. And he that beareth any such things, shall wash his clotheses, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even: and what so ever he toucheth (if he have not first washed his hands in water) must wash his clotheses, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the evening. * Leui●● and. x●● And if he touch a vessel of earth, it shall be broken: and all vessels of wood, shall be rynsed in water. When he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue, let him number seven days after he is clean, and wash his clotheses, and bathe his flesh in running water, and then he is clean. And the eight day let him take two turtle doves, or two young pygyons, and come before the Lord unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and give them unto the Priest. And the Priest shall offer them: the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burntoffering: and make an atonement for him before the Lord concerning his issue. If any man's seed depart from him in his sleep, he shall wash his flesh in water, and be unclean until even. And all the clotheses or furs whereon such seed chanceth, shall be washed with water, and be unclean unto the even. And if a woman lie with such person, they shall wash themselves with water, and be unclean till even. When a woman's natural course of blood runneth, she shall be put apart seven days: and who so ever toucheth her, shall be unclean unto the even. And all that she lieth or sitteth upon as long as she is put apart, shall be unclean. And who so ever toucheth her couch, shall wash his clotheses, and hath himself with water, & be unclean unto the even. And who so ever toucheth any thing that she sat upon, shall wash his clotheses, and wash himself also in water, and be unclean unto the even: so that whether he touch her couch or any thing whereon she hath sitten, he shall be unclean unto the even: and if a man lie with her in the mean time, he shall be put apart as well as she, and shall be unclean seven days, and all his couch wherein he sleepeth shall be unclean. When a woman's blood runneth long time, beyond the time of her natural course: as long as her uncleanness runneth, she shall be unclean, after the manner as when she is put apart. All her couches whereon she lieth (as long as her issue lasteth) shall be unto her as her couch, when she is put apart. And what so ever she sitteth upon, shall be unclean as is her uncleanness when she is put apart. And who so ever toucheth them, shall be unclean, and shall wash his clotheses, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto even. But if she be clean of her issue, let he count her seven days, after that she is clean. And the eight day let her take two turtles or two young pygyons and bring them unto the pressed unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And ●he pressed shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for burntoffering: and s●● make an atonement for her before the Lor●e, concerning her unclean issue. Make the children of Israel to keep themselves from their uncleanness, that they die not in their uncleanness: when they have defiled my habitation that is among them. This is the law of him that hath a running sore, and of him whose seed runneth from him in his sleep and is defiled therewith, and of her that hath an issue of blood as long as she is put apart, and of whosoever hath a runnyng● sore whether it be man or w●man, and of him that sleepeth with her that is unclean. ¶ What Aaron must do or he enter in to the holy p●ace The cleansing of the sanctuary or holy place. ●●r the test of cleansing. Aaron cofesseth the sins o● the children of Israel over the live got and putteth them upon his head. CAPI. XVI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses Leviti ten a. after the death or the two sons of Aaron, when they had offered before the Lord and died: And he said unto Moses: speak unto Aaron thy brother that he go not at all times into the holy place, that is within the veil that hangs before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark that he die not For I will appear in a cloud upon the mercyseat. But on this manner shall Aaron go into the holy place: with a bullock for a sin offering and a Ram for a burned offering. And he shall put the holy linen albe upon him, and shall have a linen breach upon his flesh, and shall gird him with a linen girdle, and put the linen myere upon his head: for they are holy raymentes. And he shall wash his flesh with water, and put them on. And he shall take of the multitude of the children of Israel two he goats for a synneoffring and a Ram for a burnt-offering. And Aaron shall offer the bullock for his synneoffringe and make an atonement for him and for his house. And he shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord in the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Aaron shall cast lots over the two gootes: one lot for the Lord, & an other for a scapegote. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the lords lot fallen, and offer him for a synneoffringe. But the goat on which the lot tell to escape, he shall set alive before the Lord to reconcile with and to let him go free into the wilderness. And Aaron shall bring the bullock of his synneoffringe, and make atonement for himself and for his household, and kill him. And then he shall take a censer full of burning coals out of the altar that is before the Lord, and his handful of sweet incense beaten small and bring them within the veil, and put the incense upon the fire before the Lord: that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercyseat that is upon the witness that he die not. * Hebre ix c and ten a. And he shall take of the blood of the bullock and sprinkle it with his finger before the mercyseat eastward: even seven times. Then shall he kill the goat that is the people's synneoffringe, & bring his blood within the veil, and do with his blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and let him sprinkle it toward the mercyseat, and before the mercyseat: and reconcile the holy place from the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and from their trespasses and all their sins. And so let him to also unto the tabernacle of witness that dwelleth with them, even among their unclennesses. * Luke i a And there shallbe no person in the tabernacle of witness, when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, till he come forth again. And he shall make atonement for himself and his household, and all the multitude of Israel. Then he shall go forth unto the aultare that standeth before the Lord, and cleanse it, and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and the goat, and put upon the horns of the altar round about, and sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the unclennesses of the children of Israel. And when he hath cleansed the holy place & the tabernacle of witness, and the altar, let him bring the live got, and let Aaron put both his hands upon the head of the live got, and confess over him all the misdeades of the children of Israel, and their trespasses, & all their sins: and let him put them upon the heed of the goat, and send him away by the hands of one that is acquainted in the wilderness. And the goote shall bear upon him all their misdeeds into the wilderness, and he shall let the goat go free in the wilderness. And let Aaron go into the Tabernacle of witness, and put of the linen clotheses which he put on when he went into the holy place, and leave them there. And let him wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his own raiment, and then come out and offer his burntoffering and the burntoffring of the people, and pray for himself and the people, and the fat of the sin-offering let him burn upon the altar. And let him that carried forth the scapegote, wash his clotheses and bathe his flesh in water, and then come into the host again. And the bullock of the synneoffringe and the goat of the sin-offering (whose blood was brought in to make an atonement in the holy place) let one carry forth without the host and burn with fire: both their skins, their flesh and their dung. And let him that burneth them, wash his clotheses and hath his flesh in water, and so come into the host again. And this shallbe an ordinance for ever unto you. And even in the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble your souls and shall do no work at all: whether it be one of yourselves or a stranger that soiourneth among you, for that day shall an atonement be made for you to cleanse you from all your sins before the Lord, and you shall be clean. It shall be a Sabbath of reeste unto you, and you shall humble your souls, and it shall be an ordinance for ever. And the priest that is anointed and whose hand was filled to minister in his father's stead, shall make the atonement and shall put on, the holy linen clotheses and holy vestiments, and shall repourge the holy saunctuary and the tabernacle of witness and the aultare, and shall make atonement also for the priests and all the people of the congregation. And this shall be an everlasting ordinance unto you to make atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. and it was done even as the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ All sacrifice must be brought to the door of the tabernacle. To devils may they not offer. Blood and all karen is forbidden them. CAPI. XVII. ANd the Lord talked with Moses, saying: speak to Aaron and his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and tell them, this is the thing which the Lord charged, saying: what so ever he be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, lamb or goat, in the host or out of the host, and bringeth them not unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, to offer an offering unto the Lord, before the dwelling place of the Lord, blood shall be imputed unto that man, as though he had shed blood, and that man shall perish from his people. Wherefore let the children of Israel bring their offerings that they offer in the wild field, unto the Lord: even unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and unto the priest, and offer them for the peaxofferynges unto the Lord. And the Priest shall sprynckle the blood upon the altar of the Lord in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and burn the fat to be a sweet savour unto the Lord. And let them no more offer their offerings unto devils, after whom they go an hooring. And this shall be an ordinance for ever unto you, thorough out your generations. And thou shalt say unto them: what so ever man it be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that offereth a burned offering, or any other offering, and bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of witness to offer unto the Lord, the same shall perish from his people. And what so ever man it be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you that eateth any manner of blood, I will set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will destroy him out of his people, for the life of the flesh is in the blood, ☜ and I have given it unto you upon the altar, to make atonement for your souls, for blood sha●l make atonement for the soul. And therefore I said unto the children of Israel: ●e no soul of you eat blood, ne any strau●ger that soiourneth among you. Whatsoever man it be o●● the children of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you: that hunteth and catcheth any beast or foul that may be eaten, he shall pour out the blood and co●er it with ●●th, for the life of all flesh is in the blood, therefore I said unto the children of Israel * 〈…〉 you shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh, for the life of all flesh is in his blood, and whosoever therefore eateth it, shall perish. And whatsoever soul it be that eateth that which died alone or that which was torn with wild beasts: whether it be one of yourselves or a stranger, he shall wa●●h his clotheses and bathe himself in water and shall be unclean unto the even, and then is he clean. But if he wash theyin not nor wash his flesh, he shall bear his sin. ¶ what degrees of hynred may mary together and what not. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the Lord talked with Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and show them, I am the Lord your god. Wherefore after the doings of the land of egypt wherein you dwelt, see you do not: after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I will bring you: neither walk you in their ordinances, * 〈◊〉 Gala●● Ezech. ● but do after my judgements, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein. For I am the Lord your God. Keep therefore mine ordinances, and my judgements, which if a man do, he shall live thereby: for I am the Lord. See you go to none of your nyghest kindred, for to uncover their secrets, ☜ for I am the Lord. The secrets of thy father, and thy mother, see thou unhylle not: she is thy mother, therefore shalt not thou discover her secrets. The secrets of thy father's wife shalt thou not discover, for they are thy father's secrets. Thou shalt not discover the privity of thy sister the daughter of thy father or of thy mother: whether she be born at home or without. Thomas shalt not uncover the secrettes of thy sons daughter or thy daughter's daughter, for that is thine own privity: Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's wives daughter, which she bore to thy father, for she is thy sister: Thou shalt therefore not discover her secrets Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's sister, for she is thy father's next kinswoman. Thou shalt not discover the secrets of thy mother's sister, for she is thy mother's next kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's brother: that is, thou shalt not go in, to his wife, for she is thine awnte. Thou shalt not discover the secrets of thy daughter in law, she is thy sons wife: therefore uncover not her secrets. Thou shalt not unhyl the secrettes of thy brother's wife, for that is thy brothers previte. Thou shalt not discover the prevytyes of the wife and her daughter also, neither shalt thou take her sons daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover their secrettes, they are her next kin, it were therefore wickedness. Thou shalt not take a wife and her sister thereto, to vex her that thou wouldest open her secrettes as long as she liveth. Thou shalt not go unto a woman to uncover her previtye, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. ●euitici twenty b Thou shalt not lie with thy neighbours wife, ☞ to defile thyself with her. Thou shalt not give of thy seed to offer it unto Moloch, that thou defile not the name of thy God, for I am the Lord. ☞ Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, for that is abomination. Thou shalt lie with no manner of beast to defile thyself therewith, neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto, for that is abomination. Defile not yourselves in any of these things, ☞ for with all these things are these nations defiled which I cast out before you: and the land is defiled, and I will visit the wickedness thereof upon it, and the land shall spew out her inhabiters. * Leuiti twenty d Keep you therefore mine ordinances and judgements, and see you do none of these abominations: neither any of you nor any stranger that soiourneth among you (for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were there before you, and the land is defiled) jest the land spew you out when you have defiled it, as it spewed out the nations that were there before you. For who so ever shall commit any of these abominations, the same souls that do them shall perish from their people. Therefore see you keep mine ordinances, that you commit none of these abominable customs which were committed before you: that you defile not yourselves therewith for I am the Lord your God. ¶ A repetytion of certain laws pertaining to the ten commandments. A consideration for the poor. How we ought to judge ryghtously. How we aught not to be avenged. witchcraft is forbidden. CAPI. XIX. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak to all the multitude of the children of Israel, and say unto them. ●euiti xi g petr i d Be holy for I the Lord your God am holy. See you fear every man his father and his mother, ☞ and that you keep my Sabbothes, for I am the Lord your God. You shall not turn unto idols nor make you gods of metal: I am the Lord your God. ☞ When you offer your peaceoffrynges unto the Lord, you shall offer them that you may be accepted. And it shallbe eaten the same day you offer it and on the morrow, but what so ever is left on the third day shallbe burned in the fire. If it be eaten the third day, it shallbe unclean and not accepted. And he that eateth it shall bear his sin, because he hath defiled the hallowed things of the Lord, & that soul shall perish from his people. * Leu xxiii d When you reap down the ripe corn of your land, ☜ you shall not reap down the uttermost borders of your fields, neither shalt thou gather that is left behind in thy harvest. Thou shalt not pluck in all thy vineyard clean, ne gather in the grapes that are overscaped. But thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger. I am the Lord your God. You shall not steal neither lie, neither deal falsely one with an other. * Math. u f. Exodi twenty b Deutero u a You shall not swear by my name falsely/ that thou defylest not the name of thy God, I am the Lord. Thou shalt not beguile thy neighbour with cavillations, neither rob him violently, ☜ neither shall the workman's labour abide with the until the morning. Thou shalt not curse the deaf, ☜ neither put a stumbling block before the blind/ but shalt fear thy God. I am the Lord. You shall do no unrighteousness in judgement. ☜ * duty i c and xvi d Jacobi i b Thou shalt not favour the poor nor honour the mighty, but shalt judge thy neighbour righteously. Thou shalt not go up and down a privy accuser among thy people, ☜ neither shalt thou help to shed the blood of thy neighbour/ I am the Lord. * i Ioh. ii b. and iii c Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart, but shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour/ that thou bear not sin for his sake. ☜ * Ma. xviii c Luke xvii a. Thou shalt not avenge thyself nor bear hate in thy mind against the children of thy people, but shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, I am the Lord. ☜ Keep mine ordinances. Let none of thy cattles gender with a contrary kind, neither sow thy field with mingled seed, neither shalt thou put on any garment of linen and woollen. If a man have to do with a woman that is bond and hath been meddled with all of an other man which neither is bought nor freedom given her, there shallbe a pain upon it, but they shall not die, because she was not made free. And he shall bring for his trespaceofferinge unto the Lord/ even unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, a Ram for a trespaceoffering. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the Ram of the trespaceoffering before the Lord, for his sin which he hath done/ and it shall be forgiven him, concerning the sin which he hath done. And when you come to the land and have planted all manner of trees whereof men eat you shall hold them uncircumcised as concerning their fruit/ even three year shall they be uncircumcised unto you and shall not be eaten of, and the fourth year all the fruit of them shall be holy and acceptable to the Lord. And the fifth year may you eat of the fruit of them, & gather in the increase of them: I am the Lord your God. ☞ * Levi xvii. d You shall eat nothing with the blood, you shall use no witchcraft, nor observe dismal days, you shall not round the locks of your heeds, neither shalt thou mar the tuftes of thy beerde. ☞ You shall not rend your flesh for any soul's sake, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord. Thou shalt not pollute thy daughter, that thou wouldest maintain her to be an whore: lest the land fall to whoredom, and wax full of wickedness. See you keep my Sabbothes & fear my sanctuary: I am the Lord Turn not to them that work with spirits, ne regard them, that observe dismal days: that you be not defiled by them, for I am the Lord your God. Thou shalt rise up before the hoorehed, & reverence the face of the old man, ☞ and dread thy God, for I am the Lord. * Exod. xx c If a stranger sojourn by the in your land, see you vex him not: But let the stranger that dwelleth with you, be as one of yourselves, and love him as thyself, for you were strangers in the land of egypt. I am the Lord your God. ☞ You shall do no unrighteousness in judgement neither in meteyerde, weight or measure. But you shall have true balances, true weights, A true Epha, and a true Hin. I am the Lord your God which brought you forth of the land of Egypt, that you should observe all mine ordinances and judgements and keep them: I am the Lord. ¶ They that give of their seed to Moloch shall die therefore. Other goodly laws necessary to be used in common wealths. CAPI. XX. ANd the Lord talked with Moses, saying: tell the children of Israel, whosoever he be of the children of Israel or of the strangers that devil in Israel, that giveth of his seed unto Moloch he shall die for it: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. And I will set my face upon that fellow, and will destroy him from his people: because he hath given of his seed unto Moloch, to defile my sanctuary and to pollute my holy name. And though the people of the land hide their eyes from that fellow, when he giveth of his seed unto Moloch, so that they kill him not: yet I will put my face upon that man and upon his generation, and will destroy him and all that go a hooring with him and commit whoredom with Moloch from their people. ☞ If any soul turn him to enchanters or expounders of tokens and go a hooring after them, I will put my face upon that soul and will destroy him from his people. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. And see you keep mine ordinances and do them. For I am the Lord which sanctify you. ☞ Who so ever curseth his father or mother, shall die for it, his blood on his head, because he hath cursed his father or mother. He that breaketh wedlock with an other man's wife shall die for it, ☜ because he hath broken wedlock with his neighbours wife, & so shall she likewise. If a man lie with his father's wife & uncover his father's secrettes, ☜ they shall both die for it, their blood be upon their heeds. If a man lie with his daughter in law they shall die both of them: ☜ they have wrought abomination, their blood upon their heeds. Bull If a man lie with mankind after the manner as with woman kind, ☜ they have both committed abomination and shall die for it. Their blood be upon their heads. If a man take a wife and her mother thereto, it is wickedness. ☜ Men shall burn with fire both him and them, that there be no wickedness among you. If a man lie with a beast he shall die, and you shall slay the beast. If a woman go unto a beast and lie down thereto: ☜ thou shalt kill the woman and the beast also, they shall die, ☜ and their blood be upon their heads. If a man take his sister, his father's daughter or his mother's daughter, ☜ & see her secrettes and she see his secrettes also: it is a wicked thing. Therefore let them perish in the sight of their people, In●● he hath seen his sister's secretness, he shall therefore bear his sin. If a man lie with a woman in time of her flowers and uncover her secrets and open her fountain, ☜ and she also open the fountain of her blood, they shall both perish from the people. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy mother's sister nor of thy father's sister, ☜ for be that doth so, uncovereth his next kin: & they shall bear their misdoing. If a man lie with his uncles wife, he hath uncovered his uncles secrettes/ they shall bear their sin, and shall die childless. ☜ If a man take his brother's wife, ☜ it is an unclean thing, he hath uncovered his brother's secrettes, they shall be childless therefore. * L●● See you keep therefore all mine ordinances and all my judgements, and that you do them/ that the land whether I bring you to devil therein, spew you not out. And see you walk not in the manners of the nations which I cast out before you/ For they committed all these things, and I abhorred them. But I have said unto you that you shall enjoy their land, and that I will give it unto you to possess it: a land that floweth with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God, which have divided you from other nations: * L●● that you should put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and them that are clean. Make not your souls therefore abominable with beasts and fowls, and with all manner thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have severed unto you to hold them unclean. Be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other nations: that you should be mine. ●c xviii b. ●●g xviii a If there be a man or woman that worketh with a spirit or that expoundeth tokens, they shall die for it. Men shall stone them with stones, and their blood shall be upon them. ¶ The priest forbidden to be at the death of any of his people, a few of his kin excepts. priests may not be shaven neither on the head nor on the beard. The priests wife must be a maid. The priests daughter may not be an harlot. CAPI. XXI. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron and say unto them. A priest shall not defile himself at the death of any of his people, but upon his kin that is nigh unto him: as his mother, father, son, daughter and brother: and on his sister as long as she is a maid and dwelleth nigh him and was never given to man: on her he may defile himself. But he shall not make himself unclean upon a ruler of his people to pollute himself withal. ☞ They shall make them no baldness upon their heads or shave of the locks of their beards, nor make any marks in their flesh. They shall be holy unto their God, and not pollute the name of their God, for the sacrifices of the Lord and the breed of their God they do offer: therefore they must be holy. ☞ They shall take no wife that is an whore or polluted, or put from her husband: for a priest is holy unto his God. Sanctify him therefore, for he offereth up the bread of God: he shall therefore, be holy unto thee, for I the Lord which sanctify you, am holy. ☞ If a priests daughter fall to play the whore she poluteth her father: therefore she shall be burned with fire. ☞ He that is the high priest among his brethren upon whose head the anointing oil was powered and whose hand was filled to put on the vestiments, shall not uncover his head nor rent his clotheses, neither shall go to any deed body nor make himself unclean: not on his father or mother, neither shall go out of the sanctuary, that he defile not the holy place of his God, for the crown of the anointing oil of God, is upon him. I am the Lord. ☞ He shall take a maid unto his wife: but no widow nor divorced nor defiled whore. But he shall take a maid of his own people to wife, that he defile not his seed upon his people: for I am the Lord which sanctify him. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying/ speak to Aaron, and say: Not man of thy seed in their generations that hath any deformity upon him, shall press to offer the bread of his God: for none that hath any blemish shall come near: whether he be blind, lame, snotuosed, or that hath any misshapen member, or broken footed, or broken handed, or croak backed, or perleyed, or gogeleyed/ or maungye, or skaulde, or hath his stones broken. No man that is deformed of the seed of Aaron the priest, shall come nigh to offer the sacrifices of the Lord. If he have a deformity, he shall not press to offer the bread of his God. Notwithstanding he shall eat of the bread of his God: even as well of the most holy, as of the holy: but shall not go in, unto the veil, nor come nigh the altar, because he is deformed that he pollute not my sanctuary/ for I am the Lord that sanctify them. And Moses told it unto Aaron and to his sons and unto all the Children of Israel. ¶ What manner personnes aught to abstain from eating the things that were offered. How, what, and when they should be offered. CAPI. XXII. ANd the Lord comened with Moses, saying: bid Aaron and his sons that they abstain from the hallowed things of the children of Israel which they have hallowed unto me, that they pollute not my holy name: for I am the Lord. say unto them: who so ever he be of all your seed among your generation after you, that goeth unto the hallowed things which the children of Israel shall have hallowed unto the Lord, his uncleanness shall be upon him: and that soul shall perish forth of my sight. I am the Lord. None of the seed of Aaron that is a leper or that hath a running sore, shall eat of the hallowed things till he be clean. And whoso ever toucheth any unclean soul, or man whose seed runneth from him by night, or who so ever toucheth any worm that is unclean to him, or man that is unclean to him what so ever uncleanness he hath: the same soul that hath any such thing, shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the hallowed things until he have washed his flesh with water. And then when the son is down, he shall be clean and shall afterward eat of the hallowed things: for they are his food. Exodi xxii d. Ezech. lxiiii ● Of a beast that dieth alone or is rend with wild beasts, he shall not eat, to defile himself therewith: I am the Lord But let them keep therefore mine ordinance lest they lad sin upon them and die therein, when they have defiled themselves: for I am the Lord which sanctify them. There shall no stranger eat of the hallowed things, neither the priests guessed, or his hired servant. But if the priest buy any person with money, he may eat of it, and he also that is born in his house, may eat of his bread. If the priests daughter be married unto a stranger, she may not eat of the hallowed beneoffringes. Notwithstanding if the priests daughter be a widow or divorced, and have no child but is returned unto her father's house again, she shall eat of her fathers bread as well as she did in her youth. But there shall no stranger eat thereof. If a man eat of the hallowed things unwittingly, he shall put the fift part thereunto, and make good unto the priest that hallowed thing. And let the priests se, that they defile not the hallowed things of the children of Israel which they have offered unto the Lord, lest they lad themselves with misdoing & trespass in eating their hallowed things, for I am the Lord which hallow them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the children of Israel and say unto them, whatso ever he be of the house of Israel or stranger in Israel that will offer his offering: what so ever vow or free-will offering it be which they will offer unto the Lord for a burntoffering to reconcile themselves, it must be a male without blemish of the oxen, sheep, or gootes, let them offer nothing that is deformed for they shall get no favour If a man will offer a peaceoffring unto the Lord and separate a vow or a free-will offering of the oxen or the flock, it must be without deformity, that it may be accepted. There may be no blemish therein: whether it be blind, broken, wounded or have a wen, or be maungye or scabbed, see you offer no such unto the Lord, nor put an offering of any such upon the aultare unto the Lord. An ox or a sheep that hath any member out of proportion, mayst thou offer for a free-will offering: but in a vow it shall not be accepted. Thou shalt not offer unto the Lord that is bruised, broken, plucked out or curt away, neither shalt make any such in your land, neither of a strangers hand shall you offer an offering to your God of any such. For they mar all in that they have deformytes in them, and therefore can not be accepted for you. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: when an ox, a sheep, or a goote is brought forth, it shall be seven days under the dame. And from the eight day forth, it shall be accepted unto a guilt in the sacrifice of the Lord. And whether it be ox or sheep, you shall not kill it and her young both in one day. When you will offer a thank offering unto the Lord, you shall so offer it that you may be accepted. And the same day, it must be eaten up, so that you leave none of it till the morrow. For I am the Lord, keep now my commandments and do them, for I am the Lord. And pollute not my holy name, that I may be hallowed among the children of Israel. For I am the Lord which hallow you, and brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: for I am the Lord. ¶ Of the holy days, as the Sabbath, Ester, Whitsuntide, the feast of the first fruits. The feast of cleansing. The feast of Trompetes. The feast of the tabernacles. CAPI. XXIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them. These are the feasts of the Lord which you shall call holy feasts. Syxe days you shall work, and the seventh is the Sabbath of rest an holy feast: so that you may do no work therein, for it is the Sabbath of the Lord, wheresoever you devil. These are the feasts of the Lord which you shall proclaim holy in their ceasons. * E● Nu. ● The xiiij day of the first month at even is the Lords * E●●● Passover. And the fifteen day of the same month is the feast of sweet breed unto the Lord seven days you must eat unleavened breed. The first day shallbe an holy feast unto you, so that you may do no laborious work therein. But you shall offer sacrifices unto the Lord seven days, and the seventh day also shallbe an holy feast, so that you may do no laborious work therein. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them: when you be come in to the land which I give unto you and reap down your harvest/ you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord to be accepted for you: and even the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. And you shall offer that day when he waveth the sheaf, a lamb without blemish of a year old for a burntoffering unto the Lord: and the meat-offering thereof, two tenth deals of fine flower mingled with oil to be a sacryce unto the Lord of a sweet savour: and the drink-offering thereto, the fourth deal of an hyn of wine. And you shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor fyrmentye of new corn: until the self same day that you have brought an offering unto your God. And this shallbe a law for ever unto your children after you, wheresoever you devil. And you shall count from the morrow after the Sabbath: even from the day that you brought the shiefe of the waveoffring vij weeks complete: even unto the morrow after the seven weeks, you shall number l days. And then you shall bring a new meatoffring unto the Lord And you shall bring out of your habitations two waveloves made of two tenth deals of fine flower levended and baken, for first fruits unto the Lord. And you shall bring with the breed seven lambs without difformity of one year of age, and one young ox, and two rams, which shall serve for burned offerings unto the Lord, with meatoffrynges, and drynckeoffrynges longing to the same, to be a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the Lord. And you shall offer an he got for a sin-offering: and two lambs of one year old for peaxoffringes. And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the first fruits before the Lord and with the two lambs. And they shall be holy unto the Lord, and be the priests. And you shall make a proclamation the same day, that it be an holy feast unto you, and you shall do no laborious work therein: And it shall be a law for ever thorough out all your habitations unto your children after you. * 〈…〉 When you reap down your harvest, ☜ thou shalt not make clean ryddaunce of thy fellow, neither shalt thou make any aftergatheringe of thy harvest: but shalt leave them unto the poor and the stranger. I am the Lord your God. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say. The first day of the seventh month shall be a rest of remembrance unto you, to blow horns in, an holy feast it shallbe, and you shall do no laborious work therein, and you shall offer sacrifice unto the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: also the tenth day of the self seventh month, is a day of atonement, and shall be on holy feast unto you, and you shall humble your souls and offer sacrifice unto the Lord. Moreover you shall do no work the same day, for it is a day of atonement to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God. For what so ever soul it be that humbleth not himself that day, he shall be destroyed from his people. And what so ever soul do any manner work that day, the same I will destroy from his people. See you do no manner work therefore. And it shallbe a law for ever unto your generations after you in all your dwellynges. A Sabbath of rest it shallbe unto you, and you shall humble your souls. The ix. day of the month at even and so forth from even to even again, you shall keep your Sabbath. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, 〈◊〉 feast of ●rnacles or uthes. and say: the xu day of the same seventh month, shall be the feast of tabernacles vij days unto the Lord. The first day shallbe an holy feast, so that you shall do no laborious work therein. Seven days you shall offer sacrifice unto the Lord, and the eight day shallbe an holy feast unto you, and you shall offer sacrifice unto the Lord. It is the end of the feast, and you shall do no laborious work therein. These are the feasts of the Lord which you shall proclaim holy feasts, for to offer sacrifice unto the Lord, burntoffrynges, meatoffringes and drinkeoffringes every day: beside the Sabbothes of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and all your vows, and all your free-will offerings which you shall give unto the Lord. Moreover in the xu day of the seventh month after that you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep holy day unto the Lord seven days long. The first day shall be a day of rest, and the eight day shall be a day of rest. And you shall take you the first day, the fruits of goodly trees and the branches of palm trees and the bows of thick trees, and wylowes of the brook: and shall rejoice before the Lord seven days. And you shall keep it holy day unto the Lord seven days in the year. And it shall be a law for ever unto your children after you, that you keep that feast in the seventh month. And you shall devil in booths seven days: even all that are Israelites born, shall devil in booths, that your children after you may know how I made the children of Israel devil in booths, when I brought them out of the land of egypt: for I am the Lord your God. And Moses told all the feasts of the Lord unto the children of Israel. ¶ The oil for the lamps and lights of the breed of remembrance or shewbred. He that curseth must be stoned. He that killeth shallbe killed. etc. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: command the children of Israel that they bring unto thee, pure oil olive beaten for lights to power into the lamps alway, without the veil of witness within the tabernacle of witness. And Aaron shall dress them both even and morning before the Lord always. And it shall be a law for ever among your children after you. And he shall dress the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the Lord perpetually. And thou shalt take fine flower and bake xii. wastels' thereof, two tenth deals shall every wastel be. And make two rows of them, six on a row upon the pure table before the Lord, and put pure frankencens upon the rows. And it shall be bread of remembrance, and an offering to the Lord. Every Sabbath he shall put them in rows before the Lord evermore, given of the children of Israel, that it be an everlasting covenant. And they shall be Aaron's and his sons, and they shall eat them in the holy place. For they are most holy unto him of the offerings of the Lord, and shall be a duty for ever. And the son of an Israelytish wife whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel. And this son of the Israelytysh wife and a man of Israel, strove together in the host. And the Israelytyshe woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed, and they brought him unto Moses. And his mother's name was Salomyth, the daughter of Dibry of the tribe of Dan: and they put him in ward, that Moses should declare unto them what the Lord said thereto. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying, bring him that blasphemed without the host and let all that heard him, ☜ put their hands upon his heed, and let all the multitude stone him. And speak unto the children of Israel, saying. Who so ever curseth his God, shall bear his sin: ☜ And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall die for it: Cursing. all the multitude shall stone him to death. And the stranger as well as the Israelite, if he curse the name, shall die for it. He that killeth any man, shall die for it, but he that killeth a beast shall pay for it, Slaughter. beast for beast. If a man maim his neighbour, even as he hath done, so shall it be done to him again: broken for broken, Lex talionis. eye for eye and tooth for tooth: even as he hath maimed a man, so shall he be maimed again. So now he that killeth a beast shall pay for it: but he that killeth a man, shall die for it. You shall have one manner law among you: even for the stranger as well as for one of yourselves, for I am the Lord your God. And Moses told the children of Israel, that they should bring him that had cursed, out of the host, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ The Sabbath of the seven years and of the year of iubelie, otherwise called the fifty year. CAPI. XXV. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying: speak unto the children of Israel and say to them. When you be come into the land which I give you let the land rest a Sabbath unto the Lord. The Sabbath of seven yearrs. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six year thou shalt cut thy wines and gather in thy fruits. But the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land. The lords Sabbath it shallbe, and thou shalt neither sow thy seld, nor cut thy wines. The corn that groweth by itself thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes that grow without thy dressing: but it shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land. Nevertheless the Sabbath of the land shall be meat for you: even for the and thy servant and for thy maid and for the hired servant and for the stranger that dwelleth with thee: and for thy cattles and for the beasts that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat. Then number seven weeks of years, that is, seven sins seven year: and the space of the seven weeks of years will be unto the xlix. year. And then thou shalt make an horn blow: even in the tenth day of the seventh month, which is the day of atronement. And then shall you make the horn blow, even thorough out all your land. And you shall hallow the fyftieth year, and proclaim liberty thorough out the land unto all the inhabitees thereof, It shall be a year of iubelie unto you and you shall return: every man unto his possession and every man unto his kindred again. A year of iubelye shall that fyftyeth year be unto you. You shall not sow neither reap the corn that groweth by itself, nor gather the grapes that grow without my labour. For it is a year of iubelye and shall be holy unto you: how be it, yet you shall eat of the increase of the field. And in this year of iubelie you brickwall return, every man unto his possession again. ☞ When thou sellest ought unto thy neighbour or by●st of thy neighbours hand, you shall not oppress one an other: but according to the number of years after the iubelye year, thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of fruit years, he shall fell unto the. According unto the multitude or years, thou shalt increase the price thereof, and according to the fewness of years, thou shalt minish the price: for the number of the fruit he shall cell unto the. And see that no man oppress his neighbour, but fear thy God. For I am the Lord your God. Wherefore do after mine ordinances, and keep my laws, and do them, that you may devil in the land in safety. And the land shall give her fruit, and you shall eat your fill and devil therein in safety. If you shall say: what shall we eat the seventh year, in as much as we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase. I will send my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years: and you shall sow the eight year, and eat of old fruit until the ninth year, and even until her fruits come, you shall eat of old store. Wherefore the land shall not be sold for ever, because that the land is mine, ☜ and you but strangers and sojourners with me: and you shall thorough out all the land of your possession, let the land go home free again. Ru●●● When thy brother is waxed poor, and hath sold of his possession: if any of his kin come to redeem it, he shall buy out that which his brother sold. And though he have no man to redeem it for him, yet if his hand can get sufficient to buy it out again, then let him count how long it hath be sold, and deliver the rest unto him to whom he sold it, and so he shall return unto his possession again. But if his hand can not get sufficient to restore it to him again, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it, till the jubilee: and in the year of jubelye it shall come out, and he shall return unto his possession again. If a man cell a dwelling house in a walled city, he may buy it out again any time within a hole year after it is sold: and that shall be the space in which he may redeem it again. But if it be not bought out again within the space of a full year, ☜ than the house in the walled city shall be stablished for ever unto him that bought it, and to his successors after him, and shall not go out in the year of jubelye. But the houses in villages which have no walls round about them shall be counted like unto the fields of the country, and may be bought out again at any season, and shall go out free in the year of jubelye. Notwithstanding the cities of the levites and the houses in the cities of their possessions, the levites may redeem at all ceasons. And if a man purchase ought of the levites: whether it be house or city that they possess, the bargain shall go out in the year of jubilee: for the houses of the cities of the levites, a●e their possessions among the children of Israel. But the fields that lie round about their cities, shall not be bought: for they are their possessions for ever. If thy brother be waxed poor and fallen in decay with thee, receive him as a stranger or a sojourner, and let him live by the. ●●o xxii c ●●te xxiii c ●●th xviii b And thou shalt take none usury of him, nor gains. But shalt fear thy God, that thy brother may live with the. ☞ Thou shalt not lend him thy money upon usury, nor lend him of thy food to have gains by it: for I am the Lord your God which have brought you forth of the land of egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. If thy brother that dwelleth by thee, wax poor and cell himself unto thee, thou shalt not let him labour, as a bondseruaunt doth: but as an hired servant, ●●nage or ●●age and as a sojourner he shall be with, and shall serve thee, unto the year of iubelye, and then shall he depart from thee: both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own kindred again and unto the possessions of his fathers: for they are my servants which I brought out of the land of egypt, and shall not be sold as bondmen. See therefore thou reign not over him cruelly, but fear thy God. If thou wilt have bondseruauntes and maidens, thou shalt buy them of the heathen that are round about you, and of the children of the strangers that are sojourners among you and of their generations that are with you, which they be gate in your land And you shall possess them and give them unto your children after you, to possess them for ever: and they shall be your bondmen. 〈◊〉 Reg. ix c But over your brethren the children of Israel, you shall not reign one over an other cruelly. When a stranger and a sojourner waxeth rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him waxeth poor and cell himself unto the stranger that dwelleth by thee, or to any of the strangers kin: after that he is sold he may be redeemed again: one of his brethren may buy him out: whether it be his uncle or his uncles son, or any that as nigh of kin unto him of his kindred: either if his hand can get so moche, he may be loosed. And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year in which he was sold, unto the year of jubilee, and the price of his being shall be according to the number of years, and he shall be with him as a hired servant. If there be yet many years behind, according unto them he shall give again for his deliverance, of the money that he was sold for. If there remain but few years unto the year of jubilee, he shall so count with him, and according unto his years give him again for his redemption, and shall be with him year by year as an hired servant, and the other shall not reign cruelly over him in thy sight. If he be not bought free in the mean time, than he shall go out in the year of jubilee and his children with him: for the children of Israel are my servants which I brought out of the land of egypt. ¶ Images are forbidden Blessed are they that keep those things that God biddeth and most cursed are they that keep them not. CAPI. XXVI. I Am the Lord your God. You shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up any pillar, neither you shall set up any image of stone in your land to bow yourselves thereto: for I am the Lord your God: keep my Sabothes and fear my sanctuary: for I am the Lord. If you shall walk in mine ordinances and keep my commandments and do them, than I will send you rain in the right season, & your land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field shall give their fruit. And the threshing shall reach unto wine harvest, & the wine harvest shall reach unto sowing time, and you shall eat your breed in plenteousness, and shall devil in your land peasably. And I will sent peax in your land, that you shall sleep, and no man shall make you afraid. And I will rid evil beasts out of your land, ☜ and there shall no sword go thorough out your land. And you shall cha●e your enemies, and they shall fall before you upon the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight, and your enemies shall fall before you upon the sword. And I will turn unto you and increase you and multiply you, and set up my testament with you. And you shall eat old store, and cast out the old for plenteousness of the new. * two. Cor vi d Exodi xxix g I will make my dwelling place among you, and my soul shall not loath you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people. For I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of the Egyptians, that you should not be their bondmen, and I broke the bows of your yockes, and made you go upright. * De xxviii b. Mala ii a. But if you will not hearken unto me, nor will do all these my commandments, or if you shall despise mine ordinances, either if your souls refuse my laws, so that you will not do all my commandments, but shall break mine appointment: then I will do this again unto you: I will vyse● you with vexations, swelling and fevers, that shall make your eyes dazzle, and with sorrows of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain/ for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and you shall fall before your enemies, and they that hate you shall rain over you, and you shall flee when no man pursueth you. ☜ And if you will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then will I punish you seven times more for your sins, and will break the pride of your strength. For I will make the heaven over you as hard as iron, & your land as hard as brass. And so your labour shallbe spent in vain. For your land shall not give her increase, neither the trees of the land shall give their fruits. And if you walk contrary unto me and will not hearken unto me, I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. I will send in, wild beasts, upon you, which shall spoil you of your children and destroy your cattle, and make you so few in number that your high ways shall grow to a wilderness. And if you will not be learned yet, for all this, but shall walk contrary unto me, then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punnysh you yet seven times for your sins. I will send a sword upon you, that shall avenge my testament with you. And when you are fled unto your cities, I will send the pestilence among you, you shallbe given into the hands of your enemies. And when I have broken the staff of your bread/ that ten wives shall bake your bread in one oven and men shall deliver you your breed again by weight, then shall you eat and shall not be filled. And if you will not yet for all this, hearken unto me, but shall walk contrary unto me, than I will walk contrary unto you also, wrathfully and will also punish you seven times for your sins: so that you shall eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters. And I will destroy your altars built upon high hills, & overthrow your images, and cast your carcases upon the bodies of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. And I will make your cities desolate, & bring your sanctuaries unto naught, and will not smell the savours of your sweet odours. And I will bring the land unto a wilderness: so that your enemies which devil therein, shall wonder at it. And I will straw you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you, and your land shall be waist, and your cities desolate. Then the land shall rejoice in her Sabbothes, as long as it lieth void and you in your enemies land even then shall the land keep holy day and rejoice in her Sabbothes. And as long as it lieth voyde it shall rest, for that it could not rest in your Sabbothes, when you dwelt therein. And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness in to their hearts in the land of their enemies: so that the sound of a leef that falls, shall chase them & they shall flee as though they fled a sword, and shall fall no man following them. And they shall fall one upon an other, as it were before a sword no man pursuing them, and you shall have no power to stand before your enemies: And you shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. And they that are left of you, shall pine away in their unrighteousness, even in their enemies land, and also in the misdeades of their fathers shall they consume. And they shall confess their misdeeds, and the misdeeds of their fathers in their trespasses which they have trespassed against me, and for that also that they have walked contrary unto me. Therefore I also will walk contrary unto them, and will bring them into the land of their enemies. ☜ And then at least way their uncircumcised hearts shall be tamed, & then they shall make atonement for their misdeeds. And I will remember my bond with jacob and my covenant with Isaac, and my testament with Abraham, and will think on the land. For the land shall be left of them and shall have pleasure in her Sabbothes, while she lieth waste without them, and they shall make an atonement for their misdeeds, because they despised my laws and their souls refused mine ordinances. And yet for all that when they be in the land of their enemy, * D●● I will not so cast them away nor my soul shall not so abhor them, that I will utterly destroy them, and break mine appointment with them: for I am the Lord their God. I will therefore remember unto them the first covenant made when I brought them out of the land of egypt in the sight of the heathen to be their God: for I am the Lord. These are the ordinances, judgements, and laws which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses. ¶ Of diverse vows and the redeeming of the same Of tithes. etc. CAPI. XXVII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying / speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them: If any man will give a singular vow unto the Lord according to the value of his soul, then shall the male from twenty year unto lx be set at l * 〈…〉 sycles of silver, after the sycle of the sanctuary, and the female at xxx sycles. And from u years to twenty the male shall be set at twenty sycles, and the female at ten sycles. And from a month unto u year, the male shall be set at u sycles of silver, and the female at three. And the man that is lx and above, shallbe valued at xu sycles, and the woman at ten If he be to poor so to be set, them let him come before the priest: and let the priest value him, according as the hand of him that vowed is able to get. If it be of the beasts of which men bring an offering unto the Lord: all that any man giveth of such unto the Lord, shallbe holy. He may not altar it nor change it: a good for a bad, or a bad for a good. If he change beast for beast, then both the same beast and it also wherewith it was changed shallbe holy. If it be any manner of unclean beast of which men may not offer unto the Lord, let him bring the beast before the priest and let the priest value it. And whether it be good or bad as the priest setteth it, so shall it be. And if he will buy it again, let him give the fift part more to that it was set at. If any man dedicated his house, it shall be holy unto the Lord. And the priest shall set it, whether it be good or bad, and as the priest hath set it, so it shall be. If he that sanctified it, will redeem his house, let him give the fift part of the money that it was judged at thereto, and it shallbe his. If a man hallow a piece of his enheryted land unto the Lord, it shall be set according to that it beareth. If it bear an homer of barley, it shall be set at fifty sycles of silver. If he vow his land forthwith from the year of jubely, it shallbe worth according as it is esteemed. But if he hallow his field after the trumpet year, the priest shall reckon the price with him according to the years the remain unto the trumpet year, and thereafter, it shall be lower set. If he that sanctified the field will redeem it again, let him put the fift part of the price that it was set at thereunto, and it shall be his, if he will not, it shall be redeemed no more. But when the field goeth out in the year of jubylye, it shallbe holy unto the Lord: even as a thing dedicated, and it shall be the priests possession. If a man sanctify unto the Lord a field, which he hath bought and is not of his inheritance, than the priest shall reckon with him what it is worth unto the year of jubyly, and he shall give the price that it is set at the same day, and it shallbe holy unto the Lord. But in the year of jubely, the field shall return unto him of whom he bought it, whose inheritance of land it was. And all setting shall be according to the holy sycle. One sycle maketh twenty Geras. But the first born of the beasts that pertain unto the Lord, may no man sanctify: whether it be ox or sheep, for they are the Lords already. If it be an unclean beast, then let him redeem it as it is set at, and give the fift part more thereto. If it be not redeemed then let it be sold as it is rated. Notwithstanding no dedicated thing the a man dedycateth unto the Lord, of all his good, whether it be man or beast or land of his inheritance, shallbe sold or redeemed: for all dedicated things are most holy unto the Lord. Not dedicated thing therefore that is dedicated of man, may be redeemed, but must needs die. All these tithes of the land, whether it be of the corn of the field or fruit of the trees, shallbe holy unto the Lord. If any man will redeem aught of his tithes, let him add the fift part more thereto. And the tithes of oxen and sheep and of all that goth under the heed man's keeping, shall be holy tithes unto the Lord. Men shall not look if it be good or bad nor shall change it. If any man change it then both it and that it was changed withal, shallbe holy and may not be redeemed. These are the commandments which the Lord gave Moses in charge to give unto the children of Israel in mount Sinai. The end of the third book of Moses. THE FOURTHE BOOK OF MOSES CALLED NUMERI. ¶ All that are apt for battle are numbered. The tribe of Levy is appointed to minister to the tabernacle. CAPI. I ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of witness, the first day of the second month, and in the second year after they were come out of the land of egypt, saying: * Exod. xxx b Num xxvi a. Take the some of the hole multitude of the children of Israel, in their kynredes and households of their fathers, and number them by name all that are males, poll by polle, from twenty year and above: even all that are able to go forth to war in Israel, thou and Aaron shall number them in their armies, & with you shall be of every tribe a heedman in the house of his father. And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you/ of Reuben, Elizur the son of Sedeur/ of Simeon, Selumiel the son of Suri Sadai/ of the tribe of juda, Nahesson the son of Aminadab/ of Isachar, Nathanael the son of Zuar/ of Zabulon, Eliab the son of Helon. Among the children of joseph/ of Ephraim, Elisama the son of Amihud/ of Manasse, Gamaliel the son of Pedazur/ of BenIamin, Abidan the son of Gedeoni/ of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai/ of Aser, Or Phegiel. Pagiel the son of Ocran/ of Gad, Elisaph the son of Deguel/ of Nephthali, Ahira the son of Enan. These were the counsellors of the congregation, and lords in the tribes of their fathers and captains over thousands in Israel. And Moses and Aaron took these men above named and gathered all the congregation together, the first day of the second month, and reckoned them after their birth and kynredes and houses of their fathers by name from twenty year and above, head by head, as the Lord commanded Moses, even so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai. Of Reuben. And the children of Reuben Israel's eldest son in their generations, kynredes and houses of their fathers, when they were numbered every man by name, all that were males from xx. year and above, as many as were able to go forth in war: were numbered in the tribe of Reuben xluj thousand and u hundred. Among the children of Simeon: their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (when every man's name was told) of all the males from twenty Of Simeon. years and above, as many as were meet for the war: were numbered in the tribe of Simeon lix thousand & three hundred. Of Gad. Among the children of Gad: their generation in their kynredes and households of their fathers, when they were told by name from twenty year and above, all that were meet for the war: were numbered in the tribe of Gad xlv thousand, six hundred, and fifty. Among the children of juda: Of I● their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (by number of names) from twenty year and above, all that were able to war, were told in the tribe of juda lxxiiij thousand & six hundred. Among the children of Isachar: Of I● their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (when their names were accounted) from twenty year and above, what so ever was apt for war, were numbered in the tribe of Isachar liiij thousand and four hundred. Among the children of Zabulon: Of Z● their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (after the number of names) twenty year and above, who so ever was meet for the war were counted in the tribe of Zabulon lvij thousand and four hundred. Among the children of joseph: Of I first among the children of Ephraim: their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (when the names of all that were convenient to the war were told (from twenty years and above: were in number in the tribe of Ephraim forty thousand, and six hundred. Among the children of Manasse: Of ●●ses. their generation, in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (when the names of all that were fit to war were told from twenty and above were numbered in the tribe of Manasse xxxij. thousand, and two hundred. Among the children of BenIamin: Of ●my●. their generation, in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (by the case of names) from twenty year and above of all that were meet for war, were numbered in the tribe of BenIamin five and thirty thousand, and four hundred. Among the children of Dan: their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (in the sum of names) of all that was apse to war from twenty year and above, Of 〈◊〉 were numbered in the tribe of Dan lxij thousand and vij hundred. Among the children of Aser/ their generation in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (when they were summed by name) from twenty years and above, Of 〈◊〉 all that were apt to war were numbered in the tribe of Aser one and forty thousand, and five hundred. Among the children of Nephthali: their generation, Of N● in their kynredes and houses of their fathers (when their names were told) from twenty years and above, what so ever was meet to wa●re: were numbered in the tribe of Nephthali three and thirty thousand and four hundred. These are the numbers which Moses and Aaron numbered with the twelve princes of Israel: of every house of their fathers a man. And all the numbers of the children of Israel, in the houses of their fathers, from twenty year and above, what so ever was meet for the war in Israel, drew unto the some of six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty. But the Levites in the tribe of their fathers, were not numbered among them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: only see thou number not the tribe of Levi, ne take the some of them among the children of Israel. But thou shalt appoint the levites unto the habitation of witness, and to all the garnysshment thereof, and unto all that longeth thereto. For they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the ordinance thereof, and they shall minister it, and shall pitch their tents round about it. And when the tabernacle goeth forth, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is pytched, they shall set it up: for if any stranger come near, he shall die. And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents every man in his own company, and every man by his own standard thorough out all their hosts. But the levites shall pitch round about the habitation of witness, that there fall no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel, and the levites shall wait upon the habitation of witness. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ The order of the pitching of the tents round about the tabernacle of witness. The heads and chief Lords of the kinredes of Israel are named. CAPI. II ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: The children of Israel shall pitch: every man by his own standard, with the arms of his father's houses, away from the presence of the tabernacle of witness. On the east side toward the rising of the son, shall they of the standard of the host of juda pitch with their armies: And Nahesson the son of Aminadab shall be captain over the sons of juda. And his host and the number of them three score and fourteen thousand, and six hundred. And next unto him, shall the tribe of Izachar pitch, and Nathanael the son of Zuar, captain over the children of Izachar, his host and the number of them liiij thousand and four hundred. And then the tribe of Zabulon: with Eliab the son of Helon, captain over the children of Zabulon, and his host in the number of them lvij thousand, and four hundred. So that all they that pertain unto the host of juda, are an hundred thousand lxxxvi thousand and four hundred in their companies: and these shall go in the forefront, when they journey. And on the south side, the standard of the host of Reuben shall lie with their companies, and the captain over the sons of Reuben, Elizur the son of Sedeur, and his host and the number of them xlvi thousand, and five hundred. And fast by him shall the tribe of Simeon pitch, and the captain over the sons of Simeon. Salumiel the son of Zuri Sadai and his host, and the number of them lix. thousand, and three hundred. And the tribe of Gad also: And the captain over the sons of Gad, Eliazaph the son of Deguel and his host, and the number of them xlv thousand, six hundred, and fifty. So that all the number that appertain unto the host of Reuben, are an hundred and li thousand, four hundred and fifty, with their companies, and they shall be the second in the journey. And the tabernacle of witness with the host of the levites, shall go in the mids of the hosts: as they lie in their tents, even so shall they proceed in the journey, every man in his quarter about the standerdes. On the west side, the standard and the host of Ephraim shall lie with their companies. And the captain over the sons of Ephraim, Elisama the son of Amihud: and his host, and the number of them forty thousand and five hundred. And fast by him the tribe of Manasse, and the captain over the sons of Manasse, Gamaleel the son of Peda Zur and his host, and the number of them were xxxij thousand and two hundred. And the tribe of BenIamin also: and the captain over the sons of BenIamin, Abidan the son of Gediom, and his host, and the number of them xxxv thousand, and four hundred. All the number that belonged unto the host of Ephraim, were an hundred thousand, eight thousand and an hundred in their hosts: and they shall be the third in the journey. And the standard and the host of Dan shall lie on the north side with their companies: and the captain over the children of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai: and his host, and the numbered of them threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. And fast by him shall the tribe of Aser pitch: and the captain over the sons of Aser, Pagiel the son of Ocran: and his host, and the number of them xli thousand and five hundred. And the tribe of Nepthali also, and the capteyn over the children of Nepthali: Ahira the son of Enan: and his host, and the numbered of them liij thousand an four hundred. So that the hole numbered of all that pertained unto the host of Dan, was an hundred lvij thousand and six hundred. And they shallbe the last in that journey with their standerdes. These are the sums of the children of Israel in the houses of their fathers: even all the numbers of the hosts with their companies six hundred thousand three thousand five hundred and fifty. And yet the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel as the Lord commanded Moses. And the children of Israel did accordyge to all that the Lord commanded Moses, and pitched with their standerdes, and they journeyed every man in his kindred, and in the household of his father. ¶ The levites are not numbered to go to battle, but to minister to the holy place of sanctuary. They must also pitch their tents next to the habitation. CAPI. III THese are the generations of Aaron and Moses, when the Lord spoke unto Moses in mount Sinai. And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the elder son, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, which were priests anointed, and their hands filled to minister, but * Leuiti ten a. Num xxvi g. Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, as they brought strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai, and had no children, And Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the sight of Aaron their father. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: bring the tribe of Levi, and set them before Aaron the priest, and let them serve him and wait upon him, and upon all the multitude before the tabernacle of witness, to do the service of the habitation. And they shall wait upon all the garnysshement of the tabernacle of witness, and upon the children of Israel, to do the service of the habitation. And thou shalt give the levites unto Aaron and his sons, for they are given unto him of the children of Israel. And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons to wait on their priests office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall die for it. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Behold * Exod. xiii a Nun viii c I have taken levites of the children of Israel for all the first born that openeth the matrice among the children of Israel, so that the levites shall be mine: because all the first born are mine: for the same day that I smote all the first born in the land of egypt, I hallowed unto me all the first born in Israel, both man and be'st, and mine they shall be: for I am the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying: Number the children of Levi in the houses of their fathers and kynredes, all that are males from a month old and above. And Moses numbered them at the word of the Lord, as he was commanded. And these are the names of the children of Levi: Gerson, Cahath, and Merari. And these are the names of the children of Gerson in their kynredes: Libni and Semei. And the sons of Cahah in their kynredes were: Amram, jezehar, Hebron and Osiel. And the sons of Merari in their kynredes were: Maheli and Musi. These are the kynredes of Levi in the houses of their fathers. And of Gerson came the kindred of the Libnites and the Semeites, which are the kynredes of the Gersonytes. And the sum of them (when all the males were told) from a month old and above were seven thousand and five hundred. And the kynredes of the Gersonites pytched behind the habitation westward. And the captain of the most ancient house among the Gersonites, was Eliasaph the son of Lael. And the office of the children of Gerson in the tabernacle of witness was to keep the habitation, and the tent with the covering thereof, and the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the hangynges of the court, & the curtain of the door of the court: which court went round about the dwelling, and the altar, and the cords that pertained unto all the service thereof. And of Cahah came the kindred of the Amramytes and the kindred of the jezeharytes and of the Hebronytes, and of the Ozielites. And these are the kynredes of the Cahathites. And the number of all the males from a month old and above, was eight thousand, and two hundred: which waited on the holy place. And the kindred of the children of Cahah pytched on the southside of the dwelling. And the captain in the most ancient house of the kynredes of the Cahathytes, was Elisaphan the son of Oziel, and their office was to keep the ark, the table, the candlestick, and the altar, and the holy vessels to minister with, and the veil with all that served thereto. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the Priest, was Captain over all the Captains of the levites, and had the oversight of them that waited upon the holy things. And of Merati came the kynredes of the Mahelytes, and of the Musices: and these are the kynredes of the Merarytes. And the number of them (when all the males from amoneth old and above was told) drew unto six thousand, and two hundred. And the captain of the most ancient house among the kynredes of the Merarites, was Zuriel the son of Abihael which pitched on the north side of the dwelling. And the office of the sons of Merari was to keep the boards of the dwelling, and the bars, pylers with the sockettes thereof, and all the instruments thereof, and all that served thereto: and the pylers of the court round about, and their sockettes with their pins and cords. But on the forefront of the habitation, and before the tabernacle of witness eastward, shall Moses & Aaron and his sons pitch, and wait on the sanctuary in the stead of the children of Israel. And the stranger that cometh nigh, shall die for it. And the hole sum of the levites which Moses and Aaron numbered, at the commandment of the Lord thorough out their kynredes, even of all the males of a month old and above, was xxij. thousand. And the Lord said unto Moses: Number all the first born that are males among the children of Israel, from a month old and above, and take the number of their names. And thou shalt appoint the levites to me the Lord, for all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the levites for the firstborn of the children of Israel. And Moses numbered as the Lord commanded him all the firstborn of the children of Israel. And all the firsteborne males in the sum of names, from a month old and above, were numbered two and twenty thousand, two hundred, and three score and thirteen. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Take the levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel, and the cattles of the levites for their cattles: and the levites shall be mine which am the Lord. And for the redeeming of the two hundred and three score and thirteen, which are more then the levites in the firstborn of the children of Israel, take u sycles of every piece, after 〈◊〉 thirty. b. 〈◊〉 xxvii. d 〈◊〉 xlv d the sycle of the holy place, twenty geras the sickle. And give the money wherewith the odd number of them is redeemed, unto Aaron and his sons. And Moses took the redemption money of the overplus that were more then the levites, among the firsteborne of the the children of Israel, and it came to a thousand, three hundred, and three score and five sycles, of the holy sycle. And he gave that redemption money unto Aaron & his sons at the word of the Lord, like as the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ The offices of the levites, every one after the stock that he came of. CAPI. FOUR ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, and bade them take the sum of the children of Cahath forth of the sons of Levi in their kynredes and houses of their fathers from thirty year and above, until fifty all that were able to war to do the work in the tabernacle of witness. This shall be th'office of the children of Cahath in the tabernacle of witness which is most holy. And when the host removeth, Aaron and his sons shall come and take down the veil, and cover the ark of witness there with, and shall put thereon a covering of taxus skins, and shall spread a clot that is all together of hyacinth above all, and put the staves thereof in. And upon the show table they shall spread abroad a cloth of hyacinth, and put thereon the dysshes, spoons, flat pieces, and pots to pour with, and the daily breed shall be thereon: and they shall spread upon them a covering of purple, and cover the same with a covering of taxus skins, and put the staves thereof in. And they shall take a cloth of hyacinth and cover the candlestick of light, and her lamps and her snoffers, and fire pans, and all her oil vessels which they occupy about it, and shall put upon her and on all her instruments, a covering of taxus skins, and put it upon staves. And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of hyacinth, and put on her staves. And they shall take all the things which they occupy to minister within the holy place, and put a cloth of hyacinth upon them and cover them with a covering or taxus skins, and put them on staves. And they shall take away the ashes out of the altar, and spread a scarlet clot thereon: and put about it, the fire pans, the flesh hokes, the shovels, the basins, and all that belongeth unto the altar, and they shall spread upon it a covering of taxus skins, and put on the staves of it. And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary and all the things of the sanctuary, against that the host remove, than the sons of Cahath shall come in to bear, and so let them not touch the sauntuarye least they die. And this is the charge of the sons of Cahath in the tabernacle of witness. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the pressed shall have the charge to prepare oil for the lights and sweet cens, and the daily meat-offering and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the dwelling and of all that therein is, both over the sanctuary and of all that pertaineth thereto, And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: destroy not the tribe of the kynredes of the Cahathites, from among the Levites. But thus do unto them that they may live and not die, when they go unto the most holy place. Aaron and his sons shall go in and put them every man unto his service and unto his burden. But let them not go in, to see when they cover the santuarye, jest they die. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Take the sum of the children of Gerson, in the houses of their fathers and in their kynredes: from thirty year and above, till fifty all that are able to go forth in war, to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And this is the service of the kyneed of the Gersonytes, to serve and to bear. They shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the roof of the tabernacle of witness and his covering, and the covering of taxus skins that is on high above upon it, and the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of witness: and the hanging of the court, and the hanging of the gate of the court that is round about the dwelling and the altar, and the cords of them, and all the instruments that serve unto them, and all that is made for them. And at the mouth of Aaron and his sons, shall all the service of the children of the Gersonytes be done, in all their charges, and in all their service, and you shall appoint them unto all their charges, that they shall wait upon. And this is the service of the kindred of the children of the Gersonytes in the tabernacle of witness, and they shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. And thou shalt number the sons of Merari in their kynredes, and in the houses of their fathers, from thirty years and above unto ●●●●ye: even all that is able to go forth in war, to do the service of the tabernacle of witness. And this is the charge that they must wait upon in all that they must serve in the tabernacle of witness: The boards of the tabernacle, and the bars, pylers and sockettes thereof, and the pylers of the court round about, and their sockettes, pins, and cords, with all that pertaineth and serveth unto them. And by name you shall reckon the things that they, must wait upon to bear. This is the service of the kynredes of of the sons of Merary in all their service in the tabernacle of witness under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the multitude numbered the sons of the Cahathytes in their kynredes and houses of their fathers from thirty years and above unto fifty, all that were able to go forth in the host, and to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And the number of them in their kynredes, were two thousand, seven hundred, and fifty. These are the numbers of the kynredes of the Cahathytes, of all that did service in the tabernacle of witness, which Moses and Aaron did number at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses. And the sons of Gerson were numbered in their kynredes, and in the houses of their fathhers, from thirty year up unto fifty, all that were able to go forth in the host to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And the number of them in their kynredes, and in the houses of their fathers, was two thousand, six hundred, and thirty. This is the number of the kynredes of the sons of Gerson, of all that did service in the tabernacle of witness, which Moses and Aaron did number at the commandment of the Lord. And the kynredes of the sons of Merari were numbered in their kynredes, & in the houses of their fathers, from thirty year up unto fifty, all that were able to go forth with the host, to do service in the tabernacle of witness And the number of them was in their kynredes three thousand and two hundred. This is the number of the kynredes of the sons of Morari, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, by the hand of Moses. The hole sum which Moses, Aaron and the lords of Israel numbered among the levites in their kynredes & households of their fathers, from thirty year up unto fifty every man to do his office and service, and to bear his burden in the tabernacle of witness was eight thousand, five hundred and four score which they numbered at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses, every man unto his service & burden: as the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ Who they be that ought to be cast out of the hos●e. The knowledging of sin. The cleansing of sin done of ignorance. The law of the first fruits, and of jealousy. CAPI. V ANd the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: command the children of Israel they put forth of the host, all lepers, and all that have issues, and all that are defiled upon the deed, whether they be males or females you shall put them out of the host, that they defile not the tents among which I devil. And the children of Israel did so, and put them out of the host, as the Lord commanded Moses so did the children of Israel. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel: whether it be man or woman, when they have sinned any manner sin which a man doth wherewith a man trespaceth against the Lord: so that the soul hath done amiss: then they knowledge their sins which they have done, and restore again the hurt that they have done in the hole, and put the fift part of it more thereto, and give it him whom he hath trespased against. But if he that maketh the amendss have no man to do it to, than the amendss that is made shall be the Lords, and the priests, beside the ram of the atonement offering, wherewith he maketh atonement for himself. And all the first fruits which the children of Israel bring unto the priest, shall be the priests, and every man's hallowed things shall be his own, but what so ever any man giveth the priest, it shall be the priests. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel, 〈…〉 and show them. If any man's wy●e go a side and trespass against him, so that an other man lie with her fleshly and the thing be hid from the eyes of her husband and is not come to light that she is de●y●●ed (for there is no witness against her) in as much as she was not taken with the manner, and the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him and he is jealous over his wife and she defiled, or happily the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he is jealous over his wife, and she yet undefiled. Then let her husband bring her unto the priest, and bring an offering for her: the ten●●e part of an Epha of barley meele, but he shall pour none oil thereunto, nor put franckencens thereon: for it is an offering of jealousy, and an offerenge that maketh remembrance of sin. And let the priest bring her and set her before the Lord, and let him take holy water in an earthen vessel and of the dust that is in the flower of the habitation, and put it in to the water. And the priest shall set the wife before the Lord and uncover her head, and put the memorial of the offering in her hands which is the jealousy offering, and the priest shall have bitter and cursing water in his hand and he shall conjure her, and shall say unto her If no man hath lyen with thee, neither haste go aside and defiled thyself behind thy hussbande, then have thou no harm of this bitter cursing water. But if thou hast go aside behind thine husband, and art defiled, and some other man hath lyen with the beside thine husband (and let the priest conjure her with the conjuration of the curse, and say unto her) the Lord make the a curse and a conjuration among thy people: so that the Lord make thy thigh rot, and thy belly swell, and this biter cursing water go in to the bowels of thee, that thy belie swell, and thy thigh rot, and the wife shall say: Amen Amen. And the priest shall write this curse in a bill and wash it out in the bitter water. And when the cursing water is in her, then let the priest take the gelousyoffering out of the wives hand, and wave it before the Lord, and bring it unto the altar: and he shall take an handful of the memoryalloffering, and burned it upon the altar, and then make her drink the water, and when he hath made her drink the water: If she be defiled, and have trespased against her husband, then shall the cursing water go in to her and be so bitter that her belie shall swell, and her thigh shall rot, and she shall be a curse among her people: That if she be not defiled but is clean, than she shall have no harm, but that she may conceive. This is the law of jealousy, when a wife goeth aside behind her husband and is defiled, or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon a man, so that he is jealous over his wife, than he shall bring her before the Lord, and the priest shall minister all this law unto her, and the man shallbe guiltless, and the wife shall bear her sin. ●●re sig●● an ab ●●. ¶ The law of the Nazarees that took upon them astynence. The manner of blessing the people. CAPI. VI ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: when a man or woman appointeth to vow a vow of abstinence for to abstain unto the Lord, he shall abstain from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine or of strong drink, nor shall drink what so ever is pressed out of grapes: and shall eat no fresh grape's, neither yet dr●ed as long as his abstinence endureth. Moreover he shall eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, not so much as the kyrnels or the husk of the grape. And as long as the vow of his abstinence endureth, there shall no rasure nor shears come upon his heed, until his days be run out which he f●steth unto the Lord, and he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of his here grow. As long as he absteyneth unto the Lord, he shall come at no deed body he shall not make himself unclean at the death of his father, mother, brother or sister: for the abstinence of his God is upon his heed. And therefore as long as his abstinence lasteth, he shall be holy unto the Lord. And if it fortune that any man by chance die suddenly before him, and defile the heed of his abstinence, then must he shave his heed the day of his cleansing: even the seventh day he shall shave it. And the eight day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pygyons to the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And the Priest shall offer th'one for a sin-offering and tother for a burntoffering, and make atonement for him in that he sinned upon the deed, and shall also hallow his heed the same day, and shall abstain unto the Lord the time of his abstinency, and shall bring a lamb of a year old for a trespaceoffering: but the days that were before are lost, because his abstinenencie was defiled. This is the law of the abstainer, when the time of his abstinence is run out, he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and he shall bring his offering unto the Lord: an he lamb of a year old without spot for a burntoffering and a she lamb of a year old without blemish for a sin-offering, a ram without blemish also for a peaxoffering, and a basket of sweet breed of fine flower mingled with oil and wafers of sweet breed anointed with oil with meatofferynges and drynkofferynges that belong thereto. And the priest shall bring him before the Lord and offer his sin-offering and his burntoffering, and shall offer that ram for a peaxoffering unto the Lord with a basket of sweet breed, and the Priest shall offer also his meat-offering and his drynkoffering. And the abstainer shall shave his heed in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and shall take the here of his sober heed and put it in that fire which is under the peaxoffering. Then the Priest shall take the sodden shoulder, of the ram and one sweet cake out of the basket, and one sweet wafer also, and put them in the hand of the abstainer after he hath shaven his abstinence of, and the Priest shall wave them unto the Lord, which offering shall be holy unto the priest, with the wavebreast and have shoulder: & then the abstainer may drink wine. This is the law of the Nazaree which hath vowed his abstinence unto the Lord for his abstinence, besides that his hand can get. And according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do in the law of his abstinence. And the Lord talked with Moses, saying speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: of this wise you shall bless the children of Israel saying unto them. The Lord bless the and keep the. The Lord make his face shine upon the and be merciful unto the. The Lord lift up is countenance upon thee/ and give the peax For you shall put my name upon the children of Israel, that I may bless them. ¶ The offering of the Lords and heads of Israel when the tabernacle was set up. CAPI. VII. ANd when Moses had full set up the habitation and anointed it and sanctified it and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed and sanctified the altar also and all the vessels there of: then the princes of Israel, heeds over the houses of their fathers, which were the Lords of the tribes that stood and numbered, offered and brought their gifts before the Lord six covered charettes and twelve oxen: two and two a charette and an ox every man, and they brought them before the habitation. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, take it of them and let them be to do the service of the tabernacle of witness, and give them unto the levites every man after his office. And Moses took the charettes and the oxen, and gave them unto the levites, two charettes and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gerson according unto their office. And four charettes and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari according unto their offices, under the hands of Ithamar the son of Aaron the Priest. But unto the sons of Cahath, he gave none, for the office that pertained to them was holy, and therefore they must bear upon shoulders. And the Princes offered unto the dedycating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, and brought their gifts before the altar. And the Lord said unto Moses: let the Princes bring their offerings, every day one Prince, unto the dedicating of the altar. The offering of Nahesson. He that offered his offering the first day was Nahesson the son of Aminadab of the tribe of juda. And his offering was a silver charger, of an hundred and thirty sycles weight: and a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle, both of them full of fine wheten flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a spoon of ten sycles of gold full of incense: and a bullock, a ram and a lamb of a year old for burntoffrynges and an he goote for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of a year old. And this was the gift of Nahesson the son of Aminadad. The offering of Nathanael. The second day did Nathaneel offer, the son of Zuar, captain over Izachar. And his offering which he brought was a silver charger of an hundred and xxx sycles weight and a silver bowl of three score & ten sycles of the holy sycle: & both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles, full of incens. And a bullock, a rame and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and for peaceofferynges two oxen five rams, five he gootes and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Nathaneel the son of Zuar, The third day, E● of 〈◊〉 Eliab the son of Helon the chiefest among the children of Zabulon brought his offering. And his offering was, a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles weight, and a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle, and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense: and an ox, and a ram, and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he got for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges, two oxen, five rams u he gootes, and five lambs of one ire old. And this was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon. The fourth day, T● of 〈◊〉 Elizur the son of Sedeur, the chyefest among the children of Reuben, brought his offering. And his gift was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sickles weight, & a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle, and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense: and a bullock, a ram and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he got for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges two oxen five rams, five he gootes, and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Elizur the son of Sedeur. The fifth day, T● of S● Selumiel the son of Zuri Sadai, chief lord among the children of Simeon, offered: whose offering was a silver charger of an hundred and xxx sycles weight and a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle: And both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense. And a bullock, a ram, and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he got for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges two oxen u rams, five he goats, & five lambs of a year old. And this was the offering of Selumiel the son of Zuri Sadai. The sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deguel the chyefest among the children of Gad offered: E● of 〈◊〉 whose gift was a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles weight, and a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle: and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat offering: and a golden spoon of ten sickles full of incense. And an ox, a ram, and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he got for a sin-offering. And for peaxofferynges two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of one year old, and this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deguel. The seventh day Elisama the son of Amino, T● of E● the chief lord of the children of Ephraim offered, and his gift was a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles weight: and a silver bowl of three score and ten sickles of the holy sickle, and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sickles full of incense. And a bullock, a ram, and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he got for a sin-offering and for peaxofferynges, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of a year old. And this was the offering of Elisama the son of Amiud. 〈◊〉 offering ●maliell. The eight day, offered Gamaliel the son of Pedazur, the chief Lord of the children of Manasse. And his gift was a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles weight: and a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle, and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense. And a bullock, a ram, and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he goote for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges two oxen, five rams; five he goats, and five lambs of a year old. And this was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedazur. 〈◊〉 offering ●●idan. The ninth day Abidan the son of Gedeoni, the chief Lord among the children of BenIamin offered. And his gift was a silver charger of an hundred & thirty sickles weight: and a silver bowl of three score and ten sickles of the holy sycle, and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense: and a bullock, a ram, and a lamb of one year old for burnt-offerings: and an he got for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gedeoni. 〈◊〉 offering ●iezer. The tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammi Saddai, chief lord among the children of Dan offered. And his gift was a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles weight: a silver bowl of three score and ten sickles of the holy sycle: and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense: and a bullock, a ram and a lamb of a year old for burnt-offerings, and an he got for a sin-offering: and for peaxofferynges two oxen u rams, five he goats, & five lambs of a year old. And this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammi Saddai. The xi day, ●ffringe ●giell. Phegi● Pagiel the son of Ocran, the chief lord among the children of Aser offered. And his gift was a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sickles weight: a silver bowl of three score and ten sycles of the holy sycle, and both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of ten sycles full of incense. And a bullock, a ram and a lamb of one year old for burned offerings: and an he got for oh synoffering: and for peaxofferynges: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran. The twelve day, The offering of Ahira. Ahirra the son of Enan chief lord among the children of Nephthali offered, and his gift was a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sickles weight: a silver bowl of threescore and ten sickles of the holy sickle, both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: and a golden spoon of twenty sickles full of incense. And a bullock, a ram and a lamb of one year old for burntofferinges, and an he got for a sin-offering, and for peaxofferinges, two oxen, five rams, five he gootes, and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan. Of this manner was the dedication of the altar when it was anointed, unto which was brought by the princes of Israel twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, and twelve spoons of gold: every charger containing an hundred and thirty sickles of silver, and every bowl three score and ten, so that all the silver of all the vessels, was two thousand and four hundred sickles of the holy sickle. And the twelve golden spoons which were full of incense, contained ten sycles a piece of the holy sickle: so that all the gold of the spoons, was an hundred and twenty sickles. All the oxen that were brought for the burntofferinges were twelve, and the rams twelve, and the lambs twelve of a year old a piece, with the meatofferynges: with he goats for synneofferinges. And all the oxen of the peaxofferynges were xxiiij the rams lx the goats lx and lambs of a year old a piece lx and this was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed. And when Moses was go in to the tabernacle of witness to speak with God, he heard the voice of one speaking unto him out of the mercy seat that was upon the ark of witness: even between the two cherubyns, he spoke unto him. ¶ The disposition and order of the lamps. The form of the candlestick. The cleansing and offering of the Levites. The age of the same. CAPI. VIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron, and say unto him: * Exo xxv d when thou puttest on the lamps, see they light all seven upon the forefront of the candlestick. And Aaron did accordingly and put the lamps upon the forefront of the candlestick, as the Lord commanded Moses, and the work of the candlestick was of stiff gold, both the shaft and the flowers thereof. And according unto the vision which the Lord had showed Moses, so he made the candlestick. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: take the Levites forth of the children of Israel, and cleanse them. And this do unto them when thou clensest them, sprinkle water of puryfyenge upon them, and make a rasure to run along upon all the flesh of them, and let them wash their clotheses, and then they shall be clean. And let them take a bullok and his meat-offering fyne flower mingled with oil: and an other bullock shalt thou take to be a sin-offering. Then bring the levites before the tabernacle of witness, and gather the hole multitude of the children of Israel together. And bring the levites before the Lord, and let the children of Israel, put their hands upon the levites. And let Aaron have the levites before the Lord for an have offering given of the children of Israel, and then let them be appointed to wait upon the service of the Lord. And let the levites put their hands upon the heeds of the bullocks, and then offer them: the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burntoffering before the Lord, to make atonement for the levites. And make the levites stand before Aaron and his sons, and have them to be an heave-offering unto the Lord. And thou shalt separate the levites from among the children of Israel, that they be mine: and after that let them go and do the service of the tabernacle of witness. Cleanse them, and hallow them, for they are given me from among the children of Israel for * Num iii c I have taken them unto me for all the firstborn that open the matrice among the children of Israel. * Exod. xiii a For all the first-born among the children of Israel are mine both man and beast, because the same time that I smote the first born in the land of egypt, I sanctified them for myself: and I have taken the levites for all the first-born among the children of Israel, and have given them unto Aaron and his sons forth of the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of witness, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the children of Israel, if they come nigh unto the sanctuary. And Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel did unto the levites according unto all that the Lord commanded Moses. Numer iiii c And the levites cleansed themselves, and washed their clotheses. And Aaron offered them before the Lord, and make an atonement for them to cleanse them. And after that, they went in to do their service in the tabernacle of witness, before Aaron and his sons. And according as the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the levites, even so they did unto them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: This shall be the manner of the levites: from xxv year upward, they shall go in, to wait upon the service in the tabernacle of witness, and at fifty they shall cease waiting upon the service of thereof, and shall labour no more, but shall minister unto their brethren in the tabernacle of witness, and there wait but shall do no more service. And see thou do after this manner unto the levites, in their waiting times. ¶ The Ester or passouer offering of the clean and unclean. A cloud covering the tabernacle leadeth the host. CAPI. IX. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, Pa● in the first month of the second year after they * E● Le●● N●●● D●●● were come out of the land of Egypt, saying: let the children of Israel offer Passeover in his season, even the xiiij day of this month at even, they shall keep it in his season, according to the ordinances and manners thereof. And Moses bade the children of Israel that they should offer Passeover, and they offered Passeover the xiiij day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: and did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses: And it chanced that certain men which were defiled with a deed corpse, so that they might not offer Passeover the same day, came before Moses and Aaron the same time and said: We are defiled upon a deed corpse, wherefore are we kept back that we may not offer an offering unto the Lord in the due season, among the children of Israel? And Moses said unto them: tarry, that I may hear what the Lord will command you. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say. If any man among you or your children after you, be unclean by the reason of a corpse, or is in the way far of, then let him offer Passeover unto the Lord, the fourteen day of the second month at even, and eat it with sweet breed and sour herbs, and let them leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it. And according to all the ordinance of the Passover let them offer it. But if a man be clean and not let in a journey, and yet was negligent to offer Passeover: the same soul shall perish from his people, because he brought not an offering unto the Lord in his due season: and he shall bear his sin. And when a strounger dwelleth among you, and will offer Passeover unto the Lord, according to the ordinance of Passeover and manner thereof shall he offer it. And you shall have one law both for the stranger, and for him that was born at home in the land. And the same day that the habitation was reared up, ☜ a cloud covered it an high upon the tabernacle of witness: and at even there was upon the habitation, as it were the likeness of fire until the morning. And so it was alway, that the cloud covered it by day and the similitude of fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, than the children of Israel journeyed/ and where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pytched their tents. At the mouth of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the mouth of the Lord they pytched. And as long as the cloud abode upon the habitation, they lay still, and when the cloud tarried still upon the habitation long time, the children of Israel waited upon the Lord and journeyed not. If it chanced that the cloud abode any space of time upon the habitation, than they kept their tents at the mouth of the Lord: and they journeyed also at the commandment of the Lord And if it happened that the cloud was upon the habitation from even unto morning, and was taken up in that morning, than they journeyed. Whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. But when the cloud tarried two days, or a month, or a long season upon the habitation, as long as it tarried thereon, the children of Israel kept their tents, and journeyed not. And as soon as the cloud was taken up they journeyed. At the mouth of the Lord they rested, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed. And thus they kept the watch of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses. ¶ The Trumpets of silver, and the use thereof. The israelites depart from Sinai. The captains of the host are numbered. Hobab refuseth to go with Moses. CAPI. X. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Make the two trumpets of beaten silver, that thou mayst use them to call the company together, and when the host shall journey. When they blow with them, all the company shall resort to the unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. If but one trumpet blow only, than the princes which are heeds over thousands of Israel shall come unto the. And when you trump the first time, the hosts that lie on the east parts shall go forward. And when you trump the second time, than the hosts that lie on the south side shall take their journey: for they shall trump when they take their journeys. And in gathering the congregation together, you shall blow and not trump. And the sons of Aaron the Preestes shall blow the trumpets, and shall have them, and it shall be a law unto you for ever, and among your children after you. And when you shall go to war in your land against your enemies that vex you you shall trump with the trumpets, and you shall be remembered before the Lord your god and saved from your enemies. Also when you be merry in your feest days, and in the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burned sacrifices & peaxofferynges, that it may be a remembrance of you before your God. I am the Lord your God. And it came to pass the twenty day of the second month in the second year that the cloud was take up from the tabernacle of witness. And the children of Israel took their journey out of the wilderness of Sinai, and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Pharan And they first took their journey at the mouth of the Lord by the hand of Moses: even the standard of the host of juda removed with their armies, whose capitain was Nahason son of Aminadab. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Isachar, was Nathanael the son of Zuar. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zabulon was Eliab the son of Helon. And the habitation was taken down: and the sons of Gerson and Merari went forth bearing the tabernacle. Then the standard of the host of Reuben went forth with their armies, whose capitain was Elizur the son of Sedeur. And over the host of the tribe of the children of simeon: was Samaliel the son of Suri Saddai. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad: was Eliasaph the son of Deguel. Then the Cahathytes went forward and bore the holy things, and the other did set up the habitation against their coming. Then the standard of the host of the children of Ephraim went forth with their armies whose captain was Elisama the son of Amiud. And over the host of the tribe of the sons of Manasse, was Gamaliel the son of Pedazur. And over the host of the tribe of the sons of BenIamin, was Abidan the son of Bedeoni. And hyndermoost of all the host, came the standard of the host of the children of Dan with their armies whose captain was Ahiezer the son of Ammi Saddai. And over the host of the tribe of the children Aser was φ Or phegie●● Pagiel the son of Ochran. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Nephthali, was Ahira the son of evan: In this manner were the journeys of the children of Israel with their armies when they removed. And Moses said unto Hobab the son of Raguel the Madianyte, ☜ Moses father in law: We go unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you. Go with us, and we will do the good: for the Lord hath promised good unto Israel. And he said unto him: I will not, but will go to mine own land, and to my kindred. And Moses said: o nay, leave us not, for thou knowest where is best for us to pitch in the wilderness, and thou shalt be our guide. And if thou go with us, look what goodness the Lord showeth upon us, the same we will show upon the. And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days journey, and the ark of the testament of the Lord went before them in the three days journey, to search out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they went forth of the tents. And when the ark went forth, Moses said, Rise up Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate thee, flee before the. And when the ark rested, he said: return (Lord) unto the many thousands of Israel. ¶ The people murmureth and is punished with fire. They desire flesh. They loothe Manns. The murmuring and wavering faith of Moses. The Lord dyvydethe the burden of Moses to seventy of the auncyentes, and they prophesy. Eldad and Medad do also prophesy in the host. It raineth quails. The flesh raveners are punished. CAPI. XI. ANd the people complained, and it displeased the ears of the Lord. And when the Lord herd it, he was wroth, and the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed the uttermost of the host. And the people cried unto Moses, and he made suit unto the Lord, and the fire quenched. And they called the name of the place Thabarah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them. And the common sort of people that was among them fallen a lusting. And the children of Israel also went to, and wept and said: who shall give us flesh to eat? we remember the fish which we should eat in egypt for nought, and of the Cucumbres and melouns, lekes, onions, and garlic. But now our souls are dried away, for our eyes look on nothing else, save upon Manna. The Manna was as it had been Coriander seed, and in appearance like Bdellium. And the people went about and gathered it, and ground it in mylles, or beaten it in mortars and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like unto the taste of an oil cake. And when the dew fallen about the host in the night, the Manna fallen therewith. And when Moses heard the people weep in their hosholdes, every man in the door of his tent, than the wreath of the Lord waxed hot exceedingly: and it grieved Moses also. And Moses said unto the Lord: wherefore dealest thou so cruelly with thy servant? wherefore do I not find favour in thy sight, sithence thou puttest the wight of this people upon me? ☞ Have I conceived all this people? or have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, carry them in thy bosom (as a nurse beareth the sucking child) unto the land which thou sworest unto their fathers? where should I have flesh to give unto all this people? For they wept unto me, saying: give us flesh that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, for it is heavy for me. Wherefore if thou deal thus with me, kill me. I pray thee, if I have found favour in thy sight, and let me not see my wretchedness. And the Lord said unto Moses: gather unto me three score and ten of the elders of Israel, which thou knouwest that they are the elders of the people, and officers over them. & bring them unto the tabernacle of witness, and let them stand there with the. And I will come down and talk with the there, & take of the spirit which is upon the and put upon the and upon them, and they shall bear with the in the burden of the people, and so shalt thou not bear alone. And say unto the people: hallow your selves against to morrow, that you may eat flesh, for you have whyned in the ears of the Lord saying: who shall give us flesh to eat, for we were happy when we were in Egypt? therefore the Lord will give you flesh, and you shall eat. You shall not eat one day only, either two or five days, either ten or twenty days: but even a month long, and until it come out at the nostrils of you, that you be ready to parbreak: because you have cast that Lord aside, which is among you, and have wept before him, saying: why came we out of Egypt. And Moses said: six hundred thousand foot men are there of the people, among which I am. And thou hast said: I will give them flesh, and they shall eat a month long. Shall the sheep and the oxen be slain for them to find them? Either shall all the fish of the see be gathered together to serve them? And the Lord said unto Moses: Is the lords hand waxed short? Thou shalt see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee, or not. And Moses went forth, and told the people the saying of the Lord, and gathered the three score and ten elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spoke unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and put it upon the three score and ten elders And as the spirit rested upon them they prophesied and did nought else. But there remained two of the men in the host: the one called Eldad, and the other Medad. And the spirit rested upon them for they were of them that were written, but they went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the host. And there ran a young man and told Moses, and said: Eldad, ☜ and Medad do prophecy in the host. And josua the son of Nun the servant of Moses which he had choose out answered and said: Master Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him: enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the lords people could prophecy, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them. And then both Moses and the elders of Israel, got them in to the host. And there went forth a wind from the Lord and brought quails from the see, and let them fall about the host, even a days journey round about on every side of the host. And two cubytes high upon the earth. And the people stood up all that day and all that night, and on the morrow, and gathered quails. And he that gathered least, gathered ten homers full. And they killed them round about the host. And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, afore it was chewed up, the wrath of the Lord waxed hoot upon the people, and the Lord slew of the people an exceeding mighty slaughter. And they called the name of the place ●hat is the 〈◊〉 of lust Kybrath Hathavah: because they buried the people that lusted there. And the people took their journey from Kybrah Hathavah unto Hazeroth, and abode at Hazeroth. ¶ Aaron and Mary grudge against Moses. Marry was stricken with the leper and healed at the prayer of Moses. CAPI. XII. ANd Hebrew 〈◊〉 woman ●lled Mir● mary and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of his wife of Jude which he had taken: for he had taken to wife one of jude. And they said, doth the Lord speak only thorough Moses? doth he not speak also by us? And the Lord heard it. But Moses was a very meek man above all the men of the earth. And the Lord spoke attonce unto Moses, unto Aaron, and unto mary: Come out you three unto the tabernacle of witness: & they came out all three. And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and mary. And they went out both of them. And he said, hear my words: If there be a Prophet of the Lords among you, ☞ I will show myself unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. But my servant Moses is not so: which is faithful in all mine house Unto him I speak mouth to mouth, 〈◊〉 iii a and he seethe the sight and the fashion of the Lord and not thorough rydels. Wherefore then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses. And the Lord was angry with them, and went his way/ and the cloud departed f●om the tabernacle. ☞ And behold, mary was become leprous, as it were snow. And when Aaron looked upon her and saw that she was leprous, he said unto Moses: O I beseech the my Lord, put not the sin upon us which we have foolishly committed and sinned. O, let her not be as one that come deed forth of the mother's womb: for half her flesh is eaten away. And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying: O God, heal her. And the Lord said unto Moses: If her father had spit in her face, ●olde she not be ashamed seven days, let her 〈◊〉 shut forth of ●he host seven days, and ●fter that let her be received in again. And mary was shut out of the host seven days ●nd the people removed not, till she was roughte in again. And afterward, they amoved from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Pharan, ¶ Certain are send to search the land of Canaan: which bring with them a cluster of grapes for a sign of frutfulnesse. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Lord spoke there unto Moses saying: * Send men out to search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers a man: and let them all be such as are rulers among them. And Moses at the commandment of the Lord sent forth of the wilderness of Pharan, such men as were all heeds among the children of Israel, whose names are these. In the tribe of Reuben: Sammua the son of Zacur: In the tribe of simeon Saphat the son of Hori: In the tribe of juda, Caleph the son of jephune. In the tribe of Isachar, Igeal the son of joseph. In the tribe of Ephraim, Hosea the son of Nun. In the tribe of BenIamin, Palthy the son of Raphu. In the tribe of Zabulon, Gadiel the son of Sodi. In the tribe of joseph: that was of Manasse, Gaddi the son of Susi. In the tribe of Dan, Amiel the son of Gemali. In the tribe of Aser, Sethur the son of Micheel. In the tribe of Nephthali, Nahebi the son of Vaphsi. In the tribe of Gad, Guel the son of Machi: These are the names of the men which Moses sent to espy out the land. And Moses called the name of φ Hosea or Osee sygnifieth saving or saviour. josua or jehosua signifieth the salvation of the Lord. Hosea the son of Nun, josua. And Moses sent them forth to espy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them: get you southward, and go up in to the high country, and see the land what manner thing it is, and the people that devil therein: whether they be strong or weak, few or many and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad, & what manner of cities they devil in, whether in tents or walled towns, and what manner of land it is: whether fat or lean, and whether there be trees therein or not. And be of good courage, and bring of the fruits of the land. And it was about the time that grapes are first ripe. And they went up and searched out the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men go to Hemath, and they ascended unto the south and came unto Hebron, where Ahiman was and Sesai, and Thalmani the sons of Enacke. Hebron was built seven year before Zoan in Egypt. And they came unto the river of Escol, and they cut down there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and bore it upon a staff between twain, and also of the pomegranates, and of the figs of the place. The river was called Nehel, Escol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down there. And they turned back again from searching the land at forty days end. And they went and came to Moses and Aaron and unto all the company of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Pharan, even unto Cades, and brought them word and also unto all the congregation, That is to say, replenisshed with all plenty and commodities and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, saying: we came unto the land whither thou sendest us, and surely it is a land that floweth with milk and honey, and here is of the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that devil in the land, and the cities are walled and exceeding great, and moreover we saw the children of Enacke there. The Amaleckes devil in the south country, and the Hethytes, jebusytes and the Amorytes devil in the mountains, and the Cananytes devil by the see, and along by the cost of jordane. And Caleb stylled the murmur of the people against Moses, saying: let us go up and conquer it, for we be able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him, said: We be not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we: And they brought up an evil reapport of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying: The land which we have go thorough to search it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabytauntes thereof, and the people that we saw in it are men of stature. And there we saw also giants, the children of Enacke which are of the giants. And we seemed in our sight as it were greshoppers, and so we did in their sight. ¶ The people despearing of coming to the land promised, do murmur against God, and would have stoned Caleb and joshua, The searchers of the land die. Amalech killeth the Israelites. CAPI. XIIII. ANd all the company cried out, and the people wept thorough out that night, and all the people of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron: saying. Would God we had died in the land of egypt, either we would we had died in this wilderness. Wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land to fall upon the sword, that both our wives, and also our children should be a pray? is it not better that we return to egypt again? And they said one to an other: let us make a captain, and return to egypt again. And Moses and Aaron hearing this fell on their faces before all the multitude of the children of Israel. And josua the son of Nun, & Caleb the son of jephone which were of them that searched the land, Ecclesi xlvi b 1. Mat ii f rend their clotheses and spoke unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying. The land which we walked thorough to search it, is a very good land. If the Lord have lust to us, he will bring us in to this land, and give it us, which is a land that floweth with milk and honey. But in any wise rebel not against the Lord. Moore over fear you not the people of the land, for even as breed, so may we devour. Their shield is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not therefore. And all the people bade stone them with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of witness unto all the children of Israel. And the Lord said unto Moses How long shall this people rail upon me, and how long will it be ere they believe me? for all my signs which I have showed amongs them? I will smite them with the Pestilence and destroy them, ☜ and will make of the a greater nation, and a mightier than they. And Moses said unto the Lord: then the Egyptians shall hear it, for thou broughtest this people with thy might from them. And it will be told to the inhabiters of this land also, Exod. for they have herd likewise that thou the Lord art among this people, and that thou art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night. If thou shalt kill all this people, as they were but one man, than the nations which have heard the fame of the will speak, saying: because the Lord was not able to bring in this people in to the land which he swore unto them, therefore he slay them in the wilderness. So now let the power of my Lord be great according as thou hast spoken, saying: the Lord is long ere he be angry, Ps●● and full of mercy, and suffereth sin and trespass, and leaveth no man innocent, and visiteth the unrighteousness of the fathers upon the children, even upon the third and fourth generation, be merciful I beseech the therefore unto the sin of this people, according unto thy great mercy, and according as thou haste forgiven this people from egypt, even unto this place. And the Lord said: I have forgiven it, ☜ according to thy request. But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with my glory. For of all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles which I did in egypt, and in the wilderness, and yet have tempted me now this ten times, & have not herkened unto my voice, there shall not one see the land which I swore unto their fathers: neither shall any of them that railed upon me, see it. But my servant Caleb: because there is an other manner spirit with him, and because he hath followed me: him I will bring in to the land which he hath walked in, and his seed shall conquer it, and also the Amaleckytes and Canaanites which dwell in the low countries. To morrow turn you and get you in to the wilderness: even the way toward the read see. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: Psal● how long shall this evil multitude murmur against me: I have herd the murmurynges of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Tell them that the Lord saith: as truly as I live, I will do unto you even as you have spoken in mine ears. De●●● your carcases shall lie in the wilderness: neither shall any of these numbers which were numbered from twenty year and above of you which have murmured against me come into the land over which I lifted ●●ue iii c mine hand to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of jephune, and josua the son of Nun. And your children which you said should be a pray, them I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have refused, and your carcases shall lie in this wilderness. And you●e children shall wander in this wilderness xl years and suffer for your whoredom until your carcasses be wasted in the wilderness, after the number of the days in which you searched out the land xl days, and every day a year: so that they shall bear your unrighteousness xl year, and you shall feel my vengeance, I the Lord have said that I will do it unto all this evil congregation that are gathered together against me: even in this wilderness you shallbe consumed, and here you shall die. And the men which Moses sent to search the land, and which (when they came again) made all the people to murmur against it in that they brought up a slander upon the land: died for their bringing up that evil slander upon it, and were plagued before the Lord. But josua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of jephune which were of the men that went to enserche the Land, lived still. And Moses told these sayings to all the children of Israel, & the people took great sorrow. And they rose up early in the morning and got them into the top of the mountain, saying: lo we be here, and will go up unto the place of which the Lord said, for we have sinned. And Moses said: wherefore will you go on this manner beyond the word of the Lord? it will not come well to pass, go not up (for the Lord is not among you) lest you be slain before your enemies. For the Amalechytes and the Cananytes are there before you, and you will fall upon the sword, because you are turned away from the Lord, & therefore the Lord will not be with you. But they were blinded to go up in to the hill top: Nevertheless, the ark of the testament of the Lord and Moses departed not out of the host. Then the Amalechytes and the Cananytes which dwelled in that hill, came down and smote them and hewed them: even unto Horma. ¶ The drynkoffrynges of them that enter in to the land the punishment of him that sinneth of arrogancy or pride. The man is stoned that gathered styckes on the Saboth. Guards must be made upon the quarters of their garmetes. CAPI. XU. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: When you be come into the land of your habitation which I give unto you, and will offer an offering upon the fire unto the Lord, whether it be a burntoffering or a special vow or free-will offering, or if it be in your principal feasts to make a sweet savour unto the Lord, of the oxen or of the flock. Then, let him that offereth his offering unto the Lord, bring also a meat-offering of a tenth deal of flower, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil, and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink-offering, and offer with the burntoffering or any other offering when it is a lamb. And unto a Ram thou shalt offer a meat-offering of two tenth deals of flower, mingled with the third part of an hin of oil, and to a drynkoffring thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, to be a sweet savour unto the Lord. When thou offerest an ox to a burntoffering or in any special vow or peaceoffring unto the Lord, than thou shalt bring unto an ox, a meateoffringe of three tenth deals of flower mingled with half an hin of oil. And thou shalt bring for a drink-offering half an hin of wine, that is an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord. This is the manner that shallbe done unto one ox, one Run a lamb or a kid. And according to the number of such offerings, thou shalt increase the meateoffrynges and the drynkoffringes. All that are of yourselves shall do these things after this manner, when he offereth an offering of sweet savour unto the Lord. And if there be a stranger with you or be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord: even as you do, so he shall do. ☜ One ordinance shall serve both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger. And it shallbe an ordinance for ever among your children after you, that the stranger and you shallbe like before the Lord. One law and one manner shall serve, both for you and for the stranger that dwelleth with you. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them: When you be come into the land whether I will bring you, than when you will eat of the bread of the land, you shall give an heave-offering unto the Lord. You shall give a kake of the first of your dough unto an heave-offering: as you do the heave-offering of the barn even so you shall have it. Of the first of your dough you must give unto the Lord an heave-offering, throughout your generations. If you oversee yourselves and observe not all these commandments which the Lord hath spoken unto Moses, and all that the Lord hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the first day forward that the Lord commanded among your generation: when aught is committed ignorantly before the eyes of the congregation, than all the multitude shall offer a calf for a burnt-offering to be a sweet savour unto the Lord, and the meatoffringe and the drynkeoffringe thereto, according to the manner: and an he got for a synneoffringe. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the multitude of the children of Israel, and it shallbe forgiven them for it was ignorance. And they shall bring their gifts unto the offering of the Lord, and their synneoffring before the Lord for their ignorance. And it shallbe forgiven unto all the multitude of the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that dwelleth amongs you: for the ignorance pertaineth unto all the people. If any one soul sin thorough ignorance, he shall bring a she got of a year old for a synneoffringe. And the preaste shall make an atonement for the soul that sinned unwetynglye with the sin-offering before the Lord and make him at one, and it shallbe forgiven him. And both thou that art born one of the children of Israel & the stranger that dwelleth among you, shall have both one law, if you sin unwetingly. And the soul that doth ought presumptuously, God punissheth them the despise his word. whether he be an Israelite or a stranger, the same hath despised the Lord. And the soul shall be destroyed out of his people, because he hath despised the word of the Lord and hath broken his commandments, that soul therefore shall perish and his sin shall be upon him. ☞ And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks upon the Saboth day. And they that found him gathering styckes, brought him unto Moses and Aaron and unto all the congregation: and they put him in ward, for it was not declared what should be done unto him. And the Lord said unto Moses: the man shall die: let all the multitude stone him with stones forth of the host. And all the multitude brought him without the host & stoned him with stones, and he died as the Lord commanded Moses. Guards. duty xxii b And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak to the children of Israel, and bid them, they make them guards on the quarters of their garments thorough out their generations and let them make the guards of rybandes of hyacinth. And the guard shall be unto you, to look upon it, that you remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them: that you seek not a way after your own hearts, and after your own eyes, to go a hooring after them: but that you remember and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God, for I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of egypt to be your God. I am the Lord God. ¶ The rebellion and resistance of Corah Dathan and Abiram. The earth opened and swallowed them up. CAPI. XVI. ANd * Some writ Koreh the son of Izachar. Corah the son of jezehar, the son of Cahath, the son of Levi, & Dathan, and * Some wryt Abirom. Abiram the son of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, the son of Reuben: stood up before Moses, with other of the children of Israel two hundred and fifty heads of the congregation, and counsellors and men of fame, and they gathered them selves together against Moses and Aaron, and said unto them: you have done enough. For all the multitude are holy every one of them and the Lord is among them. Why therefore advance you yourselves above the congregation of the Lords. When Moses heard it, he fallen upon his face and spoke unto Corah and unto all his company, saying: to morrow the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will take them unto him, & whom so ever he hath choose, he will 'cause to come to him. This do: take fyrepannes, thou Corah and all thy company, and do fire therein and put cens thereto before the Lord to morrow. And then whom so ever the Lord doth choose, the same is holy. You make enough to do you children of Levi. And Moses said unto Corah: hear you children of Levi, Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath severed you from the multitude of Israel to bring you to him, to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the people to minister unto them? he hath taken the to him and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee, and you seek thoffice_n of the priest also. For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord: for what is Aaron, that you should murmur against him. And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and they answered, we will not come. Seemeth it a small thing unto the that thou hast brought us out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness? but that thou shouldest reign over us also? Moore over thou hast brought us unto no land that floweth with milk and honey, neither haste given us possessions of fields or of wines. Either wilt thou pull out the eyes of these men? we will not come. And Moses waxed very angry and said unto the Lord: ☜ Turn not unto their offerings. I have not taken so moche as an ass from them, neither have vexed any of them. Then Moses said unto Corah: Be thou and all thy company before the Lord: both thou they and Aaron to morrow. And take every man his censer and put cens in them, and come before the Lord every man with his censer: two hundred and fifty censers, and Aaron with his censer. And they took every man his censer and put fire in them and laid cens thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and Moses and Aaron also. And Corah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the congregation. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: sever yourselves from this congregation, that I may consume them at once. And they fallen upon their faces, and said. Nu● O most mighty God of the spirits of all flesh, one man hath sinned and wilt thou be wroth with all the multitude? And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the congregation and say: Get you away from the tents of Corah, Dathan & Abiram. And Moses arose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spoke unto the congregation, saying: depart from the tents of these ungodly men, and touch nothing of there's: lest you perish in all their sins. And they got them from the tents of Corah, Dathan and Abiram on every side. And Dathan and Abiram came out and stood in the door of their tents with their wives, their sons and their children. And Moses said: Hereby you shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works, and that I have not done them of of mine own head: If these men die the comen death of all men, or if they be vysited after the visitation of all men, than the Lord hath not sent me. But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth and swallow them, and all that pertain unto them, so that they go down quick into hell: than you shall understand, that these men have railed upon the Lord. And as soon as he had made an end of speaking all these words, the ground clove asunder that was under them, 〈◊〉. ●v. b 〈◊〉 xi. a. and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them and their houses and all the men that were with Corah and all their goods, and they and all that pertained unto them, went down alive unto hell, and the earth closed upon them, and they perished away from the congregation. And all Israel that were about them fled at the cry of them. For they said: The earth might happily swallow us also. And there came out a fire from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incens. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Speak to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest and let him take up the censers out of the burning and scatter the fire here & there, for the censers of these sinners are hallowed in their deaths: and let them be beaten into thin plates and fastened upon the altar. For they offered them before the Lord, & therefore they are holy and they shallbe a sign unto the children of Israel. And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, which they that were burned had offered, and beaten them and fastened them upon the altar, to be a remembrance unto the children of Israel, that no stranger which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the Lord, that he be not made like unto Corah and his company: as the Lord said unto him by the hand of Moses. And on the morrow all the multitude of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, saying: you have killed the people of the Lord. And when the multitude was gathered against Moses and Aaron, they looked toward the tabernacle of witness. And behold, the cloud had covered it and the glory of the Lord appeared. And Moses and Aaron went before the tabernacle of witness. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Get you from this congregation, that I may consume them quickly. And they fallen upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron: take a censer and put fire therein out of the altar, and power on incens, and go quickly unto the congregation and make an atonement for them. Sapi xviii d For there is wrath go out from the Lord and there is a plague begun. And Aaron took as Moses commanded him, and ran unto the congregation: and behold, the plague was begun among the people, and he put on incens, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the deed, ☜ A figure of christ. and them that were alive, and the plague ceased. And the number of them that died in the plague, were xiiij thousand and seven hundred: beside them that died about the business of Corah. And Aaron went again unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the plague ceased. ¶ Aaron's rod buddeth and beareth blossoms. CAPI. XVII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak to the children of Israel and take of them, for every principal house a rod, of their princes over the houses of their fathers: even twelve rods, and write every man's name upon his rod. And write Aaron's name upon the staff of Levi: for every heedman over the houses of their fathers shall have a rod. And put them in the tabernacle of witness where I will meet you. And his rod whom I chose, shall blossom: So I will make cease from me the grudgynges of the children of Israel which they grudge against you. And Moses spoke unto the children of Israel, & all the princes gave him for every prince over their father's houses, a rod: even twelve rods, and the rod of Aaron was among the rods. And Moses put the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. And on the morrow, ☜ Moses went into the tabernacle: and behold * Ebre ix b. the rod of Aaron of the house of Levi was budded and bore blossoms and almonds. So Moses brought out all the rods which were before the Lord, unto all the children of Israel, and they looked upon them, and took every man his rod. And the Lord said unto Moses: bring Aaron's rod again before the witness to be kept for a token unto the children of rebellion, that their murmurynges may cease from me, that they die not. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. And the children of Israel spoke unto Moses, saying: behold, we are destroyed and all come to nought: for whoso ever cometh nigh the dwelling of the Lord, dieth. Shall we utterly consume away? ¶ The office of the Levites. The tithes and first fruits must be given them, Aaron's heritage. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the Lord said unto Aaron. Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee, shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in the holy place. And thou and thy sons with thee, shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in your preasthode. And thy brethren also the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father take with thee, & let them be joined unto the and minister unto the. And thou & thy sons with thee, shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. And let them wait upon the and upon all the tabernacle: only let them not come nigh the holy vessels and the altar, that both they & you also die not. And let them be by thee, and wait on the tabernacle of witness, and on all the service of the tabernacle, and let no stranger come nigh unto you. Wait therefore upon the holy place & upon the altar, that there fall no more wrath upon the children of Israel: behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites forth of the children of Israel, to be yours, as gifts given unto the Lord to do the service of the tabernacle of witness. And see that both thou and thy sons with the take heed unto your priests office, in all things that pertain unto the altar and within the veil. And see you serve, for I have given your priests office unto you for a gift to do service: and the stranger that cometh nigh, shall die. And the Lord spoke unto Aaron: behold I have given the the keeping of mine heveoffringes in all the hallowed things of the children of Israel. And unto the I have given them unto anointing and to thy sons: to be a duty for ever. This shall be thine of most holy sacrifices. All their gifts, thorough out all their meatoffrynges, synneoffrynges, and trespaceoffringes which they bring unto me. They shallbe most holy unto the and unto thy sons. And you shall eat it in the most holy place: all that are males shall eat of it, for it shallbe holy unto the. And this shallbe thine: the heveofferynges of their gifts, thorough out all the waveofferynges of the children of Israel, for I have given them unto thee, and thy sons, and thy daughters with the to be a duty for ever: & all that are clean in thy house, shall eat of it, all the fat of the oil, of the wine and of the corn: their first fruits which they give unto the Lord, have I given unto the. The first fruits of all that is in their lands, which they bring unto the Lord, shall be thine: and all that are clean in thine house, shall eat of it. All dedicated things in Israel, shallbe thine. All that breaketh the matrice of all flesh the men bring unto the Lord, both of man and beast, shall be thine. Nevertheless the first born of man shall be redeemed, and the first born of unclean beasts shall be redeemed. And their redemptions shall be at a month old, valued at five sycles of silver, of the holy sycle. A sycle maketh twenty Geras. But the first born of oxen, sheep and gootes shall not be redeemed. For they are holy, and thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, & shalt burn their fat to be a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the Lord. And the flesh of them shallbe thine, as the wavebreast and all the right shoulder is thine all the holy heveoffringes which the children of Israel have unto the Lord, I give the & thy sons and thy daughters with the to be a duty for ever. And it shall be a salted covenant for ever, before the Lord: unto the & to thy seed with the. And the Lord spoke unto Aaron: thou shalt have none inheritance in their land nor part among them. D●● For I am thy part and thy inheritance among the children of Israel. And behold I have given the children of Levi, the tenth in Israel to inherit, for the service which they serve in the tabernacle of witness, that the children of Israel henceforth come not nigh the tabernacle of witness, & bear sin and die. And the Levites shall do the service in the tabernacle of witness and bear their sin, and it shallbe a law for ever unto your children after you: But among the children of Israel they shall enheret none inheritance. ☜ For the tithes of the children of Israel which they have unto the Lord, I have given the Levites to enheret. Wherefore I have said unto them: Among the children of Israel, you shall enheret none inheritance. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: speak unto the Levites, and say unto them: when you take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you of them to your inheritance, you shall take an heave-offering of that same for the Lord: even the tenth of the tithe. And it shallbe reckoned unto you for your heveofferinge, even as though you gave corn out of the barn or a full offering from the wine press. And in this manner you shall have an heave-offering unto the Lord, of all your tithes which you receive of the children of Israel, and you shall give thereof the Lords heveoffringe unto Aaron the preaste. Of all your gifts, you shall take out the Lords heave-offering: even the fat of all their hallowed things. And thou shalt say unto them: when you have take away the fat of it from it, it shall be counted unto the Levites, as the increase of corn and wine. And you shall eat it in all places both you and your households, for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of witness. And you shall bear no sin by the reason of it, when you have taken from it the fat of it: neither shall you unhallow the hallowed things of the children of Israel, and so shall you not die. ¶ Of the red kowe. The law of him that dieth in the tabernacle: and of him also that toucheth any unclean thing. CAPI. XIX. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron saying: this is the ordinance of the law which the Lord commandeth, saying: speak unto the children of Israel and let them take the a read kowe without spot which never bore yoke upon her. And you shall give her unto Eleazar the priest and he shall bring her without the host and 'cause her to be slain before him. And Eleazar the preaste shall take of her blood upon his finger, & sprinkle it straight toward the tabernacle of witness vij times. And he shall 'cause the kowe to be burned in his sight: both skin, flesh and blood, with the dung also. And let the priest take Cedar wood, and Isope and purple cloth, and cast it upon the kowe as she burneth. And let the priest wash his clotheses and bathe his flesh in water, and then come into the host, & the priest shallbe unclean unto the even. And he that burneth her, shall wash his clotheses in water and bathe his flesh also in water, and be unclean until even. And one that is clean, shall go and take up the ashes of the kowe, and put them without the host in a clean place, ●●●lynge 〈◊〉. where they shall be kept to make sprynkling water for the multitude of the children of Israel: for it is a synneoffring. And let him that gathered the ashes of the kowe, wash his clotheses, and remain unclean until even. And this shall be unto the children of Israel and unto the stranger that dwelleth among them, a law for ever. He that toucheth any deed person, shallbe unclean seven days. And he shall purify himself with the ashes the third day, and so he shallbe clean the seventh day. And if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day, he shall not be clean. Whosoever toucheth any person that dieth and sprinkleth not himself, defileth the dwelling of the Lord: and therefore that soul shall perish out of Israel, because he hath not sprinkled the sprinkling water upon him, he shallbe unclean, and his uncleanness shall remain upon him. This is the law of the man that dieth in a tent: all that come into the tent and all that is in the tent, shallbe unclean seven days. And all the vessels that be open which have no lid nor covering upon them, are unclean. And who so ever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the fields, or a deed person, or a bone of a deed man, or a grave: shall be unclean seven days. And they shall take for an unclean person of the burned ashes of the synneoffringe, and put running water thereto into a vessel. And a clean person shall take Isope and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent & upon all the vessels and on the souls that were there, and upon him that touched a bone or a slain person or a deed body or a grave. And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean the three day and the vij day. And the vij day he shall purify himself & wash his clotheses and bathe himself in water, and shallbe clean at even. If any be unclean and sprinkle not himself the same soul shallbe destroyed forth of the congregation: for he hath defiled the holy place of the Lord and is not sprynkled with sprinkling water, therefore is he unclean. And this shallbe a perpetual law unto them. And he that sprinkleth the sprinkling water, shall wash his clotheses. And he that toucheth the sprinkling water, shall be unclean until even. And what so ever the unclean person toucheth, shall be unclean. And the soul that toucheth it, shallbe unclean until the even. ¶ MirIam dieth. The people murmur. They have water even out of the rock. Edom denieth the Israelites passage thorough his realm. The death of Aaron in whose room Eleazar succeedeth. CAPI. XX. ANd the hole multitude of the children of Israel, came into the deseite of Sin in the first month, & the people dwelled at Cades. And there died mary, and was buried there. Moreover there was no water for the multitude, wherefore they gathered themselves together against Moses and Aaron. And the people chode with Moses and spoke, saying: would God we had perished, Exodi xvii d when our brethren perished before the Lord. Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord unto this wilderness, that both we and our cattles should die here? Wherefore brought you us out of egypt to bring us into this ungracious place, which is no place of seed nor of figs nor wines nor of pomegranates, neither is there any water to drink? And Moses and Aaron went from the congregation unto the door of the tavernacle of witness, and fallen on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared unto them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Take the staff, and gather thou and thy brother Aaron the congregation together, and say unto the rock before their eyes, that he give forth his water. And thou shalt bring them water out of the rock and shalt give the company drink and their beasts also. And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him. ☜ Sapien xii a And Moses & Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, hear you rebellyons, Psa lxxxvii. b must we fet you water out of this rock? And Moses lift up his hand with his staff and smote the rock two times, and the water came out abundantly, and the multitude drank and their beasts also. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron because you believed me not, duty i f to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. This is the water of strife, because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified upon them. And Moses sent messengers from Cades unto the king of Edom. Thus saith thy brother Israel: Thou knowest all the travel that hath happened us, how our fathers went down into egypt, and how we have dwelled in egypt a long time, and how the Egyptians vexed both us and our fathers. Then we cried unto the Lord, and he heard our voices, and sent an angel and hath fet us out of egypt. And behold, we are in Cades a city hard by the borders of thy country, let us go we pray the thorough thy country we will not go thorough the fields nor thorough the vineyards, * Num xxi e neither will we drink of the water of the fountaygnes, but we will go by the high way & neither turn unto the right-hand nor to the left, until we be passed thy country. And Edom answered him: See thou come not by me, jest I come out against the with the sword. And the children of Israel said unto him: we will go by the beaten way: and if either we or our cattles drink of thy water, we will pay for it, we will do no more but pass thorough by foot only. And he said: you shall not go thorough. And Edom came out against him with moche people and with a mighty power. And thus Edom denied to give Israel passage thorough his country. And Israel turned away from him. And the children of Israel removed from Cades and went unto mount Hor with all the company. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, which is upon the borders of the land of Edom, saying: let Aaron be put unto his people, for he shall not come into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel: because you disobeyed my mouth at the water of strife. Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up into mount Hor, Deut. xxxii g and stryppe Aaron out of his vestiments and put them upon Eleazar his son, ☞ and let Aaron be put unto his people and die there. And Moses did as the Lord commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the multitude. The death of Aaron. duty xvi b. And Moses took of Aaron's clotheses and put them upon Eleazar his son, and Aaron died there in the top of the mount. And Moses & Eleazar came down out of the mount. And all the house of Israel mourned for Aaron xxx days. ¶ Israel vanquyssheth king Arad. The fiery serpents sting them: but when they look at the brazen serpent which the Lord commanded Moses to life up, they are healed. The kings, Sehon and Og are overcome in battle. CAPI. XXI. ANd when king Arad the Cananite, which dwelled in the south parties, heard tell that Israel came by the way that the espies had found out, he came and fought with Israel and took some of them prysonners. Then Israel vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said: If thou will't give this people into our hands, we will destroy their cities. And the Lord heard the voice of Israel, and delivered unto them the Cananytes. And they destroyed both them and their cities, and called the place Horma. Then they departed from mount Hor toward the read see: to compass the land of Edom. And the souls of the people fainted by the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses: Wherefore hast thou brought us out of egypt, for to die in the wilderness, for here is neither bread nor water, and our souls loath this * 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 T●●● 〈…〉 light bread. Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, which stonge them: so that much people died in Israel. And the people came to Moses, and said: we have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against thee, make intercession to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses made intercession for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses: make the a serpent and hang it up for a sign, and let as many as are bitten look upon it, and they shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, 〈…〉 and set it up for a sign. And when the serpents had bitten any man, he went and beheld the serpent of brass and recovered. And the children of Israel removed & pytched in Oboth. And they departed from Oboth and lay at Egebarim in the wilderness which is before Moab on the eastside. And they removed thence, and pytched upon the river of Zarad. I●●● And they departed thence & pytched on the other side of Arnon, which river is in the wilderness, and cometh out of the costs of the Ammorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Ammorytes. Wherefore it is spoken in the S●●● 〈…〉 I●●● book of the war of the Lord: go with a violence, both on the river of Arnon and on the rivers heed, which shooteth down to devil at Are, and leaneth upon the costs of Moab. And from thence they came to Bear, which is the well, whereof the Lord spoke unto Moses: gather the people together, that I may give them water. Then Israel sang this song: Arise up well, sing thereto: The well which the rulers digged and the capitains of the people with the help of the lawgyver and with their staves. And from this wilderness they went to Matana, and from Matana to Nahaliel, & from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and from Bamoth to the valay that is in the field of Moab in the top of * 〈◊〉 con●●● l●●● Ch●● Phasgah which boweth toward * 〈◊〉 d●●● D●●● jesimon. And Israel sent messengers unto Sehon, king of the Ammorites, saying: let us go thorough thy land: we will not turn into thy fields nor into thy vineyards, ne drink of the water of the wells: but go along by the comen way, until we be passed thy country. And Sehon would give Israel no licence to pass thorough his country, but gathered all his people together and made out against Israel into the wilderness. And he came to jaheza and fought with Israel. And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword and conquered his land, A●● P●●● from Arnon unto jabock: even unto the children of Ammon. For the borders of the children of Ammon, are strounge. And Israel took all these cities, and dwelled in all the cities of the Ammorites/ in Hesbon/ and in all the towns thereunto belonging. For Hesbon was the city of Sehon the king of the Ammorites, who had fought before with the king of the Moabytes, and had taken all his land forth of his hand, even unto Arnon. Wherefore it is a proverb, go to Hesbon and let the city of Sehon be built and made ready, for there is a fire go forth of Hesbon and a flame from the city of Sehon, and hath consumed Are of the Moabites, and the men of the hills of Arnon. woe to the Moab: oh people of Chamos you are undone. His sons are put to slight, and his daughters brought captive unto Sehon king of the Ammorites. Their light is out from Hesbon unto Dibon, and we made a wilderness even unto Nopha which reacheth unto Mediba. And thus Israel dwelled in the land of the Amorites. And Moses sent to search out jaezer, and they took the towns belonging thereto, and conquered the Amorites that were there. ●●●er iii a. 〈◊〉 xxix. b And then they turned and went up toward Basan. And Og the king of Basan came out against them, both he and all his people, to war at Adrei. And the Lord said unto Moses: fear him not, for I have delivered him into thy hands with all his people and his land. And thou shalt do with him as thou didst with Sehon the king of the Amorites, which dwelled at Hesbon. And they smote him and his sons and all his people, till there was nothing left him. And they conquered his land, and the children of Israel removed & pytched in the fields of Moab, on the other side of jordan, by jericho. ¶ King Balac sendeth for Balam, to curse Israel but Balam can do nothing against the will of the Lord, Balams ass speaketh to him in the way. CAPI. XXII. ANd Balac the son of Ziphor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and the Moabites were sore afraid of the people, because they were many, and abhorred the children of Israel: And Moab said unto the elders of Madian, now shall this company lick up all that are round about us as an ox lycketh up the grass of the field. And Balac the son of Ziphor was king of the Moabites at that tyme. And he sent messangiers unto 〈◊〉 xxiii. a Balam the son of Beor, the ●●●pre● south● and ex●●er of ●●wil and 〈◊〉 interpreter which dwelled upon the river of the land of the children of his folk, to call him, saying: Behold, there is a people come out of egypt which covereth the face of the earth and lieth even hard by me. Come now I pray thee, and curse me this people. For they are to mighty for me/ so peradventure I might be able to smite them, and to drive them out of the land. For I wot that whom thou blessest, shall be blessed, and whom thou cursest shall be cursed. And the elders of Moab went with the elders of Madian, having the reward of the sothesayenge in their hands. So they came unto Balam and told him the words of Balac. And he said unto them, tarry here all night and I will bring you word, even as the Lord shall say unto me. And the lords of Moab abode with Balam. And God came unto Balam & said: What men are these which are with thee? And Balam said unto God: Balac the son of Ziphor king of Moab hath sent unto me, saying: Behold, there is a people come forth of egypt and covereth the face of the earth: come now therefore and curse me them, that so peradventure I may be able to overcome them in battle, and to drive them out. God said unto Balam: thou shalt not go with them, neither curse the people for they are blessed. So Balam rose up in the morning & said unto the lords of Balac: Get you unto your land, for the Lord will not suffer me to go with you. And the lords of Moab rose up & went unto Balac and said. Balam would not come with us. And Balac sent again a greater company of Lords, and more honourable than they. And they came to Balam and told him: Thus saith Balac the son of Ziphor O, let nothing let thee, to come unto me, for I will highly advance the unto great honour, and will do what so ever thou sayest unto me, come therefore I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balam answered and said unto the servants of Balac. * Nu. xxiiii c If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can go no further, than the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. Nevertheless tarry you here all night: that I may weet, what the Lord will say unto me once more. And God came unto Balam by night and said unto him: If the men come to fet thee, arise up and go with them: but what I say unto thee, that only thou shalt do. And Balam arose up early, and fadled his ass, and went with the Lords of Moab. But God was angry because he went. And the angel of the Lord stood in the way against him. And he rid upon his ass and two servants with him. ☞ And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord stand in the way & his sword drawn in his hand, she turned a side out of the way, and went out into the field. And Balam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. And the angel of the Lord went & stood in a path between the vineyards, where was a brickwall on the one side and an other on the other. When the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she wrenched unto the wall and thrust Balams foot unto the brickwall, and he smote her again. But the angel of the Lord went further, & stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn, either to the right-hand or to the life. And when the ass see the angel of the Lord, she fallen down under Balam: & Balam was wroth and smote the ass with a staff. And the Lord opened the mouth of the Ass, and she said unto Balam: What have I done unto thee, Balams ass speaketh. that thou smyteste me thus three times? And Balam said unto the Ass: because thou hast mocked me? I would that I had a sword in mine hand, that I might now kill the. And the Ass said unto Balam: am not I thine Ass which thou hast riden upon sithence thou wast born unto this day? Was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, nay. And the Lord opened the eyes of Balam, that he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand. And he bowed himself and fallen flat on his face. And the angel of the Lord said unto him: Wherefore smytest thou thine ass thus three times? Behold I came out to resist thee, for thy way is froward and contrary unto me, and the Ass see me and avoided me three times: or else (had she not turned from me) I had surely slain the and saved her alive. And Balam said unto the angel of the Lord: I have sinned: for I witted not that thou stodest in the way against me. Now therefore if it displease thine eyes, I will turn again. And the angel said unto Balam, go with the men: but in any wise, what I say unto thee, that say. And Balam went with the lords of Balac. And when Balac heard that Balam was come, he went out against him unto a city of Moab that stood in the border of Arnon, which was the uttermost part of his country. And Balac said unto Balam: did I not sand for thee, to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? thinkest thou I am not able to promote the unto honour? And Balam said unto Balac: Lo I am come unto the. But I can say nothing at all, save what God putteth in my mouth, that must I speak. And Balam went with Balac, and they came unto the large city. And Balac offered oxen and sheep, and sent for Balam and for the lords that were with him. ¶ Balam blesseth the people, where he was required to curse them and prophesieth that they shall be a great people. CAPI. XXIII. ANd on the morning, Balac took Balam, and brought him up into the high place of Baal, and thence he saw unto the uttermost part of the people. And Balam said unto Balac: build me here seven altars and provide here seven bullocks and seven Rams. And Balac did as Balam said So Balac and Balam offered on every altar a bullock and a Ram. And Balam said unto Balac: stand by the sacrifice, while I go to weet whether the Lord will come and meet me, and what so ever he showeth me, I will tell thee, and he went forthwith. And God came unto Balam, and Balam said unto him I have prepared seven altars, and have offered upon every altar, a bullock and a ram. And the Lord put a saying in Balams mouth and said: go again to Balac and say on this wise. And he went again unto him and lo, he stood by his sacrifice, both he and all the lords of Moab. And he began his parable & said: Balac the king of Moab hath fet me from Mesopotamia out of the mountains of the East, saying: Come and curse me jacob, come and defy me Israel. How shall I curse whom God curseth not, and how shall I defy whom the Lord defyeth not? from the top of the rocks I see him and from the hills I behold him: loo, the people shall devil by himself and shall not be reckoned among other nations. ☜ Who can tell the dust of jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel. I pray God my soul may die the death of the righteous, and that my last end may be like his. And Balac said unto Balam, What hast thou done unto me? I did fet the to curse mine enemies: and behold thou blessest them. And he answered and said: must I not keep that and speak it, which the Lord hath put in my mouth? And Balac said unto him: Come I pray the with me unto an other place whence thou shalt see than and shalt see but the uttermost part of them and shalt not see them all, and curse me them there. And he brought him into a plain field, where men might see far, even to the top of Phasgah, and built seven altars and offered a bullock and a Ram on every altar. And he said unto Balac: stand here by thy sacrifice, while I go yonder. And the Lord met Balam, & put words in his mouth, and said: go again unto Balac, and thus say. And when he came to him: behold, he stood by his sacrifice and the lords of Moab with him. And Balac said unto him: What saith the Lord? And he took up his parable and said: rise up Balac and hear, and hearken unto me thou son of Ziphor. The Lord is not a man, ☜ the he can lie, neither the son of man, that he can repent: should he say and not do, or should he speak and not make it good? Behold, I have begun to bless and have blessed, and can not go back therefro. He beheld no wickedness in jacob nor saw idolatry in Israel: The Lord his God is with him, and the triumph of a king among them. God that brought them out of egypt, is as the strength of an unicorn unto them, for there is no sorcerer, in jacob, nor soothsayer in Israel. When the time cometh, it will be said of jacob and of Israel, what God hath wrought. Behold, the people shall rise up as a lioness & have up himself as a lion, and shall not lie down again, until he have eaten of the pray and drunk of the blood of them that are slain. And Balac said unto Balam: neither curse them nor bless them. And Balam answered and said unto Balac/ told not I the saying/ all that the Lord biddeth me, that I must do? And Balac said unto Balam/ come I pray thee, I will bring the yet unto an other place/ so peradventure it shall please God that thou mayst curse them there. And Balac brought Balam unto the top of Peor, that boweth toward the wilderness. And Balam said unto Balac/ make me here vij altars, and prepare me here vij bullocks & seven. Rams. And Balac did as Balam had said, and offered a bullock and a Ram on every altar. ¶ Balam prophesyeth of the kingdom of Israel and of the coming of christ. Balac is angry with Balam. The destruction of the Amelickites and of the kenytes. CAPI. XXIIII. WHen Balam saw that it pleased the Lord that he should bless Israel, he went not as he did twice before to fet sothsayenge, but set his face toward the wilderness, and life up his eyes and looked upon Israel as he lay with his tribes, & the spirit of God came upon him. And he took up his parable and said: Balam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eye is open hath said: he hath said which heareth the words of God, and seethe the visions of the almighty, which falls down and his eyes are opened. How goodly are the tents of jacob and thine habitation Israel, even as the broad valleys and as gardens by the rivers side, as the tents which the Lord hath pitched, and as Cypress trees upon the water. The water shall flow out of his bouket and his seed shall be many waters, and his king shallbe higher than Agag, And his kingdom shallbe exalted. God that brought him out of egypt, his strength is as the strength of an unicorn, and he shall eat the nations that are his enemies and break their bones & pierce them thorough with his arrows. He couched himself & lay down as a lion and as a lioness, who shall steer him up? blessed is he that blesseth thee, & cursed is he that curseth the. And Balac was wroth with Balam, and smote his hands together, and said unto him: I sent for the to curse mine enemies: & behold, thou hast blessed them this three times, and now get the quickly unto thy place. I thought to have advanced the unto honour, but the Lord hath kept the back from worship. And Balam said unto Balac: told I not thy messengers which thou sentest unto me saying. 〈◊〉 xxii. d. If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can not pass the mouth of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind. What the Lord sayeth, that must I speak. And now behold, I go unto my people: come let me show thee, what this people shall do to thy folk in the later days. And he began his parable & said: Balam the son of Beor hath said, and the man that hath his eye open hath said, & he hath said that heareth the words of God, and hath the knowledge of the most high, & beholdeth the vision of the almighty, and when he falls down hath his eyes opened I see him but not now. I behold him but not nigh. There shall come a star of jacob & rise a sceptre of Israel, ☞ which shall smite the costs of Moab, and undermine all the children of Seth. And Edom shall be his possession and the possession of Seir shall be their enemies, and Israel shall do manfully. And out of jacob shall come he that shall destroy the residue of the cities. And he looked on Amaleck and began his parable and said: Amaleck is the first of the nations, but his latter end shall perish utterly. And he looked on the Kenites and took his parable and said: strong is thy dwelling place and put thy nest upon a rock, Nevertheless thou shalt be a burning to Kain, until Assur take the prisoner: And he took his parable and said: Alas, who shall live when God doth this? The ships shall come out of the cost * Chalde and the common transiation Italy. of Chittim, and subdue Assur, and subdue Eber, and he himself shall perish at the last. And Balam rose up & went and dwelled in his place: and Balac also went his way. ¶ The people committeth fornication with the daughters of Moab. Phinehes killeth zamri and Cozbi. God commandeth to kill the Madianites. CAPI. XXV. ANd Israel dwelt in Sittim, and the people begun to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab, which called the people unto the sacrifice of their gods. And the people ate and worshipped their gods, and Israel coupled himself unto Baal Peor. joshua xxii d. duty four a Then the Lord was angry with Israel, and said unto Moses: take all the heads of the people, and hang them up unto the Lord against the son, that the wrath of the Lord may turn away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel: go and slay those men that joined themselves unto Baal Peor. And behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren, a Madianytish wife in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the company of the children of Israel, i Macha ii c Psal cv c as they were weeping in the door of the tabernacle of witness. And when Phinehes the son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest saw it, he rose up out of the company and took a weapon in his hand, and went after the man of Israel into the horehouse, and thrust them thorough: both the man of Israel and also the woman even thorough the belly of her. And the plague ceased from the children of Israel. And there died in the plague xxiiij thousand. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Phinehes the son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned mine anger away from the children of Israel, because he was jealous for my sake among them, that I had not consumed the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say: Behold, i Macha ii f. Eclesi xlv d. I give unto him my covenant of pear, and he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of the priests office for ever, because he was jealous for his God's sake and made atonement for the children of Israel. The name of the Israelyte which was smitten with the Madianitysh wife, was Zamti the son of Salu, a lord of an ancient house among the Simeonites. And the name of the Madianitish wife, was Cozbi the daughter of Zur a heed over the people of an ancient house in Madian. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: vex the Madianites & smite them, for they have troubled you with their wiles with which they have beguiled you, thorough Peor & thorough their sister Cozbi the daughter of a lord in Madian, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peors sake. ¶ The children of Israel are nombrede again when they should enter in to the land of Canaan. CAPI. XXVI. ANd after the plague, the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying: take the number of the hole company of the children of Israel from twenty year and above throughout their father's houses, all that are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the priest told them in the fields of Moab, by jordane fast by jericho, from twenty year and above, as the Lord commanded Moses. And the children of Israel that came out of egypt, were: Reuben the elder son of Israel. The children of Reuben were Hanoch of whom cometh the kindred of the Hanochites: The kindred of Reuben. and of Palu, cometh the kindred of the Paluites: And of Hesron, Gene. xlvi b. Exodi vi b i Parali u a. cometh the kindred of the Hesronites: and of Carmi, cometh the kindred of the Carmites'. These are the kynredes of the Rubenites, which were in number xliij thousand vij hundred and xxx And the sons of Palu were Eliab. And the sons of Eliab were: Nemuel, Dathan and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram counselours in the congregation, which * Num xvi a strove against Moses and Aaron in the company of Corah, when they strove against the Lord. And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them and Corah also, when the multitude died, what time the fire consumed two hundred and fifty men, and they become a sign: Notwithstanding, the children of Corah died not. The hynrede of Simeon. And the children of Simeon in their kynredes were Nemuel, of whom cometh the kindred of the Nemuelites: jamin, of whom cometh the kindred of the jaminytes: jachin, of whom cometh the kindred of the jachinites: Zareh, of whom cometh the kindred of the Zarehites: Saul, of whom cometh the kindred of the Saulites. These are the kynredes of the Simeonites: in number xxij thousand and two hundred. And the children of Gad in their kynredes were: The kindred of Gad. Zephon, of whom cometh the kindred of the Zephonites: and of Haggi, cometh the kindred of the Haggites: and of Suni, cometh the kindred of the Sunites: and of Aseni, cometh the kindred of the Asenites: and of Eri cometh the kindred of the Erites: and of Arod cometh the kindred of the Arodites: and of Ariel cometh the kindred of the Arielites. These are the kynredes of the children of Gad, in number xl thousand and v, hundred. The children of juda: Er and Onan, Th●● of I●●● G●●●● which died in the land of Canaan. But the children of juda in their kindred were: Sela of whom cometh the kindred of the Selamites: and of Phares cometh the kindred of the Pharesites: and of Zareh cometh the kindred of the Zarehites. And the children of Phares were Hesron, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hesronices: and of Hamul cometh the kindred of the Hamulites. These are the kynredes of juda, in number lxxvi thousand and u hundred. And the children of Isachar in their kynredes were Thola, Th● 〈◊〉 of I●● of whom cometh the kindred of the Tholaites: and Phwa, of whom cometh the kindred of the Phuuai●es: and of jasub cometh the kindred of the jasubites/ & of Symron cometh the kindred of the Symronites. These are the kynredes of Isachar in number lxiiij thousand & three hundred. The children of Zabulon in their kynredes were Sered, T●●● of 〈◊〉 of whom cometh the kindred of the Seredites: and Elon, of whom cometh the kindred of the Elonites/ and of jaheliel cometh the kindred of the jahelielites. These are the kynredes of Zabulon/ in number lx thousand and u hundred. The children of joseph in their kynredes were Manasse and Ephraim. T●●● of 〈◊〉 The children of Manasse/ Machir, of whom cometh the kindred of the Machirites. And Machir begat Galaad, of whom cometh the kindred of the Galaadites. And these are the children of Galaad/ Hieser, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hi●scrites/ and of Helech cometh the kindred of the Helechites, and of Asriel the kindred of the Asrielites, and of Sichem cometh the kindred of the Sichemites/ and of Simida cometh the kindred of the Simidites/ and of Hepher cometh the kindred of the Hepherites. And Zelaphead the son of Hephera had no sons but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelaphead were/ Mahela, Noa, Hagla, Milcha, and Thirza. These are the kynredes of Manasse, in number lii thousand and vij hundred. These are the children of Ephraim in their kindreds/ Suthelah, T●●● of 〈◊〉 of whom cometh the kindred of the Suthelahites/ and Becher, of whom cometh the kindred of the Becherites/ and of Thehen cometh the kindred of the Thehenites. And these are the children of Suthelah/ Eran, of whom cometh the kindred of the Eranites. These are the kynredes of the children of Ephraim in number two and thirty thousand, and five hundred. And these are the children of joseph in their kynredes. These are the children of BenIamin in their kynredes: Bela, 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 of whom cometh the kindred of the Belaites/ and of Ashel cometh the kindred of the Asbelites: and of Ahiram, the kindred of the Ahiramites: and of Supham the kindred of the Suphamites: and of Hupham the kindred of the Huphamites. And the children of Bela were Ard and Naaman from whence come the kynredes of the Ardites and of the Naamites. These are the children of BenIamin in their kynredes, and in number xlv. thousand and uj hundred. 〈◊〉 kindred ●an. These are the children of Dan in their kynredes: Suham, of whom cometh the kindred of the Suhamites. These are the kynredes of Dan in their generations. And all the kynredes of the Suhamites were in number lxiiij thousand and four hundred. ●●e kindred ●●ser. The children of Aser in their kynredes were jemna, of whom cometh the kindred of the jemnites: and jesui, of whom cometh the kindred of the jesuits: and of Bria cometh the kindred of the Brites. And the children of Bria were Heber, of whom cometh the kindred of the Heberites: and of Malchiel came the kindred of the Malchielites. And the daughter of Aser was called Sarah. These are the kynredes of Aser in number liij thousand and four hundred. The children of Nephthali in their kynredes were jaheziel, 〈◊〉 kindred jephtha's of whom came the kindred of the jahezielites: and Guni, of whom came the kindred of the Gunites: & of jezer, came the kindred of the jezerites: and of Selem the kindred of the Selemytes. These are the kynredes of Nephthali in their generations in number xlv thousand and four hundred. These are the numbers of the children of Israel: six hundred thousand, and a thousand vij hundred and xxx And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: unto these the land shallbe divided to enheret according to the number of names: to many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few the less: to every tribe shall the inheritance be given according to the number thereof. Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot, and according to the names of the tribes of their fathers, they shall enheret: and according to their lot thou shalt divide their land, both to the many, and to the few. These are the sums of the levites in their kynredes: ●●i vi e 〈◊〉 number Levites. of Gerson, came the kindred of the Gersonites: and of Cahath came the kindred of the Cahathites: and of Merari came the kindred of the Merarites. These are the kindreds of Levi: the kindred of the Libnites, the kindred of the Hebronites, the kindred of the Mahelites, the kindred of the Musites, the kindred of the Karahites. Kahath begat Amram, and Amrams' wise was called jochebed a daughter of Levi, 〈◊〉 vi. e which was born him in egypt. And she bore unto Amram, Aaron Moses and mary their sister. And unto Aaron were born, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar & Ithamar. ●●ci ten a 〈◊〉 x●iii. a But Nadab and Abihu died, as they offered strange fire before the Lord. And the number of them was xxiij thousand, of all the males from a month old and above. For they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel. These are the numbers of the children of Israel which Moses and Eleazar the preaste numbered in the fields of Moab, fast by jordane nigh to jericho. And among these there was not a man of the number of the children of Israel which Moses and Aaron told in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord said unto them, that they should die in the wilderness and that there should not be left a man of them: save Caleb the son of jephune & josua the son of Nun. ¶ The law of the heritage of the daughters of Zelaphead. The land of promise is showed unto Moses: in whose stead is appointed joshua. CAPI. XXVII. ANd the daughters of * Nu. xxvi d. Num. ●xvi. a joshua xvii a. Zelaphead the son of Heber the son of Gilead, the son of Machir the son of Manasse of the kynredes of Manasse the son of joseph (whose names were Mahela, Noha, Hagla, Melcha and Thirza) came and stood before Moses and Eleazar, the priest and before the lords and all the multitude in the door of the tabernacle of witness, saying/ our father died in the wilderness, and * Num xvi c was not among the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the congregation of Corah: But died in his own sin, and had no sons. Wherefore should the name of our fathers be taken away forth of his kindred, because he had no son? * Nu. xxxvi a give us a possession among the brethren of our father. And Moses brought their cause before the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: The daughters of Zelaphead speak right: thou shalt give them a possession to enheret among their father's brethren, and shalt turn the inheritance of their father unto them. And speak unto the children of Israel saying: ☜ If a man die and have no son you shall turn his inheritance unto his daughter. If he have no daughter, you shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. If he have no brethren, you shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren. If he have no fathers brethren you shall give his inheritance unto him that is next to him of his kindred, and let him possess it. And this shallbe unto the children of Israel an ordinance, and a law, as the Lord hath commanded Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses: get the up into this mount Abarim, and behold, duty thirty. g. the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou shalt be gathered unto thy people also, as Aaron thy brother was gathered unto his people. For you were disobedient unto my mouth in the desert of Sin in the strife of the congregation, that you sanctified me not in the water before their eyes. That is the water of strife in Cades in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spoke unto the Lord saying: let the Lord God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, which may go in and out before them, and to lead them in & out that the congregation of the Lord be not as a flock of sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said unto Moses: take josua the son of Nun in whom there is a spirit, & put ●hyne hands upon him, duty iii d and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation and give him a charge in their sight. And put thy praise upon him, that all the company of the children of Israel may hear. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest which shall ask counsel for him after the judgement of Vtim before the Lord: And at the mouth of Eleazar shall both he and all the children of Israel with him and all the congregation, go in and out. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and he took josua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and put his hands upon him and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded thorough the hand of Moses. ¶ what must be offered on every feast day. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: give the children of Israel a charge and say unto them, that they take heed to offer unto the offering of my bread in the sacrifice of sweet savour, in his due season. And say unto them. This is the offering which you shall offer unto the Lord two lambs of a year old with out spot day by day to be a burnt-offering perpetually. One lamb thou shalt offer in the morning, and the other at even, And thereto the tenth part of an Epha of flower for a meat-offering mingled with beaten oil, the fourth part of an hin: which is a daily offering ordained in the mount Sinai for a sweet savour in the sacrifice of the Lord. And the drink offering of the same: the fourth part of an hin unto one lamb, and pour the drynkoffringe in the holy place, to be good drink unto the Lord. And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, with the meatoffringe and the drynkeoffringe after the manner of the morning: a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the Lord. And on the Sabbath day two lambs of a year old a piece and without spot, and two tenthdeales of flower for a meatoffringe mingled with oil, & the drinkoffringe thereto. This is the burnt-offering of every Sabbath, besides the daily burnt-offering and his drinkoffringe. And in the first day of your months, you shall offer a burnt-offering unto the Lord: ij. young bullocks, and a ram, and seven lambs of a year old without spot, and three tenth deals of flower for a meatoffringe mingled with oil unto one bullock, and two tenthdeales of flower for a meatoffringe mingled with oil unto one Ram. And evermore, a tenthdeale of flower mingled with oil, for a meateofferinge unto one lamb. That is a burnt-offering of a sweet savour in the sacrifice of the Lord. And their drinkeoffringes shallbe half an hin of wine unto one bollock and the third part of an hin of wine unto a Ram, and the fourth part of an hin unto a lamb. This is the burnt-offering of every month thorough out all the months of the year, and one he goat for a synneoffringe unto the Lord, which shallbe offered with the daily burnt-offering and his drynkeoffringe. * 〈…〉 Le●●● 〈…〉 De●● 〈…〉 And the xiiij day of the first month shallbe Pass over unto the Lord. And the xu day of the same month shall be a feast, in which seven days men must eat unleavened breed. The first day shallbe an holy feast, so that you shall do no manner laborious work therein. And you shall offer a burnt-offering unto the Lord two young bullocks, one Ram, and seven lambs of a year old without spot, & their meatoffringe of flower mingled with oil three tenthdeales unto a bullock, and two tenthdeales unto a Ram, and evermore one tenthdeale unto a lamb, thorough out the vij lambs: & an he got for a synneoffringe to make atonement for you. And you shall offer these, beside the burntofferinge in the morning that is alway offered. And after this manner you shall offer throughout the seven days, the food of the sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the Lord. And it shallbe done beside the daily burnt-offering and his drynkeoffringe. And the seventh day shall be an holy feast unto you, so that you shall do no laborious work therein. And the day of your first fruits when you bring a new meatoffring unto the Lord in your weeks, shall be an holy feast unto you: so that you shall do no laborious work therein. And you shall offer a burnt-offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord two young bullocks, and a Ram, & seven lambs of a year old a piece, with their meatoffringes of flower mingled with oil three tenthdeales unto a bullock two tenthdeales to a Ram, and evermore one tenthdeale unto a lamb thorough out the seven lambs, & an he got to make atonement for you. And this you shall do besides the daily burntoffring and his meateoffringe: and they shallbe with out spot, with their drinkoffringes. ¶ what must be offered the eight first days of the seventh month CAPI. XXIX. ANd the first day of the seventh month shallbe an holy feast unto you * 〈…〉 and you shall do no laborious work therein. It shall be a day of trumpet blowing unto you. And you shall offer a burnt-offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord: one young bullock, and one Ram and seven lambs of a year old a piece the are pure. And their meateofferinges of flower mingled with oil three tenth deals unto the bullock, and two unto the ram, and one tenth deal unto one lamb thorough the seven lambs. And an he got for a synneoffring to make an atonement for you beside the burntofferinge of the month and his meatoffringe and beside the daily burntoffering, and his meatoffering, and the drynk-offringes of the same: according to the manner of them, for a savour of sweetness in the sacrifice of the Lord. ●●ti xvi ●xiii c And the tenth day of that same seventh month shall be an holy feast unto you, and you shall humble your souls, and shall do no manner work therein. And you shall offer a burntoffering unto the Lord of a sweet savour: one bullock, a ram, and seven lambs of a yerr old a piece without fault, and their meatofferynges of flower mingled with oil three tenthdeales to a bullock, and two to a ram, and alway a tenthdeale unto a lamb thorough out the seven lambs. And one he goat for a sin-offering, beside the sin-offering of atonement, and the daily burntoffering, and the meat and drynkeofferynges that belong to the same. * ●●i xxiii f And the fifty day of the seventh month shall be holy day, and you shall do no laborious work therein, and you shall keep a feast unto the Lord of seven days long. And you shall offer a burntoffering of a sweet savour unto the Lord, thirteen bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs, which are yerelynges and pure, with oil three tenthdeales unto every one of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to either of the rams, and one tenth deal unto each of the fourteen lambs. And one he goat unto a sin-offering, beside the daily burntoffering, with his meat and drynkeofferynges. And the second day twelve young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen yerling lambs without spot: and their meatofferynges and drinkeofferynges unto the bullocks, rams, and lambs, according to the number of them, and after the manner. And an he goote for a sin-offering, beside the daily burntoffering, and his meat and drink offerings. And the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen yereling lambs, without spot: and their meat and drynkeofferynges unto the bullocks, rams, and lambs, after the number of them, and according to the manner. And an he goote for a sin-offering, beside the daily burntoffering, and his meat and drynkeofferynges. And the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and xiiij lambs yerelynges pure, and their mere and drink offerings unto the bullocks, rams, and lambs, according to the number of them, and after the manner. And an he got for a sin-offering, beside the daily burntoffering and his meat and drynkeofferynges. And the fift day, nine bullocks, two rams, and fourtenene lambs of one year old a piece, without spot. And their meat and drink offerings unto the bullocks, rams, and lambs, according to the number of them, and after the manner. And an he goote for a sin offering, beside the daily burned offering and his meat and drink offerings. And the sixte day, eight bullocks, two rams, & fourteen yereling lambs without spot. And their meat and drink offerings unto the bullocks, rams, and lambs, according to the manner. And an be goote for a sin-offering, beside the daily burntoffering, and his meat and drink offerings. And the seventh day, seven bullocks, two rams, and thirteen lambs that are yerelynges and pure. And their meat and drink offerings unto the bullocks, rams, and lambs, according to their number, and to the manner. And an he goote for a sin offering, beside the daily burnt offering, and his meat and drink offerings. And the eight day shall be the conclusion of the feast unto you, and you shall do no manner laborious work therein. And you shall offer a burned offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, and seven yearling lambs without sport. And the meat and drink offerings unto the bullock, ram, and lambs, according to their numbers, and according to the manner. And an he got for a sin-offering, beside the daily burned offering, and his meat and drink offerings. These things you shall do unto the Lord in your feasts: beside your vows and free-will offerings, in your burned offerings, meat offerings, drink offerings, and peax offerings. And Moses told the children of Israel, according to all that the Lord commanded him. ¶ Of vows when they shall be kept, and when not. CAPI. XXX. ANd Moses spoke unto the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying: this is the thing which the Lord commandeth. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath, and bind his soul, he shall not go back with his word but shall fulfil all that proceedeth out of his mouth. If a damosel vow a vow unto the Lord, and bind herself being in her father's house and unmarried: if her father hear the vow and bond, which she hath made upon her soul, and hold his peace thereto: then all her vows and bonds which she hath made upon her soul, shall stand good. But if her father forbid her the same day that he heateth it, none of her vows ne bonds which she hath made upon he soul, shall be of value, and the Lord shall forgive her, because her father forbade her. If she had an husband when she vowed or pronounced ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, and her husband, and heard it, and held his peace there at the same day he heard it: Then her vows and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul, shall stand. But if her husband forbade her the same day he heard it, then hath he made her vow which she had upon her, of none effect, and that also which she pronounced with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, and the Lord shall forgive her. The vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, and all that they have bound their souls with, shall stand. If she vowed in her husbands house, or bound her soul with an oath, and her husband heard it, and held his peace and forbade her not: then all her vows and bonds wherewith she bound her soul, shall stand. But if her husband disannulled them the same day he heard them, than nothing that proceeded out of her lips in vows and bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand: for her husband hath loosed them and the Lord shall forgive her. All vows and oaths that bind to humble the soul, may her husband stablish or break. But if her husband hold his peace from one day unto an other, than he stablyssheth all her vows and bonds which she had upon her, because he held his peace the same day he heard them. And if he afterward break them, he shall bear her sin himself. These are the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses, between the man and his wife, and between the father and his daughter, being a damsel in her father's house. ¶ The Madianytes and Balam are slain. The pray was brought to Moses and equally divided A present given of Israel because none of: their men were slain. CAPI. XXXI. ANd the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: * Nu. xxv d Avenge the children of Israel of the madianytes, and afterward be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spoke unto the folk, saying: Harness some of you unto war, and let them go upon the Madianytes, and aveng the Lord of the Madianytes. You shall send unto the war a thousand of every tribe thorough out all the tribes of Israel. And there were taken out of the thousands of Israel, twelve thousand prepared unto war, of every tribe a thousand. And Moses sent them a thousand of every tribe, with Phineas the son of Eleazar the Priest to war, and the holy vessels and the trumpets to blow in his hand. * joshua xiii c And they warred against the Madianytes, as the Lord commanded Moses/ and slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Madian, amongs other that were slain: Eui, Rekem, Zur, Her, and Reba: five kings of Madian. And they slew Balaam the son of Beor with the swe●de. And the children of Israel took all the women of Madian prisoners, and their children, and spoiled all their cattles, their substance and their goods. And they burned all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their castles with fire. And they took all the spoil, and all they could catch, both of men and beestes, and brought the captives, and that which they had taken, and all the spoil unto Moses and Eleazar the Priest, and unto the company of the children of Israel, even unto the host, in the fields of Moab by jordan near to jericho. And Moses and Eleazar the Priest, and all the lords of the company went out of the host against them. And Moses was angry with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands and over hundreds, which came from war and battle, and said unto them: Have you saved the women alive? behold, * 〈…〉 these caused the children of Israel thorough * 〈…〉 Balam, to commit trespass against the Lord, by reason of Peor, and there followed a plague among the congregation of the Lord. Now therefore * I●● slay all the men children and the women that have lyen with men flesshelye: But all the women children that have not lyen with men, keep alive for yourselves. And lodge without the host seven days, all that have killed any person, * 〈…〉 and all that have touched any dead body, and purify both yourselves and your prisoners, the third day and the seventh. And sprynckle all your raymentes, and all that is made of skins, and all work of gootes here, and all things made of wood. And Eleazar the Priest said unto the men of war which went out to battle: this is the ordinance of the law which the Lord commanded Moses: Gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, and led, and all that may abide the fire, you shall make it go thorough the fire, and then it is clean. Nevertheless, it shall be sprynckled with sprynckling water. And all that suffereth not the fire, you shall make go thorough the water. And wash your clotheses the seventh day, and then you are clean. And afterward come in to the host. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: take the some of the pray that was taken, both of women and of cattles, thou and Eleazar the Priest, and the heads of the people. And divide it in to two parts, between them that took the war upon them, and went out to battle, and all the congregation. And take a portion unto the Lord of the men of war which went out to battle: one of five hundred, of the women and of the oxen and of the asses, and of the sheep: and you shall take it of their half and give it unto Eleazar the Priest, an have offering unto the Lord. And of the half of the children of Israel, take one of fifty, of the women, of the oxen, of the asses, and of the sheep, and of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the levites which attend upon the habitation of the Lord. ☞ And Moses and Eleazar the Priest did as the Lord commanded Moses. And the booty and pray which the men of war had caught was six hundred thousand, and three score and fifteen thousand sheep: and three score and twelve thousand oxen, three score and one thousand asses: and xxxij thousand women that had lyen by no man. And the half which was the part of them that went out to war was three hundred thousand, and xxxvij thousand, and five hundred sheep: And the lords part of the sheep was six hundred and three score and fifteen. And the oxen were xxxvi thousand, of which the lords part was three score and twelve. And the asses were thirty thousand, and five hundred, of which the lords part was threescore and one. And the women were sixteen thousand, of which the lords part was xxxij souls. And Moses gave that some which was the lords have offering unto Eleazar the priest, as the Lord commanded Moses. And the other half of the children of Israel which Moses severed from the men of war, (that is to weet, the half that pertained unto the congregation) was three hundred thousand, and xxxvij thousand, and five hundred sheep: and xxxvi thousand oxen: and thirty thousand asses and five hundred: and sixteen thousand women. And Moses took of this half that pertained unto the children of Israel: one of every fifty both of the women and of the cattle, and gave them unto the levites which gave their attendance upon the habitation of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. And the officers of thousands of the host, the capitains over the thousands, and the captains over the hundreds came forth and said unto Moses: Thy servants have taken the some of the men of war, which were under our hand, and there lacked not one man of them. We have therefore brought a present unto the Lord what every man found of jewels of gold, chains, bracelets, rings, earynges and spangels to make an atonement for our souls before the Lord. And Moses and Eleazar took the gold of them: jewels of all manner fashions. And all the gold of the heave-offering of the Lord, of the capitains over thousands, and hundreds: was sixteen thousand, seven hundred, and fifty sycles: for the men of war had spoiled every man for himself. And Moses and Eleazar the Priest, took the gold of the capitains over the thousands and over the hundreds, and brought it in to the tabernacle of witness: to be a memorial unto the children of Israel, before the Lord. ¶ To Reuben and Gad and to half the tribe of Manasses, is promised the possession beyond jordan eastward: if they bring their brethren in to the land of promise. CAPI. XXXII. THe children of Reuben, and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattles. And when they saw the land of jazer, and the land of Galaad that it was a good soil for cattles, they came and spoke unto Moses and Aliezer the priest, and unto the Lords of the congregation, saying. The land of Ataroth, and Dibo, and jazer, and Nemrah, and Hesbon, and Elealeh, and Sabam, and Nebo, and Beon which country the Lord smote before the people of Israel: is a land good for cattles, and we thy servants have cattles: Wherefore (said they) if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants to possess, and bring us not over jordan. And Moses said to the children of Gad and of Reuben: shall your brethren go to war, and you tarry here? Wherefore discourage you the hearts of the children of Israel, for to go over in to the land which the Lord hath given them. * Num xiii a This did your fathers, when I sent them from Cades barn to see the land. And they went up even unto the river of Escol, and saw the land/ and discouraged the hearts of the children of Israel, that they should not go in to the land which the Lord had given them. And the Lord was wroth the same time and swore, saying. * Nu. xiiii f. None of the men that came out of egypt from twenty year old and above, shall see the land which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, because they have not continually followed me: save Caleb the son of jephune the Kenesyte, and josua the son of Nun, for they have followed me continually. And the Lord was angry with Israel, and made them wander in the wilderness forty year, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, were consumed. And behold, you are risen up in your father's stead. to the increase of sinful men, and to augement the fearss wrath of the Lord towards Israel. For if you do turn away from him, he will yet again leave the people in the wilderness, so shall you destroy all this folk. And they went near him and said: we will build shepefoldes here for our sheep and for our cattles, and cities for our children: But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place. And our children shall devil in the fenced cities, because of the inhabyters of the land●. And we will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have enherited: every man his inheritance. For we will not inherit with them on yonder side jordane forward, because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side jordane Eastward. And Moses said unto them: * Iosu i d If you will do this thing, that you will go all harnessed before the Lord to war, and will go all of you in harness over jordane before the Lord, until he have cast out his enemies before him, and until the land be subdued before the Lord, than you shall return and be without sin against the Lord and against Israel, and this Land shall be your possession before the Lord. But if you will not do so: behold, you sin against the Lord: ☞ and be sure your sin will find you out, Build your cities for your children, and fooldes for your sheep, and see you do that you have spoken. And the children of Gad and of Reuben spoke unto Moses, saying: thy servants will do as my Lord commandeth. Our children, out wives, our substance, and all our cattles shall remain here in the cities of Galaad. But * joshua iiii c we thy servants will go all harnessed for the war unto battle before the Lord, as my Lord hath said. And Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and josua the son of Nun, and the ancient heeds of the tribes of the children of Israel, and said unto them: If the children of Gad and of Reuben will go with you over jordan all prepared to fight before the Lord, then when the land is subdued unto you, give them the land of Galaad to possess, but if they will not go over with you in harness than they shall have their possessions among you in the land of Canaan. And the children of Gad and Reuben answered, saying: that which the Lord hath said unto thy servants we will do. * Iosu xxii a We will go harnessed before the Lord in to the land Canaan and the possession of our inheritance shall be on this side jordan. joshua xiii b and xxii a Deuter iii b. And Moses gave unto the children of Gad and of Reuben, and unto half the tribe o● Manasse the son of joseph, the kingdom of Sehon king of the Amorytes, and the kingdom of Og king of Basin, the land that belonged unto the cities thereof in the costs of the country round about. And the children of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth, Sophan, jaeser, jegabea, Bethnimra, and Betharan fencend cities, and they built folds for the sheep. And the children of Reuben built Heshon, Eltale, Kiriathaim, Nebo, Baal, Meon, and turned their names, & Sibama also: and gave names unto the cities which they built. And the * Genesis l d children of Machir, the son of Manasse went to Galaad and took it, and put out the Amorytes that were there. And Moses gave Galaad unto Machir, the son of Manasse/ and he dwelt therein. And * Deut. iii b. I●hir the son of Manasse, went and took ●he small towns thereof, and called them the towns of jahir. And Nobah went and take Kenath with the towns belong●nge thereto, and called it Nobah after his own name. ¶ The journeys and departing from place to place of Israel are numbered. They are commanded to kill the Canaanites. CAPI. XXXIII. THese are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went out of the land of egypt with their armies under Moses and Aaron. And Moses written their going out by their journeys at the commandment of the Lord: even these are the journeys of their going out. The children of Israel * 〈…〉 departed from Rahemses the fifteen day of the first month, on the morrow after * 〈…〉 Passeover, and went out with an high hand in the sight of all egypt, while the Egyptians buried all their first born which the Lord had smitten among them. And upon their Gods also the Lord did execution. And the children of Israel removed from Rahemses, and pytched in Socoth, And they departed from * 〈…〉 Socoth and pitched their tents in Ethan, which is in the edge of the wilderness. And they removed from Ethan, and turned in to the entering of * 〈…〉 Hiroth which is before Baal Zephon, and pytched before Migdol. And they departed from before Hiroth, and * 〈…〉 went thorough the mids of the see in to the wilderness, and went three days journey in the wilderness of Ethan, and pytched in Marah. And they removed from Marah, & went unto * 〈…〉 Elim, where were twelve fountayns and three score and ten palm trees, and they pytched there. And they removed from Elim, and lay fast by the red see. from whence they removed, and lay in the * 〈…〉 wilderness of Sin. And they took their journey out of the wilderness of Sin, and set up their tents in Daphka, from whence they departed, and lay in Alus, and they removed from Alus, and lay at * 〈…〉 Raphedim where was no water for the people to drink. And they departed from Raphedim, * 〈…〉 and pitched in the wilderness of Sinai. And from thence they removed, and lodged at the * 〈…〉 graves of lust. And they departed from the sepulchres of lust, and lay at * 〈…〉 Harzeroth. And from Hazeroth, and pitched in Riphma. And departed from Riphma, and pytched at Rimon Parez. And they departed from Rimon Parez, and pytched in Libna. And they removed from Libna, and pytched at Rissa. And they journeyed from Rissa, and pytched in Rehe●atha. And so pitched in mount Sapher, And they removed from mount Sapher and say in Harada. And they removed from Harada, and pytched in Makeheloth. And removing from Makeheloth, and lay at Tahath, and they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tharath. And they removed from Tharath, and pitched in Mithca. And they went from Mithca, and lodged in Hasmona. ●e ten b And they departed from Hasmona and lay at Moseroth. And they departed from Moseroth, and pytched in Bane jakan, and lay at Hor gadgad. And they went from Hor gadgad, and pytched in jathbatha. And they removed from jathbatha, and lay at Abrona. And they departed from Abrona, and lay at Ezron Gaber. And they removed fro Ezeon Gaber, & pytched in the ●me twenty a wilderness of Sin, which is Cades. And they removed from Cades, and pytched in mount Hor in the edge of the land of Edom. ●e twenty d 〈◊〉 xxxii. g. ●rath of 〈◊〉. And Aaron the Priest went up in to mount Hor at thappointment of the Lord, And died there, even in the fortyeth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of egypt, and in the first day of the fift month. And Aaron was an hundred & thirty and three year old, when he died in mount Hor. And king Erad the Canaanyte, ●●r xxi a which dwelt in the south of the land of Canaan, heard that the children of Israel were come. And they departed from 〈◊〉 xxi b mount Hor, & pytched in Zalmona. And they departed from Zalmona, and pytched in Phimon. And they departed from Phimon, and pytched in Oboth. And they departed from Oboth, and pytched in jehabarim in the borders of Moab. And they departed from 〈◊〉 xxi c jehabarim, and pytched in Dibon Gad. And they removed from Dibon Gad, and lay in Almon Diblathama. And they removed from Almon Diblathama, and pytched in the mountains of Abarim before Nabo. And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pytched in the fields of Moab fast by jordane, nigh to jericho. And they pitched upon jordane, from Beth Haiesmoth unto the plain of Abel Satim in the fields of Moab. And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the fields of Moab by jordane nigh unto jericho, saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: When you are come over jordan in the Land of Canaan, see you drive out all thinhabitants of the land before you, and destroy their 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Ra. 〈◊〉 Ra. ●aued 〈◊〉 stones. chapelles, and all their Images of metal, and pluck down all their altars built on hills: And possess the land and devil therein, for I have given you the land to enjoy it. And you shall divide the inheritance of the land by lot amongs your kynredes, and give to the more the more inheritance, and to the fewer, the less inheritance. And your inheritance shall be in the tribes of your fathers, in the place where every man's lot falls. That if you will not drive out the inhabyters of the land before you, than those which you let remain of them, ☞ shall be thorns in your eyes, and darts in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein you devil. Moreover it will come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them. ¶ The Costs and borders of the land of promiss. Certayne are assigned to divide the land. CAPI. XXXIIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them: When you come in to the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall unto your inheritance the land of Canaan with all her costs. And * joshua xu a your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Sin along by the cost of Edom, so that your south quarter shall be from the side of the salt see eastward, and shall fet a compass from the south up to Acrabim, and reach to Zinna. And it shall go out on the south side of Cades Barn/ and go out also at Hazar Adar, and go along to Azmon. And shall fet a compass from Azmon unto the river of egypt, and shall go out at the see. And your west quarter shall be the great see, which cost shall be your west cost. And this shall be your north quarter: you shall compass from the great see unto mount Hor. And from mount Hor, you shall compass and go unto Hemath/ and the end of the cost shall be at Zedada, and the cost shall reach out to Ziphron and go out at Hazar Enan. And this shall be your north quarter. And you shall compass your East quarter, from Hazar enan to Sepham. And the cost shall go down from Sepham to Ribia on the East side of Am. And then descend and go out at the side of the see of Cenereth eastward. And then go down along by jordan, and leave at the salt see. And this shall be your land with all the costs thereof round about. And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying: this is the land which you shall inherit by lot, and which the Lord commanded to give unto nine tribes and an half: * Nu. xxxii f. for the tribe of the children of Reuben have received in the households of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad, in their father's households/ and half the tribe of Manasse, have received their inheritance/ that is to weet, two tribes and an half have received their inheritance on the other side of jordan by jericho eastward, toward the son rising. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, sayings: These are the names of the men, which shall divide you the land to inherit, Eleazar the Priest/ and * Deut. iii d. & josu xiiii a josua the son of Nun. And you shall take also a lord of every tribe to divide the land, whose names are these: In the tribe of juda, Caleb the son of jephune. And in the tribe of the children of simeon, Semuel the son of Amind. And in the tribe of BenIamin, Elidad the son of Cision. And in the tribe of the children of Dan/ the lord Bucks the son of jagli. And among the children of joseph: in the tribe of the children of Manasse, the lord Haniel the son of Ephod. And in the tribe of the children of Ephraim, the lord Camuel the son of Siphtan. And in the tribe of the sons of Zabulon, the lord Elizaphan the son of Phurnach. And in the tribe of the children of Isachar, the lord Palthiel the son of Asan. And in the tribe of the sons of Aser, the lord Ahihud the son of Salomi. And in the tribe of the children of Nephthali, the lord Peda El the son of Amihud. These are they which the lord commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel, in the land of Canaan. ¶ Unto the Levites must be given Cities and subburbes. The Cities of refuge or santuaryes. The law of manquelling. For one man's witness shall no man be condemned. CAPI. XXXV. ANd the Lord spoke to Moses in the fields of Moab by jordane over against jericho, saying: command the children of Israel, that they give unto the levites of the inheritance of their possession: * Iosu xxii a. cities to devil in. And you shall give also unto the cities of the levites, suburbs round about them. The cities shall be for them to devil in, and the suburbs for their cattles, possession, and all manner beasts of theirs. And the suburbs of the cities which you shall give unto the levites, shall reach from the brickwall of the city outward, a thousand cubytes round about. And you shall measure without the city, and make the uttermost border of the east side, two thousand cubytes And the uttermost border of the south side, two thousand cubytes. And the uttermost border of the west side, two thousand ●ubytes: and the uttermost border of the north side, two thousand cubytes also/ and the city shall be in the mids. And these shall be the suburbs of their cities. And among the cities which you shall give unto the levites, * joshe xxi a Deuter four b. Sentuaryes. there shall be six cities of fraunches, which you shall give to that intent, that he which killeth may flee thither. And to them you shall add forty and two cities more: so that all the cities which you shall give the levites, shall be forty and eight with their suburbs. And of the cities which you shall give out of the possessions of the children of Israel, you shall give many out of their possessions that have moche, and few out of their possessions that have little: so that every tribe shall give of his cities unto the Levetes, according to the inheritance which he enheryteth. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: * Deut. x●i. a joshua twenty a when you be come over jordan in to the land of Canaan, you shall build cities, which shall be privileged towns for you: that he which sleeth a man unwares, E●● vs● 〈◊〉 may flee thither. And the cities shall be to flee from the revenger of blood, that he which killeth die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgement. And of these six free cities which you shall give, three you shall give on this side jordan, and three in the land of Canaan. And these six free cities shall be for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for him that dwelleth among you, that all they which kill any person unwares, may flee thither. If any man smite an other with a weapon of iron that he die, than he is a murderer/ and shall die for it. If he smite him with a throwing stone that he die therewith, than he shall die, for he is a murderer, and shall be slain therefore. If he smite him with a hand weapon of wood that he die therewith, than he shall die: for he is a murderer, and shall be slain therefore. The justice of blood shall flee the murderer, as soon as he findeth him: If he thrust at him * D● of hate, or hurl at him with lying await that he die, or smite him with his hand of malice that he die, he that smote him shall die, for he is a murderer. The justice of blood shall slay him as soon as he findeth him. But if he pushed him by chance, ☜ and not of hate, or cast at him with any manner of thing, and not lying of wait: or cast any manner of stone at him that he die therewith, and saw him not: And he cast it upon him and he die, but was not his enemy, neither sought him any harm: then the congregation shall judge between the sleet. and the revenger of blood in such cases. And the congregation shall deliver the fleer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and shall restore him again unto the fraunchesed city/ whither he was fled. And he shall remain there * 〈…〉 unto the death of the high Priest which was anointed with holy oil. But if he came without the lymytes of his privileged city whither he was fled, if the avenger of blood find him without the precinct, of his free town, he shall slay the murderer, and be guiltless/ because he should have kept himself in his free town until the death of the high priest, and after the death of the high priest, he shall return again unto the land of his possession. And this shall be an ordinance and a law unto you, among your children after you, in all your habitations. Who so ever sleeth, ☜ shall be slain by the mouth of witnesses. For one witness shall not pronoun against one person to put him to death. Moreover you shall take none amendss for the life of the murderer which is worthy to die: but he shall be put to death. Also you shall take none atonement for him that is fled to a free city, that he should come again and devil in the land before the death of the high Priest. And see you defile not the land which you are in/ for blood defileth the land. And the land can none otherwise be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which you inhabit, and in the mids of which. I also devil among the children of Israel. ¶ An order for the marriage of the daughters of zelaphead. One of the tribes may not mary with an other: but every one must take him a wife of his own tribe. CAPI. XXXVI. ANd the heeds of the children of Galaad the son of Machir the son of Manasse of the kindred of the children of joseph, came forth and spoke before Moses and the princes which were ancient deeds among the children of Israel, and said: 〈◊〉 xxvi. f. The Lord commanded my lord to give the land to inherit by lot to the children of Israel. And then my lord commanded in the name of the Lord, to give the inheritance of 〈◊〉 xxvii. a Zelaphead our brother unto his daughters. Now when any of the sons of the tribes of Israel take them to wives, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put unto the inheritance of the tribe in which they are, and shall be taken from the lot of our inheritance. And when the year of jubelye cometh unto the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe wherein they are and so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers. And Moses commanded the children of Israel at the mouth of the Lord, saying: the tribe of the children of joseph have said well. This therefore doth the Lord command the daughters of Zelaphead, saying: * Tobi vii d Let them be wives to whom they themself think best, but in the kindred of the tribe of their father shall they marry, that the inheritance of the children of Israel roll not from tribe to tribe. But that the children of Israel may abide every man in the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. And every daughter that possesseth any inheritance, among the tribes of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the kindred of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his father, and that the inheritance go not from one tribe to an other: but that the tribes of the children of Israel may abide every man in his own inheritance. And as the Lord commanded Moses, even so did the daughters of Zelaphead: Mahela, Thitza, Hagla, Milcha, and Noa, and were married unto their father's brothers sons, of the kindred of the children of Manasses the son of joseph, and so they had their inheritance in the tribe of the kindred of their father. These are the commandments and laws which the Lord commanded thorough Moses unto the children of Israel in the fields of Moab upon jordan near unto jericho. ¶ The end of the fourth book of Moses. THE fift BOOK OF MOSES CALLED DEUTERONOMIUM. ¶ A brief rehearsal of things done before, from the pitching at mount Horeb until they came to Cades barn. CAPI. I THese be the words with Moses spoke unto all Israel on the other side jordan in the wilderness & in the fields by the read see, between Pharan & Thophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Disahab xi. days journey from Horeb unto Cades barn, by the way that leadeth unto mount Seir. And it happened the first day of the xj month, in the xl year that Moses spoke unto the children of Israel according unto all that the Lord had given him in commandment unto them after he the had smitten Sehon the king of the Amorites which dwelled in Hesbon and Og king of Basan, Numeri xxi e which dwelled at Astaroth in Edrai. On the other side jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to declare this law, saying: the Lord our God spoke unto us in φ Horeb and Sinai are both one. Horeb, saying: You have dwelled long enough in this mount: depart therefore and take your journey and go unto the hylls of the Amorytes, and unto all places nigh there unto: both fields, hills and days: and unto the south and unto the seas side of the land of Canaan, and unto Libanon: even unto the great river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go in therefore and possess the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and jacob, to give unto them, and their seed after them. And I said unto you the same season: I am not able to bear you myself alone. For the Lord your God hath multiplied you: so that you are this day as the stars of heaven in number (the Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as you are, and bless you as he hath promised you) how (said I) can * Exo xviii c I myself alone bear the accombraunce charge and strife that is amongs you: bring therefore men of wisdom and of understanding and of experience, known among your tribes, that I may make them rulers over you. And you answered me and said, that which thou hast spoken is good to be done. And then I took the deeds of your tribes men of wisdom and experience, and made them rulers over you: captains over thousands, and over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten, and officers among your tribes. And I charged your judes the same time, saying: judges. hear your brethren, and judge ryghtously between every man and his brother, ☞ and the stranger that is with him. See you know no man's parsonage in judgement, * Levi xix c Prou. xxiiii c Eccl. xiii a but hear the small as well as the great, and be afraid of no man, for the judgement is Gods. And the cause that is to hard for you, bring unto me, and I will hear it. And I commanded you the same season all things which you should do. And then we departed from Horeb, and walked thorough all that great and terrible wilderness as you have seen along by the way that leadeth unto the hills of the Amorytes, as the Lord our God commanded us, and came to Cades Barn. And there I said unto you: You are come unto the hills of the Amorytes which the Lord our God doth give us. Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before, go up and conquer it, as the Lord God of thy fathers saith unto thee: fear not, neither be discouraged. And then you came unto me every one, and said. Let us send men before us, to inserche out the land, and to bring us word again, both what way we shall go us by, and unto what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well, and I took twelve men of you, of every tribe one. And they departed and went up in to the high country, and came unto the river Escoll, and searched it out, and took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again and said: It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us. Notwithstanding you would not consent to go up, but were disobedience unto the mouth of the Lord your God, and murmured in your tents, and said: because the Lord hateth us, therefore he hath brought us out of the land of egypt, to deliver us in to the hands of the Amorites, and to destrye us. How shall we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our hearts. saying: The people is greater and taller than we, and the cities are great and walled, even up to heaven/ and more over we have seen the sons of the Enakims' there. And I said unto you: dread not, neither be afraid of them. The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you according to all that he did unto you in Egypt, before your eyes, and in the wilderness, as thou hast seen how the Lord thy God bore the as a man should bear his son thorough out all the way which you have go, till you came unto this place. And yet for all this, you did not believe the Lord your God, which goeth the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, * 〈…〉 in fire by night, that you might see what way to go and in a cloud by day. And the Lord heard the voice of your words, and was wroth and swore, * 〈…〉 saying/ there shall not one of these men of this froward generation see that good land which I swore to give unto your fathers, save Caleb the son of jephune, he shall see it/ and to him will I give the land which he hath walked in, and to his children because he hath continually followed the Lord. Likewise the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, saying: thou also shalt not go in thither. ●eri xx. b But josua the son of Nun which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither. Bolden him therefore for he shall divide the heritage unto Israel. 〈◊〉 xiiii ●. Moreover your children which you said should be a pray, and your sons which know neither good nor bad this day, they shall go in thither, and unto them I will give it, and they shall enjoy it. But as for you, turn back and take your journey in to the wilderness: even the way to the red see. Then you answered and said unto me: We have sinned against the Lord we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us. And when you had gird on every man his weapons of war, and were ready to go up in to the hills, the Lord said unto me: say unto them, see you go not up and that you fight not, for I am not amongs you: jest you be scourged before your enemies. * And when I told you you would not hear: but disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and went presumptuously up in to the hills. Then the Amorytes which dwelled in those hills, came out against you and chased you as bees do, and hewed you in Seir, even unto Horma. And you came again and wept before the Lord: but the Lord would not hear your voice, nor give you audience. And so you abode in Cades along season. ¶ A rehearsal of that which was done from the time that they departed from Cades barn, unto the battle against the kings Sehon and Og. CAPI. II THen we turned and took out journey in to the wilderness, even the way to the red see as the Lord commanded me. And we compassed the mountains of Seir a long tyme. Then the Lord spoke unto 〈◊〉 saying: You have compassed this mountains long enough, turn you northward. And warn the people, saying: You shall go thorough the costs of your brethren the children of Esau, which devil in Seir, and they shall be afraid of you: But take good heed unto yourselves, that you provoke them not, for I will not give you of their land, not not so much as a foot bread: because I have given mount Seir unto Esau to possess. You shall buy meat of them for money to eat/ and you shall buy water of them for money to drink. For the Lord thy God hath blessed the in all the works of thine hand, and known the as thou wentest thorough his great wilderness. Moreover the Lord thy God hath been with the this forty years, so that thou hast lacked nothing. And when we were departed from our brethren the children of Esau which dwelt in Seir by the field way from Elath and Ezion Gaber, we turned and went the way to the wilderness of Moab. Then the Lord said unto me, see that thou vex not the Moabites, neither provoke them to battle, for I will not give the of their land to possess: because I have given Are unto the children of Loath to possess. Emim a kind of Giants so called because they were teryble and cruel for Emim sygnifieth terribleness. The Emims dwelled therein in times past, a people great, many and tall, as the Enakims': which also were taken for giants as the Enakims': And the Moabites called them Emims. In like manner the Horims dwelt in Seir before time which the children of Esau cast out, and destroyed them before them & dwelt there in their stead: as Israel did in the land of his possession which the Lord gave them. Now rise up (said I) and get you over the river Zared/ and we went over the river Zared. The space in which we came from Cades Barn, until we were come over the river Zared was xxxviij years, until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out of the host as the Lord swore unto them. For in deed the hand of the Lord was against them to destroy them out of the host, till they were consumed. And as soon as all the men of war were consumed and deed forth of the people, than the Lord spoke unto me, saying. Thou shalt go thorough Are the cost of Moab this day, and shalt come near unto the children of Ammon: see thou vex them not, nor yet provoke them. For I will not give the of the land of the children of Ammon to possess, because I have given it unto the children of Loath to possess. That also was taken for a land of giants, and giants dwelled therein in old time, and the Ammonites called them Zanzumims. A people that was great, many and tall, as the Enakims'. But the Lord destroyed them before the Ammonytes, and they cast them out, and they dwelt there in their stead: as he did for the children of Esau, which devil in Seir: even as he destroyed the Horims before them, and they cast them out and devil in their stead unto this day. And the Auims which dwelt in Hazarim even unto Aza, the Caphthorims which came out of Caphthor, destroyed them and dwelt in their rooms. Rise up, take your journey and go over the river Arnon. Behold, * Num xxi e. I have given in to thy hand Sehon the Amoryte, king of Heshon and his land. Go and conquer, and provoke him to battle. This day I will begin to send the fear and dread of the upon all nations that are under all ports of the heaven: so that when they hear speak of thee, they shall tremble and quake for fear of the. Then I sent messengers out of the wilderness of the east unto Sehon king of Hesbon with words of pear, saying: * Num xxi ● Let me go thorough thy land. I will go always along by the high way, and will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left. Cell me meat for money to eat, and give me drink for money to drink. I will go thorough by foot only (as the children of Esau did unto me which devil in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Are) until I be come over jordan in to the land which the Lord our God giveth us. But Sehon the king of Hesbon would not let us pass by him, for the Lord thy God had hardened his spirit, and made his heart tough because he would deliver him in to thy hands, as it is come to pass this day. And the Lord said unto me: behold I have begun to set Sehon and his land φ Or at thy commandment. before thee: go to and conquer, that thou mayst possess his land. Then both Sehon and all his people came out against us unto battle at φ Otherwise jasa. jahaza. And the Lord set him before us, and we smote him and his sons and all his people. And we took all his cities the same season and destroyed all his cities, with men, women and children, and let nothing remain save the cattles only we caught unto our selves, and the spoil of the cities which we took, from Aroer upon the brink of the river of Arnon, and the city in the river, unto Galaad: there was not one city to strong for us. The Lord our God delivered all unto us: only unto the land of the children of Ammon you came not, nor unto all the cost of the river jabocke, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto what so ever the Lord our God forbade us. ¶ A rehearsal of things that chanced from the victory of the two kings Sehon and Og, unto the Institution of joshua in Moses stead. CAPI. III THen we turned and went up the way to Basan: * Num xxi g duty xxix b And Og the king of Basan came out against us: both he and all his people to battle at Edrai. And the Lord said unto me: fear him not, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land in to thy hand, and thou shalt deal with him as thou dealedst with Sehon king of the Amorytes which dwelt at Hesbon. Nun xxi g. And so the Lord our God delivered in to our hands, Og also the king of Basan, and all his folk. And we smote him, till nought was left him. And we took all his cities the same season (for there was not a city which we took not from them, even three score cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Basan. All these cities were made strong with high walls, gates, and bars/ beside unwalled towns a great meinie. And we utterly destroyed them as we played with Sehon king of Hesbon, bringing to nought all the cities with men, women, and children. But all the cattle and the spoil of the cities, we preserved for ourselves. And thus we took the same season, the land out of the hand of two kings of the Amorytes on the other side jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon, (which Hermon the Sidons call Sirion, but the Amorytes call it Senyr) all the cities in the plain, and all Galaad, & all Basan unto Salecha and Edrai, cities of the kingdom of Og in Basan. For only Og king of Basan remained of the rest of the giants/ behold his iron bed is yet at Rabah among the children of Ammon, nine cubytes long, and four cubytes broad, of the cubytes of a man. And when we had conquered this land the same time, I gave from Aroer, 〈…〉 which is upon the river of Arnon, and half mount Galaad, and the cities thereof unto the Rubenites, and Gadites. And the rest of Galaad and all Basan, the kingdom of Og/ I gave unto the half tribe of Manasse, all the region of Argob withal. Basan was called the land of giants. jair the son of Manasse took all the region of Argob unto the costs of Gesuri and Maachati, and called them after his own name: Basan φ 〈…〉 b●● l●● 〈◊〉 Havoth jair unto this day. And I gave half Galaad unto Machir. And unto Reuben and Gad I gave from Galaad unto the river of Arnon, and half the valley and the cost, even unto the river jabocke, which is the border of the children of Ammon, and the fields and jordan with the cost from Ceneroth unto the see in the field, which is the salt see under the springs of Phasgah eastward. And I commanded you the same time (you Reuben and Gad) saying: the Lord your God hath given you this land to enjoy it: see you go harnessed before your brethren the children of Israel all that are men of war amongs you. Your wives only, your children and your cattles (for I wot that you have moche cattles) shall abide in your cities which I have given you, until the Lord have given rest unto your brethren as well as unto you, and until they also have conquered the land which the Lord your God hath given them beyond jordan: and then return again every man unto his possession which I have given you. And I warned josua the same time, saying: 〈…〉 thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings, even so the Lord will do unto all kyngedomes whither thou goest. Fear them not, for the Lord your God it is, that fighteth for you. And I besought the Lord the same time, saying: O Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness & thy mighty hand, for there is no God in heaven nor in earth that can do after thy works, and after thy power: let me go over and see the good land that is beyond jordan, 〈…〉 that goodly high country, and Libanon. But the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and would not hear me, but said unto me: be content, and speak hence forth no more unto me of this matter. * 〈◊〉 D●● Get the up in to the top of Phasgah and lift up thine eyes west, north, south and east, and behold it with thine eyes/ for thou shalt not go over this jordan. Moreover charge josua and encourage him, and bolden him, For he shall go over before his people, & he shall divide the land, which thou shalt see. unto them. And so we abode in the valley beside Bethpheor. ¶ An exhortation to give diligent heed unto the law, and that they should not take away or add any thing thereto. Images may not be worshipped nor yet made. The three Cities of refuge. CAPI. FOUR ANd now hearken Israel unto the ordinances and laws which I teach you for to do them, that you may live and go and conquer the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. ☞ You shall put nothing unto the word which I command you, neither do aught therefrom, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you. 〈◊〉 xxv a. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did to Baal Peor: for all the men that followed Baal Peor, the Lord your God hath destroyed among you. But you that clave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you ordinances and laws such as the Lord my God commanded me that you should do in the land whither you go to possess it. Keep them therefore and do them, 〈◊〉 xviii. b for that is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations: which when they have heard all these ordinances, shall say: O what a wise and understanding people is this great nation. For what nation is so great that hath Gods so nigh unto him: as the Lord our God is nigh unto us in all things, when we call unto him? Yea, and what nation is so great, that hath ordinances and laws so righteous, as all this law which I set before you this day. Take heed to thyself therefore only, and keep thy soul diligently, that thou forget not the things which thine eyes have seen, and that they depart not out of thine heart, all the days of thy life: 〈◊〉 nineteeen c 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 but teach them thy sons, and thy sons sons. The day that I stood before the Lord your God in Horeb when he said unto me, gather me the people together, that I may make them hear my words to th'intent they may learn to fear me as long as they live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children: you came and stood also under the hill, and the hill burned with fire: even unto the mids of heaven, & there was darkness clouds and mist. And the Lord spoke unto you out of the fire, and you herd the voice of the words: but see no image, save herd a voice only. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to do, even ten sayings, and written them in to tables of stone And the Lord commanded me that same season to teach you ordinances and laws, for to do them in the land whither you go to possess it. ☞ Take heed unto yourselves diligently, concerning your souls, for you saw no manner of image the day when the Lord spoke unto you in Horeb out of the fire, jest you mar yourselves, and make you graven images after what so ever likeness it be: whether after the likeness of man or woman, or any manner be'st that is on the earth, or of any manner feathered foul that fleeth in the air, or of any manner worm that creepeth on the earth, or of any manner fish that is in the water beneath the earth: yea and jest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the son and the moan and the stars, and what so ever is contained in heaven, shouldest be deceived, and shouldest how thyself unto them, and serve the things which the Lord thy God hath distributed unto all nations, that are under all quarters of heaven. For the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron furnace of egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as it is come to pass this day. Furthermore, the Lord was angry with me for your sakes and swore, duty i f that I should not go over jordane, and that I should not go unto that good land, which the Lord thy God giveth the to inheritance. For I must die in this land, and shall not go over jordan. But you shall go over and conquer that good land. Take heed unto yourselves therefore that you forget not the appointment of the Lord your God which he made with you, ☜ and that you make you no graven image of what so ever it be that the Lord thy God hath forbidden the. For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire and a jealous God. If after thou haste got children, and children's children, ☜ and haste dwelt long in the land, you shall mar yourselves and make graven images after the likeness of what so ever it be, and shalt work wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, to provoke him, I call heaven and earth to record unto you this day, that you shall shortly perish forth of the land whether you go over jordan to possess it: you shall not prolong your days therein, but shall shortly be destroyed. And the Lord shall scatter you amongs nations, and you shall be left few in number among the people whither the Lord shall bring you: and there you shall serve gods which are the works of man's hand, wood and stone which neither senior, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. Neverthe less, you shall seek the Lord your God even there, and shall find him, if thou seek him with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. In thy tribulation, and when all these things are come upon the even in the latter days; thou shalt turn unto the Lord thy God, and shalt hearken unto his voice. For the Lord thy God is a pitiful God: he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the appointment made with thy fathers which he swore unto them. For ask I pray thee, of the days that are paste which were before thee, from the day that God created man upon the earth, and from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether any thing hath been like unto this great thing, or whether any such thing hath been herd as it is, that a nation hath herd the voice of God speaking our of fire as thou haste heed and yet lived? Either whether God assayed to go and take him a people among nations, thorough temptations and signs and wondres, and thorough war and with a mighty hand and a * Psal cxxxu b stretched out arm, and with mighty terrible sighs, according unto all that the Lord your God did unto you in Egypt before your eyes. Unto the it was showed, that thou mightest know, that the Lord is God, and that there is none but he. * Exod. xix c Out of heaven he made the hear his voice to nourter thee, and upon earth he showed the his great fire, and thou herdest his words out of the fire. And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, & brought the out with his presence, and with his mighty power of * Exod. xiii c egypt: to thrust out nations greater and myghtyer than thou before the to bring the in, and to give the their land to inheritance as it is come to pass this day. Understand therefore this day and turn it to thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and on the earth beneath, there is no more: keep therefore his ordinances, and his commandments which I command the this day, that it may go well with the and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayst prolong thy days upon the earth which the Lord thy God giveth the thy life long. * Nu. xxxv a Exod. xxi b duty xix a Then Moses severed three cities on the other side jordan toward the son rising that he should flee thither which had killed his neighbour unwares, and hated him not in time past, and therefore should flee unto one of the same cities and live: Bezer in the wilderness, joshua .xx c in the plain country among the Rubenytes: and Ramoth in Galaad among the Gaddites, and Solan in Basan amongs the Manassites. This is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel, and these are the witnesses, ordinances and statutes which Moses told the children of Israel after they came out of egypt, on the other side jordan in the valley beside Beth Pheor in the land of Sehon king of the Amorytes which dwelt at Hesbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel * Nu. xxi f. g smote after they were come forth of Egypt, and conquered his land and the land of Og king of Basan two kings of the Amorytes on the other side jordan toward the son nysing: from Aroer upon the bank of the river Arnon, unto mount Zion which is called Hermon, and all the fields on chother side jordan eastward: unto the see in the field under the springs of Phasgath. ¶ The ten commandments of the law. No Image may be made. CAPI. V ANd Moses called all Israel, and said unto them: Hear (Israel) the ordinances and laws which I speak in thine ears this day, and learn them, and see you do them. Ex●● The Lord out God made an appointment with us in Horeb. The Lord made not this bond with our fathers, but with us: we are they which are all here alive this day. The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the fire. And I stood between the Lord and you the same time, to show you the saying of the Lord. For you were afraid of the fire, and therefore went not up in to the mount, and he said. * 〈◊〉 L● P● I am the Lord thy God, which brought the out of the land of egypt the house of bondage. Thou shalt have therefore none other gods in my presence. Thou shalt make the no graven image of any manner likeness that is in heaven above, or in erht beneath, or in the water beneath the earth. * 〈◊〉 I● Thou shalt neither bow thyself unto them nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the wickedness of the fathers upon the children, even in the third and fourth generation, among them that hate me: and show mercy upon thousands amongs them that love me, and keep my commandments. * 〈…〉 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. * 〈…〉 G● Keep the Saboth day, that thou santifye it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded the. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all that thou hast to do, but the seventh day is the Saboth of the Lord thy God: thou shalt do no manner work, neither thou not thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy servant, nor thy maid, ●or thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattles, nor the stranger that is within thy city, that thy servant and thy maid may rest as well as thou. And remember thou waste a servant in the land of egypt, and how that the Lord God brought the out thence with 〈…〉 a mighty hand, and a stretched out arm. For which cause the Lord thy God commanded the to keep the Saboth day. * 〈◊〉 A● G● 〈…〉 Honour thy father and thy mother, as he Lord thy God hath commanded thee: that thou mayst prolong thy days, and that it may go well with the on the land which the Lord thy God giveth the. * 〈…〉 Thou shalt not slay. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbours wife: thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, field, servant, maid, ox, ass, nor aught that is thy neighbours. These words the Lord spoke unto all your multitude in the mount, out of the fire, cloud, and darkness, with a loud voice, and added no more thereto, and written them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. But as soon as you heard the voice, out of the darkness, and saw the hill burn with fire, you came unto me all the heads of your tribes and your elders: and you said, Behold, the Lord our God hath showed us his glory and his greatness, and 〈◊〉 xix c we have herd his voice out of the fire, & we have seen this day that God may talk with a man and he yet live. And now wherefore should we die the this great fire should consume us: If we should hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, we should die. For what is any flesh that he should hear the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire as we have done and should yet live: Go thou and hear all that the Lord our God saith, & tell thou unto us all that the Lord our God sayeth unto thee, and we will hear it and do it. And the Lord heard the voice of your words when you spoke unto me, and he said unto me: I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken unto thee, they have well said all that they have said. * 〈◊〉 xxiiii c 〈◊〉 xi. f O that they had such an heart with them to fear me and keep all my commandments alway, that it might go well with them and with their children for ever. Go and say unto them: Get you into your tents again but stand thou here before me and I will tell the all the commandments, ordinances, and laws which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess. Take heed therefore you do, as the Lord your God hath commanded you, and straight 〈◊〉 xvii b turn not aside: either to the right-hand or to the left: but walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess. ¶ The law must be earnestly printed in their hearts and to keep it in memory they must write it on the doors and posts of their houses: And teach it unto their children. CAPI. VI THese are the commandments, ordinances & laws which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land whether you go to possess it: that thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his ordinances and his commandments which I command thee, both thou and thy son and thy sons son all days of thy life, that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore Israel and take heed that thou do thereafter, that it may go well with thee, and that you may increase mightily even as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey. 〈◊〉 ●xii. d ●●ke xii e 〈◊〉. e 〈◊〉 xi e Hear Israel, the Lord thy God is Lord only and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul and with all thy might. And these words which I command the this day, shallbe in thine heart and thou shalt whet them on thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou art at home in thine house, and as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou ryseste up: and thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand. And they shallbe papers of remembrance between thine eyes, ☜ and shalt write them upon the posts of thy house and upon thy gates. And when the Lord thy God hath brought the into the land which he swore unto thy father's Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, to give thee: with great and goodly cities which thou buyldedst not, and houses full of all goods which thou fylledest not, and wells digged which thou dyggedest not, and wines & olive trees which thou plantedest not, and when thou hast eaten and art full: Then beware jest thou forget the Lord which brought the out of the land of egypt the house of bondage. Math. four b. Luke four b But fear the Lord thy God & serve him, and swear by his name, and see you walk not after strange gods of the nations which are about you. For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you, lest the wrath of the Lord thy God wax hot upon the and destroy the from the earth. You shall not tempt the Lord your God, Math. four b. as you did at * Or Masah Numer xxi b Luke four b Masa. But see you keep the commandments of the Lord your God, his witnesses and his ordinances which he hath commanded thee, and see thou do that is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that thou mayst prosper, and that thou mayst go and conquer that good land which the Lord swore unto thy fathers, and that the Lord may cast out all thine enemies before thee, as he hath said. When thy son asketh the in time to come, saying: ☜ What means the remembrances, ordinances and laws which the Lord our god hath commanded you? Thou shalt say unto thy son: We were bondmen unto Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of egypt with a mighty hand. And the Lord showed signs and wondres both great and evil upon egypt, Pharaoh & upon all his household, before our eyes & brought us from thence: to bring us in, and to give us the land which he swore unto our fathers. And therefore commanded us to do all these ordinances and to fear the Lord our God, for our wealth a●●●ayes, and that he might save us, as it is come to pass this day. Moore over it shall be righteousness unto us before the Lord our God if we take heed to keep all these commandments as he hath commanded us. ¶ The Israelites may make no league or covenant with the Gentiles. They must destroy their Idols. Them that keep the commandments doth God love and bless, and the contrary hateth and punysheth. Idolaters must be slain. CAPI. VII. WHen the Lord thy God hath brought the into the land whither thou goest to possess, duty xxx a. duty xxxi a and hath cast out many nations before thee: the Hethytes, the Gergesites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pheresites, the Hevites, and the jebusites vij nations mother in number and mightier than thou: and when the Lord thy God hath set them before thee, that thou shouldest smite them: see thou utterly destroy them, and make no covenant with them, neither have compassion on them Also thou shalt make no marriages with them, Exodi xxiii d ne give thy daughter unto his son nor take his daughter unto thy son. For they will make your sons depart from me and serve strange gods, and then will the wrath of the Lord wax hot upon you, and destroy you shortly. But thus you shall deal with them: overthrow their altars, ☞ break down their pylers, cut down their groves, and burn their images with fire. For thou art an holy nation unto the Lord thy God, duty xiiii a and xuj. d the Lord thy God hath choose thee, to be a several people unto himself, of all nations that are upon the earth. It was not because of the multitude of you above all nations, that the Lord had lust unto you and choose you. For you were fewest of all nations. But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, therefore he brought you out of egypt with a mighty hand, and delivered you forth of the house of bondage: even from the hand of Pharaoh, king of egypt. Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God is God, and that a true God, which keepeth appointment and mercy unto them that love him and kept his commandments, even thorough out a thousand generations, & rewardeth them that hate him before his face so that he bringeth them to nought, & will not differre the time unto him that hateth him: but will reward him before his face. Keep therefore the commandments, ordinances and laws which I command you this day, that you do them. If you shall hearken unto these laws & shall fulfil and do them, then shall the Lord thy God keep appointment with the & the mercy which he swore unto thy fathers, and will love thee, bless thee, and multiply thee: he will bless the fruit of thy womb, & the fruit of thy field, thy corn, thy wine, and thine oil the fruit of thine oxen, and the flocks of thy sheep in the land which he swore unto thy fathers to give yt. Thou shalt be blessed above all nations, there shallbe neither man nor woman unfruitful among you, nor any thing unfruitful amongs your cattles. Moreover the Lord will * Exo xxiii d turn from the all manner infirmities & will put none of the evil diseases * Exod. ix a. of egypt (which thou knowest) upon thee, but will send them upon them that hate the. ☞ Thou shalt bring to naught all nations, which the Lord thy God delivereth thee, thine eye shall have no pity upon them, neither shalt thou serve their gods, for that shallbe thy decay. If thou shalt say in thine heart, these nations are more than I, how can I cast them out? Fear them not, but remember, what the Lord thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all egypt, and the great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs and wondres and mighty hand & stretched arm/ wherewith the Lord thy God, brought the out: even so shall the Lord thy God do unto all the nations of which thou art afraid. Thereto, the Lord thy God will send hornettes among them until they that are left and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed. See thou fear them not, E●●● an●●● Io●● for the Lord thy God is among you a mighty God and a terrible. The Lord thy God will put out these nations before the by little and little, thou mayst not consume them at one's lest the beasts of the field increase upon the. And the Lord thy God shall deliver them unto the and stir up a mighty tempest among them until they be brought to naught. And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, & thou shalt destroy their names away under heaven. There shall no man stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them. The images of their gods thou shalt burn with fire, & see thou covet not the two. 〈◊〉 silver or gold that is on them nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therewith. For it is an abomination unto the Lord thy God. Bring not therefore the abomination to thine house, jest thou be a accursed as it is: but utterly defy it, and abhor it/ for it is a thing that must be destroyed. ¶ Moses putteth the Israelites in remembrance of the aflyctions and benefits that they had the forty year which they were in the wilderness. CAPI. VIII. ALl the commandments which I command the this day, you shall keep to do them, that you may live and multiply and go and possess the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers. And think on all the way which the Lord thy God led the this xl year in the wilderness, for to humble the and to prove thee, to weet what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments or not, ☜ He humbled the & made the hunger, and fed the with Manna, which neither thou nor thy father knew of, Ma●●● Lu●●● to make the know that a man must not live by bread only: but by all that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord must a man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy feet swell this xl year. 〈…〉 Understand therefore in thine heart that as a man nourtereth his son, even so the Lord thy God nourtereth the. Keep therefore the commandments of the Lord thy God that thou walk in his ways, and that thou fear him. For the Lord thy God bringeth the into a good land, a land of rivers of water, of fountains & of springs that springe out both in valleys and hills: a land of where and of barley, of wines, fyggetrees and Pomegranates, a land of olive trees of oil and of honey: a land wherein thou shalt not eat bread in skarcenesse, and where thou shalt lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou shalt dig brass. When thou hast eaten therefore and filled thyself, then bless the Lord for the good land which he hath given the. But beware thou forget not the Lord thy God, that thou will not keep his commandments, laws and ordinances which I command the this day: ye and when thou hast eaten and filled thyself and hast built goodly houses and dwelt therein, and when thy beasts and thy sheep are waxed many & thy silver and gold is multiplied and all that thou hast increased, then beware lest thine heart rise and thou forget the Lord thy God which brought the out of the land of Egypt the house of bondage, and which led the in the wilderness both great and terrible with fiery serpents and Scorpions, & drought where was no water which brought the water out of the rock of flint: which fed the in the wilderness with Manna, 〈◊〉 xvii. a. ●●i. d. whereof thy fathers knew not, for to humble thee, and to prove thee, that he might do the good at thy later end. And beware thou say not in thine heart, my power and the might of mine own hand hath done me all these acts: But remember the Lord thy God, that it is he which gave the power to do manfully, for to make good the promise which he swore unto thy fathers as it is come to pass this day. For if thou shalt forget the Lord thy God and shalt walk after strange gods & serve them and worship them, I testify unto you this day, that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before thee, so you shall perish, because you would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God. ¶ They are forbidden to trust in their own strength A rehearsal of certain things that were done after the law was given, unto the murmuring at the Graves of Lust. CAPI. IX. Hear Israel, thou goest over jordan this day, to go and conquer nations greater and myghtyer than thyself, and cities great and walled up to heaven, & people great and tall, even the children of the Enakims', which thou knowest & of whom thou hast heard say, who is able to stand before the children of Enack? But understand this day that the Lord thy God which goeth before thee, a consuming fire, he shall destroy them, and shall subdue them before the. And thou shalt cast them out, & bring them forth and destroy quickly as the Lord hath said unto the. ☞ Speak not in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out before thee, 〈◊〉 man ●●htous● saying: for my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in, to possess this land. Nay, for the wickedness of these nations, the Lord doth cast them out before the. It is not for thy righteousness and right heart that thou goest to possess their land: But partly for the wickedness of these nations, the Lord thy God doth cast them out before thee, & partly to perform that the Lord thy God swore unto thy father's/ Abraham/ Isaac and jacob. Understand therefore that it is not for thy righteousness, that the Lord thy God doth give the this good land to possess, for thou art a styfenecked people. Remember and forget not, how thou provokedst the Lord thy God in the wilderness: for sithence the day that thou camest out of the land of egypt until you came unto this place, you have rebelled against the Lord. * Exo xvii b and xxiii c Also in Horeb you angreh the Lord, so that the Lord was wroth with you, even to have destroyed you, after that I was go up into the mount, to fet the tables of stone, the tables of appointment which the Lord made with you. And I abode in the hill xl days, and xl nights & neither ate bread nor drank water. * Exo xxxi d And the Lord delivered me two tables of stone written with the finger of God, and in them was contained according to all the words which the Lord said unto you in the mount, out of the fire in the day, when the people were gathered together. And when xl days, and xl nights were ended, the Lord gave me the two tables of stone, the tables of the testament, and said unto me. * Exo xxxii b Arise, and get the down quickly from hence, for thy people which thou hast brought out of egypt, have marred themselves. They are turned attonce out of the way, which I commanded them, and have made them a God of metal. Furthermore the Lord spoke unto me, saying: I see this people, how it is a styfenecked people, let me alone that I may destroy them and put out the name of them under heaven, and I will make of thee, a nation both greater and more than they. And I turned away and came down from the hill (and the hill burned with fire) & had the two tables of the appointment in my hands. And when I looked and saw that you had sinned against the Lord your God, and had made you a calf of metal, and had turned all togethers out of the way which the Lord had commanded you. * Exo xxxii d Then I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes. * Exo xxiiii d and xxxiiii d. And I fallen before the Lord: even as at the first time xl days and xl nights, and neither ate bread nor drank water, over all your sins which you had sinned in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord and in provoking him. For I was afraid of the wrath and fierceness wherewith the Lord was angry with you, even for to have destroyed you. But the Lord heard my petition at the time also. The Lord was very angry with Aaron also, even for to have destroyed him: But I made intercession for Aaron also the same tyme. And I took your sin, the calf which you had made and burned him with fire, and stamped him and ground him a good, even unto small dust. And I cast the dust thereof in the broken the descended out of the mount. Also at * Nun xi a and xvi a Thaberah, and at Masah, and at the sepulchres of lust you displeased the Lord, you and when the Lord sent you from Cades Barn, saying: go up and conquer the land which I have given you, you disobeyed the mouth of the Lord your God, & neither believed him, nor herkened unto his voice. Thus you have been disobedient unto the Lord, sithence the day that I knew you. Learn to pray. And I fallen before the Lord xl days and xl nights which I lay there, for the Lord was minded to have destroyed you. But I made intercession unto the Lord and said. * Ex xxxiiii a O Lord God, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance which thou hast delivered thorough thy greatness, and which thou hast brought out of egypt with a mighty hand. Remember thy servants Abraham, Isaac and jacob, and look not unto the stubborness of this people, nor unto their wickedness and sin: least the land whence thou broughtest them say: Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, therefore he carried them out to destroy them in the wilderness. Moreover they are thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth with thy mighty power and with thy stretched arm. ¶ A repetition of some of the journeys of the Israelites. The renewing of the tables. An exhortation to give heed to the Law. CAPI. X. IN the same season the Lord said unto me * Ex xxxiiii a hew the two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount and make the an ark of wood, and I will write in the tables, the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. And I made an ark of Sethim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mountain, and the two tables in mine hand. And he written in the tables, according to the first writing (the ten words which the Lord spoke unto you in the mount of the fire) in the day when the people gathered together and gave them unto me. And I departed and came down from the hill, and put the tables in the ark which I had made: and there they remained, as the Lord commanded me. And the children of Israel took their journey from Beroth of the children of jakan to Mosera, Num. ●x two. d Numer twenty d. where Aaron died & where he was buried, and Eleazar his son become priest in his stead. And from thence they departed unto φ or Gadgadah Gadgad: and from Gadgad to ‡ Or jate bath. jathbath a land of rivers of water. And the same season the Lord severed the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the appointment of the Lord, and to stand before the Lord, and to minister unto him, and to bless in his name unto this day. Wherefore the Levites have no part nor inheritance with their brethren. The Lord he is their inheritance, as the Lord thy God hath promised them. And I tarried in the mount, even as at the first time xl days and xl nights, and the Lord herkened unto me at that time also, so that the Lord would not destroy the. And the Lord said unto me: Arise and go forth in the journey before the people, and let them go in, and conquer the land which I swore unto their fathers to give them. And now, Israel, what is it that the Lord thy God requireth of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, & to walk in all his ways, and to * 〈◊〉 M●● Io●● love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou keep the commandments of the Lord and his ordinances which I command the this day, for thy wealth. Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens, is the Lords thy God, and the earth with all that therein is: only the Lord had a lust unto thy fathers to love them, and therefore chose you their seed after them of all nations, as it is come to pass this day. circumcise therefore the foreskin of your hearts, and be no longer styfenecked. ☜ For the Lord your God, he is God of Gods, and Lord of Lords, a great God, a mighty and a terrible, which regardeth no man's person, two. 〈◊〉 I●● 〈…〉 nor taketh gifts: but doth right unto the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, to give him food and raiment. Love therefore the stranger, for you were strangers yourselves in the land of egypt. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and cleave unto him, and swear by his name, for he is thy praise, and he is thy God that hath done these great and terrible things for thee, which thine eyes have seen. Thy fathers went down into egypt with lxx souls, & now the Lord thy God hath made the as the stars of heaven in multitude. ¶ An exhortation to regard the Law, and how they aught to have it in their hearts always and before their eyes, and to talk of it when they rise, when they sit down and when they walk by the way. etc. CAPI. XI. Love the Lord thy God, and keep his observances, his ordinances, his laws and his commaundmentes alway. And call to mind this day that which your children have neither known nor seen: even the nurture of the Lord your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm: his miracles, and his acts which he did amongs the Egyptians, even unto Pharaoh the king of egypt, & unto all his land: and what he did unto the host of the Egyptians, unto their horses and charettes, how he brought the water of the reed see upon the as they chafed you, and how the Lord hath brought them to naught unto this day: and what he did unto you in the wilderness, until you came unto this place: and what he did unto 〈◊〉 xvi e ●●●om. Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab the son of Reuben, how the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them with their households and their tents, and all their substance that was in their possession, in the mids of Israel. For your eyes have seen all the great deeds of the Lord which he did. Keep therefore all the commandments which I command the this day that you may be strong and go and conquer the land whether you go to possess it, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give unto them, & to their seed, a land that floweth with milk & honey. For the land whether thou goest to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt whence thou camest out, where thou sowedest thy feed and waterdest it with thy feet as a garden of herbs: but the land whither you go over to possess, is a land of hills and valleys and drinketh water of the rain of heaven, and a land which the Lord thy God careth for. The eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year unto the later end of the year. If you shall hearken therefore unto my commaundmentes which I command you this day, that you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your hearts, and with all your souls: then he will give rain unto your land in due season, both the first ●●tis af●● Hebre. ●●ne in ●●r whi●●fter ●●e, and ●●g time rain and the later, and thou shalt gather in thy corn thy wine and thine oil. And he will send grass in thy fields for thy cattles: & thou shalt eat and fill thyself. But take heed to youre selfes, that you be not deceived that you turn a side and serve strange Gods & worship them, & so the wrath of the Lord wax hot upon you, and shut up the heaven that there be no rain and that your land yield not her increase and that you perish shortly from the good land which the Lord giveth you. ☞ Put up therefore these my words in your hearts and in your souls, and bind them for a sign unto your hands, and let them be as papers of remembrance between your eyes, and ●●lt vi b 〈◊〉 iii a. teach them your children: so that thou talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way, & when thou liest down, and when thou risest up: yea and write them upon the dorepostes of thine house and upon thy gates, that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children upon the earth which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give them, as long as the days of heaven endure upon the earth. For if you shall keep all these commandments which I command you, so that you do them, and love the Lord your God, and walk in all his ways and cleave unto him: Then will the Lord cast out all these nations, & you shall conquer them which are both greater and myghtyer than yourselves. * josua i a All the places where on the soles of your fe●e shall tread, shallbe yours, even from the wilderness and from mount Libanon, and from the river Euphrates, yea unto the uttermost see shall your costs be. There shall no man be able to stand before you: the Lord your God shall cast the fear and dread of you upon all lands whether you shall come, as he hath said unto you. * Deut. xxx c Deu xxviii a Behold I set before you this day, a blessing and a curse: a blessing: if you hearken unto the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day. And a curse: if you will not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord your God: but turn out of the way (which I command you this day) to walk after other gods whom you know not. When the Lord thy God hath brought the into the land whether thou goest to possess it, than put the blessing upon mount Garizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal, which are beyond jordan on the back side of the way toward the going down of the son in the land of the Cananytes which devil in the fields over against Galgall beside the oak grove of Moreb. Deut. xxvii d For you shall go over to take season of the land which the Lord your God giveth you, and shall conquer it, and devil therein. Take heed, therefore, that you do all the laws, both ecclesiastical & temporal which I set before you this day. ¶ idolatry must the Israelites destroy and flee fro. They must eat no blood. They must only do that thing which God commandeth. CAPI. XII. THese are the ordinances and laws which you shall observe and do thereafter in the land which the Lord God of thy fathers giveth the to possess, as long as you live upon the earth. * Deut. vii a See you destroy all places where the nations which you shall conquer serve their gods, whither it be upon high mountains or on high hills or under any green tree, Overthrow their altars and break their pylers and burn their groves with fire and hew down the images of their gods, and bring the names of them to naught out of that place. See you do not so unto the Lord your God, but you shall inquire the place which the Lord your God shall have choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there and there to devil. And * Deu xiiii, b and xvi b thither thou shalt come, and thither you shall bring your burnt-sacrifices and your offerings, your tithes and heveoffringes of your hands, your vows and free-will offerings & the first born of your oxen and of your sheep. And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and rejoice in all that you your lay hands on, both you and your households, because the Lord thy God hath blessed the. * Deu xxix c You shall do after nothing that we do here this day, every man as liketh him best. For you are not yet come to rest, nor unto the inheritance which the Lord your God giveth you. But you shall go over jordan and devil in the land which the Lord your God giveth you to enheret, and he shall give you rest from all your enemies round about: and you shall devil safe. Therefore when the Lord your God hath choose a place to make his name devil there, thither you shall bring all that I command you, your burnt-sacrifices and your offerings, your tithes, and the heveofferinges of your hands and all your godly vows which you vow unto the Lord. And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, both you, your sons, and your daughters, your servants & your maids, and the Levite that is within your gates * Deuter ten b and xviii a for he hath neither part nor inheritance with you. Take heed that thou offer not thy burnt-offering in what so ever place thou sayst: but in the place which the Lord shall have choose among one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings and there thou shalt do all that I command the. Notwithstanding thou mayst kill and eat flesh in all thy cities, what so ever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given the both the * Deut. xv c unclean and the clean mayst thou eat, even as the roo and the heart: only eat not the blood, but pour it upon the earth as water. Thou mayst not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, duty xiiii c of thy wine/ and of thy oil, either the firstborn of thine oxen, or of thy sheep, neither any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy frewilofferinges or heveofferinges of thine hands: but thou must eat them before the Lord thy God, in the place which the Lord thy God hath choose; both thou, thy son, and thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God, in all that thou puttest thine hand to. And Eccli vii d beware thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. Gene. xxviii c If (when the Lord thy God hath enlarged the borders of thy land as he hath promised thee) thou say I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh: then thou shalt eat flesh, what so ever thy soul lusteth. If the place which the Lord thy God hath choose for his name to be honoured in, be to far from thee, than thou mayst kill of thy oxen and of thy sheep which the Lord hath given the as I have commanded thee, and thou mayst eat in thine own city what so ever thy soul lusteth. Nevertheless as the too and the heart is eaten, even so thou shalt eat it: the * Deut. xu d unclean and the clean indifferentely thou shalt eat. Only beware thou eat not the blood. For the blood is the life, i Regum xiiii e and thou mayst not eat the life with the flesh: thou mayst not eat it; but must power it upon the earth as water. See thou eat it not therefore that it may go well with thee, & with thy children after thee, when thou shalt have done that is right in the sight of the Lord. But what so ever of thine thou halowest & vowest to the Lord, D●● 〈…〉 thou shalt take and go unto the place which the Lord hath choose, and thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, both flesh and blood upon the altar of the Lord thy God, and the blood of thine offerings thou shalt pour our upon the altar of the Lord thy God, and shalt eat the flesh. Take heed and hear all these words which I command the that it may do well and thy children after the for ever, when thou dost that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God. When the Lord thy God hath casten out the heathen before thee, 〈…〉 I●● whether thou goest to conquer them, and when thou hast conquered them, and dwelled in their lands: Beware thou be not taken in a snare after them, after that they be destroyed before thee, and that thou ask not after their gods, saying: how did these nations serve their gods, that I may do likewise: * 〈…〉 I●● 〈…〉 Nay, thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for all abominations which the Lord hated, did they unto their gods. For they burned both their sons & their daughters with fire unto their gods. 〈…〉 But what so ever I command you that take heed you do: and * 〈…〉 put naught thereto nor take aught therfrome. ¶ The false prophet must be put to death. God proveth our faith by false miracles. CAPI. XIII. IF there arise amongs you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams and give the asigne or a wonder, 〈…〉 & that sign or wonder which he hath said come to pass and then say: let us go after strange gods which thou hast not known, and let us serve them hearken not unto the words of that Prophet or dreamer of dreams. 〈…〉 For the Lord thy God temteth you to were whether you love the Lord your God with all your hearts & with all your souls. For you must walk after the Lord your God, and fear him and keep his commandments and hearken unto his voice and serve him and cleave unto him. And that prophet or dreamer of dreams shall die because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God which brought you out of the land of egypt and delivered you out of the house of bondage, 〈…〉 to thrust the out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded the to walk in: and so thou shalt put evil away from the. If thy brother the son of thy mother/ o● thine own son or thy daughter, 〈…〉 or the wife that lieth in thy bosom or thy friend which is as thine own soul unto thee, entice the secretly, saying: 〈…〉 let us go and serve strange gods, which thou hast not known, nor yet thy fathers, even the gods, of the people which are round about thee, whether they be nigh unto the or far from thee, from the one end of the land unto the other: 〈◊〉 xvii a see thou consent not unto him nor hearken unto him: not, let not thine eye pity him ne have compassion on him, nor keep him secret, but 'cause him to be slain. Thine hand shallbe first upon him to kill him: and then the hands of all the people. And he shallbe stoned to death, because he hath go about to thrust the away from the Lord thy God which brought the forth of egypt the house of bondage. 〈◊〉 xxvii. b And all Israel shall hear and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is, amongs them. If thou hear it reported of any of thy cities which the Lord thy God hath given the to devil in, that certain children of Belial are go out among you, and have moved the inhabitants of their city, saying: let us go and serve strange gods which you have not known: then seek and make inquiry diligently. If it be true and the thing of a surety that such abomination is wrought amongs you then without delay thou shalt smite the dwellers of that city with the edge of the sword, and destroy it merciless, and all that is therein, yea even the very cattles thereof with the edge of the sword. ●●hment ●●tykes. And gather all the spoil of it into the mids of the streets thereof, & burn with fire both the city and all the spoil thereof every whit unto the Lord thy God. And it shallbe an heap for ever, and shall not be built again. And see there cleave naught of the damned thing in thine hand that the Lord may turn from his fierce wrath/ & show the mercy and have compassion on thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers: when thou hast herkened unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command the this day so that thou do that is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God. ¶ The manners of the gentiles may not be followed. what beasts are clean to be eaten and what not. CAPI. XIIII. YOU are the children of the Lord your God, 〈◊〉 x. b cut not yourselves, nor make you any baldness between the eyes for any man's death. For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, 〈◊〉 vii a 〈◊〉. d 〈◊〉 xix and the Lord hath choose the to be a several people unto himself, of all the nations that are upon the earth. You shall eat no manner of abomination. These are the beasts which you shall eat of: 〈…〉 ●xi. a oxen, sheep and gootes, heart, roo and bugle, wyldegote, unicorn, origen and Chameleon. And all beasts that cleave the hoof and slit it in to two claws and chew the cud, them you shall eat. ●●●e. Nevertheless, these you shall not eat, of them that chew cud/ and have not their hoof slit in two claws as be the camel the hare and the conye. For they chew cud, but divide not the hoof: and therefore are unclean unto you: & also the swine, for though he divide the hoof, yet he cheweth not cud, & therefore is unclean unto you: you shall not eat of the flesh of them, nor touch the deed carcasses of them. * Leuiti xi b Fish. These you shall eat, of all that are in the waters: All that have fynnes and scales. And whatsoever hath not fynnes & scales, of that you may not eat, for that is unclean unto you. Birds. Of all clean birds you shall eat, but these are they, of which you may not eat: the Eagle the goshawk, the Cormerant, the Ixion, the Vulture, the Kite and her kind, and all kind of Ravens, the Ostrich, the Nyghtcrowe, the Kuckou, the Sparouhauke and all her kind the little Owl, the great Owl, the Back, the bittern, the Pie, the Stork, the Heron, the jay in his kind, the Lapwynge, the Swallow. And all creeping souls are unclean unto you and may not be eaten: but of all clean fowls you may well eat. You shall eat of nothing the dieth alone: But thou mayst give it unto the stranger that is in thy city the he eat it, or mayst cell it unto an Alien. For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God. φ That is to forbear the suckiynges & to have compassion of the poor. Exodi xxiii c Thou shalt not seethe a kid while it yet sucketh his mother. Thou shalt say forth the tithes of all manner of fruits that come out of the field year by year. And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God (in the place which he hath choose for his name to devil) the tithe of thy corn of thy wine, & of thine oil, Tithes. Exodi xxiii & the first born of thine oxen & of thy flock that thou mayst learn to fear the Lord thy God alway. Deut. xii c If the way be to long for thee, because the place is to far from thee, which the Lord thy God hath choose to set his name there (so that thou canst not carry with thee/ the fruits wherewith God hath endowed thee) then make it in money & take the money in thine hand, and go unto the place which the Lord thy God hath choose, and bestow that money on what so ever thy soul lusteth after: of oxen sheep, wine and good drink, & of whatsoever thy soul desireth, & eat there before the Lord thy God and be merry: both thou and thine household and the Levite that is in thy city. See thou forsake not the Levite, * Deuter ten b and xviii a for he hath neither part nor inheritance with the. * Deu xxvi c At the end of three year, thou shalt bring forth all the tithes of thine increase the same year and lay it up within thine own city/ & the Levite shall come, Dysposing of Tithes. because he hath neither part nor inheritance with thee, & the stranger & the fatherless & the widow which are with in thy city & shall eat & fill themselves: ☜ that the Lord thy God may bless the in all the works of thine hand which thou dost. ¶ The forgiveness of dettes in the seventh year. If the Israelites obey Gad they are promised they shall not suffer poverty. How we ought to lend. CAPI. XU. AT the end of seven years thou shalt make a free year. The free year Leviti xxv a. Exodi xxii Isaiah xxv b. And this is the manner of the free year, who so ever dareth ought with his hand unto his neighbour, may not ask again that which he hath lent, of his neighbour or of his brother: because it is called the Lords free year, yet of a stranger thou mayst call it home again: Ecclesi four a but of thy brother thou shalt clamen no d●e: and see in any wise there be no beggar amongs you. For the Lord shall bless the land which he giveth thee, an inheritance to possess: so that thou hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to mark and do all these commandments which I command you this day: yea & then the Lord thy God shall bless the as he hath promised thee, and * De xxviii b thou shalt lend unto many nations, and shalt borrow of no man, and shalt reign over many nations, but none shall reign over the. When one of thy brethren among you is waxed poor in any of the cities within thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, i john iii c see thou harden not thine heart nor shut to thy hand from thy poor brother: Math. u g Luke vi c But open thine hand unto him and lend him sufficient for his need which he hath. And beware there be not a point of Belial in thine heart, that thou wouldest say: The seventh year, the year of freedom is at hand, and therefore it grieve the to look on thy poor brother, and so givest him naught and he then cry unto the Lord against thee, Roma xii and it shallbe laid unto thy charge But give him, and let it not grieve thine heart to give: Because for that thing, the Lord thy God shall bless thee, A promise to good alms. Math. xvi a. in all thy works, and in all thou puttest thine hand to. For the land shall never be without poor. Wherefore I command thee, ☞ saying: open thine hand unto thy brother that is needy and poor in thy land. The hebrews servant. Exod. xxi a Levity xxv c Iere xxxiiii b If thy brother an Hebrew cell himself to thee, or an Hebrewesse, he shall serve the six year, and the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from the. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: but shalt give him of thy sheep and of thy corn, and of thy wine, and give him of that, wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed the. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, & the Lord thy God delivered the thence: wherefore I command the this thing to day. Exodi xxi a That if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee, because he loveth the & thine house and is well at ease with thee: then take a awl and nail his ear to the door therewith and let him be thy servant for ever, and unto thy maid servant thou shalt do likewise. And let it not grieve thine eyes to let him go out from thee, for he hath been worth a double hired servant to the in his service vi years. And the Lord thy God shall bless the in all that thou dost. All the first born that come of thine oxen, and of thy sheep that are males, thou shalt hallow unto the Lord thy God. first fr●t●s Exodi xiii a levit xxvii d Numeri iii b Thou shalt not plough with the first born ox, nor shalt not clip thy first born sheep: but shalt eat them before the Lord thy God, year by year in the place which the Lord hath choose, both thou and thine household. If there be any deformity therein, Leu●tici xxii c Deu●e xvii a whether it be lame or blind or what so ever evil favorednes it hath, thou shalt not offer it unto the Lord thy God: b●● shalt eat it in thine own city the unclean and the clean indifferently, as the too and the heart. Only eat not the blood thereof, D●●● but pour it upon the ground as water. ¶ Of Easter, whitsuntide, and the feast of tabernacles, what officers aught to be ordained. CAPI. XVI. Observe the month of φ 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 E●● L●●● 〈…〉 a●d 〈…〉 Abyb, and offer passover unto the Lord thy God. For in the month of Abib, E●●● the Lord thy God brought the out of egypt by night. Thou shalt therefore offer passover unto the Lord thy God, and sheep & oxen in the place which the Lord shall choose to make his name dwell there. Thou shalt ear no levended bread therewith: but shalt eat therewith the bread of tribulation vij days long. For thou camest out of the land of egypt in haste, that thou mayst remember the day when thou camest out of the land of egypt all days of thy life. ☜ 〈…〉 And see there be no levended bread seen in all thy costs vij days long, and that there remain nothing of the flesh which thou haste offered, the first day at even, until the morning. Thou mayst not offer passover in any of thy cities which the Lord thy God giveth thee: 〈…〉 but * 〈…〉 in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to make his name devil in, there thou shalt offer passover at even about the going down of the son, even in the season that thou camest out of egypt. And thou shalt seethe and eat it in the place which the Lord thy God hath choose, and depart on the morrow and get the unto thy tent. Sir days thou shalt eat sweet bread, and the vij day is for the people to come together to the Lord thy God, that thou mayst do no work. Then reckon the vij weeks, 〈…〉 and begin to reckon the vij weeks when the sickel beginneth in the corn, and kept the feast of weeks unto the Lord thy God, that thou give a frewil-offringe of thine hand unto the Lord thy God, according as the Lord thy God hath blessed the. And rejoice before the Lord thy God both thou, thy son, thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, the fatherless and the widow that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God hath choose to make his name devil there. And remember thou wast a servant in Egypt, that thou observe and do these ordinances. Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven. days long, after thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine. And thou shalt rejoice in that thy feast, both thou thy son thy daughter, thy servant, thy maid, the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow that are in thy cities. 〈…〉 Seven days thou shalt keep holy day unto the Lord thy God, in the place which the Lord shall choose for the Lord thy God shall bless the in all thy fruits and in all the works of thine hands, and therefore shalt thou be glad. Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose: 〈◊〉 xxiii b In the feast of sweet bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. And they shall not appear before the Lord empty: but every man with the gift of his hand, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, which he hath given the. ●●es. judges and officers thou shalt make the in all thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth thee, ☞ thorough out thy tribes: & let them judge the people righteously. 〈◊〉 xxiiii c 〈◊〉 viii. a Wrist not the law nor know any person neither take any reward: for gifts blind the wise and pervert the words of the righteous. But in all thing follow righteousness, 〈◊〉 xxiij 〈◊〉 xx. d that thou mayst live and enjoy the land which the Lord thy God giveth the. Thou shalt plant no grove of whatsoever trees it be, nigh unto the altar of the Lord thy God which thou shalt make the. Thou shalt set the up no pillar, which the Lord thy God hateth. ¶ The pain and punishment for idolatry. The doubtful sentence must be referred unto the great judges. The punishment of a rebel or presumptuous withstander of the law. The Institution of a king. CAPI. XVII. THou shalt offer unto the Lord thy god no ox nor sheep wherein is any deformity, ●●ir xxii c ●●●er xv c what so ever evyllfaverdnesse it be: for that is abomination unto the Lord thy God. 〈◊〉 xxiii f 〈◊〉 xviii e begun ten d If there be found among you in any of the cities which the Lord thy God giveth the man or woman that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, that they have go beyond his appointment, so that they have go and served strange gods and worshipped them, ●●to four ● whether it be the son or moan or any thing contained in heaven which I forbade, and it was told the and thou hast herd of it: ●●r xiii b 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 seven. d then thou shalt inquire diligently. And if it be true and the thing of a surety that such abomination is wrought in Israel then thou shalt bring forth that man or that woman which have committed that wicked thing, ☞ unto the gates, and shalt stone them with stones, 〈◊〉 xxv e. ●●ero xix and they shall die. At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is worthy of death, die: but at the mouth of one witness he shall not die. And the hands of the witnesses shallbe first upon him to kill him, and afterward the hands of all the people: so shalt thou put wickedness away from the. If a matter be to hard for the in judgement between blood and blood, plea & plea, plague & plague in matters of strife within thy cities. Then arise & get the up unto the place which the Lord thy God hath choose, 〈◊〉 xxi c ●●ast xlv and go unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shallbe in those days, 〈…〉 and ask, and they shall show the how to judge. And see thou do according to that which they of that place (which the Lord had choose) show thee, & see thou observe to do according to all that they inform the. According to the law which they teach thee, and manner of judgement which they tell thee, see thou do and that thou Deutero u d joshua i b bow not from that which they show thee, neither to the right-hand nor to the left. And that man that will do obstinately, so the he will not hearken unto the priest that standeth there to minister unto the Lord thy God or unto the judge, shall die: and so thou shalt put away evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and shall fear, and shall do no more presumptuously. When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth the and enjoyest it and dwellest therein: If thou shalt say, I will set a king over me: i Regum viii a kings. like unto all the nations that are about me: Then thou shalt make him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose. One of thy brethren must thou make king over thee, and mayst not set a stranger over the which is not of thy brethren. But in any wise let him not hold to many horses, that he bring not the people again to egypt thorough the multitude of horses, three Regum iiii ii Parali ix c for as much as the Lord hath said unto you: you shall henceforth go no more again that way. three Regum xi a three Regum x c Isaiah ii b Also he shall not have to many wives lest his heart turn away, neither shall he gather him silver and gold to much. And when he is set upon the seat of his kingdom, he shall write him forth this second law in a book taking a copy of the priests the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all days of his life that he may learn to fear the Lord his God to keep all the words of this law, joshua i b and these ordinances, to do them: that his heart arise not above his brethren and that he turn not from the commandment: either to the right-hand or to the left, that both he and his children may prolong their days in his kingdom in Israel. ¶ The Levites might have no possessions. idolatry must be fled. The prophet christ is promised. A false prophet must be slain, and how he may be known. CAPI. XVIII. THe priests the levites, all the tribe of Levi Nun xviii f Deut. ten b and twelve. b. & xiiii d i Corin ix b Ezech. lxiiii d shall have no part nor enheitaunce with Israel. The offerings of the Lord and his inheritance they shall eat but shall have inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. And this is the duty of the priests of the people and of them that offer, whether it be ox or sheep: They must give unto the preaste, the shoulder and the two cheeks and the maw, the first fruits of the corn, wine and oil, and a portion of wool of the sheep shearing must thou give him. Numeri iii b and xviii a. For the Lord thy God hath choose him out of all the tribes to stand, and to ministre in the name of the Lord: both him and his sons for ever. ☞ If a Levice come forth of any of thy cities or any place of Israel, where he is a sojourner, and come with all the just of his heart unto the place which the Lord hath choose: he shall there minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do which stand there before the Lord. And they shall have like portions to eat, beside that cometh to him of the patrimony of his ancestors. Leviti xviii a ●nd twenty d Deuter twelve. d. and xvii b iiii. Reg. xxi a jeremis vii a and xix a When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, see thou learn not to do after the abominations of these nations. Let there not be found among you that maketh his son or daughter to go thorough the fire, or that useth witchcraft, or a chooser out of days or that regardeth the flying of fowls, or a sorcerat, or a charmar, or that coun●eseth with sprites, or a propheciat, or that asketh the abvyse of the deed. For all that do such things are abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth cast them but before thee, be pure therefore with the Lord thy God. For these nations which thou shalt conquer, hearken unto chosers out of days and prophecyats. But the Lord thy God, permitteth not that to the. ☞ The Lord thy God will steer up a Prophet amongs you: Christ is here promised a pr●●●●er of be●●c●●●●●ges than Mo●es. Accu iii d a●d vii e Math. xvii a. even of thy brechre like unto me: and unto him you shall hearken, according to all that thou desyredest of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day when the people were gathered, saying: Let me hear the voice of my Lord God no more, nor see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the Lord said unto me: they have well spoken, I will raise them up a Prophet from the mids of their brethren like unto the & will put my words into his mouth, Exod. twenty e ●eu●●●● v c and he shall sp●ake unto them all that I shall command him. And who so ever will not hearken unto the words which he shall speak in my name, john xii e H●●rewe ii a I will require 〈◊〉 or him. But the Prophet which shall presume to speak aught in my name which I commanded not to speak, ●umer xvi a D●uter xiii a jere xxviii a Ezechi xiiii a and he that speaketh in the name of strange Gods, shall die. And if thou say in thine heart how shall I know that which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing ●●rowe not nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the Prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: be not afeard therefore of him. ¶ The fraunchesed towns. The punishment of him that beareth false witness. CAPI. XIX. WHen the Lord thy God hath destroyed the nations, Deuter xii ● Num xxxv b Iosu twenty a whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou hast conquered them and dwellest in their cities and in their houses: thou shalt appoint three cities in the mids of the land which the Lord thy God giveth the to possess: 〈…〉 thou shalt prepare the way and divide the costs of thy land which the Lord thy God giveth the to enhere●, into three parces, that who so ever committeth murder may flee thicher. And this is the cause of the slayer that shall flee thither and be saved: If he smite his neighbour ignorantly and hated him not in time passed: As when a man goeth unto the wood with his neighbour to hew would, & as his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe, the head slippeth from the helve and smiteth his neighbour that he die: the same shall flee unto one of the same cities and be saved. Lest the revenger of blood follow after the slayer while his heart is hot & overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him, and yet there is no cause worthy death in him, for as much as he hated not his neighbour in time passed. Wherefore I command thee, see thou appoint out three cities. And if the Lord thy God enlarge thy costs as he hath sworn unto thy ●athers and give the all the land which he said he would give unto thy ●athers (so that thou keep all these commandments and do them, which I command the ●his day, that thou love the Lord thy God and walk in his ways ever) ●hen thou shalt put three cities mother unto those three that innocence's blood be not shed in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth the to enheret, and so blood come upon the. But if there be any man that hareth his neighbour and sayeth await for him and riseth against him, and smiteth him that he die and flieth unto any of these cities: Then let the elders of his city send & fetch him thence and deliver him into the hands of the iusties of blood, & he shall die, Let thine eye have no pity on him, and so thou shalt put away innocent blood from Israel, and happy art thou. Thou shalt not remove thy neighbours mark, Io●● 〈…〉 which they of old time have set in thine inheritance that thou enheretest in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the to enjoy it. One witness shall not arise against a man in any manner trespass or sin, ☜ what so ever sin a man committeth: * 〈…〉 But at the mouth of two or of three witnesses, shall all matters be tried. If an unrighteous witness rise up against a man to accuse him of trespass: then let both the men which strive together, stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges which shallbe in those days, and let the judges inquire narrowly. 〈…〉 And if the witness be found false and that he hath given false witness against his brother then shall you do unto him, as he had thought to do unto his brother, and so thou shalt put evil away from the. And other shall hear and fear & shall henceforth commit no more any such wickedness amongs you. And let thine eye have no compassion, but * 〈…〉 life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. ¶ who aught to go to battle. The Law of Arms among the Israelites. The Canaanytes must they kill CAPI. XX. WHen thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, ●●tt xvii and sayst horses & charettes and people more than thou, be not afeard of them, ●●e of Ar● for the Lord thy God is with the which brought the forth of the land of egypt. And when you are come nigh unto battle, let the priest come forth and speak unto the people and say unto them: ●fighteth 〈◊〉 his. Hear Israel you are come this day unto battle against your enemies, let not your hearts faint, neither fear, nor be amazed, nor a dread of them. For the Lord thy God goeth with you to fight for you against your enemies and to save you. And let the captains speak unto the people, saying: If any man have built a new house and have not dedicated it, let him go and return to his house lest he die in the battle and an other dedicated. 〈…〉 And if any man have planted a vineyard and have not made it comen whereof every man may eat, let him go and return again unto his house, lest he die in the battle and an other make it comen. And if any man be betrouthed unto a wife & have not taken her, 〈◊〉 xxiiii let him go and return again unto his house, lest he die in the battle and an other take her. And let the captains speak further unto the people and say. If any man fear and be faint hearted, let him go and return unto his house jest his brother's heart be made faint as well as his. And when the captains have made an end of speaking unto the people, every standard shall array himself to fight. When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, 〈◊〉 xxi e. 〈◊〉 xx c offer them peax. And if they answer the again peasibly, and open unto thee, then let all the people that is found therein be tributaries unto thee, and serve the. But if they will make no peax with thee, them make war against the city and besiege it. And when the Lord thy God hath delivered it in to thine hands, smite all males thereof with the edge of the sword, save the women & the children, 〈◊〉 viii a. 〈…〉 and the cattles and all that is in the city, and all the spoil thereof take unto thyself, and eat the spoil of thine enemies which the Lord thy God giveth the. Thus thou shalt do unto all the cities which are far of from the and not of the cities of these nations. But in the cities of these nations which the Lord thy God giveth the to enheret, 〈◊〉 xxxi. a 〈◊〉. b 〈◊〉 vii a 〈…〉. e. & 〈◊〉 thou shalt save alive nothing that bretheth. But shalt destroy them with out redemption, both the hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pherezites, the Hevites, & the jebusites, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that they teach you not to do after all their abbominations which they do unto their gods, & so should sin against the Lord your God. When thou hast besieged a city long time in making war against it to take it, destroy not the trees thereof, that thou wouldest thrust an axe unto them. For thou mayst eat of them and therefore destroy them not. For the trees of the fields are no men, that they might come against the to besiege the. Nevertheless those trees which thou knowest that men eat not of, than thou mayst destroy and cut them down and make bulwerkes against the city that maketh war with thee, till it be overthrown. ¶ The purgation of him that is found deed and is not known how he was slain. How we aught to take to wife her that is taken in war. The right of the first begotten. The punishment of the son that is disobedient to his father and mother. CAPI. XXI. IF one be found slain in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the to possess, and lieth in the fields: & not known who hath slain him: Then let thine elders and thy judges come forth and measure the distance of the cities that are roundabout the slain person. And let the elders of that city which is next unto the slain man, take an heyffer which hath not been laboured, nor hath drawn in the yoke, and let them bring her unto a valley where is neither earring nor sowing, and strike of her heed there in the valley. Then let the priests the sons of Levi come forth * duty xvii b Ecclesi xiu d. for the Lord thy God hath choose them to serve and to praise his name, and therefore at their mouth shall all strife & plague be tried. And all the elders of the city that is next to the slain man, shall come forth to the corpses & wash their hands over the heyffer that is beheaded in the plain, and shall answer and say: our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. Be merciful Lord unto thy people Israel which thou hast delivered & put not innocent blood unto thy people Israel: & the blood shall be forgiven them. And so shalt thou put innocent blood from thee, jone i e when thou shalt have done that is right in the sight of the Lord. When thou goest to war against thine enemies, and the Lord thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast take them prisoners, and sayst amongs the captives a beautiful woman and hast a love unto her that thou wouldest have her to thy wife Bring her home to thine house and let her shave her head, and pair her nails and put her raiment that she was taken in from her, and let her remain in thine house & bewep her father and her mother a month long, & after that god in unto her and mary her & let her be thy wife. And if thou have no favour unto her, then let her go whether she lusteth: for thou mayst not sell her for money nor make chevisance of her, because thou haste humbled her. If a man have two wives, Genesis xxix one loved and an other hated, and they have born him children, both the loved & also the hated If the firstborn be the son of the hated: then when he disposeth his goods amongs his children, he may not make the son of the beloved first born, before the son of the hated which is in deed the first born: But he shall know the son of the hated for his first born, that he give him double of all that he hath. Gen. xl & ix a For he is the first of his strength, and to him belongeth the right of the first born ship. ☞ If any man have a son that is stubborn and disobedient, Stubborn child. so that he will not hearken to the voice of his father and voice of his mother, and they have taught him nurture, but he would not hearken unto them: Then let his father and his mother take him, and bring him out unto the elders of that city, & unto the gate of that same place, and say unto the elders of the city. This our son is obstinate and disobedient, and will not hearken unto our voice, he is a rioter and a drunkard. Then let all the men of that city stone him unto death. And thou shalt put evil away from thee, and all Israel shall hear & fear. * Iosu viii f If a man have committed a trespass worthy of death and is put to death for it, and hanged on tree: let no● his body remain all night upon the tree, but bury him the same day. For * Galat. iii c the curse of God is on him that is hanged. Defile not thy land Therefore, which the Lord thy God giveth the to enheret. ¶ What thou oughtest to do when thou findest thy neighbours beast going astray. A man shall not were women's clothing or a woman man's clothing. To were a cote of wool and of flax is also forbidden. The punishment of him that accuseth a man unrighteously: of an aduow●rer also and of him that ravysheth a maid. CAPI. XXII. IF thou see thy brother's ox or sheep go astray, Exodi xxiii a thou shalt not withdraw thyself from them: But shalt bring them home again unto thy brother. If thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, bring them unto thine own house and let them be with thee, till thy brother ask after them, and then deliver him them again. In like manner shalt thou do with his ass, with his raiment and with all lost things of thy brother which he hath lost, and thou hast found, and thou mayst not withdraw thyself. If thou see that thy brother's ass or ox is fallen down by the way, thou shalt not withdraw thyself from them: but shalt help him to have them up again. ☞ The woman shall not wear that pertaineth unto the man, neither shall a man put on woman's raiment. For all that do so, are abomination unto the Lord thy God. If thou chance upon a birds nest by the way, in what so ever tree it be or on the ground whether they be young or eggs, & the dam sitting upon the young or upon the eggs: Thou shalt not take the mother with the young But shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young, that thou mayst prosper & prolong thy days. When thou buyldest a new φ house, thou shalt make a batylment unto the roof, that thou lad not blood upon thine house, if any man fall thereof. Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seed: 〈…〉 jest be both unhallowed the seed which thou hast sown, with the fruit of thy vineyard. Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment made of liusye wulsye. Thou shalt put guards upon the four quarters of thy vesture, 〈…〉 wherewith thou coverest thyself. If a man take a wife, and when he hath lyen with her, 〈…〉 hate her/ and lay shameful things unto her charge, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say: I took this wife, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid. Then let the father of the damsel and the mother bring forth the tokens of the damsels virginity unto the elders of the city, even unto the gate. And let the dansels father say unto the elders. I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her/ and lo he layeth shameful things unto her charge saying: I found not thy daughter a maid. And yet these are the tokens of my daughters virginity. And let them spread the vesture before the elders of the city. Then let the elders of that city take that man, and chastise him, and a mercy him in an hundren sickles of silver and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil reapport upon a maid in Israel, and she shall be his wife, and he may not put her away all his days. But if the thing be of a truth that the damsel be not found a virgin, let them bring her unto the door of her father's house, and let the men of that city stone her with stones to death, 〈…〉 because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house, and so thou shalt put evil away from the. If a man be found lying with a woman that hath a wedded husband, 〈…〉 then let them die both of them, as well the man that lay with the wife, as also the wife/ so thou shalt put away evil from Israel. If a maid be betrouthed unto an husband and after a man find her in the town & lie with her, than you shall bring them both forth unto the gates of that city and shall stone them to death. The damsel because she cried not being in the city/ and the man because he hath defiled his neighbours wife, and thou shalt put away evil from the. But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and force her and lie with her: Then the man that lay with her shall die alone, and unto the damsel thou shalt do no harm, because there is in the damsel no cause of death. For like as when a man riseth against his neighbour and sleeth him, even so is this matter. For he found her in the fields, and the betrothed damsel cried, but there was no man to rescue her. 〈…〉 If a man find a maid that is not betrothed and take her, and lie with her and be found. Then the man that lay with her, shall give unto the damsels father fifty sycles of silver. And she shall be his wife because he hath deflowered her maidenhead, and he may not put her away all his days. 〈◊〉 viii. a 〈◊〉 xxvi c No man shall take his father's wife, nor nor unhylle his father's secrets. ¶ what manner of men may not be admit in to the church. Pollutions that hap in the night. Usury. CAPI. XXIII. NOne that is gelded, or hath his privy membres cut of, shall come in to the congregation of the Lord. 〈◊〉 xxix 〈◊〉 lvi. a And he that is born of a concubine, shall not come in to the congregation of the Lord, no in the tenth generation he shall not enter in to the congregation of the Lord. 〈◊〉 xiii. a 〈◊〉 xxiii The Ammonytes and the Moabytes shall not come in to the congregation of the Lord, not not in the tent generation, not they shall never come in to the congregation of the Lord because they met you not with bread, and water in the way, when you came out of egypt, and because they hired against the Balaam the son of Beor the interpreter out of Mesopotamia, 〈◊〉 xxii. a. to curse the. 〈◊〉 xxiiii. b Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam, but turned the curse to blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved the. Thou shalt never therefore seek that which is prosperous or good for them all thy days for ever. Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite, 〈◊〉 twenty-five c for he is thy brother, neither shalt thou abhor an Egyptian, because thou wast a stranger in his land. The children that are begotten of them shall come in to the congregation of the Lord in the third generation. 〈◊〉. a 〈◊〉 vi b When thou goest out with the host against thine enemies, keep the from all wickedness. If there be any man that is unclean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, let him go out of the host, and not come in again, until he have washed himself with water before the even: & then when the son is down, let him come in to the host again. Thou shalt have a place without the host whither thou shalt resort to for necessity, and thou shalt have a shovel under thy girdle: and when thou wilt ease thyself, dig therewith and turn and cover that which is departed from the. For the Lord thy God walketh in thine host, to rid the and set thine enemies before. Let thine host the pure, that he see no unclean thing among you and turn from you. 〈◊〉 fugi. levaunt. Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto the. Let him devil with thee, even among you in what place he himself liketh best, in one of the cities where it is good for him, and vex him not. ☞ There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, Stews be damned. nor hooremonger of the sons of Israel. Thou shalt neither bring the hire of an whore, ☜ nor the price of dog in to the house of the Lord thy God in no manner of vow, Nun xxv b Deuter xxii c Mich i b for both of them, are abomination unto the Lord thy God. Thou shalt be no usurer unto thy brother neither in money nor in food, ☞ Vsarye. Exodi xxii c Levitic xxv c ii Esdr. v c nor in any manner thing that is lent upon usury. Unto a stranger thou mayst lend upon usury, but not unto thy brother, for thou shalt lend him in his need, that the Lord thy God may bless the in all thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to conquer it. * Nun xxx Eccli u a Baruch vi d. When thou hast vowed a vow unto the Lord thy God, Vows. see thou be not slack to perform it. For he will surely require it of thee, and it shall be laid unto the. If thou shalt leave vowing, it shall be no sin unto thee: but that which is once go out of thy lips, thou must keep and do, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God of a free will which thou haste spoken with thy mouth. When thou comest into thy neighbours vine yard, thou mayst eat grapes thy belyfull at thy pleasure: but thou shalt put none in thy bag. When thou goest in to thy neighbours corn, * Math. xii a thou mayst pluck the ears with thine hand, but thou mayst not move a sycle unto thy neighbours corn. ¶ Divorcement is permitted. He that is newly married shall not be compelled to go to war. The remnauntes of corn must be left in harvest for the poor. CAPI. XXIIII. WHen a man hath taken a wife and married her, if she find no favour in his eyes, Divorcement. because he hath espied some uncleanness in her. * Math. v c and xix a Malachi ii e. Then let him write her a bill of divorcement & put it in her hand and send her forth of his house. * jerem iii a If when she is departed out of his house, she go and be an other man's wife and the second husband hate her and write her a letter of divorcement and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house: or if the second man die which took her to wife, her first man which sent her away may not take her again to be his wife, in as much as she is defiled. For that is abomination in the sight of the Lord: that thou defile not the land with sin which the Lord thy God giveth the to inherit. ☜ * duty twenty b When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go a warfare, neither shall be charged with any business: but shall be free at home one year, and rejoice with his wife which he hath taken. * Exo xxii d. Noman shall take the neither or the upper millstone to pledge, Pledges. Menstealiers for than he taketh a man's life to pledge. If any man be found stealing any of his brethren the children of Israel, and maketh chevisance of him or selleth him, the thief shall die, and thou shalt put evil away from the. Take heed to thyself concerning the plague of lepry, that thou observe diligently to do according to all that the priests the Levites shall reeache thee, even as I commanded them, so you shall observe to do. Remember what the Lord thy God did unto Mary by the way after that you were come out of Egypt. Numeri xii If thou lend thy brother any manner succour, thou shalt not go in to his house to fetch a pledge/ but shalt stand without and the man to whom thou lendest shall bring the the pledge out at the door. Furthermore if it be a poor body, go not to sleep with his plead, but deliver him the pledge again before the sonsette, and let him sleep in his raiment and bless the. And it shall be righteousness unto the before the Lord thy God. * Leuiti xix c Toby iiii c Eccl. seven c Servants wages. Thou shalt not defraunde an hired servant that is needy and poor, whether he be of thy brethren, or a stranger that is in thy land within thy cities. give him his hire the same day, and let not the son go down thereon. For he is needy, and therewith sustaineth his life, least he cry against the unto the Lord, and it be sin unto the. Ezech. xviii c jerem xxxi a iiii. Re. xiiii a two. Par. xxv a. The fathers shall not die for the children, nor the children for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin. * Deu xvii a hinder not the right of the stranger, nor of the fatherless, nor take widows raiment to pledge, ☞ but remember thou wast a servant in Egypt, and how the Lord thy God delivered the thence. Wherefore I command the to do this thing. When thou cuttest down thine harvest in the field & hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again and fet it. But it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless and that widow that the Lord thy God may bless the in all the works of thine hand. When thou beatest down thine olive trees, thou shalt not make clean ryddaunce after thee, but it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. And when thou gatherest thy vineyard, thou shalt not gather clean after thee, but it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. And remember thou waste a servant in the land of Egypt: wherefore I command the to do this thing. ¶ The punishment of offenders. The law of reasing seed to the brother that is deed. Measures and weights. CAPI. XXV. IF there be strife between men, let them resort to the law, and let the judges justify the righteous and condemn the trespaser. And if the trespaser be worthy of stripes, then let the judge cause to take him down and to beat him before his face, Therefore had Saint Paul no more at any time two. Corint xi f according to his trespass unto a certain number forty stripes he shall give him and not pass, least if we should exceed and beaten him about that with many stripes, thy brother should appear ungodly before thine eyes. * 〈…〉 Thou shalt not mosel the ox that tredeth out the corn. When brethren devil together and one of them die and have no child, the wife of the deed shall not be given out unto a stranger: but his φ 〈…〉 brother shall go in unto her and take her to wife and marry her. And the elder son which she beareth, shall stand up in the name of his brother which is deed, that his name be not put out in Israel. But if he will not take his brother's wife, 〈…〉 who is due to him by the law, then let her go to the gate unto the elders and say: My husbands brother refuseth to steer up his brother's name in Israel, he will not mary me. Then let the elders of his city call unto him and examine him. If he stand and say, I will not take her, then let the woman go unto him in the presence of the elders, and lose his shoe of his foot and spit in his face, and answer and say. So shall it be done unto that man that will not build his brother's house. And his name shall be called in Israel, the unshoed house. If when men strive together one with an other, the wife of the one to run to for to rid her husband out of the hands of him that smiteth him and put forth her hand and take him by the secrets: cut of her hand, and let not thine eye pity her. Thou shalt not have in thy bag two manner of weights, a great and a small: ☜ neither shalt thou have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. 〈…〉 But thou shalt have a true and a just measure, that thy days may be lenghed in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the. 〈…〉 For all that do such things and all that do unright, are abomination unto the Lord thy God. Remember what Amalech did unto the by th' way after thou camest out of egypt, 〈…〉 he met the by the way, and smote the hyndmost of you, all that were over-laboured and dragged behind/ when thou waste fainted and weary, and he feared not God. Therefore when the Lord thy God hath given the rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the to inherit and possess: see thou put out the name of Amelech, from under heaven, and forget not. ¶ The first fruits and tithes to the Levites, fatherless, widows, and straungeres. CAPI. XXVI. WHen thou art come in to the land which the Lord thy God giveth the to inherit, and hast enjoyed it, 〈…〉 and dwellest therein: 〈…〉 take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, 〈…〉 which thou hast brought out of the land that the Lord thy God giveth thee, and put it in a mand, and go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to make his name devil there. And thou shalt come unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I knowledge this day unto the Lord thy God, that I am come unto the country which the Lord swore unto our fathers for to give us. And the priest shall take the mand out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the Lord thy God. And thou shalt answer and say before the Lord thy God: My father removed out of Sirie, and he went down in to Egypt, 〈◊〉 xlvi. 〈…〉 b and sojourned there with a few folk, and grew there unto a nation great, mighty, and full of people. And the Egyptians vexed us and troubled us, and jaded us with cruel bondage. And we cried unto the Lord God of our fathers, 〈◊〉 ●iii. b 〈◊〉 xiiii c and the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our adversity, labour, and oppression. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs and wonders. And he hath brought us in to this place, and hath given us this land that floweth with milk and honey. And now lo, I have brought the first fruits of the land which the Lord hath given me. And set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God, and rejoice over all the good things which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thy house, both thou the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. 〈◊〉 xiiii c When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, the year of tithing: thou shalt give it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless & the widow, that they may eat in thy gates, 〈◊〉 viii. b and fill themselves. Then say before the Lord thy God. I have brought all that is hallowed out of thine house, and have given them unto the Levite, 〈…〉 the stranger, the fatherless and the widow according to all the commandments which thou commandest me: I have not overskipped thy commandments, nor forgotten them. I have not eaten thereof in my mourning nor taken away thereof unto any uncleanness, nor spent thereof about any deed corpse, but have herkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, & have done after all that he commanded me, 〈◊〉 ii c 〈◊〉 iiii. d. look down from thy holy habitation of heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us (as thou sworest unto our fathers) a land that floweth with milk and honey. This day the Lord thy God hath commanded the to do these ordinances and laws. Keep them therefore and do them with all thine heart, and all thy soul. 〈◊〉 xix b 〈◊〉 ●ii. a ●●o u d Thou hast choose the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his ordinances, his commandments, & his laws, and to hearken unto his voice. 〈…〉. a 〈◊〉 vii a ●●i. a And the Lord hath choose the this day to be a several people unto him (as he hath promised thee) and that thou keep his commandments, and to make the higher than all nations which hath made: in praise, in name and honour: that thou mayst be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as he hath said. ¶ An aultarr must be builded. The blessings in the hill Garizun. The Curses in the hill ebal. CAPI. XXVII. ANd Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, sayings: keep all the commandments which I command you this day. * joshua iiii And when you be come over jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, set up great stones, and plaster them with plaster, & write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art come over: that thou mayst come in to the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee: a land that floweth with milk & honey: as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised the. When you be come over jordan, see you set up these stones which I command you this day upon mount ebal, joshua eight f and playstea them with plaster. And there build unto the Lord thy God * Exodi twenty d an altar of stones, and see thou lift up no iron upon them. But thou shalt make the altar of the Lord thy God of rough stones, and offer burned offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God. And thou shalt offer peaxofferynges, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the Lord thy God. And thou shalt writ upon the stones all the words of this law, well and plainly. And Moses with the priests the levites spoke unto all Israel, saying: take heed and hear Israel/ this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. hearken therefore unto the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his ordinances which I command you this day. And Moses charged the people the same day, saying. Deutero xi d Io●ue viii g These shall stand upon mount Garizun, to bless the people when you are come over jordan: Symeen, Levi, juda, Isachar, joseph and BenIamin. And these shall stand upon mount ebal to curse: Reuben, Gad, Aser, Zabulon, Dan, and ●●ephthali. And the levites shall begin and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice. * Exodi/ xx. a E●aye lvii a Cursed be he that maketh any carved image, The Curses. or image of metal (an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the crafterman) and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say Amen. * Exod. xxi b D●uter. x●x c Leuiti xix d. Cursed be he that despiseth his father or his mother. And all the people shall say. Amen. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbours merestone. And all the people shall say. Amen. Cursed be he that maketh the blind go out of his way. And all the people shall say. Amen. * De xxiiii c Cursed be he that hindereth the right of the stranger, fatherless and widow, and all the people shall say. Amen. Leviti xviii a and twenty b duty xxii. d Exodi xxii c Leuitici twenty b. levit xviii a two. Reg. xiii d Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife, because he hath uncovered his father's bed, and all the people shall say. Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner be'st. And all the people shall say. Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, whether she be the daughter of his father or of his mother, and all the people shall say. Amen. Leviti xviii c Exodi xxi b levit xxiiii d Deuter xix a Ezechi xxii b Miche iii c Cursed be he that lieth with his wives mother. And all the people shall say. Amen. Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour privily, and all the people shall say. Amen. * Galat. iii b. Cursed be he that taketh a reward to slay innocent blood. And all the people shall say. Amen. Cursed be he that sleepeth with his neighbours wife. And all the people shall say: Amen. Cursed be he that continueth not in all the words of this law to do them, and all the people shall say. Amen. ¶ The promises of the blessings unto them that regard the comaundementes: and the curses to the contrary. CAPI. XXVIII. IF * Leu xxvi a The blessings. thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and do all his commandments which I command the this day, the Lord will set the above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come on the and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the town, and blessed in the fields, blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of they cattles, the fruit of thine oxen, and thy flocks of sheep, blessed shall thy backs be and thy ●ore. Blessed shalt thou be, both when thou goest out, and blessed when thou comest in. * duty ii a. The Lord shall smite thine enemies that rise against the before thy face. They shall come out against the one way, and shrink before the seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing to be with the in thy store houses, and in all that thou settest thine hand to, and will bless the in the land whihe the Lord thy God giveth the. The Lord shall make the an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto the● if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. And all nations of the earth shall see that the name of the Lord is called upon amongis you, and they shall be afeard of the. And the Lord shall make the plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, in the fruit of thy cattles, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord swore unto thy fathers to give the. * duty xi b The Lord shall open unto the his good treasure, even the heaven, to give rain unto thy land in due season, and to bless all the labours of thine hand. Deuter xu a. And thou shalt lend unto many nations, but shalt not need to borrow thyself. And the Lord shall set thee, before and not behind, and thou shalt be above only, and not beneath: if thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God which I command the this day to keep and to do. And see thou bow not from any of these words which I command the this day, D●● 〈…〉 either to the right hand or to the left, that thou wouldest go after strange gods to serve them. But if thou wy●ce not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to keep and to do all his commandments and ordinances which I command the this day: I●● 〈…〉 then * 〈◊〉 D●● all these curses shall come upon the and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the town, and cursed in the field/ cursed shall thy barn be and thy store. Cursed shall the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy land be, and the fruit of thy oxen and the flocks of thy sheep. And cursed shalt thou be when thou goest in, and when thou goest out. And the Lord shall sand upon the cursing, destruction, and complaining in all that thou settest thine hand to, what so ever thou dost, until thou be destroyed and brought to naught quickly, because of the wickedness of thine own devices in that thou hast forsaken the Lord. And the Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he hath consumed the from the land whither thou goest to enjoy it. * 〈…〉 And the Lord shall smite the with smelling, with fevers, heat, burning, withering, with smiting, and blasting. And they shall follow the till thou perish. * 〈…〉 And the heaven that is over thy heed shall be braise, and the earth that is under the iron. And the Lord shall turn the rain of the land vn●o powder and dust: even from heaven ashes shall come down upon thee, until thou be brought to nought. And the Lord shall plague the before thine enemies. Thou shalt come out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them, and shalt be be scattered among all the kingdoms of the earth. And thy carcase shall be meat unto all manner fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away. 〈…〉 * 〈◊〉 E●● And the Lord shall smite the with the votches of egypt, and the emorodes, scalle and maungynesse, that thou shalt not be healed thereof. And the Lord shall smite the with madness, blindness, and dazing of heart. And thou shalt grope at none days as the blind grogeth in darkness, and shalt not come to the right way. And thou shalt suffer wrong only and be oppressed evermore, 〈…〉 and no man shall sucker thee, thou shalt marry a wife and an other shall lie with her. D●● 〈…〉 Thou shalt build an house and an other shall dwell therein. Thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the fruit thereof. Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, & thou shalt not eat thereof Thine ass shall be violently taken away even before thy face, and shall not be restored the again. Thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and no man shall help the. Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto an other nation, and thine eyes shall see and dase upon them all day long, but shalt shave no might in thine hand. The fruit of thy land and all thy labours shall a nation which thou knowest not, eat/ and thou shalt still suffer violence, and be oppressed alway: that thou shalt be clean beside thyself for the sight of such things as thou shalt see. The Lord shall smite the with a mischievous botch in the knees and legs, so that thou canst not be healed: even from the sole of the foot unto the top of the heed. ●●t four d 〈◊〉 xxiii. b 〈◊〉 xxiiii 〈◊〉 xxiiii. a The Lord shall bring both thee, and thy king which thou hast set over the unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known/ and there thou shalt serve strange Gods: even wood and stone. And thou shalt go to waste, and be made a proverb, and a jesting stock unto all nations whither the Lord shall carry the. 〈◊〉 vi d 〈◊〉 i b Thou shalt carry moche seed out in to the field, and shalt gather but little in, for the greshoppers shall destroy it. Thou shalt plant a vineyard and dress it, but shalt neither drink of the wine ne gather of the grapes, for the worms shall eat it. Thou shalt have olive trees in all thy coostes, but shalt not be anointed with the oil, for thine olive trees shall be rooted out. Thou shalt get sons and daughters, but shalt not have them: for they shall be carried away prisoners. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall be marced with blasting. ☞ The strangers that are among you shall climb above thee, and thou shalt come down allow. He shall lend thee, and thou shalt not lend him, he shall be before, and thou behind. Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall follow the and embrace thee, till thou be destroyed: because thou herkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and ordinances which he commanded thee, and they shall be upon the as marvels and wonders, and upon thy seed for ever. And because thou seruedest not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with a good heart for the abundance of all things therefore thou shalt serve thine enemy which the Lord shall send upon thee: in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and in need of all thing. And he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, till he have brought the to nought. And the Lord shall bring a nation upon the from far, 〈◊〉 v c 〈◊〉 iiii c even from the end of the world as swift as an Eagle fleeth: a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand: a hard herred nation which shall not regard the person of the old, nor have compassion on the young. And he shall eat the fruit of thy land, and the fruit of thy cartel until he have destroyed thee: so that he shall leave the neither corn, wine, nor oil, neither the increase of thine oxen, nor the flocks of thy sheep, until he have brought the to nought. And he shall keep the in, in all thy cities, until thy 〈◊〉 ●nd strong walls be come down wher●●●●●a ●rustedest, thorough all the land. And h●●●all besiege the in all thy gates thorough o●● all thy land which the Lord thy God hath given the. * iiii. Re. vi f Threns four b Baruch ii a. And thou shalt eat of the fruit of thine own body: the flesh of thy sons and of thy boughters which the Lord thy God hath given thee, in that straightness and siege wherewith thine enemy shall besiege thee, so that it shall grieve the man that is tender and very delicate among you, to look on his brother, and upon his wife that lieth in his bosom, and on the rest of his children which he hath yet left, for fear of giving unto any of them of the flesh of his children, which he eateth because he hath nought left him in the straightness and siege wherewith thine enemies shall besiege the in all thy cities. Yea and the woman that is so tender and delicate amongs you that she dare not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for softness and tenderness, shall be grieved to look on the husband that lieth in her bosom, even for the flesh of her son and of her daughter the after birth that is come because of her children which she hath born, she would eat them that same hour for need of all things secretly, in the straightness and siege wherewith thine enemy shall besiege the in thy cities. If thou wilt not be diligent to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, to fear this glorious & fearful name of the Lord thy God: the Lord will smite both the and thy seed with wonderful plagues and with great plagues and of long continuance, and with evil sycknesses & of long durance. Moreover he will bring upon the all the diseases of egypt which thou waste afraid of, and they shall cleave unto the. Thereto all manner syckenesses and all manner plagues, which are not written in the book of this law, will the Lord bring upon thee, till thou be brought to nought. And you shall be left few in number, where before you were as the * duty ten d. stars of heaven in multitude: because thou wouldest not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. * Iere xxxi e And as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you: even so he will rejoice over you, to destroy you, and to bring you to nought. And you shall be wasted out of the land whither thou goest to enjoy it. And the Lord shall scatter the among all nations, from the one end of the world unto the other, and there thou shalt serve strange Gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known: even wood and stone. And among these nations thou shalt have no quietness, neither shall there be any rest to the sole of thy foot. For the Lord shall give the there a trembling heart, and dasing eyes, and sorrow of mind. And thy life shall hang before thee, and thou shalt fear both day and night, and shalt have no trust in thy life. In the morning thou shalt say, would God it were night. And at night thou shalt say, would God it were morning, for fear of thine heart which thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see, And the Lord shall bring the in to Egypt again with ships, by the way which I bade the thou shoals see it no more. Exodi xiiii d And there you shall be sold unto your enemies, for bondmen and bondwomen, and yet no man shall buy you. ¶ The people are exhorted to observe the commandments, for the consideration of benefits received: which if they break they are threatened to be plagued. CAPI. XXIX. THese are the words of the appointment which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, Exod. xix a Numeri xxi c beside the appointment which he made with them in Horeb. And Moses called unto all Israel and said unto them: You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, unto Pharaoh and unto all his servants, Deuter xxx b jerem xxxi b and unto all his land, and the great temtations which thine eyes have seen, and those great miracles and wonders: and yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear unto this day. * Deu viii a And he hath conduyted you xl year in the wilderness, and your clotheses are not waxed old upon you, nor are your shoes waxed old upon your feet. You have eaten no bread nor drunk wine or strong drink, that you might know he is the Lord your God. * Num xxi f. and. g. duty xxx a Deutrro ii f. And at last you came unto this place, and Sehon the king of Heshen, and Og king of Basan came forth against you unto battle, & we smote them and took their land, and gave it an inheritance unto the Rubenytes, and Gadites, Deuter four a & to the half tribe of Manasse. Keep therefore the words of this appointment, & do them, that you may understand all that you aught to do. Deuter four a You stand here this day every one of you before the Lord your God: both the heeds of your tribes, your elders, your officers, and all the men of Israel: your children, your wives, joshua ix d and the stranger that soiourneth in thine host, from the hewer of thy wood, unto the drawer of thy water/ that thou shouldest come under the appointment of the Lord thy God, and under his oath which the Lord thy God maketh with the this day, to make the a people unto himself, and that he may be thy God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, Genes. xviii a Abraham, Isaac, and jacob. Neither I make this bond, and this oath with you only: but both with him that standeth here with us this day before the Lord our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day. For you know how we have dwelled in the land of Egypt, and how we came thorough the mids of the nations which we passed by. And you have seen their abominations and their yddolles; wood, stone, silver and gold which they worshipped. least there be among you man or woman kindred or tribe that turneth away in his heart this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the Gods of these nations: and least there be among you some root that beareth gall and wormewod, so that when he heareth the words of this curse, he bless himself in his heart, saying. I shall have peax. I will therefore work after the lust of mine own heart, 〈…〉 that the drunken may perish with the thirsty. And so the Lord will not be merciful unto him, but then the wrath of the Lord and his jealousy smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book, light upon him, and the Lord do out his name under heaven, and separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according unto all the curses of the appointment that is written in the book of this law. So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from far say when they see the plagues of that land, and the diseases wherewith the Lord hath smitten it how all the land is burned up with brimstone and salt, and that it is neither sown nor beareth nor any grass groweth therein, according to the overthrowing of 〈…〉 Sodom, Gomor, Adama, and Zeboim: which the Lord overthrew in his wrath and anger. And then shall all nations also say: * 〈…〉 wherefore hath the Lord done in this wise unto this land? O how fierce is this great wrath? And men shall say: because they left the testament of the Lord, God of their fathers which he made with them when he brought them out of the land of egypt. And they went and served strange gods and worshipped them: gods which they knew not, & which had given them nought. And therefore the wrath of the Lord waxed hoot upon that land to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book. And the Lord cast them out of their land in anger, wrath, and great furyousnesse, and cast them in to a strange land, as it is come to pass this day. The secrets of the Lord our God are opened unto us and our children for ever, that we do all the words of this law. ¶ The word of God is not far from them that seek for it, but in their mouths and hearts. CAPI. XXX. WHen all these words are come upon thee, whether it be the blessing or the curse which I have set before thee, 〈…〉 yet if thou turn unto thine heart among all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath thrust thee, and come again unto the Lord thy God and hearken unto his voice, according to all that I command the this day: both thou, and thy children with all thine heart, 〈…〉 and all thy soul: Then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and go and fet the again from all the nations amongs which the Lord thy God shall have scattered the. Though thou wast cast unto the extreme parts of heaven: even from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence ret the & bring them to the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt enjoy it. And he will show the kindness & multiply the above thy fathers. ●ter ten d And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed for to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, ☞ & all thy soul, that thou mayst live. 〈◊〉 liii. b. And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies and on them that hate and pursue the. But thou shalt turn and hearken unto the voice of the Lord and do all his commandments which I command the this day. And the Lord thy God will make the plenteous in all the works of thine hand, and in the fruit of thy body, in the fruit of thy cattle, and fruit of thy land, and in riches. 〈◊〉 xxxii. f For the Lord will turn again and rejoice over thee, to do the good as he rejoiced over thy fathers. If thou hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and ordinances, which are written in the book of this law, if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and all thy soul. ●●an ten b For the commandment which I command the this day, is not hid from thee, ne far of. ☞ It is not in heaven that thou needest to say: who shall go up for us to heaven, and fet at us, that we may hear it and do it. Neither is it beyond the see: that thou shouldest say: who shall go over see for us & fet it us that we may hear it and do it. But the word is very nigh unto thee, even in thy mouth & in thine heart that thou do it. 〈◊〉 xi. 〈…〉 Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil: in that I command the this day to love the Lord thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments, his ordinances and his laws: that thou mayst live and multiply, and that the Lord thy God may bless the in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thy heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear: but shalt go astray and worship strange gods, and serve them, I certify you this day, that you shall surely perish, and that you shall not prolong your days upon the land whither thou passest over jordan to go and possess it. 〈◊〉 ●iii. d 〈◊〉 g. ● I call to record this day unto you heaven and earth, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: but chose life, that thou and thy seed may live, in that thou lovest thy Lord thy God, harkenest unto his voice, and cleavest unto him. For he is thy life and the length of thy days, that thou mayst devil upon the earth which the Lord swore unto thy fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and jacob to give them. ¶ Moses being ready to die, ordereth joshua to rule the people in his stead, This book deuteronomy is written and laid in the tabernacle beside the ark The levites are charged to read it to the people. CAPI. XXXI. ANd Moses went and spoke these words unto all Israel and said unto them. joshua is made capiteyne. I am an hundred and twenty year old this day, and can no more go out and in. Also the Lord hath said unto me, thou shalt not go over this jordan. The Lord your God he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations before thee, and thou shalt conquer them. And josua shall go over before thee, as the Lord hath said. And the Lord shall go unto them, as he did to Sehon and Og king of the Amorytes, john ten a Numeri twenty d Deuter vii a and twenty e and unto their lands, which kings he destroyed. And when the Lord hath delivered them to you, see you do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you. joshua i a Pluck up your hearts and be strong, dread not, nor be afford of them/ for the Lord thy God himself will go with thee, and will neither let the go, nor forsake the. And Moses called josua and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, * joshua i b three Regum ii a. Be strong & bold for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them, and thou shalt give it them to inherit. And the Lord shall go before thee, and he shall be with thee, and will not let the go, nor forsake thee/ fear not therefore, nor be discomforted. And Moses written this law and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which * Num iii d. and four bore the ark of the testament of the Lord, and unto all the elders of Israel, and commanded them saying, * two. Es. viii At the end of the vij year, in the time of the free year, in the feast of the tabernacles, when all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose: see thou read this law before all Israel in their ears. Gather the people together, men, women, and children/ and the strangers that are in thy cities, that they may hear learn and fear the Lord your God, and be diligent to keep all the words of this law, and that their children which know nothing may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land whither you go over jordan to possess it. And the Lord said unto Moses. Behold, thy days are come, that thou must die. Call josua and stand in the tabernacle of witness, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and josua went and stood in the tabernacle of witness. Exod. xxxiii ● And the Lord appeared in the tabernacle, even in the pillar of the cloud. And the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle. And the Lord said unto Mosed: behold thou must sleep with thy fathers, and this people will rise up and go a hooring after strange gods of the land whither they go, and will forsake me and break the appointment which I have made with them. And then my wrath will wax hot against them, and I will forsake them, and will hide my face from them in that day, and they shall be consumed. jere ii d And when much adversity and tribulation is come upon them, than they will say: because our God is not among us, these tribulations are come upon us. But I will hide my face that same time for all the evils which they have wrought in that they are turned unto strange Gods. Now therefore write thou this song, and teach the children of Israel, duty xxxii a and put it in their mouths, that this song may be my witness unto the children of Israel. For when I will bring them in to the land which I swore unto their fathers that floweth with milk, & honey, and they have well eaten & filled themselves, and waxed fat, then shall they turn unto strange Gods and serve them, and rail on me, & break my testament. And then when much mischief and tribulations is come upon them, this song shall answer before them and be a witness. It shall not be forgotten out of the mouth of their seed/ for I know their imagination which they go about even now before I have brought them in to the land which I have promised them. And Moses written this song that same day, and taught it the children of Israel. And the Lord gave josua the son of Nun a charge, and said: * joshua i b three Regum ii a. be bold and strong, for thou shalt bring the children of Israel in to the land which I promised them, and I will be with the. The work is put in the ark When Moses had written the words of this law in a book, unto the end of them, he commanded the Levites which bore the ark of the testament of the Lord, saying: take the book of this law, and put it by the side of the ark of the testament of the Lord your God and let it be there for a witness against the. For I know thy stubburnes, & thy stiff neck/ behold while I am yet alive and in company with you this day, you have been stately against the Lord, how moche more after our death? Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them. For I am sure that after my death, you will do wickedly, & turn from the way which I commanded you, and tribulation shall come upon you in the latter days when you have wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord to provoke him with the works of your hands. And Moses spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song unto the end of them. ¶ The song of Moses. He goeth unto the top of Abarim to see the land of promise. CAPI. XXXII. Hear, oh heaven, what I speak, and hear (oh earth) the words of my mouth. My doctrine drop as doth the rain, and my speech floweth as doth the dew, Isaiah i a Michi i a Isaiah .lv. a. as the myselling upon the herbs, and as the drops upon the grass. For I will call on the name of the Lord: magnify the might of our God. Genesis i d Ecclesi xlii Perfect are God's deeds, and all his ways are righteousness/ God is faithful and without wickedness, both righteous an just is he. The froward and overthwart genera●●on hath trespased against him, and are not his sons by reason they are disfigured. Dost thou so reward the Lord? 〈…〉 O foolish nation and unwise. Is not he thy father, and thine owner? hath he not made the and ordained thee? Remember the days that are passed: consider the years from time to tyme. 〈…〉 Ask thy father and he will show the thy ancestors, & they shall tell thee, 〈…〉 when the most highest sequestered the nations, and divided the sons of Adam, he put the borders of the nations fast by the company of the children of Israel. For the lords part is his folk, and jacob is the portion of his inheritance. 〈…〉 He found him in a desert land, in a void ground and in a wild wilderness. He led him about and gave him understanding, and kept him as the apple of his eye. As an Eagle that steereth up her nest to flee, and flotereth over her young, he stretched out his wings, and took him up and bore him on his shoulders. The Lord alone was his guide, 〈…〉 and there was no strange God with him. He set him up upon an high land, and he ate the increase of the fields. 〈…〉 And he gave him honey to suck out of the rock, and oil out of the hard stone. With butter of kine, & milk of the sheep, with fat of the lambs, and fat rams of Basan, with goats & where flower. And of the blood of grapes thou dronkest ripe wine. And Israel waxed fat, and kycked. Thou wast fat, thick and smooth. And he let God go that made him, and turned his back from God that saved him. They stirred up his displeasure thorough their strange gods, & with abominations provoked him. They offered unto devils, and not to God and to Gods which they knew not, even to new Gods that came newly up, which their fathers never worshipped. Of the God that begat the thou art unmindful, and hast forgot Got that made the. And when the Lord saw it he was angry/ because of the provoking of his sons and daughters. And he said, 〈…〉 I will hide my face from them and will see what their end shall be. For they are a froward generation & children in whom is no faith. They have angered me with him that was no God, & provoked me with their vanities. 〈…〉 And I again will anger them with them which are no people, and will provoke them with a foolish nation. * 〈…〉 For fire is kindled in my wrath, and shall burn unto the bottom of hell. And shall consume the earth with her increase, and set a fire the botomes of the mountains. I will heap mischiefs upon them, and will spend all mine arrows amongs them. They shall pine away by famine, birds shall devour them with a bitter gnawing. * 〈…〉 I will also send the teeth of beestes upon them, and poison serpents of the earth. Without do●es the sword shall destroy them, and with in in the chamber, fear: both young men and young women, and the suckelynges, with the men of grey heeds. I have determined to scatter them thorough out the world, and to abolysshe their name from among men, but for their enemies cause I have forborn them, least their adversaries would take upon them and say: our high hand hath done all these works, and not the Lord. For it is a nation that hath no forecast, and hath no understanding in them: I would the● were wise, and understood this, and would consider their latter end. How it cometh, that one shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand of them to flight: but that their God hath sold them, and because the Lord hath given them over. For our rock is not as their rock, not though our enemies de judge. But their wines are of the wines of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorra. Their grapes are grapes of gall, & their clusters be bitter. Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel gall of adders. Are not such things laid in store with me, and sealed up amongs my treasures? 〈◊〉 xii d. 〈◊〉 ten ● Vengeance is mine, and I will acquit: Their feet shall slide when the time cometh. For the time of their destruction is at hand, and the time that shall come upon them maketh haste. For the Lord will do justice unto his people, and have compassion on his servants. For it shall be seen that their power shall fail, & their prisoners be lost, and the residue wasted. And it shall be said: where are their gods wherein they trusted? The fat of whose sacrifices they ate, & drank the wine of their wessayles, let them rise up and help you, and be your shield. See now how I am alone, and that there is no God but I I can kill and make alive, and what I have smitten, that can I heal: neither is there that can rescue any man out of my hand. For I will lift up mine hand to heaven, and will say, I live ever. If I whet the edge of my sword as it were a thunderbolt, & mine hand goth about to do justice, I will show vengeance on mine enemies, and will reacquite them that hate me. I will make mine arrows drunken with blood, and my sword shall eat flesh of the blood of the slain, and of the captive, and of mine enemies bore heed. Praise (you heathen) his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will revenge him of his adversaries, & will be merciful unto the land of his people. Moses went and spoke all the words of this song in the ears of the people, both he and josua the son of Nun. When Moses had spoken all these words unto the end to all Israel, he said unto them. Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify unto you this day: that you command them unto your children to observe and do all the words of this law. For it is not a vain word unto you: but it is your life, & thorough this word you shall prolong your days in the land whither you go over jordan to conquer it. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, the same day, saying: get the up in to this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab over against jericho. Moses goeth up unto moū●● nebo. 〈◊〉 hold the land of Canaan which I 〈◊〉 unto the children of Israel to possess. And die in the mount which thou goest upon, and be thou put unto thy people: As Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was put unto his people. For you trespased against me among the children of Israel at the waters of strife, at Cades in the wilderness of Zin: because you hallowed me not among the children of Israel. Thou shalt see the land before thee, but thou shalt not go unto the land which I give the children of Israel. ¶ Moses dying blesseth all the tribes of Israel. CAPI. XXXIII. THis is the blessing wherewith Moses Gods man blessed the children of Israel before his death, saying: Moses blessing. The Lord came from Sinai, and showed his beams from Seir unto them, and appeared gloriously from mount Pharan. And he came with thousands of saints, and in his right hand a law of fire for them. How loved he the people? * Sapi iii a. Albina his saints are in his hand. They that join themselves unto this tote, shall receive his words. Moses gave us a law which is the inheritance of the congregation of jacob. And he was in Israel king, and gathered the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel together. Reuben shall live and shall not die: but his people shall be few in number. This is the blessing of juda: Hear Lord the voice of juda, and bring him unto his people, let his hands fight for him, but be thou his help against his enemies. That is, this prests' service be acceptable afore the lord both in prayer & preaching as was Moses. And unto Levi he said: φ thy perfectness and thy light be after thy merciful man whom thou temtedst at Masah with whom thou strivedst at the waters of strife. He that saith unto his father and mother, I see him not, and unto his brethren, I knew not/ and to his son, I wot not/ for they have observed thy words, and kept thy testament. They shall teach jacob thy judgements, and Israel thy laws. They shall put incense before thy nose, and hole sacrifices upon thine altar. Bless Lord their power, and accept the works of their hands/ smite the backs of them that rise against them, and of them that hate them: that they rise not again. Unto BenIamin he said. The lords darling shall devil safely with him/ and keep himself in the chamber by him continually, and shall devil between his shoulders. And unto joseph he said: blessed of the Lord is his land, with the goodly fruits of heaven, with dew and with springs that lie beneath: and with fruits of the increase of the son, and with ripe fruit of the months, and with the tops of mountains that were from the beginning, and with the dayntyes of hills that last ever, and with goodly fruit of the earth, and of the fullness thereof. And the good will of him that dwelleth in the * Exodi iii a bush, shall come upon the heed of joseph, and upon the top of the heed of him that was separated from his brethren, his beauty is as a firstborn ox, and his horns as the horns of an unicorn. And with them he shall push the nations together, even unto the ends of the world. These are the many thousands of Ephraim, and the thousands of Manasses, And unto Zabulon he said: Rejoice Zabulon in thy going out, and thou Isachar in thy tents. They shall call the people unto the hill, and there they shall offer offerings of righteousness. For they shall suck of the richesse of the see, and of treasure hid in the sand. And unto Gad he said: Blessed is the φ Room maker because war he made room for he was a valiant warrior. room maker Gad. He owelleth as a lion and caught the arm and also the top of the heed. He saw his dominion that in his part there was a teacher hid, and came with the heeds of the people, and executed the righteousness of the Lord, and his judgements with Irael. And unto Dan he said: Dan is a lions whelp, he shall flow plenteously from Basan. And unto Nephthali he said: Nephthali he shall have abundance of pleasure, and shall be filled with the blessing of the Lord, and shall have his possessions in the south-west. And of Aser he said: Aser shall be blessed with children: he shall be acceptable unto his brethren, and shall dip his foot in oil: Iron and brass shall hang on thy shoes, and thy age shall be as thy youth. ☞ There is none like unto the God of Israel he that sitteth upon heaven, shall be thine help whose glory is in the clouds, that is the dwelling place of God from above, and under the arms of the world: he hath cast out thine enemies before the and said: destroy. And Israel shall devil in safety alone. And the eyes of jacob shall look upon a land of corn and wine. Moreover his heaven shall drop with dew. Happy art thou Israel, who is like unto thee? A people that art saved by the Lord, thy shield and helper, and a sword of thy glory. And thine enemies shall hide them selves from thee, and thou shalt walk upon their high hills. ¶ Moses dieth. Israel weepeth. josua succeedeth in Moses room. CAPI. XXXIIII. ANd Moses went from the fields of Moab up, in to mount Nebo, which is the top of Phasgah, over against jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Galaad, even unto Dan, and all Nephthali and the land of Ephraim and Manasse, and all the land of juda: even unto the uttermost see, and the south, and the region of the plain of jericho the city of palm trees, even unto Zoar. And the Lord said unto him. * 〈…〉 This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac and jacob, saying: I will give it unto thy seed. I have showed it thee, before thine eyes: but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, 〈…〉 at the commandment of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab beside Beth Pheor: but no man wist of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty year old when he died, and yet his eyes were not dim, nor his cheeks abated. And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the fields of Moab thirty days. I●● 〈◊〉 And the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. And josua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom: I●● * 〈…〉 for Moses had put his hand upon him. And all the children of Israel herkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. But there arose not a Prophet sith that time in Israel like unto Moses: whom the Lord known face to face in all the miracles and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh and all his servants, and unto all his land: and in all the mighty deeds, and great wonderful things which Moses did in the sight of all Israel. ¶ The end of the fift book of Moses. THE BOOK OF JOSVA. ¶ The Lord courageth joshua to invade the land or promise, and commandeth him continually to read deuteronomy. CAPI. I AFter the death of Moses the servant of the Lord: the Lord spoke unto josua the son of Nun, Moses servant, saying: Moses my servant is deed. Now therefore arise & go over jordan, both thou and all this people unto the land which I give unto the children of Israel. * ●●te xi c All the places that the soles of your feet shall tread on, have I given you, as I said unto Moses: from the wilderness & Libanon, unto the great river Euphrates: and all the land of the hittites even unto the great see toward the going down of the son, shall be your bounds. There shall not a man be able to withstand thee, all the days of thy life. ●●c iii b For as I was with Moses, so will I be with the 〈◊〉 xiii b and will neither leave thee, nor forsake the 〈◊〉 xxxi. b ●●g ii a Be strong and bold: for unto this people shalt thou dispose the land by lot, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. Be strong, and harden thyself to observe and to do, according to all the laws which Moses my servant commanded the. ●●ute u d Turn from them neither to the right hand nor left: that thou mayst have understanding in all thou takest in hand, 〈◊〉 xvij d let not the book of this law depart out of thy mouth: But study therein day and night, 〈◊〉 is that 〈◊〉 study ●●e, that thou mayst perform and keep all that is written therein. For then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have understanding. Behold, I have said unto thee, be strong and bold: neither fear nor dread. For the Lord thy God is with thee, whither so ever thou goest. Then josua commanded the officers of the people, saying. Go thorough the mids of the host, and command the people, saying, prepare you victuals: for after three days you shall pass over this jordan, to go and enjoy the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. And unto the Rubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasses spoke josua, saying: Remember that, which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you saying. the Lord your God hath given you rest, and all this land. Let your wives, your children and your cattles remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side jordan: But go you before your brethren armed, all that be men of war, and fight for them, till the Lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath you, and till they also have obtained the land which the Lord your God giveth them. And then return unto the land of your possession and enjoy it, Obedience sworn to josua. which Moses the lords servant gave you on this side jordan, toward the son rising. And they answered josua, saying: * duty u d jerem xiii a. All that thou biddest us we will do, and whither so ever thou sendest us, we will go. According as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey the. Only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. And who so ever disobey thy mouth, and will not hearken unto thy words in all thou commandest him, let him die. Only be strong and of good courage. ¶ josua sendeth searchers or spies to jericho, which were hid of Rahab and so escaped the hands of the pursuars. Rahab be eveth and confesseth the God of Israel. CAPI. II THen josua the son of Nun sent out of Setim two spies secretly, saying: Go and view the land, and also jericho. And they went and came in to a viteling house of a woman named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of jericho, saying: Behold there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel, to espy out the country. And the king of jericho sent unto Rahab, saying: bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered in to thine house: they be spies, for they be come to search out all the land. And the woman took the two men and hid them. And said, in deed there came men unto me, but I wot not from whence they were. And about the time of the shutting of the gate when it was dark they went out, whither I wot not: but follow after them quickly and you shall overtake them. And she brought them up unto the roof of the house, and * joshua vi c hid them under flare (yet in the stalks) which she had lying abroad upon the roof. And the men pursued after them the way to jordan even unto the φ Or ferry. passage, and as soon as they which pursued after them were go forth, they shut the gates. And or ever they were a sleep, she came up unto them upon the roof, and said unto the men. I know that the Lord hath given you the land, both because that the fear of you is fallen upon us, and because that the inhabitants of the land faint at your hither resort/ for we have herd how the Lord * Exod. xiiii e dried up the water of the read see before you, when you came out of Egypt, and what you did unto the two kings of the Amorytes on the other side jordan * Nu. xxi f. g. Sehon, and Og which you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had herd these things, our hearts did faint. And there remained no more courage in any man for fear of your coming. For the Lord your God is the God in heaven above, and on the earth beneath. Now therefore swear unto me by the Lord that likewise as I have showed you mercy, you shall also show mercy unto my father's house and give me a true token. And that you shall save alive both my father, and my mother, my brethren, and my sisters, and all that pertain unto them. And that you shall rescue our souls from death. And the men answered her, our lives for you to die, so thou do not betray us. And so when the Lord hath given us the land, joshua vi c we will deal mercifully and truly with the. And then she let them down with a coorde thorough a window. For her house was annexed to the towns wall. And she said unto them: get you in to the mountains, least the pursuers meet with you, and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned, and then may you go your ways. And the men said unto her, we will be discharged of this oath, which thou haste made us sweat, when we come in to the land, except thou bind this purple threden cord in the window, which thou latest us down by. And thou shalt bring thy father, thy mother, thy brethren, and all thy father's household, even in to the house to the. And then who so ever go out at the doors of thy house in to the street, his blood shall be upon his own heed, and we guiltless. And who so ever shall be with the in the house, his blood be on our heeds if any man's hand be upon him: But if thou disclose us or utter these our words, we will be quite of thy oath which thou haste made us swear. And she said, according unto your words, so be it: and so sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the purple cord in the window. And they departed and got them in to the mountains, and there abode three days, till the pursuers were returned. And the pursuers sought thorough out all the way, and found them not. And the two men returned and descended from the mountains, and passed over, and came to josua the son of Nun, and told him all that had chanced them. And they said unto josua, the Lord hath delivered in to our hands all the land, for all the inhabitants of the country shrink for fear of us. ¶ The water of jordan drieth up, and josua with the people pass over. CAPI. III ANd josua rose early: and they removed from Serim, and came to jordan, both he and the children of Israel, and sojourned there three days before they went over. And after three days the haroldes went thorough out the host, and commanded the people, saying: when you see the ark of the testament of the Lord your God, and the priests that are levites bearing it: then depart you from your places and follow after it. So yet that there be a space between you and it, about a two thousand cubytes by measure, And come not nigh unto it, that you may know the way by which you must go: for you have not go by it in times past. And josua said unto the people, * 〈◊〉 E● i 〈◊〉 I●● purify yourselves, for to morrow the Lord shall show wonders amongs you. Then josua spoke unto the priests, saying. Take up the ark of the covenant, and go before the people. And they took up the ark, and went before the people. And the Lord said unto josua: this day will I begin to advance the in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so will I be with the. And command thou the priests that bear the ark of the testament, saying: when you are entered a little in to the water of jordan, stand still in it. Then spoke josua to the children of Israel, saying: come hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God. And josua said: Hereby you shall know that the living God is amongs you, and that he will undoubtedly cast out before you the Cananytes, the hittites, the Hevites, the Pheresites, the Gergesites, the Amorites, and the jebusites. Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the world shall go before you in to jordan. And now take you twelve men of the children of Israel, of every tribe a man. And as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the arckt of the omnipotent Lord of all the world, tread in the water of jordan, the water of jordan shall divide itself: and the waters that come from about, shall stand still upon an heap. And when the people were peparted from their rents to go over jordan ( * 〈…〉 the priests beating the ark of the covenant before the people) as soon as they that bore the ark came unto jordan, and the feet of the priests that bore the ark were dypped in the brim of the water, * 〈…〉 jordan being full over all his banks, all the time of harvest: the water that came down from above did stop, and stood upon an heap, a great way from Adam, a city beside Zarthan. And the water that went down, vanished in to the see of the wilderness, called the salt see, as soon as it was divided: and the people * 〈…〉 went right over against jericho. And the priests that bore the ark of the appointment of the Lord stood still upon dry land in the mids of jordan, till all the people were clean over jordan. ¶ Twelve stones are reared up for a remembrance that jordane was dried, and it returneth again to his course. CAPI. FOUR ANd as soon as the people were all go over jordan, the Lord spoke unto josua saying. Take twelve men out of the people, of every tribe a man, and command them, saying: Take you hence out of the myddes of jordan, even out of the place where the priests stood, twelve hard stones. And take you them away with you and put them in the place where you pitch your tents this night. And josua called unto the twelve men which he had prepared of the children of Israel, of every tribe a man, and said unto them: * ●xvii. a get you before the ark of the Lord your God even into the mids of jordan, & take up every man a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign amongs you. And when your children ask you in time to come, saying: What mean these stones: say unto them, that the water of jordan shrunk back at the coming of the ark of the appointment of the Lord: even while it went over jordan. And these stones shallbe a token of remembrance unto the children of Israel for ever. And the children of Israel did as josua commanded, and took up twelve stones forth of the mids of jordan, as the Lord said unto josua, 〈◊〉 xviii. f. according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them away with them, unto the place where they lodged, & laid them down there. And thereto josua set up twelve stones in the mids of jordan in the place where the feet of the priests which bore the ark of the testament, stood. And there they be unto this day. For the priests which bore the ark stood in the mids of jordan, till all was accomplished that the Lord commanded josua to say unto the people, according to all that Moses charged josua. And the people hasted and went over. When all the people were clean over, than went over the ark of the Lord, and also the priests before the people. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasses went before the children of Israel armed, as Moses charged them. forty thousand trimmed for war, went before the Lord unto battle unto the plains of jericho. That day the Lord magnified josua in the sight of all Israel and they feared him as they feared Moses all days of his life. And the Lord spoke unto josua, saying: command the priests that bear the ark to come forth of jordan. And josua commanded the priests, saying, Come forth of jordan. And when the priests that bore the ark of the appointment of the Lord were ascended out of jordan: as soon as the soles of the priests feet were brought to dry land, the water of jordan returned again unto his place, ☞ and went over all his banks as he did before. And the people came up out of jordan the tenth day of the first month, and pitched in Galgal, even in the east borders of jericho. And the twelve stones, which they took out of jordan, josua pitched in Galgal. And he spoke unto the children of Israel, saying: when your children ask you in time to come what mean these stones? show your children and say: Israel came over this jordan on dry land. For the Lord your God dried up the water of jordan before you, till you were over, as the Lord your God did unto the read see, which he dried up before us, till we were over/ that all the people of the world may know the hand of the Lord how mighty it is, and that you might fear the Lord your God for ever. The Canaanytes be afeard. The second circumcision of josua. CAPI. V ANd when all the kings of the Amorytes which are on this side jordan to the seewarde, and all the kings of the Canaanytes, which lie on the see, heard how the Lord had dried up the water of jordan before the children of Israel, josua twenty a till they were over, their hearts fainted in them. And there was no spirit in them any more for fear of the coming of the children of Israel. That same time the Lord said unto josua: Make the knives φ Some read sharp knives of stone, Circumcision and go to again, and circumcise the children of Israel the second tyme. And josua made him knives of stone, and circumcised the children of Israel in the hill of foreskynnes. And this is the cause why josua again circumcised. All the people that came out of Egypt that were males, all that were men of war, died in the wilderness, by the way after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised. But all the people the were born in the wilderness by the way after they came out of Egypt, they circumcised not. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people of men of war that came out of egypt were consumed, which hearkened not unto the voice of God, so that the Lord swore, that he would not show them the land, which he swore unto their fathers that he would give us, even a land * Nu. xiii d that floweth milk and honey. And their children he set up in their stead: them josua circumcised: for they were φ That is, their foreskins were not cut away uncircumcised, because they circumcised them not by the way. And when all the people were circumcised, they abode still in their places in the host, till they were hole. And the Lord said unto josua, this day I have taken away the shame of egypt from you: and called the name of the same place Galgal unto this day. And the children of Israel pitched their tents in Galgal, and held the feast of Passeover the fourteen day of the month at even in the plain of jericho. And they are of the corn of the land on the second day of Ester, swear takes and flementy the same day. And Manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the corn of the land, Here seaceth Manna. neither had the children of Israel Manna any more, but did eat of the fruits of that year in the land of Canaan. An angel appeareth to succour the Israelites. And when josua was come to jericho, he lift up his eyes and looked: and behold there stood a man before him with his sword drawn in his hand. And josua went unto him and said unto him. Art thou on our side, or on our adversaries? He answered. Nay, but I am the captain of the host of the Lord, and am now come. And josua fallen on his face to the earth and did reverence, and said unto him, what saith my Lord unto his servant. And the captain of the lords host said unto josua, * Exod. iii b Actuum vii b put thy shoes of thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And josua did so. ¶ The walls of jericho fall, and it is taken. CAPI. VI ANd jericho was shut & kept for fear of the children of Israel, so that no man was so hardy to go out or in. And the Lord said unto josua: behold, I have given in to thine hand, jericho and her king and the men of war. And you shall compass the city all that be men of war, and go round about it on●s a day, and so shall you do six days. Upon the seventh day seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of φ After the Hebrew the common trans●a. readeth of the year of iubely rams horns, & shall go before the ark. And the seventh day, you shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with their trumpets. And when there is a long blast blown, as soon as you heat the sound of the horn, let all the people shout a mighty shout. And then shall the walls of the city fall down, and the people shall a●eno, every man straight before him. And josua the son of Nun, called the priests and said unto him: take up the ark of the appointment, & set seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams horns before the ark of the Lord. And he said unto the people, go and compass the city, and let the men of arms go before the ark of the Lord And when josua had spoken unto the people the seven pr●eues tha● bore the seven trumpets of rams horns before the ark of the Lord went forth and blue the horns, and the ark of the testament of the Lord folow●d after them. And the men of arms went before the priests that blue with the horns, and the common people came aft●r the ark: and as they went, they blue the horns. And josua commanded the people, saying, shout not, nor let your voice be herd, or any word proceed ou●e of pour mouths, till the day I bid you shout: and then shout. And so the ark of the Lord compassed the city, and went about it once: and then they returned in to the host and lodged there. And josua arose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord, and seven priests bore seven trumpets of rams horns before the ark of the Lord, and as they went blue the horns. And the men of arms went before them and the common people came after the ark of the Lord, and as they went, they blue the horns. And the second day they compassed the city one's, and returned again in to the host, and so they did six days. And the seventh day they rose early: even with the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times. And at the seventh time the priests blue the horns, and josua said unto the people, shout, for the Lord hath given you the city. But the city shall be cursed, both it and all that is therein unto the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, both she and all that is with her in the house, because she * Io●● hid the messengers that we sent. And in any wise beware that you touch nothing at all, that is forbid you, least you be found transgressoures, and 'cause all the host of Israel to be under curse and misfortune. But the silver, gold, vessels of brass and iron, shall be holy unto the Lord, and shall go in to his treasury. And the people cried, and blue with horns: for when the people heard the sound of the horns, they shouted a great shout: and the * 〈◊〉 Ie●●let●. walls fell down, and the people went up in to the city, every man forth right, and took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox, sheep and ass, with the edge of the sword. Then josua said unto the two men that went to espy out the country: * 〈…〉 go in to the harlots house, and bring out thence, both the woman, and all that pertaineth to her, * I● as you swore to her. And the young men that were spies, went in and brought out Rahab, and her father, and mother, and all her brethren, & all that she had. And they brought out all her household, and put them without the host of Israel. And they burned the city with fire, and all that was therein. Only the silver, the gold, and the things of brass and iron, they put unto the treasure of the house of the Lord. * 〈…〉 And josua saved Rahab the harlot, her father's household, and all that pertained unto her, and she dwelled in Israel even unto this day, because she hid the messengers which josua seen to espy out jericho. And josua cursed at that time, saying: Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up, and buildeth this city jericho: so that he lay the foundation with the death of his elder son, and with the death of his youngest, set up the gates. And the Lord was with josua, and his fame was herd, thorough out all lands. ¶ Ai is spied out. Acan is stoned because he took of the excommunicate things. CAPI. VII. But yet the children of Israel trespased in the cursed things: For * I●● P●●● Acan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zarch, of the tribe of juda, took of the cursed things. And the wrath of the Lord waxed hoot against the children of Israel. Then josua sent men from jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east tied or Bethel, and spoke unto them, saying/ get you up, and view the country. And the men went up and spied out Ai, and returned unto josua, and said unto him, let not the people go up, but let as it were two or three thousand men go up and destroy Ai, and make not all the people to labour thither, for they are but few. And so there went up thither about a three thousand men, which fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai smote of them upon a thirty and six men, and chased them before the gates, even unto Gabarim, and smote them down the way. And the hearts of the people, were discouraged and melted like water. And josua rent his clotheses and tell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the Lord till the even tide, both he and the elders of Israel, and put earth upon their heeds. And josua said: Ah, Lord almighty wherefore hast thou brought this people over jordan, to deliver us in to the hands of the Amorytes to destroy us: Would God that as we began, so we had adventured and dwelt on the other side jordan. O Lord what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies. Moreover the Canaanytes, and all the inhabitants of the land, shall hear it/ and shall come about us, and destroy the name of us out of the world. And then what wilt thou do unto thy mighty name. And the Lord said unto josua, get the up wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and also transgressed mine appointment which I commanded them, and have taken of the cursed things, & have stolen and hid them amongs their own stuff. And therefore the children of Israel can not stand before their enemies. They shall turn their backs before their enemies, because they be cursed. Neither will I be with you any more, except you destroy the cursed amongs you. Arise and ●●od twenty a sanctify the people, and bid them sanctify themselves against the morrow: for so saith the Lord God of Israel, the curse is amongs you Israel, and therefore you can not stand before your enemies, till you have put to death him that hath taken of the damned spoils, amongs you. To morrow morning you shall come by your tribes. And the tribe which the Lord shall find guilty, shall come by kynredes. And the kindred which the Lord shall find guilty, shall come by households. And the household which the Lord shall find faulty, shall come man by man. And he that is found in the curse, shall be burnt with fire, both he and all his goods, because he hath transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. And so josua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel by their tribes: and the tribe of juda was attached. Then he brought the kynredes of juda, and found the kindred of the Zarehites guilty. And he brought the kindred of the Zarehites by householders, and Zabdi was caught. And he brought his household man by man, and Acan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zareh, in the tribe of juda was found guilty. And josua said unto Acan: my son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and give him praise, and show me what thou hast done and hide it not from me. And Acan answered josua and said: of a truth I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel/ and so and so have I done. I saw among the spoil a goodly skarler cloak, and two hundred sickles of silver, and a rule of gold of thirty sycles weight: and I coveted them, & I took them. And behold they lie hid in the earth in my tent, and the silver under them. And then josua sent messengers which ran unto the tent. And behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it. And they took them out of the midst of his tent, & brought them unto josua and unto all the children of Israel, and powered them, out before the Lord. And josua took Acan the son of Zareh, & the silver, and the garment, and the rule of gold, and his sons and his daughters, his oxen, asses, sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and all Israel with him, and brought them unto the valley of Acor. And josua said: forasmuch as thou hast troubled us: the Lord shall trouble the this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, Acan is stoned and burned all that be had with fire. And they cast upon him a great heap of stones that remaineth unto this day. And so the Lord turned from his fierce wrath. Wherefore the name of the place is called the valley of Acor unto this day. ¶ The siege and winning of Ai. The king thereof is hanged. josua setteth up an altar on which is written the book of deuteronomy. He blesseth the people. CAPI. VIII. ANd the Lord said unto josua: fear not ne dread? but take all the men of war with thee, and arise and get the to Ai. Behold I have given into thy hand, the king of Ai, and his people, his city and his land. And thou shalt do to Ai & her king as thou didst unto * josua vi v and xii c jericho and her king. Nevertheless the spoil and cattles thereof, you shall take unto yourselves. But lay a watch unto the town on the backside thereof. Then josua arose, & all the men of war, to go up unto Ai. And josua chose out thirty thousand men of war, & sent them by night. And commanded them, saying: See you lie await unto the town on the backside thereof. Go not very far from the city, and see you be all ready. As for me and all the people that are with me, we will approach unto the city on the other side. And when they come forth against us, * joshua vii a as at the first time, then will we i'll before them. And they will come out after us, till we have plucked them a good space from the city, for they will say they flee before us, as at the first time: therefore when we flee, and they pursue after, then shall you rise up from your privy watch, and drive out the inhabitants of the city. For the Lord your God will deliver in to your hands. As soon therefore as you have taken the city, see you set it on fire. According to the commandment of the Lord, see you do/ behold, I have charged you. And josua sent them forth, and they went to the place of their privy watch, and lay between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai But josua lodged that night amongs the people, and he rose up erly in the morning and arrayed his company and went up, both he and the ancients of Israel in the forefront of the host, with a garrison of fighting men. And all the men of war that were with him went up and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai, a valley beyinge between them and Ai. And he took upon a five thousand men, and put them to lie in await between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. And he set in order all the host on the north side of the city, and the privy watch on the west. And josua went the same night in to the mids of the valley. And when the king of Ai saw that he hasted and rose up early, and with all the host of the city, went forward against Israel to battle, even before the plain/ and wist not that there were any that lay in await on the back side of the city. josua and Israel shrunk backward, as they had been afraid, and fled toward the wilderness. And all the people of the town cried to follow after them/ and they followed after josua, till they were drawn away from the city: So that there was not a man left in Ai, or in Bethel, that went not out after Israel. And they left the city open, and followed after Israel. Then the Lord said unto josua reach out the spear that is in thine hand toward Ai, for I have given the it. And josua stretched out the spear that was in his hand, toward the city. And the privy watch rose quickly out of their places, and ran/ as soon as josua had shaken his spear, and they entered in to the city, and took it, and set it on fire. And when the men of Ai looked back after them and saw: Behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven. And they had no place to flee either this way or that, for the people that flayed to the wilderness turned back upon the followers and fiercely fought. And when josua and all Israel saw that they that lay await had taken the city and that the smoke of it ascended: They turned and laid on the men of Ai, And the other issued out of the city against them. And so were they in the mids of Israel, these being on the one side of them, and the rest on the other. And they laid upon them, so that they let none either remain or escape. The king of Ai they took a live & brought him to josua. And when Israel had made an end of stayenge all the enhabitours of Ai: who chased them over the fields and the wilderness. So when they were all slain in the same place, Israel returned unto Ai: & smote it. And there was slain that day, of men & women, twelve thousand, all men of Ai. For josua plucked not his hand back again wherewith he held up his spear, till they had utterly destroyed all the inhabiters of Ai. * 〈◊〉 De● Ioh● Only the cattles & spoil of the said city, Israel took unto themselves, according to the word of the Lord, which he commanded josua. And josua set Ai on fire, & made it an heap and a wilderness for ever, even unto this day. And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree, until even. And assoon as it was sonneset, D● at the commandment of josua they took the carcase down of the tree, & cast it in the entering of the gate of the city, and * I● cast thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day. Then josua builded an aultare unto the Lord God of Israel, in mount ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book * D● of the law of Moses: an altar of rough stone, over which no tool of iron was lift. And they sacrificed thereon burnt-sacrifice, and offered peaxoffringes. And he written thereupon the stones the * 〈…〉 second law of Moses, which he written in the presence of the children of Israel. And all Israel and the elders thereof, and their officers and judges stood part on this side the ark, and part on that side, before the priests: that were levites which bore the ark of the Testament of the Lord: as well the stranger, as they that were born among them: half on the forefront of the mount of Garizim, and half on the forefront of mount ebal: as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and josua first blessed the people Israel. And after that, Io●● the● pet● he read all the words of the law, both the blessing & cursing, according to all that is written in the book of the law: so that there was not one word of all that Moses commanded, which josua read not, before all the congregation of Israel, with women and children, and the strangers that were among them. ¶ The Gabaonites obtain peax of josua by subtlety, but are after accursed. CAPI. IX. ANd when all the kings that devil on this side jordan, in the hills and valleys, and a long by all the costs of the great see, even unto Libanon, the hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pheresites the Hevites, and the jebusites, heard of this they gathered themselves together to fight against josua and Israel, with one accord. ●●nytes. But when the inhabitoures of Gabaon herd what josua had done unto jericho, and Ai, they played wylylye, and went and sent ambasadours, and took old sacks upon their Asses, and wine bottelles old and rent and knit together again, and old clouted shoes upon their feet, and old raiment upon them and all their provision of bread was dried up and hored. And they came unto josua into the host, to Galgall and said unto him & unto the men of Israel: we be come from a far country, now therefore make a peax with us. 〈◊〉 xi b And the men of Israel said unto the Hevites, peradventure you devil among us, and then how should we make peaxe with you. And they said unto josua, we are thy servants. And josua said unto them, what are you: and whence come you. And they answered him. from a very far country thy servants are come in the name of the Lord thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in egypt, and all that he did to the two 〈◊〉 ●xi. f. g. kings of the Amorites beyond jordan, Sehon king of Hesbon, and Og king of Basan, which dwelled at Astaroth. Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitors of our country spoke to us, saying: take victuals with you to serve by the way, and go against them, & say unto them, we are your servants. Now therefore make a covenant of peax with us. This our provision of bread we took with us out of our houses, hot, the day we departed to come unto you. And now behold, it is dried up and hoored. And these botelles of wine which we filled were new: and see they be broken. And these our garments and shoes are waxen old by reason of the exceeding long journey. 〈◊〉 xxv f And the men took of their victuals, and counseled not with the mouth of the Lord. And josua made peax with them, and 〈◊〉 xxi a. made a league with them, to save their lives: & the chief lords of the army swore unto them. But three days after they had made peax with them, they heard that they were neighbours unto them, and that they dwelt amongs them. For the children of Israel took their journey, and came unto their cities the third day: and their cities were Gabaon, Caphira, Beeroth, and Kariath jarim. And the children of Israel slew them not, because the Lords of the company had sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel. And therefore all the commons murmured against the Lords. But the Lords said unto all the congregation: We have sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel, and therefore we may not hurt them. But this we will do to them let them live: & so shall no wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we swore unto them: but let them have their lives, that they may be 〈◊〉 xxix b ●ius be ●●arers hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation. Then josua sent for them, and talked with them, and said: wherefore have you beguiled us whereas in deed you dwell amongs us? now therefore cursed be you, & there shall not cease to be of you, bondmen and hewers of wood and drawers of water unto the house of my God. And they answered josua, and said: it was told thy servants, that the Lord thy God had commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitoures thereof out of your sight, and therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and now behold, we are in thine hand, as it seemeth good, and right in thine eyes to do unto us, so do. And he dealt as it is said, with them, & rid them out of the hands of the children of Israel, that they slew them not. And josua made them that same day hewers of wood and drawers of water unto the company and unto the altar of God unto this day, in the place which God should choose. ¶ The amorittes are overcome of josua it raineth stones. The son standeth still and the day is lengthened. The five kings are hanged. CAPI. X. ANd when Adonizedec king of jerusalem had herd, how josua had taken Ai, and had destroyed it, and how as * joshua vi c and viii a he had done to jericho and her king, even so he had done to Ai and her king, and how the inhabitors of Gabaon had made peax with Israel and did remain amongs them: they feared exceedingly, for Gabaon was a great city, as any city of the kingdom, and thereto greater than Ai, & all her men were mighty. Wherefore Adonizedec king of jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Pharam king of jerimoth, and unto japhia king of Lachis, and unto Dabir king of Eglon, saying. Come up unto me & help me, that we may smite Gabaon: for they have made peax with josua and the children of Israel. Then the u kings of the Amorites, the king of jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of jerimoth, the king of Lachis, the king of Eglon gathered them selves together, both they and all their hosts & went up and besieged Gabaon, & made war against it. But the men of Gabaon when they were besieged sent unto josua, unto the host to Galgal, saying: withdraw not thy hands from thy servants, but come up to us: and rescue us: for all the kings of the Amorites which devil in the mountains are gathered together against us. And josua ascended from Galgall, The faithfulness of josua. he and all the people of war with him, and all the men of might, and the Lord said unto josua, fear them not, for I have delivered them into thine hand, there shall not a man of them stand before the. So josua came upon them suddenly, for he had journeyed from Galgall all night. And the Lord took their sprite away before Israel, and slay of them a great slaughter at Gabaon, and chased them a long the way that goeth up to Bethoron and slay them, Stones from heaven. till they came to Esaka and Makeda. And as they fled from Israel, even in the going down to Bethoron, the Lord cave down great stones from heaven upon them till they came unto Esaka, that they died. And there were more that died with hail stones, than the children of Israel slew with the sword. Then spoke josua unto the Lord, the day when the Lord gave over the Amorites before the children of Israel, and said in the sight of all Israel: Son, stand thou still upon Gabaon, Eccle. xliiii a The Son & moan stand still. and thou Moon, in the valley of Aialon. And the son abode, and the moan stood still, till the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the rightwise, how the son abode in the mids of heaven and hasted not to go down by the space of a hole day. And there was no day so long as that before it, or after it, that the Lord obeyed the voice of a man: and all because the Lord fought for Israel. And josua returned & all Israel with him, unto the host to Galgall: but the five kings fled and hid themselves in a cave at Makeda. The kings he hid And it was told josua, saying: The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makeda. And josua said, roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and appoint har by men thereto, to keep them. And stand you not still, but follow after your enemies, & smite the hyndermost of them. And suffer them nor to enter into their cities, for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hands. And when josua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a great slaughter, till they were well near wasted yet there remained a certain of them, that had escaped Israel's hands and entered into the walled cities. And all the people returned to the host, to josua at Makeda in peace, hole and without loss of one man so that no man durst move his tongue against the children of Israel. Then said josua: open the mouth of the cave, and bring out these u kings unto me forth of the cave. And they did so, and brought those five kings unto him, out of the cave? The king of jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of jerimoth, the king of Lachis, and the king of Eglon. And when they had brought out those kings unto josua: josua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war, which came with him, come near and put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near and put their feet upon the necks of them. And josua said unto them fear not, ne dread: But be strong & pluck up your hearts, for so shall the Lord serve all your enemies against which you fight. The five kings be slain. And then josua smote them and slay them and hanged them on five trees till even. And at the going down of the son, josua gave commandment, and they took them down of the trees, & cast them into the cave, where they hid themselves, D● and laid great stones on the caves mouth, which remain unto this day. And that same day josua took Maked a & smore it with the edge of the sword, M● A● w● I● and the king thereof also, and utterly destroyed them and all the souls that were therein, & not one escaped. And he did to the king of Makeda, as he did to the king of jericho. Then josua went from Makeda, Li● and all Israel with him unto Libna, and fought against Libna. And the Lord delivered it also in their hands, with the king also, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, and let nought remain in it, and did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of jericho. After that josua departed from Libna, L●● & all Israel with him, unto Lachis, and besieged and assaulted it round about. And the Lord delivered into the hands of Israel Lachis, that they took it the second day, & smote it with the edge of the sword, & all the souls that were therein, according to all that he did to Libna. 〈…〉 Then Horam king of Geser came up to help Lachis: But josua smote him and his people, till he left him nought remaining. And from Lachis josua departed, E● unto Eglon, and all Israel with him, and there besieged, and assaulted it, and took it the same day, & smote it with the edge of the sword and all the personnes that were therein: and utterly destroyed them the same day, according to all that he did to Lachis. Then josua departed up from Eglon and all Israel with him, unto Hebron. H●● And they fought against it, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the towns that belonged to it, and all the souls that were therein, so that they left naught remaining: but in all things as they did to Eglon, so they destroyed it utterly. Then josua returned and all Israel with him to Dabir, and they fought against it, D● and took it, and the king thereof and all the towns that appartayned thereto. And smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein, & let naught remain. And as he did to Hebron, so he did to Dabir and the king thereof, and as he did to Libna and her king. And josua smote all the hill contreyes and the south countries, and the valleys, & the springs of water, with all their kings and let naught remain, but utterly destroyed all that * 〈…〉 breathed, as the Lord God of Israel commanded, from Cades barn, unto Gasah, and all the country of Gosan, even unto Gabaon. And all those kings and their land, josua took at one time: because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And then josua returned and all Israel with him unto the host to Galgall. ¶ The battle of josua with divers kings, which God giveth in to his hands. CAPI. XI. ANd when jabin king of Hazor heard hereof: he sent to jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Someron, and to the king of Acsaph. And unto the kings that are by north in the mountains, and plains, on the south side of Ceneroth, and in the low countries, and in the regions of Dor upon the see, & unto the Canaanites both by east and west: and unto the Amorites, Hethiches, Pheresites, and jebusites in the mountains: and unto the Hevites under Hermon in the land of Mazphah: which came out and all their hosts with them a multitude of folk, even as the sands of the see in number, with horses and charettes a wondrous sort. And all these kings met together, and came and pitched together upon the water of Merom, to fight with Israel. And the Lord said unto josua: be not afraid of them: for to morrow about this time, I will deliver them all sore wounded, before all Israel: and thou shalt houghe their horses, and burn their charettes with fire. And josua came and all the men of war with him against them, unto the water of Merom suddenly, 〈◊〉 ten b and fallen upon them. And the Lord delivered them into the hands of Israel: & they smote them and chased them, unto great Sidon, and unto the 〈◊〉 Ma●●os. hot waters, and unto the valley of Mazphah eastward, & smote them till they had none left of them. And josua served them as the Lord bade him, houghed their horses, and burned their charetres with fire. Then josua at that time turned back and took Hazor and smote her king with the sword For Hazor before time was the head of all those kingdoms. And they smote all the souls that were therein and left not one alive in it, utterly destroying them, that no breath was let remain. And burned Hazor with fire, and all the cities round about, whose kings josua took and smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed them 〈◊〉 xxiii. d 〈◊〉 xiiii. b. 〈◊〉 vii a. as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded. But Israel burned none of the cyttes that stood upon hills, save Hazor only, that josua burned: but all the spoil of the said cities & the cattles, the children of Israel caught unto themselves: But the men only they smote with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, and had left no breath remaining. As the Lord commanded josua and even so did josua 〈◊〉 x c and mynysshed no word of all that the Lord commanded Moses. And so josua took all that land, the hills and all the south country, and all the land of Gosan, and the low country, and the west country, the plains, and the mountain of Israel, with the low country of the same, even from mount Halak that goeth up to Seir unto Baal Gad in the valley of Libanon, under mount Hermon. And all the kings of the same he took and smote them, and slew them. josua made war long time with those kings: for there was no city that had not yielded her to the children of Israel, save those hittites that enhabited Gabaon: All other they took with battle: for it was the lords will to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle: even to destroy them utterly, that they should have no mercy, but to bring them to naught As the Lord commanded Moses. And that same season, josua went and destroyed the * Iud. i d Enakites out of the mountains, and out of Hebron, Dabir, and Anab, & out of all the mountains of juda, and out of all the mountains of Israel, And josua destroyed them utterly with their cities, So that there was not one Enakite left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Asah, Geth and Asdod, there remained of them. And josua took the hole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses, and gave it a possession unto Israel every man his part in their tribes: and the land ceased from war. ¶ what kings josua and the children of Israel killed, which were in number, xxxi. CAPI. XII. THese are the kings of the land which the children of Israel smote, and conquered their lands, on the other side jordan eastward, from the river Arnon, unto mount Hermon, and all the plain eastward: Sehon king of the Amorites, that dwelled in Hesbon, and ruled from Aroer, which lieth on the brim of the river of Arnon, and to the middle of the river, and half Galaad unto the river jabock, the border of the children of Ammon: And in the plain unto the see of Ceneroth eastward, & unto the see in the wilderness called the salt see eastward, the way to Beth, jesymoth and by south under the springs of Phasgah. And the costs of Og king of Basan which was of the remnant of the Raphaites & dwelled at Astharoth, & Edrai: and reigned in mount Hermon, and in Selecah, and thorough out all Basan, unto the borders of the Gesurites, and the Macathites and half Galaad unto the borders of Sehon king of Hesbon. * Num xxi f. and g Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel smote them, and Moses the servant of the Lord, gave their lands a possession unto the Rubenites, Gaddites, and half the tribe of Manasses. These are the kings of the country which josua and the children of Israel smote on this side jordan, westward, from Baal Gad in the valley of Libanon, even unto mount Halak that goeth up to Seir. And josua gave the land unto the tribes of Israel to possess, every man his part: in the upper land, & neither land, in plains, & springs of water, in the wilderness, and south country, the hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pheresites, the Hevites, and the jebusites. The king of jericho: The king of Ai beside bethel: The king of jerusalem: The king of Hebron: The king of jerimoth: The king of Lachis: The king of Eglon: The king of Gazer: The king of Dabir: The king of Gader: The king of Horma: The king of Ered: The king of Libna: The king of Odolam: The king of Makeda: The king of Bethel: The king of Thaphuah: The king of Hepher: The king of Aphek: The king of Lasaron: The king of Madan: The king of Hasor: The king Someron meron: The king of Acsaph: The king Thenach: The king of Magedo/ The king of Cades/ The king of jakanam in carmel/ The king of the country of Dor/ The king of the nations in Galgall/ and king Therzah/ All the kings together thirty and one. ¶ josua is commanded to divide the land to the children of Israel. CAPI. XIII. WHen josua was wax old, and stricken in years, the Lord said unto him/ thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet exceeding moche land to be possessed/ This is the land that remaineth/ all the coostes of the Philistines/ and all the Gesurites/ from Nilus in egypt unto the borders of Akaron northward, which land was counted to pertain unto the Canaanites, even to the five Lords of the Philistines, the Asathites, Asdadites, Ascalonites, Gethites, Akaronites, with the Euites, from the south All the land of the Canaanites, and Maara that appertaineth to the Sidons, even unto Aphek, and to the borders of the Amorites. And the land of the Giblytes, and all Libanon toward the son rising, from Baal Gad under mount Hermon, till thou come to Hemath, all the enhabitoures of the hill country, from Libanon unto the hot waters even all the Sidones. I will cast them out from the face of the children of Israel, and see thou in any wise divide it by lot unto the children of Israel to enheret, as I have commanded the. Now therefore divide this land to enherete, unto the nine tribes/ and the half tribe of Manasses. For the other half with the Rubenites and the Gaddites, have received their inheritance already, * Nu. xxxii f. Deut iii b which Moses gave them beyond jordan eastward even as Moses the servant of the Lord gave them/ from Aroer that lieth on the brim of the river Arnon/ with the city in the mids of the valley. And all the plain of Midba unto Dibon/ and all the cities of Sehon, king of the Amorites which reigned in Hesbon, even unto the borders of the children of Ammon/ and Galaad, and the lands that border upon the Gesurites and the Machathites, & all mount Hermon and all Basan unto Salecah, even all the kingdom of Og in Basan which reigned in Astharoth and Edrai which same remained yet of the rest of the Raphaites. But Moses smote them and destroyed them. Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Gesurites nor the Machathites: But the Gesurites & the Machathites dwelled among the Israelites even unto this day. Only unto the tribe of Levi, he gave none inheritance: * 〈…〉 for the offering of the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance as he said unto them. And Moses gave ceasyn unto the tribe of the children of Reuben by their kynredes. And their bounds were from Aroer that lieth on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that lieth in the mid valley of the river, and all the plain about Madba, Hesbon, and all her towns that lie in the plain: Dibon Or, 〈◊〉 pla●● Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon: jahazah, Kedemoth and Mephaath Kiriathaim, Sabamah and Zarath Zahar in mount Emak: and Beth Pheor and the springs of Phasgah, and Bethiesimoth: and all the cities in the plain. And all the kingdom of Sehon king of the Ammorites which reigned in Hesbon, whom Moses smote * 〈…〉 with the Lords of Madian, Eui, Rekem, Zur, Her and Reba, the Lords of Sehon, and the inhabitants of the country. And Balam also the son of Beor the sothesayer, the children of Israel slew with the sword, Ba●● amongs other that were slain. And the borders of the children of Reuben was jordan with the country that lieth thereon. This is the inheritance of the children of Reuben in their kynredes, with the cities and villages pertaining thereto. And Moses gave unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad an inheritance by kynredes, and their costs were jazer, and all the cities of Galaad, and half the land of the children of Ammon unto Aroer that lieth before Rabah: and from Hesbon unto Ramoth Mazphah, and Betonim: and from Mahanaim unto the borders of Dabir. And in the valley they had Betharam, Bethnimra, Socoth and Zaphon/ the rest of the kingdom of Sehon king of Hesbon, and jordan, and the costs that lie thereon, even unto the edge of the see of Ceneroth on the other side jordan eastward. This is the inheritance of the children of Gad in their kynredes, the cities with their villages. And Moses gave unto the half tribe of Manasses, and to his sons an inheritance by their kynredes. And their coostes were from Mahanaim, even all Basan, the kingdom of Og, king of Basan, and all the towns of jahir which lie in Basan, even three score cities, and half Galaad and Astaroth, and Edrai, cities of the kingdom of Og in Basan, * 〈…〉 which pertain unto the children of Machir the son of Manasses, and that unto half the children of Machir by their kynredes. These are they to whom Moses gave inheritance in the fields of Moab, on the other side jordan by jericho eastward. But unto the tribe of Levi, Moses gave none inheritance, for the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance, 〈◊〉 xviii c as he said unto them. ¶ Caleb requireth the heritage that was promised him, and Hebron was given him. CAPI. XIIII. ANd these are the countries which the children of Israel inhereted in the land of Canaan, unto which Eleazar the priest, and josua the son of Nun and the ancient heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, gave them their inheritance by lot as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, to give unto the nine tribes, and unto the half tribe of Manasses. For Moses had given inheritance unto two tribes and an half on the other side jordan: But unto the levites he gave none inheritance amongs them. For the children of joseph were two tribes, Manasses and Ephraim. And therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to devil in and the suburbs of the same, Levites 〈◊〉 their ci● for their beasts and cattles. As the Lord commanded Moses: even so the children of Israel did when they divided the land. And the children of juda came unto josua in Galgall. And Caleb the son of jephune the Kenesyta said unto him: thou wotteste what the Lord said unto Moses the man of God, concerning me and the in Cades Barn. 〈◊〉 xiiii. d. forty year old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord s●nt me from Cades Barn to espy out the land. And I brought him word again even as I thought in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me discouraged the hearts of the people. But I followed the Lord my God even unto the end. And Moses swore the same season, saying 〈◊〉 xiiii d. 〈◊〉 xi ● 〈◊〉. a the land whereon thy feet have trodden, shallbe thine inheritance and thy children for ever because thou haste followed the Lord my God continually. And now behold, the Lord hath lent me life (as he said) 〈◊〉 xlvi. b this forty and five years, even sithence the Lord spoke unto Moses, while the children of Israel wanderyd in the wilderness. And now see I am this day four score and five years: and yet am as strong at this time, as I was when Moses sent me: look how strong I was then, so strong I am now, to war and to journey. Now therefore give me this mountain which the Lord at that time promised, for thou herdeste at that time, how the ●●lo●●t i d. Enakims' were there, and how the cities were great and walled. I trust the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out as the Lord said. And josua blessed Caleb the son of jephune, and gave him Hebron to enheret. And Hebron become the inheritance of Caleb the son of jephune the Kenesite, unto this day: because he followed the Lord God of Israel perpetually. And the name of * Hebron was called in old time, Kariath Arbe which was a huge man among the Enakims' And the land ceased from war. ¶ The Lot of the children of juda and the names of the cities and villages of the same. CAPI. XU. ANd the Lot of the tribe of the children of juda in their kynredes was the wilderness of Zyn that stretcheth to the costs of Edom southward, and is the uttermost part of the south costs. And their southcostes were from the brink of the salt see and from a certain point of the see that leaneth southward. And it went out on the south side of the going up to Acrabim, and went a long to Zimma, and ascended up on the south side of Cades Barn, and went along to Hezron and went up to Adar, and fet a compass to Karca, and went a long to Azmon, & it went out to the river of Egypt: so that the end of that cost is the see. And these are their south coostes. And their east costs are the salt see even unto to the edge of jordan. And their borders in the north quarter were from an other point of the see where jordan endeth. And went up to Bethhagla and went a long by the northside of Betharabah and went up to the stone of Bohen the son of Reuben. And then went up to Dabir from the valley of Acor, and so northward, turning toward Galgal that lieth before the going up to Adonim, which is of the southside of the river. And then went a long to the water of Ensemes, and ended at the well of rogel. And then went up to the valley of the son of Hennon, even unto the south side of the jebusytes the inhabitors of jerusalem. And then went up to the top of the hill that lieth before the valley of Hennon westward, and by the edge of the valley of Raphaim northward: And then it draweth from the sand hill unto the fountain of water called Nephthoah, and goeth out at the cyetes of mount Ephron: and draweth to Balah, otherwise called Kariathiarim: and then it compaseth from Balah westward, unto Eyr, and then goeth along unto the side of mount jarim, otherwise called Chesalon, on the north side thereof. And cometh down to Bethsames and goth to Thanah, and goeth out on the side of Akaron northward: And then draweth to Se●ron & goeth a long to mount Balah, and goth out at Iab●el/ and the end of the borders is the see. And the west borders are the great se and the costs that lie thereon. And these are the costs of the children of juda round about in their kynredes. judic i d And unto Caleb the son of jephune was there a part allotted among the children of juda, by the mouth of the Lord to josua, even the city of Kariatharbe father of Enack which City is called Hebron. And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Enack, Sesai Ahman, and Thalmai, the sons begotten of Enack. And he went up thence, to the inhabitoures of Dabir, whose name in the old time was Kariath sepher. And Caleb said, * Iudic i c he that smiteth Katiath sepher and taketh it: to him will I give Acsah my daughter to wife. And Othinel, the son of Kenes, the brother of Caleb took it. And he gave him Acsah his daughter to wife. And as she went she moved him, to ask of her father a field. And she alyghted of her ass. And Caleb said unto her, what aileth the. And she said, give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a southward and dry land: give me also springs of water. Then he gave her springs of water, both above and beneath. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of juda in their kynredes. And the cities of the tribe of the children of juda in all quarters, toward the costs of Edom southward, were: Kabzel, Eder, and jagur: Kinah, Dimonah, and Adada: Kedes, Hazor, and jethnan: Ziph, Telem, and Baloth: Hazor, Hadathah, & Karioth: Heston, otherwise called Hazor, Eman, S●mi, and Moladah: Hazargadah, Hasmon, and Bethpheleth: Hazarsual, Betiabe, and Baziothiah: Baalah, Limb, and Azen: Eitholad Cesill, and Horma: Zikelag, Mebemenah, and Sensenah: Labaoth, Seihim, Am and Kemon: all these cities are xxix with their villages. And in the low country they had Esthaol, Zateah, and Asenah: Zoneah, Enganim, Thaphuah & Enam: jerimoth, Adulam, Sotoh, and Azkah: Saarem, Adichaim Gederah, and Gederothaim: fourteen cities with their villages. Zenan, Hadazah, and Magdalgad: Deleam, Mazphah, and I●ktheel: Lachis, Bazcath, and Eglon: Cabon, Lahamam, and Cethlis: Gaderoth, Bethdagon, Maaman, and Makedah: Syxtene cities with their villages. Lebnah, Ether, and Asan: jephthah, Asnah, and Nezib: Keilah, Kahezip, and Maresah: nine cities with their villages. Akton with her towns and villages. And from Akton out to the see, all that lie about Asdod with their villages. Asdod with her towns and villages. Azah with her towns and villages, even unto the river of egypt: and the great see, with the coostes that lie thereon. And in the mountains, they had Samir jachir, and Socoh: Danah, and Kariath senath, which is Dabir: Anab, Estemoh, and Anim: Gozen, Holon, and Giloh: all even cities with their villages. Arab, Dumah, and Esean: jamin, Beththaphuah, and Aphcah: Humatah, and Kariath Athe: which is Hebron and Zior: nine cities with their villages. Maon, Carmel, Siph, and jutah: jesraell, jukadan, and Sanoch: Cain, Gabaah and Thamnah: ten cities with their villages. Ha●hul, Bethzur, and Gedor: Maatath Beth●noth, and Elthecon: six cities with their villages. Kariath Baal which is Kariath jatim, and Harabba two cities with their villages. And in the wilderness they had Betharabah, Meddin and Sacacah: Nebson, the city or salt, and Engadi: six cities with their villages. But the jebusites that were the enhabiters of jerusalem/ the children of juda could not cast out. Wherefore the jebusites dwell among the children of juda unto this day. ¶ The Love or part of Ephraim. CAPI. XVI. ANd the lot of the children of joseph tell from jordan by jericho, unto the water of jericho eastward, and the wilderness that goth up from jericho thorough mount bethel/ and than goeth out from Bethel to Lus, and runneth a long unto the borders of Arciataroth: and goeth down westward, to the coostes of japhlethi, and unto the costs of Bethhoron the neither, and goeth up by the see side to Gasor, & the ends of their coostes came to the great see. And so the children of joseph Manasses and Ephraim took their inheritance. And the children of Ephraim took their costs by kyn●edes. And the costs of their inheritance eastward were, Ataroth Adorni, even unto Bethhoron the upper, and their marches went out westward to Machmathah that lieth on the northside, and fet a compass eastward unto Thaanath Silo, and passeth from the eastside unto janoah, and went down from janoah to Ataroth and Naarath, and met at jericho, and went out at jordan. And their borders went from Thaphuah westward unto the river Kanah, and the ends were the salt see. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their households. The children of Ephraim, had their cities and villages skatered among the inheritance of the children of Manasses: Notwithstanding the children of Ephraim slew not the Canaanites that dwelled in Gasor: but the Canaanites dwelled among the Ephraites unto this day, and pay tribute. ¶ The portion of the half tribe of Manasses. The Canaanites become tributaryes to the Israelites. Manasses and Ephraim require a greater portion of heritage. CAPI. XVII. ANd the tribe of Manasses which was the eldest son of joseph received a lot. 〈…〉 And Machir the elder son of Manasses which was the father of Galaad (and a man of war) had to his inheritance Galaad and Basan. And the rest of the children of Manasses received by their kindreds/ which were the children of Abiezer/ the children of Helek/ the children of Asriel/ the children of Sichem, the children of Hepher: the children of Semida. These are the male children of Manasses the son of joseph in their kynredes. * 〈◊〉 xxvi d 〈◊〉 xvii. a 〈◊〉 xxxvi. a But Zelaphead the son of Hepher the son of Galaad, the son of Machir, the son Manasses had no sons but only daughters. And these are the names of his daughters: Mahela, Noa, Hagla, Melcha, & Thitza: which came before Eleazar the priest, and before josua the son or Nun, & before the lords, saying: 〈◊〉 xxvii b 〈◊〉 xxxvi. a the Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance amongs our brethren. And he gave them at the mouth of the Lord, an inheritance amongs the brethren of their fathers. And there fallen ten portions to Manasses beside the land of Galaad and Basan which are on tother side jordan: because the daughters of Manasses did enheret among his sons. And Manasses other sons had the land of Galaad. And the borders of Manasses reached from Aser to Machmathah that lieth before Sichem, and went a long on the right hand, even unto the enhabyters of the fountain Thaphuah, and the land of Thaphuah belonged to Manasses, which Thaphuah say in the borders between Manasses & the children of Ephraim. And the coostes descended unto the river of Reed, on whose southside Ephraim hath cities that lie among the cities of Manasses. For the coostes of Manasses were on the northside of the river and the ends of them was the see: so that the south pertained to Ephraim, and the north to Manasses, and the see is both their borders. And they met together in Aser northward, and in Isacar eastward. And Manasses had his inheritance in Isacar and in Aser, Bethsean, & her towns: and jeblaan with her towns: and the enhabitours of Dor, with the towns pertaining to the same: and the enhabitours of Endor with the towns of the same: and the enhabitoures of Thaanath with her towns & the enhabitours of Magedo with the towns of the same, and the third part of the city Nophet, yet the children of Manasses could not over come those cities: But the Canaanites began to devil in the same land. Nevertheless assoon as the children of Israel were waxed strong, they put the Canaanites to tribute, but they slay them not. And the children of joseph spoke unto josua saying: Why hast thou given us but one lot and one portion to enheret, saying we be moche people, and for asmuch as the Lord hath blessed us so: and josua answered than: if you be moche people then get you up to the wood country, and prepare for yourselves there in the land of the Pheresites and of the 〈◊〉 xii a Raphaites, if mount Ephraim be to natowe for you. Then the children of joseph said again, the hill will not be gotten of us: for all the Canaanites that devil in the low country have charettes of iron, and so have they that inhabit Bethsean, and the towns of the same, and they also that devil in the valley of jezreel. And josua answered the house of joseph, Ephraim and Manasses saying: you be moche people and have great power and shall not therefore have one lot. But the hill shallbe yours, thou shalt hue down the wood, and make a space to build upon, for it shallbe yours even unto the ends of it, you shallbe able to cast out the Canaanites for all their iron charettes, and for all they be so strong. ¶ Certain are sent to divide the land to the other seven tribes. The lot of the children of BenIamin. CAPI. XVIII ANd the hole congregation of the children of Israel came together at Siloh, and set up the tabernacle of witness there, and the land was in subjection before them. But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not their inheritance divided out. And josua said unto the children of Israel, how long are you so slack to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you? chose you of every tribe three men that I may send them. And that they may rise and walk thorough the land and view it after the inhabitants thereof & come again to me. Divide it into seven. parts. For juda shall abide by their costs in the south, & the house of joseph shall stand to their coostes in the north, Describe you the land therefore into vij parts, & bring the description to me hither, that I may cast lots for you here before the Lord our God The Levites have no part among you for the preastshyp of the Lord is their inheritance. joshua xiii b and xiiii a joshua xii ● And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasses have received their inheritance beyond jordan eastward, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them. And the men arose and went their way. And josua charged them that went to describe the land saying: hence & go thorough the land & describe it, & come again to me hither: and I will cast lots for you before the Lord in Siloh. And the men departed, & walked thorough the land and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and returned to josua into the host at Siloh. And josua cast lots for them in Siloh before the Lord, and there he divided the land unto the children of Israel, into seven parts to each their portion. And the first lot of the tribe of the children of BenIamin came up according to their kynredes. And the coostes of their lot came out between the children of juda, and the children of joseph. And their north costs were from jordan and went up to the side of jericho on the northside, and went up thorough the mountains westward, and they ended at the wilderness of Bethaven: & went from thence to the southside of Lus, otherwise called Bethel: and descended to Ataroth Adar upon the hill that lieth on the southside of the neither Bethoron. And the west cooste draweth and compaseth southward, even from the hill that lieth before Bethoron, & goeth out at Karlathbaal which is Karlath-Iarim, a city of the children of juda: & this is the West quarter: toward the see and the south cost goeth from the edge of Kariathiarim westward, and goeth out to the waterwell, of Nephthoah and cometh down to the edge of the hill that lieth before the valley of the sons of Hennon, which is in the valley of Raphaim Northward, and descendeth thorough the valley of Hennon unto the side of jebusi southward, and goeth down to the well of rogel. And compaseth from the north and goth forth to Ensames, that is the sons well: and to the heaps that lie before the going up unto Adomim: and goth down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben: and then goth along toward the side of * Grec. Arabathah. the plain, northward: and goth down into the plain: and goth a long to the side of Bethhaglah northward, & endeth at the point of the salt see north therfrome, and at the end of jordan south therfrome. This is the southcoste. And jordan is their east cost, this is the inheritance of the children of BenIamin with their costs roundeaboute and by their kynredes. And these are the cities of the tribes of the children of BenIamin in their kynredes: jericho, Bethhaglah, and the valley of Kaziz: Betharabah, Zamarim, and Bethel: Auim, Pharah, and Ophrah: Chepar Ammonai, Ophni, and Gabai, twelve cities with their villages. Gabaon, Ramah, and Beroth: Mazphah, Caphairah, and Mozah: Rekem, jarephel and Tharelah, Zela, Eleph, & the city of the jebusites which is Jerusalem, Gabaath, and Kariath, fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of BenIamin in their kynredes. ¶ The lots or parts of zabulon, Isachar, Aser, Nephthali, Dan, and josua. CAPI. XIX. ANd the second lot came out unto the tribe of the children of simeon by their kynredes. And their inheritance fell in the mids of the inheritance of the children of juda. And their inheritance was, i Parali u a Bersabe, Sabe, and Moladagh, Hazorsula, Btlagh, and Azem, Eltholad, Bethul, and Hormagh, Zikelag, Bethmarcaboth and Hazetsusagh, Bethlebaoth, & Saruhen thertene Cities with their villages. Aim, Remon Ether, and Asan, four Cities with their villages: and thereto all villages that lie round about these Cities, even unto Balasath, Beor, and Ramath, southward. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon in their kinredes out of the portion of the children of juda, came the inheritance of the children of Simeon. For the part of the children of juda was to much for them: and therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance in the inheritance of them. And the third lot came unto the children of Zabulon according unto their kynredes. And the costs of their inheritance came to Sario, and went up to the see, and to Marialah, and touched at Dabaseth, and met at the river that lieth before jokneven: and turned from Sarid Eastward toward the son rising, unto the border of Chisloth in mount Thabor: and then goeth out to Dabereth and goeth up to japhia: and from thence goeth along Eastward toward the sun rising, to Geth, Hepher, and Tacasin, and goeth to Remon, Methoar and Neah. And compasseth it on the north side, and goeth to Nathan, and endeth in the valley of jephthahel. And Careth, Nahalol, and Semron, jedalah, and Bethleem: twelve cities with their villages This is the inheritance of the children of Zabulon, in their kynredes. The said cities with their villages. And the fourth lot came out to the children of Isachar by their kynredes. And their coostes were jesraelah, Casuloth, Sunem, Hapharaim, Zion, Anaharath, Rabboth, Kision, and Abez. Rameth, Enganim, Enhadah, and Bethphazez. And his costs met at Thabor, Sahazimah and at Bethsames, & endeth at jordan, sixteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Isachar by their kynredes the cities and their villages. And the fift lot came out unto the tribe of the children of Aser by their kynredes. And their coostes were Helkath, Hali, beaten, and Achsaph: Alamalech, Amaad and Miseal: and met at Carmel on the see, and at Sihor, and all Labanath, and turneth toward the sun rising to Bethdagon, and met at Zabulon, and in the valley of jephtael, and toward the north side of Bethemek and Negel, and goeth out on the left side of Cabul: and Abran Rohob, Hamon, and Kanah, even unto great Sidon. And then the cost turneth to Ramah and to the strong city of Tire, and turneth 〈◊〉 Hozah, and endeth at the see: by the possession of Achzibah: Amah, Aphek, and Rohob: Twenty and two cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Aser by their kynredes. These cities with their villages. And the sixte lot came out unto the children of Nephthali by their kynredes. And their coostes were from Heleph, and from Elon in Zaananim, and Adami, Nekeb and jabneel, even to Lakum, and go out at jordan. And then the cooste turneth Westward to Asanoth in mount Thabor, and then goeth out from thence to Hukokah, and meeteth with Zabulon on the south side, and with Aser on the West, and at juda upon jordan toward the sun rising. And their strong cities are Zidim, Ber, Hamath, Racath, and Cenereth, Adamah, Hermah, and Hazor: Kedes, Edrai, and Enhazor: jeron, Magdelel: Horem, Bethanah, & Bethsames: nineteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Nephthali by their kynredes: these cities and their villages. And the seventh lot fallen to the tribe of the children of Dan by their kynredes. And the costs of their inheritance was Zaraah, Esthaol, φ Irsames, Saelabin, A●alon, and jethlah: Eglon, Themnathah, and Akaron: Elchekeh, Gibethon, and Baalath: jehud, Banebarak, and Gatherman, and the waters of jercon and Harcon, with the country that lieth before joppes, and there it hath an end. And the children of Dan went up and fought against Lesen and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and conquered it, and dwelled therein, and called it Dan, after the name of Dan their father. ●●viii. g This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan in their kynredes: these cities with their villages. When they had made an end of dividing the land to every tribe by lot, than the children of Israel gave an inheritance unto josua the son of Nun among them: at the mouth of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked, even Thamnath Serah in mount Ephraim. And he built the city and dwelt therein. 〈◊〉 xxiiii c 〈◊〉 xxxiii. d These are the enheritaunces which Eleazar the Priest and josua the son of Nun, and the ancient fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided by lot in Siloh before the Lord, in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and so made an end of dividing the country. ¶ The cities of refuge or Santuaryes. CAPI. XX. THen the Lord spoke unto josua, saying: comen with the children of Israel and say: wearies. 〈◊〉 iii v. a ●●r xix b 〈◊〉 xxi a. 〈◊〉 xxii b. appoint out free cities, of which I spoke unto you by Moses, that the slear that killeth any person unwares, and unwittingly, may flee thither. And those cities shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And the slear shall flee unto one of those cities, and shall stand in the entering of the gate of the city, and shall show his cause in the ears of the elders of the said city, that it was no wilful murder. & they shall take him in to the city unto them, and shall give him a place that he may devil among them. And when the avenger of blood followeth after him, they shall not deliver the slear in to his hand, because he smote his friend ignorantly, and that can not be proved that he bore him malice of two or three days afore. And he shall devil in the said city until he stand before the congregation in judgement, laying for his discharge, and until the death of the high Priest that shall be in those days. And then shall the slear return and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, and unto the city from whence he fled. And they appointed Kedes in Galilee, in mount Nephthali, and Sichem in mount Ephraim, and Kariatharbe, which is Hebron in the mountains of juda. And on the other side jordan over against jericho Eastward, they gave Bozor in the wilderness, Deuter four g upon the plain wilderness out of the tribe of Reuben and Ramoth in Galaad out of the tribe of Gad, and Golam in Basan out of the tribe of Manasses. These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and to the strangers that sojourned among them that who so ever killed any person ignorantly, the same night flee thither and should not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. ¶ The Cities given to the Levites, in number forty and eight. The promises of giving the land of Canaan are fulfilled. The Israelites are at res●. CAPI. XXI. ANd then came the principal heeds of the levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto josua the son of Nun, and unto the ancient heeds of the tribes of the children of Israel, and spoke unto them at Siloh in the land of Canaan, saying: * Nu. xxxv a Deuter xix b Iosu twenty a the Lord commanded by Moses, to give us cities to devil in, and the fields about them for our cattles. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritaunces, at the bidding of the Lord, these cities following with their suburbs. And the lot came out unto the kindreds of the Cahathytes: and the children of Aaron the Priest which were of the levites had given them by lot, out of the tribe of juda, out of the tribe of simeon, and out of the tribe of BenIamin thirteen cities. And the rest of the children of Cahath had by lot out of the kynredes of the tribe of Ephraim, out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasses ten cities. And the children of Gerson had by lot out of the kynredes of the tribe of Isachar out of the tribe of Aser, out of the tribe of Nephthali, and out of the other half tribe of Manasses in Basan, thirteen cities. And the children of Merari by their kynredes, had out of the tribe of Reuben, out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zabulon, twelve cities. And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the Lord commanded by Moses. And they gave out of the tribe of the children of juda, and out of the tribe of the children of simeon, these cities by name: which the children of Aaron being of the kynredes of the Cahathites, & of the children of Levi, obtained: for there's was the first lot. And they gave them Kariah Arbe of the father of φ Arba was the father of Enack. josua xiii d. i Paral vii d Enacke, which is Hebron in the hill country of juda, with the suburbs of the same round about it. But the country that pertained to the city and the villages thereof they gave to Caleb the son of jephune, to be his possession. And thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest, the fraunchesed cities of the slear, Hebron with her suburbs: and Lib●a with her suburbs, and jathir with her suburbs, and Estimoa with her suburbs, and Holou with her suburbs, and Dabir with her suburbs, and Ain with her suburbs, and jutath with her suburbs, and Bethsames which her suburbs: nine cities out of those two tribes. And out of the tribe of BenIamin they gave Gab●on with her suburbs: Gaba with suburbs: Anatoth with her suburbs: Almon with her suburbs, tower cities. All these cities of the children of Aaron priests were, thirteen cities with their suburbs. And the kynredes of the children of Cahath that were levites/ that is to say the other children of Cahath had the cities of their lot, out of the tribe of Ephraim. And they gave them the free city of the slear: Sithem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim/ and Gazer with her suburbs/ and Kabzaim with her suburbs/ Bethhoron with her suburbs/ four cities. And out of the tribe of Dan: Eltheke with her suburbs, Gibthon with her suburbs. Atalon with her suburbs, and Gathremon with her suburbs, four cities. And out of the half tribe of Manasses: Thanach with her suburbs, Gathremon with her suburbs, two cities. So that all the cities which were given unto the kindreds of the other children of Cahath, were ten with their suburbs. And unto the children of Gerson, which were of the kinredes of the Levites, they gave out of the other half tribe of Manasses, the city of refuge for the slear, Golan in Basan and Bosram with her suburbs: Beestherah with her suburbs, two cities. And out of the tribe of Isachar, Kision with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs, jarimoth with her suburbs, Enganim with her suburbs, four cities. And out of the tribe of Aser Miscall with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs, Halakath with her suburbs, Rohob with her suburbs, four cities. And out of the tribe of Nephthali, the city of refuge of the slear, Kedes in Galilee, with her suburbs: Hamothdor, with her suburbs Caethan with her suburbs: three cities. So that all the cities of the Gersonytes in their kynredes were thirteen with their suburbs. And unto the kindreds of the children of Merari the rest of the Levites, they gave out of the tribe of Zabulon: jecnam with her suburkes, Carthah with her suburbs: Damna with her suburbs, and Nahalal with her suburbs, four cities. And out of the tribe of Reuben, they gave Bozor with her suburbs: jahesah with her suburbs/ Kedmoth with her suburbs/ and Maphaath with her suburbs, four cities. And out of the tribe of Gad, they gave the fraunchesed city of the slear, Romoth in Galaad with her suburbs, Mahanaim with her suburbs, Hesbon with her suburbs, and jaser with her suburbs, four cities in all, so that all the cities of the children of Merari in their kynredes, which were the rest of the kynredes of the Levites, were by their lot, twelve cities. And all the cities that the Levites had in the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight with their suburbs. And these cities had each their suburbs round about her thorough out all the said cities. And the Lord gave unto Israel, all the land which he swore to give unto their fathers. And they conquered it, and dwelt therein. And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he swore unto their fathers. G●● So that there stood not a man of all their enemies before them. But the Lord delivered all their enemies in to their hands. There scape nothing of all the good things which the Lord had said unto the house of Israel. But all came to pass. ¶ Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasses are send again to their possessions. They build an altar for a memorial. CAPI. XXII. THen josua called unto the Rubenites, the Gaddites, and to the half ●ryht Manasses, and said unto them: * 〈…〉 it have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: You have not left your brethren of a long season unto this day, but have kept the commandment of the Lord your God. And now the Lord hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them. Wherefore return and go unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side jordan. But in any wise take exceeding good heed that you do the commandment and law which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you/ which is, 〈…〉 that you love the Lord your God, and walk in his ways, and keep his commandments, and cleave unto him, and serve him with all your hearts, and all your souls. And so josua blessed them, and sent them away. And they went unto their tents. Unto the one half of the tribe of Manases Moses gave possession in Basan/ and unto the other half thereof gave josua with their brethren on this side jordan westward. And also when josua sent them away unto their tents and blessed them, he said unto them, return with moche richesse unto your tents and with very moche cattles, with silver, 〈…〉 gold brass, iron, and with raiment above measure and divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. And the children of Reuben the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasses, returned and departed from the children of Israel out of Siloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Galaad, and to the land of their possession, wherein they were possessed at the mouth of the Lord by the hand of Moses. And when they came unto the hills of jordan that lie in the land of Canaan: there the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasses, built an altar fast by jordan, and that a great altar to see to. And when the children of Israel heard say: behold, the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasses have built an altar in the fore front of the land of Canaan in the borders of jordan on the side of the children of Israel: the hole congregation of the children of Israel gathered them together to Siloh to go upon them with battle. And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, to the children of Gad, & to the half tribe of Manasses in to the land of Galaad, Phinehes the son of Eleazar the Priest, and with him ten lords, of every chief house a lord, thorough out all the tribes of Israel, which heads of their father's households were over the thousands of Israel. And they went unto the children of Reuben, of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasses, unto the land of Galaad, and spoke with them saying. Thus say the hole congregation of the Lord: 〈…〉. b what transgression is this that you have transgressed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from after the Lord, and to build you an altar for to rebel this day against the Lord? Is the wicked deed of BelPhegor to little for us, whereof we are not cleansed unto this day, 〈◊〉 xxv a and moche people were slain, but that you also should turn away this day from following the Lord? You shall rebel to day against the Lord, & to morrow he shall be wroth with all the congregation. Notwithstanding if the land of your possession be unclean, then come over unto the land of the possession of the Lord, where the lords tabernacle dwelleth, and be possessed amongs us. But rebel not against the Lord, nor against us, to build you any other altar, save the altar of the Lord our God. Did not Acan the son of Zareh transgress the commandment of the Lord, and wrath fallen on all the congregation of Israel, so that he alone perished not for his wickedness? Then the children of Reuben and of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasses, answered and said unto the heads over the thousands of Israel. The mighty God, the almighty Lord he knoweth, and Israel shall know if it be to rebel or transgress against the Lord, than the Lord save us not this day. Or else if we have built us an altar to turn from following the Lord, or to offer thereon bu●●●●●●rynge or meat offerings, or to offer peax offerings thereon, set the Lord require it: And have not rather done it for fear of this, least in time to come your children should say unto ours: What have you to do with the Lord God of Israel, saying that the Lord hath made jordan a border between us and you you children of Reuben and of Gad: you have no part therefore in the Lord/ and so shall your children make our thyldrens cease from fearing the Lord. Therefore we thought it better, and said: Let us 'cause an altar to be made, not for burned offerings, nor sacrifices, but it shall be a token between us and you, Genesi xxxi g Deuter xxx d joshua xxiiii f. and our generations after us, that we should serve the Lord, with our offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings: and that your children should not say to ours in time to come: you have no part in the Lord. And we thought, if they should so say to us, or to our generations in time to come, that we would say again: Behold the fashion of the altar which our fathers made, neither for burned offerings, nor sacrifices, but that it should be a witness between us and you. God forbid that we should rebel against the Lord, and that we should turn this day from after him, and build an altar for burned offerings or sacrifices, save the altar of the Lord our God that is before his tabernacle. And when Phinehes the Priest and the Lords of the congregation, and heads over the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben, the children of Gad, and the children of Manasses spoke, they were well content. And Phinehes the son of Eleazar the Priest said unto the children of Reuben, of Gad and of Manasses, this day we perceive that the Lord is among us, because you have not done this trespass against the Lord. And now you have rid the children of Israel out of the hands of the Lord. And Phinehes the son of Eleazar the Priest and the Lords returned from the children of Reuben and of Gad out of the land of Galaad unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. And the answer pleased the children of Israel well, and they praised God, and did not intend to go against them in battle, to destroy the land which the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt in. And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar φ After the Hebrew. The comen translation our witness that the Lord is God. En, because it is a witness between us, that the Lord is God. ¶ josua exhorteth the people that they join not themselves to the gentiles and that they trust in none but in God only, which had fulfilled his promises to them. CAPI. XXIII. ANd it came to pass a long season after that the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about that josua waxed old and was stricken in years. Wherefore he sent for all Israel, & for their elders, their heads, their judges and officers, and said unto them: I am old and stricken in years. And you have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these nations before your faces. For the Lord your God he fought for you. Behold, I have appointed these nations that remain, to be the inheritance of your tribes, even from jordane/ and all the nations that I have destroyed, even unto the great see. And the Lord your God he shall expel and cast them out before you, and you shall conquer their lands, as the Lord your God hath said unto you. * Deut. four a. Deut. xxxi b Io. ii.i. b iii Regum ii a. Be therefore exceeding strong, that you take heed to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, * Deut. xii d. and xxviii b. ● Prouer. four d Deuter ten d that you bow not aside therefrom, to the right hand or to the left, and that you go not unto these nations that remain with you, and that you neither make mention or swear by the names of their God's/ and that you neither serve them nor bow yourselves unto them. But that you stick fast unto the Lord your God, as you have done unto this day. So shall the Lord cast out before you great nations and mighty, as you see how no man hath stand before you hitherto. * Leu xxvi a Deut. xxxii d. Isaiah xxx c One shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God he fighteth for you, as he hath said unto you. Take good heed therefore unto your souls, that you love the Lord your God. Deuter vii a. and xii d. But and if you shall go back, and clean unto the rest of these nations that remain with you, and shall make marriages with them, and to be in a league with them, be sure that the Lord your God will no● cast out all these nations from before you. * Nu. xxxiii g But they shall be snares & traps unto you, and scourges for your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. three Regum ii a Behold I walk this day by the way of all the world: call you to mind in all your hearts and in all your souls, that nothing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God promised you. All are come to pass, and nothing hath failed there of. And as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God hath promised you: so shall the Lord bring upon you all, Deu xxviii b evil until he have destroyed you from this good land, which the Lord your God hath given you, when you have transgressed the appointment of the Lord your God, which he hath made with you, and go and serve strange gods, and bow yourselves to them. Then shall the wrath of the Lord wax hoot upon you, and you shall perish quickly from the good land which he hath given you. ¶ josua exhorteth the people to the keeping of the law. He dieth. The bones of joseph are buried Eleazar dieth. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd josua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Sichem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heeds judges and officers, which presented themselves before God. And josua said unto all the people: thus saith the Lord God of Israel. * 〈…〉 your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Thareh the father of Abraham and Nachor, and served strange gods. E●●● But I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood and brought him in to the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. And I gave unto Isaac, jacob, and Esau. E●● 〈…〉 And I gave unto Esau mount Seir to possess it. But jacob and his children went down in to Egypt. * 〈…〉 Then I sent Moses and Aaron. And I struck egypt in many signs and wonders, and after the I brought you your fathers out of egypt. And you came unto the see, and the Egyptians followed after your fathers with charettes and horsemen, unto the red see. And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord. And he put darkness between you and the Egyptians and brought the see upon them & covered them. And your eyes have seen what I have done in egypt. And you dwelt in the wilderness a long season. 〈…〉 And I brought you in to the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side jordan. And they fought against you: and I gave them in to your hands. And you conquered their country, and you destroyed them. Then Balak the son of Ziphor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and * 〈…〉 called Balam the son of Beor for to curse you. But I would not agreed to hearken unto Balam and therefore be blessed you: And so I delivered you out of his hand. And when he went over jordan, and came unto jericho, the cityzyns of jericho fought against you: the Amorytes, Pheresites, Canaanites, hittites, Girgosites, Hevites, jebusites, which I delivered in to your hands. And I sent * 〈…〉 hornettes before you and you cast out before you: even the two kings of the Amorytes, but not with your own sword, or with your own bow. Adn I gave you a land in which you did no labour, 〈…〉 and cities which you built not, and you dwelt in them. And wines, and olive trees which you planted not. 〈…〉 And now fear the Lord and serve him in pureness and truth. And put away the gods which your fathers served in Mesopotamia, and in egypt, and serve the Lord. But if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord then chose you this day whom you will serve whether the Gods, which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, either the Gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwelled, and I and my house will serve the Lord. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord and serve strange gods. For the Lord our God he it is that brought us and our fathers out of the land of egypt, the house of bondage, and which did those miracles in our sight, and preserved us in all the way we went and among all the nations which we came thorough. And the Lord did cast out before us all the nations with the Amorytes which dwelled in the land, wherefore we will serve the Lord for he is our God. But josua said unto the people: you can not serve the Lord, for he is an holy God, mighty and jealous, and can not bear your transgression and sin. 〈◊〉 xxiii But when you have forsaken the Lord, and have served strange gods, he will turn and do you evil and consume you, after that he hath done you good. And the people answered josua: not so/ but we will serve the Lord. Then josua said unto the folk, you are witnesses unto yourselves that you have choose you the Lord to serve him: 〈◊〉 xiii and they said we are witnesses. Then put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and bow your hearts unto the Lord God of Israel. And the people answered josua: the Lord our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey. And so josua made a covenant with the people the same day, and set ordinances and laws before them in Sichem. And josua written these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great φ 〈◊〉 vii ●a me● of the 〈◊〉. stone and pytched it on end in the said place/ even under an ooke that stood in the sanctuary of the Lord. And josua said unto all the people: Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us, for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spoke with you. It shall be therefore a witness unto you, least that after this time you will deny and lie unto your God. And so josua let the people departed every man unto his inheritance. And after these things the time came that josua the son of Nun and the servant of the Lord died, Iud. ii joshua xix b being an hundred and ten years old. Whom they buried in the border of his inheritance, even in Thamnath Sareh, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaas. And Israel served the Lord all the days of josua, two. Paral xxx and four f. and all the days of the elders that over lived josua, and which had seen all the works of the Lord that he had done to Israel. ☜ Gene. l d Exod. xiiii d Act vii b Gene. xxxiii b And the bones of joseph which the children of Israel brought out of egypt, they buried in Sichem, in a parcel of ground which jacob bought of the sons of Hemor, the father of Sichem, for an hundred sheep hogs, which parcel become the inheritance of the children of joseph. And Eleazar the son of Aaron died, whom they buried in Gabaath that pertained to Phinehes his son, and was given him in mount Ephraim. The end of the book of josua. THE BOOK OF THE JUDGES. ¶ After josua was dead, juda was constitute Lord over the army when jerusalem was besieged. The people that were not destroyed become trybutaryes. CAPI. I AFter the death of josua, the children of Israel asked the Lord saying: joshua xxiii a Who shall go up first unto the Canaanites to fight against them? And the Lord said: juda shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land in to his hands. Then juda said unto φ Simeon for the tribe of Simeon. Simeon his brother: come with me in to my lot, and let us fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with the in to thy lot. And so Simeon went with him. And juda went up, and the Lord delivered the Canaanytes and the Pheresites in to their hands. And they flew of them in Bezek ten thousand men. And they found Adonibezek in Bezek. And they fought against him and slew the Canaanites and Pheresites. But Adonibezek fled, and they followed after him/ and caught him. And cut of his thumbs and his great toes. Then Adonibezek said: three score and ten kings, having their thumbs and great toes cut of, gathered their meat under my table: Leviti xxiiii and xu s wherefore as I have done, so god hath reacquited me. And they brought him to jerusalem. And there he died. The children of juda fought against jerusalem and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, joshua xu a and set the hole city on fire. And after that, the children of juda went even to fight against the Canaanytes that dwelt in the mountain, in the south, and in the low country. And juda went unto the Canaanites that dwelled in Hebron, which before time was called Kariath Arbe, joshua xu d two. Parali xii a. Reg. xvii c & slew Sesai, Ahiman, and Thalmai. And from thence they went to the inhabiters of Dabir, whose name in old time was called Kariath Sepher that is the city of learning. And Caleb said: he that smiteth Kariath Sepher and taketh it, to him will I give Acsah my daughter to wife. And Othoniel the son of Kenez Calebs' younger brother took it: to whom he gave Acsah his daughter to wife, and as they went her husband counseyled her to ask of her father a field. And then she lighted of her ass: and Caleb said unto her: What aileth thee? She said unto him: give me a blessing, for thou hast given me a southward and dry land give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her springs both above and beneath. And the children of the Kenite Moses wy●ies father went up out of the city of palm trees, with the children, of juda, in to the wilderness of judas lot that lieth in the south of Arad, and dwelt among the people. And juda went and Simeon with him, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it, 〈…〉 and called the name of the city Hormah, that is a curse. And juda took Azah with the coostes thereof, & Askalon with the coostes thereof, and Akaron with the costs thereof. N● I● And the Lord was with juda that he conquered the mountains, but they could not drive out the inhabiters of the valleys, because they had charettes of iron. And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, Io● I● as Moses said. And he expelled thence the three sons of Enack. And the children of BenIamin did not cast out the jebusites that enhabited jerusalem, but the jebusites devil with the children of BenIamin in Ierusulem, unto this day. And in like manner the house of joseph went up to Bethel, and the Lord with them, Io● and when they besieged the city which before time was called Lus, and saw a man come out of the city, they said unto him, show us the way in to the city, and we will show the mercy. 〈…〉 And he showed them the way in to the city, they smote it with the edge of the sword, but they did let the man and all his household go free. And the man went in to the land of the hittites, and built a city and called the name thereof Lus, which is the name thereof unto this day. Neither did Manasses expel Bethsean with her towns/ neither Thaanach with her towns, neither the inhabitors of Dor, 〈…〉 with her towns/ neither the inhabitors of jeblaam with her towns/ neither the enhabitours of Magedo, with her towns/ and so the Canaanites went to and dwelled amongs them. But as soon as Israel was waxed mighty, they put the Canaanites to tribute, but expelled them not. In like manner Ephraim expelled not the Canaanites that dwelled in Gazer, 〈…〉 but the Canaanites dwelled still in Gazer among them. Neither did Zabulon expel the enhabitours of Ketron, neither the enhabitours of Nahalol. But the Canaanites dwelled among them and become tributaryes. Neither did Aser cast out the enhabitours of Acho, neither the inhabitors of Zidon, of Ahalab, Aczib, Halbah, Aphek, nor of Rohob, but the Aserites dwelt among the Canaanites the inhabitoures of the land, and drove them not out. Neither did Nephthalim drive out the enhabitours of Bethsames, nor the enhabytoures of Bethanath, but dwell amongst the Canaanites the inhabitoures of the land. Nevertheless the enhabitours of Bethsames and of Bethanath become trybutaryes unto them. And the Amorites kept the children of Dan in the mountains, and suffered them not to come down to the valleys. And so the Amorytes went to and dwelled in mount Heres that is to say a witness in Hailon and in Galabim. neverthelater the hand of joseph warred heavy upon them, so that they become tributaryes. And the coostes of the Amorytes was from the going up to Acrabim, and from the rock upward. ¶ The Angel rebuketh the people because they had made peax with the Canaanites. Idolaters are punished, but yet leave not their inventions. God sendeth them judges to deliver them. CAPI. II ANd the angel of the Lord came up from Galgall to Bocim, and said/ I brought you out of egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I swore unto your fathers. ●●er vii a ●●i a And I said that I would never break mine appointment with you, so that you should make no covenant with the inhabitors of this land, but break down their altars: But you have not obeyed my voice, why have you this done? wherefore I have likewise determined that I will not cast them out before you/ but they shall be your enemies, and their gods shall be your destruction. And when the angel of the Lord had spoken these words unto all the children of Israel, the people cried out and wept. And called the name of the said place Bocim, and offered there unto the Lord. 〈◊〉 xxxiii. g ●●r vii c ●●i xxiii d 〈◊〉 xxiiii f And when josua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every man in to his inheritance to possess the land. And the people served the Lord all the days of josua, and all the days of the elders that out lived josua, and had seen all the great works of the Lord that he did to Israel. 〈◊〉 dieth. And josua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord died when he was an hundred and ten years old: whom they buried in the costs of his inheritance: even in Thamnath Hares in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaas. And even so all that generation were put unto their father's/ and there arose an other generation after them, which neither knew the Lord, nor yet the works which he did unto Israel. And then the children of Israel did wickedly in the sight of the Lord, ☞ & served Baalim, 〈◊〉 ●ii. a. and ●nd vi a and forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed strange gods, even of the gods of the nations that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them and angered the Lord. And so they forsook the Lord and served Baal and Astharoth. Wherefore the Lord waxed angry with Israel, and delivered them in to the hands of raveners to spoil them, and sold them in to the hands of their enemies round about them, so that they had no power any longer to stand before their enemies/ but unto what so ever thing they went, the hand of the Lord was upon them with evil luck/ even as the Lord promised them. And as he swore unto them. And they were sore vexed. Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges which delivered them out of the hands of their oppressers, and yet for all that they would not hearken unto their judges: But went a hooring after strange gods, and bowed themselves unto them, and turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in obeying the commandments of the Lord, and did not so. And when the Lord raised them up judges in their days, he had compassion of them, Exodi ii d and heard the lamentation of the oppressed, and delivered them out of the hands of their enemies/ yet for all that, as soon as the judge was deed, they turned and did worse than their fathers in following strange gods, ☜ Iud. iii b and in serving them, and ceased not from their inventions, nor from their malicious ways. Wherefore the Lord was angry with Israel and said: because this people hath transgressed my covenant which I made with their fathers, and have not obeyed my voice, therefore henceforth I will not cast out one man before them of the nations which josua left when he died, Deuse viii a. and xiii a and that to prove Israel through them whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk therein as their fathers did or not. And so the Lord left those nations alone, and drove them not out immediately, neither delivered them in to the hands of josua. ¶ Certain nations are left among the Israelites to the intent to vex and aflycte them. Othoniel delivereth Israel. Ahud killeth king Eglon. Samgar killeth the Philistines. CAPI. III THese are the nations which the Lord left to scourge Israel: even as many of Israel as had not known wars of Canaan: Only for the learning of the generation of the children of Israel: which before knew nothing of war, he left the five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, the Sidonites, the Hevites the dwelled in mount Libanon, even from mount Baal Hermon unto Hemath. Those God suffered to remain to prove Israel by, & weet whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses, or no. And as the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanytes, Hethytes, Amorites, Pheresites, Hevites, and jebusites, they took the daughters of them to be their wives, Deuter vii a and xii a and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And so the children of Israel did wickedly in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God and served Baalim and Aseroth. Therefore the Lord was angry with Israel, and delivered them in to the hands of Chusan Rasathaim king of φ Hebr. Aram Naharim. Mesopotamia. So that the children of Israel served Chusan Rasathaim eight years. And then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord. And the Lord stirred them up a saver, Iud. i and saved them: one Othoniel the son of Kenes, and Calebs' younger brother. And the spirit of the Lord came upon him/ and he judged Israel, and went out to war. two. Para xv c And the Lord φ That is delivered. sold Chusan Kasathaim king of Sirye in to his hand. So that his hand was mighty over Chusan Rasathaim, and the land had rest forty years. And Othoniel the son of Kenes died. And then the children of Israel went to again, and committed wickedness in the sight of the Lord. And then the Lord hardened Eglon the king of the Moabites, against the children of Israel, because they had committed wickedness before the Lord. And this Eglon gathered unto him the children of Ammon and the Amalekites, and went and smote the children of Israel, and conquered the city of palm trees. And the children of Israel served Eglon the king of the Moabites xviij Deuter xxx c years. And then they cried unto the Lord/ and the Lord stirred them up a saver, Ahud the son of Gera, the son of jemini, a man that could do nothing handsomely with his right hand. By whom the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of the Moabites, which Ahud made him a dagger with two edges, of a cubit length, and he did gird it under his cote upon his right thigh and carried the present unto Eglon the king of the Moabites, which Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had presented the presence, he sent the people that bore it away, but he himself turned again from the idols by Galgall, and said: I have a secret unto thee, oh king: and the king commanded him to hold his peace, until all that stood about him, were go out from him. And Ahud came in unto him in to a summer chamber, two. Regum iii e where he sat alone, and said: I have a message unto the from God. And he arose out of his seat/ and Ahud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it so hard in to his belie, so that the haft went in after the shoulder-blade. And the haft stopped in the fat, for he drew not the dagger out of his belly, but as he struck him, so left he the dagger in the wound till that by the privy parts of nature the dirt came out. And Ahud got him out at a postern door, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them. The kings servants came and looked, and see the doors of the parlour were locked, they said: A, he is a doing of his easement in his summer chamber. And when they had tarried till they were ashamed, for no man did the doors of the parlour open, than they took a key and opened them. And behold, their Lord was fallen down deed unto the earth. But Ahud escaped while they carried, and was go beyone the quaryes, and escaped into Seirath. Nun ten a a●d ten g And when he was come, he blue a trumpet in mount Ephraim. And the children of Israel went down with him, & he before them, and said unto them: follow me/ for the Lord hath delivered your enemies the Moabites in to your hands. And they descended after him, and stopped the feryes of jordan from the Moabites, and suffered not a man to pass over. And they slew of the Moabites the same time upon a ten thousand men, all fat, and men of might: that there scaped not a man, and so the Moabites were subdued that day under the hands of Israel/ and the land had rest four score years. And after him came Samgar the son of Anath, I●● which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox good, and delivered Israel also. ¶ Israel is committed in to the hands of jabin, because they were returned to idolatry. Deborah and Barak deliver them: Sisara is killed of jael. CAPI. FOUR ANd the children of Israel began again to do wickedly in the sight of the Lord when Ahud was deed. And the Lord φ 〈…〉 sold them in to the hands of jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor/ whose captain of war was Sisara, which dwelt in Haroseth of the gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord/ for he had nine hundred charettes of iron/ he oppressed the children of Israel with power twenty years. And Deborah a Prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth judged Israel the same time, and dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah, between Ramath and Bethel, in mount Ephraim. And the children of Israel came to her for judgement. I●● And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam, out of Kedes Nephthalim and said unto him. The Lord God of Israel commandeth the that thou go and lead an host unto mount Thabor, and take with the ten thousand men, of the children of Nephthalim, and of the children of Zabulon. And I will bring unto the at the river of Kison, Sisara the captain of war unto jabin, with his charettes and his heople, and will deliver them in to thine hands. And Barak said unto her, if thou wilt go with me, I will go: but and if thou wilt not go with me, than I will not go. And she answered/ I will surely go with thee, but then the praise shall not be thine in the way which thou goest, for the Lord shall deliver Sisara in to the hands of a woman. And she arose and went with Barak to Kedes/ and Barak called Zabulon and Nephthalim, went up with ten thousand men: & Deborah went with him. But Haber the Kenyte went out of kind from the other Kenites his brethren, the children of φ 〈◊〉 E●● Hobab who was father to Moses wife, and pitched his tent until he was come to the oak of Zaanaim, by Kedes. And then it was showed unto Sisara how that Barak the son of Abinoam was go up to mount Thabor. And Sisara called for all his charettes, even ix hundred charettes of iron, and all for the people that he had from Haroseth of the gentiles, unto the river of Kison. 〈◊〉 twelve. a. Then said Deborah unto Barak: up, for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisara in to thine hands/ for the Lord is go out before the. And so Barak went down from mount Thabor, and ten thousand men after him. But the Lord trounced Sisara and all his charettes, and all his host with the edge of the sword before Barak. And Sisara lighted down of his chariot, and fled a foot. But Barak followed after the charettes, and after the host, even unto Haroseth of the gentiles. And all the host of Sisara fallen upon the edge of the sword, that there was not a man left. How be it Sisara fled a foot to the tent of jael the wife of Haber the Kenite/ for there was peax between jabin the king of Hazor, and the household of Haber the Kenyte. And jael went out against Sisara and said unto him: turn in my Lord, turn in to me, and fear not. And he turned in to her in to her tent: & she covered him with a mantle. And he said unto her: give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink and covered him. And he said unto her, stand in the door of thy tent, and if any man come and ask thee, or inquire of the whether there be any man here, say nay. Then jael Habers wife took a nail of the tent, and an hammer in her hand, & went softly unto him, and smote the nail with the hammer thorough the temples of his heed in to the ground, and as he slombered being weary, he died. And behold as Barak followed after Sisara, jael came out against him, and said unto him: Come, and I will show the the man whom thou seekest. And when he came in to her tent: Behold Sisara say deed, and the nail thorough his temples. And so God brought jaben the king of Canaan in to subjection that day before the children of Israel. And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and was sore upon jaben the king of Canaan, until they had brought him to naught. ¶ The song and thanks giving of Deborah and Barak, after the victory. CAPI. V THen Deborah & Barak the son of Abinoam, sang the same day saying: Because he hath avenged the vengeance done to Israel, the people offering themselves willingly: praise you the Lord. Hear kings, & hearken Lords, I am she, I am she that will sing, and give praise unto the Lord God of Israel. Lord, when thou departedst out of Seir, & camest thorough the countries of Edom, the earth trembled, 〈◊〉 xix c and the earth rained, and the clouds dropped water: Deuter four b Psalm xcvi a the mountains melted before the Lord, even mount Sinai before the Lord God of Israel. In the days of Samgar the son of Anath, and in the days of jael, judi iii d Iud. iiii c the high ways were unoccupied, and they that walked by paths, went by ways that fet compasses about. The champions of Israel were discouraged & faint hearted, until I Deborah arose, until I arose a mother in Israel. God chose new fashions of war, for when they had war at their gates/ there was not seen among forty thousand, either shield or spear in Israel. Mine heart loveth the mainteners' of the law in Israel, you that willingly have put yourselves in adventure, bless you the Lord, you that ride on goodly asses, and devil beside Middin. And you the walk by the ways, make dieys. Where as the charettes were broken a pieces, where the host of our adversaries was choked, there shall they tell of the justice of the Lord, & how gracious was the strong God of Israel: then the people of the Lord went down unto the gates, & wanthe mastery. Up up Deborah, up up and sing a song, up Barak and take thy pray, thou son of Abinoam. Then they that had escaped, under Israel reigned over the proudest of the people. The Lord fought amongs the strong. Ephraim was the first that destroyed Amalek. And after him BenIamin, among the people. Of Machir came learned men in the law, judi iii b and of Zabulon that well could convey an host to war. The Lords of Isakar were with Deborah. And as Barak, even so was Isakar sent in to the valley a foot, and put his life in adventure. But in the divisions of Reuben were great imaginations of heart. Wherefore abodest thou among the sheep folds, to hear the bleatynges of the flocks. In the divysyons of Reuben great were the imaginations of heart. Galaad abode on the other side jordan, and tarried Dan in ships. And Aser sat in the havens of the see, and abode still in his own coostes. But Zabulon is a people that put their lives in jeopardy of death, and Nephthalim in like manner, even unto the top of the fields, kings came and fought. Then fought the king of Canaan at Thanach, upon the water of Magedo. But the silver that they covered, they carried not away. from heaven came battle: for the stars being in their course, fought against Sisara. The river of Kison caught them away: that ancient river, the river Kison. My soul, tread thou the mighty under foot. Then their horses stumbled as they fled, that their mighty coursers lest praunsing. Curse you Meroz, bad the angel of the Lord curse, curse the inhabitors thereof, because they came not forth to help the Lord, to help the Lord among the mighty. Blessed be jael the wife of Haber the Kenyte, above other women: above other women blessed be she in the tent. He asked water, but she gave him milk, and brought butter in a goodly dish. judi iiii c She caught a nail in her left hand, and a working hammer in her right, and nailed Sisara and wounded his heed, and pierced and went thorough his temples. between her feet he bowed himself, fallen down and say still: between her feet he sprauled and lay deed like a wretch. Thorough a window looked Sisaras' mother and houled out of her chamber, why abideth his chariot so long that it cometh not, why tarry the wheels of his waggans? The wisest of his wives answered her: yea, and she answered her own words herself, haply they have found, and divide the spoil. A maid, you two maids for a piece/ a spoil of divers colours for Sisara, a spoil of divers colours with broudered works, divers coloured, broudered works for the neck for a pray. So perish all thine enemies Lord/ but they that love thee, let them be as the son rising in his might. And the land had rest forty years. ¶ Israel is oppressed of the Madianites, because he returned again into idolatry. Gedeon is sent of God to be their deliverer. The altar of Baal is overthrown. CAPI. VI ANd the children of Israel committed wickedness in the sight of the Lord. And the Lord delivered them in to the hands of the Madianites seven years. And when the hand of the Madianites was sore upon Israel, the children of Israel made them dens in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. For when Israel had sown, them came the Madianites, the Amalekites, and they of the east country upon them, and pitched their tents against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth even unto Azah, and left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, ox, or ass/ for they came with their cattle and households, even as greshoppers in multitude/ so that both they and also their camels were without number, and wasted all that ever they laid hands on. And they entered the land to destroy it. And so was Israel e●cedyngly impoverisshed by the Madianites, and cried unto the Lord. And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Madianites, the Lord sent a prophet unto them, and said unto them. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I fet you from egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage, and I rid you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hands of all that oppressed you, and cast them out before you, & gave you their lands. And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God, and therefore fear not the Gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. iiii. Re. xvii g. Jere ten ● But you would not obey my voice. And the angel of the Lord came and sat under an oak in Ephrah that pertained unto joas the father of the Eserites. And his son Gedeon pressed out wheat out of the ears in a press, for to flee from the Madianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said: the Lord is with thee, thou man of might. And Gedeon answered him: O my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why is all this come upon us: you and where be his miracles which our fathers told us of, and said: the Lord brought us out of Egypt. But now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us in to the hands of the Madianites. And the Lord looked upon him, and said: Go hence in this thy might, and deliver Israel out of the hands of the Madianites: Behold, I have sent the. And he answered him. O Lord, wherewith should I save Israel? Behold my kindred is the poorest in Manasses, and I am the lest in my father's house. But then the Lord said unto him: I will be with thee/ and thou shalt smite the Madianites, as they were but one man. And he answered him, if I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign, that thou art the Lord that talketh with me. Depart not hence, until I come again unto thee, and bring mine offering, and have set it before the. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again. And Gedeon went and made ready a kid, and sweet cakes of an Epha of flower, & put the flesh in a basket, and the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak and presented it. I●● And the angel of God said unto him: take the flesh and the sweet cakes and put them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the cakes. 〈…〉 And there arose up fire out of the rock and consumed the flesh and the cakes, and the angel of the Lord vanished out of his sight. And when Gedeon perceived that it was an angel, he said: alas my Lord almighty, 〈…〉 that I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. And the Lord said unto him, peax be with thee, and fear not/ for thou shalt not die. Then Gedeon made an altar there unto the Lord, and called it φ 〈…〉 jehovah, Salome, which unto this day is yet in Ephrah that pertaineth unto the father of the Eserites. And the same night the Lord said unto him, take an ox of thy fathers, and an other of seven years old, and destroy the altar of Baal that belongeth unto thy father, and cut down the grove that is about it, and make an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock and furnish it. And take the second ox and offer burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt have cut down. Then Gedeon took ten men of his servants, & did as the Lord bade him. But because he durst not do it by day, for fear of his father's household, and of the men of the city, he did it by night. When the men of the city were up erly in the morning: Behold, the altar of Baal was broken, and the grove that stood about it cut down. And the second ox offered upon the altar that was made. And they said one to an other: Who hath done this thing, and they inquired and asked for him that should have done the deed. It was told them that Gedeon the son of joas had done it. Then the men of the city said unto joas, bring out thy son that he may die, because he hath broken the altar of Baal, and cut down the grove that was about it. And joas said unto all the stood by him/ will you sight for Baal, or will you be his defenders? he that striveth for him, shall die afore to morrow. If he be a God let him revenge his quarrel upon him that cast down his altar. And he called Gedeon jerobaal the same time saying: let Baal reacquyte him, because he hath broken down his altar. When all the Madianites, the Amalekites and they of the East were gathered together, and had go and pitched in the valley of jerael, the spirit of the Lord entered in to Gedeon. And he blue a trumpet and called together the house of * 〈◊〉 viii a 〈◊〉 ten a Abiezer to follow him, and sent messengers thorough out all Manasses, and called them up to follow him also. And he sent other messengers unto Aser, Zabulon & Nephthalim, which came also to meet him. And Gedeon said unto God: if thou will't save Israel by my hand, as thou haste said. Behold, I will put a ●●ece of wool in the threshing place. And if the dew be on the fleece only, and dry upon all the earth beside: then I shall be sure that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou saidest. And it came so to pass. And he rose up erly on the morrow, and he pressed the fleece together. & wrong the dew thereout, and filled a dish full of water. And Gedeon said unto God, be not angry with me that I * 〈◊〉 xviii d 〈…〉 speak once more, let me prove only. ones again with the fleece. Let it be dry only upon the fleece, and dew upon all the ground about. And God did so that same night: so that it was dry upon the fleece only, and on all the ground about, dew. ¶ The souldyars that should go with Gedeon to battle are proved by taking them up water. Gedeon with three hundred men overcometh the Madianites. Oreb and zeb are slain. CAPI. VII. THen jerobaal, otherwise called Gedeon rose erlye, 〈◊〉 two. f and all the people that were with him & pitched beside the well of Harad, so that the host of the Madianites were in a valley on the north side of the hill Hamoreh. And the Lord said unto Gedeon. the people that are with thee, are to many for me to give the Madianites in to their hands, least Israel make their vaunt to my dishonour, and say/ our own hand hath saved us. Now therefore make a proclamation in the ears of the people, and say: * ●●●te twenty b ●●ha iii g if any man dread or be afeede, let him return, and get him soon from mount Galaad/ and there departed and returned of the people xxij thousand, and there abode ten thousand. And the Lord said unto Gedeon the people are yet to many, bring them down unto the water, and I will try them unto the there. And of whom I say unto thee, this shall go with thee, the same shall go with the. And who so ever I say unto thee, thy shall not go with thee/ the same shall not go. And when he had brought down the people unto the water. The Lord said unto Gedeon● as many as lap the water with their congees, as dogs do, them put by themselves/ and so do them that kneel down upon their knees to drink. And the number of them that put their hands to their mouths and lapped, were three hundred men/ and all the remnant of the people kneeled down upon their knees to drink water. And the Lord said unto Gedeon, with the three hundred men that lapped water will I save you, and deliver the Madianites in to thine hand/ and all the other people shall go every man to his own home. And they took victuals with them for the folk, and their trumpets/ and he sent all the rest of Israel, every man unto his tent, and kept the three hundred with him/ and the host of Madian was beneath him in a valley. And the same night the Lord said unto him up, and good down unto the host, for I have delivered it in to thine hand. But & if thou fear to go down alone, then go thou down unto the host, and Pharah thy lad, and hearken what they say, and so shall thine hands be strong, and then thou shalt safely go down unto the host. Then he went down with Pharah his lad even hard unto the watch men of arms that were in the host. And the Madianites, the Amaleki●es, and all they of the east, lay along in the valley like unto greshoppers in multitude, and their camels were without number, even as the sand by the see side. And when Gedeon was come. Behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said on this manner. Behold I dreamt a dream, and me thought that an harthbakte loaf of barley breed tumbled in to the host of Madian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. And his fellow answered and said, this is nothing else save the sword of Gedeon the son of joas a man of Israel, in to whose hand the Lord hath delivered Madian and all the host. When Gedeon heard the telling of the dream, and the meaning thereof, he bowed himself to the earth, and returned unto the host of Israel, and said: up, for the Lord hath delivered in to your hands the host of the Madianites. And he divided the three hundred men in to three companies, and gave every man a trumpet in his hand, wish an empty pitcher, and lamps therein, and said unto them: lost on me, and do likewise/ and behold, when I come to the side of the host/ even as I do, so we you. I●d ix d And when I blow with a trumpet and all that are with me, blow you with trompetees also on every side the host and say: here be the Lord and Gedeon. And so Gedeon and the three hundred men that were with him, came unto the side of the host in the beginning of the middle watch and raised up the watch men. And they blew with their trumpets, and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. And all three companies blue with trumpets and broke the pytchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right, to blow with all. And they cried, the sword of the Lord and of Gedeon. And they stood still every man in his place round about the host/ and all the host ran and cried and fled. i Regum xiiii c two. Para twenty d. And as the three hundred blue with trumpets, the Lord sent his sword thorough all the host, so that every one slew other. And the host fled, until they came to Bethsitah, to Zererath, and to the edge of Abelmeholah beside Tabath. And the men of Israel gathered together of the tribe of Nephthalim, of Aser, and of all Manasses, and followed after the Madianites. For Gedeon had sent messengers thorough out all mount Ephraim, saying: come down against the Madianites, and take from them the waters both of Bethbaroth and also of jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered together, and came down and took the waters both of Bethbarath, and also of jordan. And they took two captains of the Madianites, Horeb, and Zeb, and slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeb at the press Zeb, and followed after Madian/ and brought the heeds of Oreb and Zeb to Gedeon on the other side jordan. ¶ Ephraim maketh insurrection against Gedeon, but is soon pacyfyed. The inhabiters of Socoth refuse to give Gedeon and his army breed. The tower Phanuel is destroyed. Gedeon is constitute cular over the Israelites. He hath three score and ten sons. He dieth. CAPI. VIII. ANd the men of Ephraim said unto him. Why hast thou served us thus, that thou called'st us not when thou wentest to fight with the Madianites/ and they chode with him a good, and were welnygh at daggers drawing. And he said unto them: What deed have I done like unto you: are not the clusters of Ephraim better than the wine harvest of Abiezer? God hath delivered in to your hands the Lords of Madian, Oreb, & Zeb. judi vii f And what was I able to do like as you have done? And then their spirits were pacified, and they well content with him, when he had said that. And then Gedeon came to jordan and passed over both he and the three hundred men that were with him very faint and yet followed the chase. And he said unto the men of Socoth: give I pray you cakes of breed unto the people that follow me: for they be fainty, that I may follow after Zebath and Zalmona kings of Madian. And the Lords of Socoth said, are the hands of Zebath and Zalmona now in thine hands that we should give bread unto thy company? And Gedeon said, therefore when the Lord hath delivered Zebath and Zalmona in to mine hand, I will tear the flesh of you with the thorns of the wilderness and with breers. And he went thence to Phanuel, and spoke unto them likewise. And the men of Phanuel answered, as did the men of Socoth, And he said also unto the men of Phanuel, when I come again in peax I will break down this tower. Zebah and Zalmona were in Arkar, and their hosts with them, upon a fifteen thousand, which were all that were left of all the hosts of them of the East. And they that were slain, were a hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword. And Gedeon went thorough them that dwell in tabernacles on the East side of Nobah and jebahah, and smote the host: for the host did cast no perils Zebah and Zalmona fled. But he followed after them, and took the two kings of the Madianites, Zebah and Zalmona, and discomforted all the host. And Gededn the son of joas returned from battle, the son being yet up, and caught a lad of the men of Socoth, and inquired of him the names of the chief lords and elders of Socoth. And he written the lords and elders of Socoth, three score and seventeen men. Then he came unto the men of Socoth and said: Behold Zebah and Zalmona, with which he cast me in the teeth, saying: are the hands of Zebah, and Zalmona already in thine hand, that we should give breed unto thy fayntye men. And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briars, and all to tear them therewith. And he broke down the tower of Phanuel, and slew the men of the city. And then said unto Zebah and Zalmona, three 〈◊〉 what manner men were they which you slew at Thabor? & they answered: they were moche like the in favour/ and one of them eyes as he were a kings son. And he said: They were my brethren, even my mother's children, and as truly as the Lord liveth, if you had saved their lives, I would not slay you. And he said unto Jether his elder son, up and slay them, but the lad drew not his sword/ for he feared, because he was yet young. Then Zebah and Zalmona said, Rise thou, and fall upon us, for as the man is, so is his strength. and Gedeon arose and slew them: & he took away the trapocry and chains that were on their camels necks. Then the men of Israel said unto Gedeon. Raing over us, both thou, thy son, and thy sons son/ for thou hast delivered us out of the hands of the Madianites. And Gedeon said unto them/ I will not reign over you, neither shall my children reign over you, but the Lord shall reign over you. neverthelater Gedeon said unto them/ I would desire a certain request of you, even that you would give me every man the earrynges of his pray. For they had golden earringes, because they were Ismaelites. And they said we will do it. And they spread a mantel and did cast there into every man the earrynges of his pray. And the weight of the golden earrynges was a thousand and seven hundred sycles of gold, besides brouches, ouches and garments of scarlet that were of the kings of Madian, and beside the chains, that were about their camels necks. And Gedeon made an Ephod thereof, and put it in his city Ephrah. And all Israel went a horing after him there, which thing was the ruin of Gedeons' house. 〈◊〉 xvi b 〈◊〉 d Thus were the Madianites brought low before the children of Israel, so that they life up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gedeon. And jerobaal the son of joas went and dwelt in his own house. ●●gum ten a. And Gedeon had lxx sons of his body begotten, for he had many wives. And his concubine that dwelled in Sichem bore him a son also, whose name he called Abimelech. And Gedeon the son of joas died, when he was of a good age, & was buried in the burial of joas his father, even in Ephrah that pertained unto the father of the Ezrites. But as soon as Gedeon was deed, the children of Israel turned away and went a horing after Baal, and made Baal a promise that he should be their God, and thought not on the Lord their God which had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side. Neither showed they mercy on the house of jerobaal, otherwise called Gedeon, according to all the goodness which he showed them. ¶ Abimelech is ordained a king after he had killed his lxviii brethren. He himself was after killed of a woman when he besieged Thebes. The parables of joatham concerning his brother Abimelech. CAPI. IX. FOr Abimelech the son of jerobaal went to Sichem, unto his mother's brethren, & comuned with them and with all the hole kindred both of his father's side and mothers also, saying: say I pray you, in the ears of all the enhabitoures of Sichem: whether is better for you that all the sons of jerobaal which are lxx personnes reign over you, either that one reign over you. And remember thereto, that I am your bones & your flesh And his mother's brethren rehearsed of him in the audience of all the Cytezens of Sichem, all these words, and moved their hearts to follow Abimelech, in that they said how he was their brother. And they gave him lxx. pieces of silver out of the temple of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired jehel & light personnes which went with him. And they went unto his father's house at Ephrah and slew all his brethren, the sons of jerobaal, even lxx personnes upon one stone. Notwithstanding yet joatham the youngest son of jerobaal escaped, for he hid himself. And all the cytezens of Sichem gathered together with all the house of melo, & went and made Abimelech king * Some in the plain. at a certain oak that was by Sichem. And when it was told joatham, he went and stood in the top of mount Garizim, and lift up his voice and called, and said unto them: two. Para xxv e iiii. Esdr. four b hearken unto me you cytezens of Sichem, that God may hearken unto you. The trees went to anoint a king over them, & said unto the olive tree, rain over us. But the olive tree said unto them: should I leave my fatness which both God and man praiseth in me, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees to the fig tree, come thou and be king over us. And the fig tree answered them, should I forsake my sweetness and my good fruit, & should go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees unto the vine, come thou & be king over us. And the vine answered, should I leave my wine that cheereth both God & man and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said all the trees unto the * In some places it is called Gorse. thorn bush: come thou and reign over us. And the thorn bush said unto the trees: if it be true that you will anoint me king over you, them come and rest under my shadow, and if you will not you shall see that a fire shall come out of the thorn bush and waste the Cyper trees of Libanon. And even so now, if you have done truly and uncorruptly to make Abimelech king. And if you have dealt well with jerobaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands, for as much as my father fought for you, and adventured his life, And rid you out of the hands of the Madianites. And you are risen up against my father's house this day. And have slain his children, even lxx persons * Grek. upon with one stone and have made Abimelech the son of his maid servant king over the cytezens of Sichem, because he is your brother, if then you have dealt dew and truly with jerobaal & with his house this day: then rejoice you in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. But if you have not dealt truly, than I pray God a fire may come out of Abimelech and consume the lords of Sichem and the house of melo. And that there come a fire out of the cytezens of Sichem, and out of the house of melo and consume Abimelech. And joatham when he had said thus, ran away and fled and went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. When Abimelech had reigned three year, God sent a spiteful malice between Abimelech and the cytezens of Sichem. Isaiah xlvii. And the cytezens of Sichem began to defy Abimelech, and wished that the wickedness done to the lxx sons of jerobaal might come on him, and laid the blood of them unto Abimelech their brother which slew them, and unto the other cytezens of Sichem which aided him in the killing of his brethren. And the cytezens of Sichem set men to say await for him in the top of the mountains and while they awaited his coming they rob all that came a long the way by them. And it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Obed and his brethren went and got them to Sichem. And the men of Sichem put their confidence in him. And they went out in to the fields and gathered in their grapes and trod them, and made merry: and went in to the house of their God, and did eat and drink and cursed Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Obed said: what is Abimelech? and what is Sichem? that we should serve him, is he not the son of jerobaal? Gen. xxxiiii a and Zebul is his office? serve such as come of Hemor the father of Sichem, for what reason is it that we should serve him? would God this people were under my hand than I would put down Abimelech. And one said unto Abimelech, make thine host greater and go out. And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Obed, he was wroth and sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying: Behold Gaal the son of Obed and his brethren be come to Sichem: and behold they set the city against the. Now therefore arise by night both thou and all the people that is with the and lie in wait in the fields. And rise early in the morning as soon as the son is up, & come upon the city. And when he and the people that is with him come forth against thee, do to him what thine hands shallbe able. And Abimelech rose up, and all the people with him, by night. And they laid await to the city in four companies. And Gaal the son of Obed went out and stood in the enterye of the gate of the city. And Abimelech rose up, and the folk that were with him, from dying await. Now when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul: Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him: the shadow of the hills seem men unto thee, and so thou art deceived. And Gaal answered again and said: See, there come folk down by the middle of the land and an other company come a long by the Witchoke. Then said Zebul unto him: Where is now thy mouth that said, what fellow is Abimelech that we should serve him? These are the people that thou so despysedest. Go out now and fight with them. And Gaal went forth before the cytezens of Sichem, and fought with Abimelech. And Abimelech chased him so that he fled before him, and many were overthrown and slain, even until they came unto the entering of the gate. And then Abimelech went and dwelt at Arumah. And then Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, and would not suffer them to devil in Sichem. And on the morrow the people went forth in to the field. And it was told Abimelech. And he took his, people & divided them into three companies, and lay await in the fields. And when he saw that the people were come out of the city, he ran upon them and laid upon them. And Abimelech & the companies that were with him, ran and stood in the entering of the gate of the city. And the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields and five them. And then Abimelech fought against the city all that day, & took it, and slew the people that was therein, and destroyed the city & sowed salt in the place. And when all the men of the tower of Sichem heard that, they entered in to a strong hold of the house of their God Baal Berith, when they made a convenant to him and the place had Berythes name and was strongly fenced. And when it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Sichem, were gathered together, he got him to mount Zelmon, both he and all that were with him, & took a●es with him and cut down an arm of a tree, and took it up, & put it on his shoulder, and said unto the folk that were with him, what so ever you see me do: speed your selves and do likewise. And all the people cut down also every man a bough, 〈…〉 and followed Abimelech, and put them into the hold, and set the hold a fire upon them: so that all the men of the tower of Sichem were slain, about a thousand personnes what of men and women. Then went Abimelech to Thebez and besieged it, and took it. But there was a strong tower in the mids of the city, and thither ran all the men and women, and all the cytezens of the city, and shut it to them, and got them upon the top of the tower, and stood upon the battelmentes. Then came Abimelech unto the tower and fought against it, & went hard unto the enteringe of the gate, two. 〈…〉 to set it on fire. ☜ But a woman cast a piece of a m●● stone upon his heed and all to broke his brain pan. Then Abimelech called hastily unto the young man that bore his harneys, 〈…〉 and said unto him: draw thy sword and i'll me, that men say not of me, a woman flew him. And his lad thrust him thorough and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was deed, they departed, every man unto his own house. And thus all the wickedness of Abimelech which he did unto his father, in slaying his lxx brethren, & thereto all the wickedness of the men of Sichem, god did bring upon their heeddes: I●● And upon them came the curse of joathan the son of jerobaal. ¶ Thola and jair judges of Israel. Israel sinneth and after crieth on God for remission. CAPI. X. AFter Abimelech, arose to defend Israel one Thola, the son of Phuah, the son of Dodo, a man of Isakar, which dwelled in Samir, in mount Ephraim, who judged Israel xxiij year, and then died and was buried in Samir. And after him arose jair a Galaadite, who judged Israel xxij year. And he had thirty sons that 〈◊〉 xii d road on thirty Ass colts, and had thirty cities for them, which are called the towns of jair unto this day, and are in the land of Galaad. And jair died, & was buried in Kamon. ●g ii b 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 a. ●i. a ●iii. g ●●i. a And the children of Israel wrought wickedness yet again, in the sight of the Lord and served Baalim and Astaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, & forsook the Lord and served him not, wherefore the Lord was wroth with Israel, and gave them up into the hands of the Philistines, and in to the hands of the children of Ammon: which pilled and oppressed the children of Israel in those days xviij year, all that were on tother side jordan in the land of the Amorites in Galaad. Moreover the children of Ammon went over jordan to fight against juda, BenIamin, and the house of Ephraim: so that Israel was sore encumbered Then the children of Israel, cried unto the Lord, saying: We have sinned against thee: for we have forsaken our own God, & have served Baalim. And the Lord said unto the children of Israel: ☞ did not the Egyptians, the Amorites, the children of Ammon, the Philistines, the Sidonites, the Amalekites, and the Maonites, oppress you? And you cried to me, and I delivered you forth of their hands And this notwithstanding you have forsaken me, and serve strange gods, wherefore I will help● you no more. 〈◊〉 xxxii. e ●●y● ii d But go and cry unto the gods which you have choose, and let them s●ue you in the time of your affliction. But the children of Israel said unto the Lord we have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever please thee, and deliver us only at this tyme. And they put away the strange gods from them, and served the Lord. And he was sorrowful for the misery of Israel. Then the children of Ammon assembled & pytched in Galaad. And the children of Israel gathered them together and pytched in Mazphah. And the company of the Lords of Galaad said one to an other, who so ever will begin the battle against the children of Ammon, shallbe heed over all the inhabitants of Galaad. ¶ jephthah the son of a harlot delivereth Israel from the Ammonites after they asked forgiveness, of the vow of jephpthah. CAPI. XI. ●●●ah ANd there was one jephthah a Galaadite, a strong man, who was the son of an harlot: How be it Galaad begat jephthah. But Galaades wife bore him sons, which when they were come to age, thrust out jephthah, & said unto him: Thou shalt not enheret in our father's house, for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then jephthah fled from his brethren and dwelled in the land of Tob. And idle people and robbars assembled themselves to jephthah, and went out with him. But it chanced in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel, than the elders of Galaad went and fet jephthah out of the land of Tob, & said unto him: come and be our captain, & let us fight with the children of Ammon. And jephthah said unto the elders of Galaad. Did not you hate me, and chased me out of my father's house? how happeneth it then that you come unto me now in time of your tribulation? And the elders of Galaad answered jephthah. Therefore we turn again to the now, that thou go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the enhabitauntes of Galaad. And jephthah said unto the elders of Galaad: If you bring me home again, to fight with the children of Ammon, then if the Lord deliver them before me, I shallbe your heed. And the elders of Galaad said to jephthah, the Lord that heareth these words be witness between us, if we do not according to thy words. Then jephthah went with the elders of Galaad. And the people made him heed and ruler over them. And jephthah rehearsed all his words before the Lord, in Mazphah. Then jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying: Numeri xxi f What aileth the with me, that thou comeste upon me to fight against my land? And the king of the children of Ammon answered the messengers of jephthah, because Israel took away my land, when they came forth of egypt: even from Arnon: unto jabok, & from thence unto jordan: Now therefore restore these lands again by fair means. And jephthah sent messengers again unto the children of Ammon, and said unto him: thus saith jephthah. Israel took not away the land of Moab, duty ii a nor the land of the children of Ammon. But when Israel came forth of egypt, they walked thorough the wilderness, even unto the read see, and came to Cades, Numeri twenty b and sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying: let us (we pray thee) go thorough thy land. But the king of Edom would not assent thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab, but he would not consent. And so Israel abode still in Cades. And then they went a long thorough the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, & the land of Moab, and came a long by the East side of the land of Moab, and pytched their tents on tother side the river of Arnon, and came not within the coostes of the Moabites: for Arnon was their furthest border. And then Israel sent messengers unto Sehon king of the Amorites, and king of Hesbon, and said unto him: Let us have passage thorough thy land unto our country. But Sehon trusted not Israel, to go thorough his costs: but gathered all his people together & pytched in jazah, and fought with Israel. But the Lord God of Israel delivered Sehon and all his folk into the hands of Israel. And so Israel smote them, and conquered all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of the said country. And they conquered all the costs of the Amorites, from Arnon unto jabok, & from the wilderness unto jordan. So now uless as the Lord God of Israel hath cast out the Amorites before his people, shouldest thou enjoy the land? Nay, but what people Camos thy God driveth out, that land possess thou. But whatsoever nations the Lord our God chaseth out, the land ought we to enjoy. And thereto, art thou better than Balack the son of Zephor king of Moab? Numeri xxi a or canst thou show us, that he did strive with Israel, or fight against them? all the while Israel dwelled in Hesbon and her towns, duty xxiii a and in Aroer and her towns and in all the cities that be a long by the coostes of Arnon three hundred years? why didst thou not recover them in all that space? wherefore I have not offended against the but thou dost me wrong, to war upon me. The Lord therefore be judge this day, between the children of Israel, and the children of Ammon. Nevertheless the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of jephthah which he sent him. Then the spirit of the Lord came upon jephthah. And he passed over Galaad & Manasses, and came to Mazphah, that lieth in Galaad, and from thence unto the children of Ammon. And jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, jephthah voweth. and said: If thou shalt deliver the children of Ammon into my hands, than that thing that cometh out of the doors of my house against me, when I come home in peax, from the children of Ammon, shallbe the Lords, and I will offer it up for a burned offering. And so jephthah went unto the children of Ammon to fight with them. And the Lord delivered them into his hands. And he smoote them from Aroer unto Menith, twenty cities. And so forth to the plain of the vineyards, and made an exceeding great slaughter. And thus the children of Ammon were brought under, before the children of Israel. Then jephthah came to Mazphah unto his house. ☞ And behold his daughter came out against him, with tymberelles and daunses, which was his only child: so that beside her, he had neither son nor daughter. And when he saw her, he rend his clotheses & said: Alas my daughter, thou hast made me stoop and art one of them that vex me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and can not go back. And she said unto him: my father, if thou have opened thy mouth unto the Lord, then do with me according to that proceeded out of thy mouth, for as much as the Lord hath avenged the of thine enemies the children of Ammon. And she said unto her father, do this moche for me: let me alone for the space of two months, that I may go down to the mountains, and bewail my virginity with my fellows. And he said: go, and so she sent her away for two months. And she went with her companions and lamented her maydenhed upon the mountains. And after the two months, she turned again unto her father, which did with her according to his vow which he had vowed, & so she knew no man. ☜ And it become a custom in Israel year by year, that the daughters of Israel should go, and lament the daughter of jephthah, the Galaadyte, four days in a year. ¶ The battle of jephthah against Ephraim. After the death of jephthah succeedeth Elon. After Elon Abdon. CAPI. XII. ANd the men of Ephraim made an insurrection, and went Northward, & said unto jephthah: Wherefore wenteste thou to fight with the children of Ammon, & didst not call us to go with thee? we will therefore burn thine house upon thee, with fire. And jephthah said unto them: I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon. 〈…〉 And I called you to have aided me, but you would not come. And when I see that you delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and went upon the children of Ammon. And the Lord delivered them into my hands. Wherefore then are you come upon me to fight with me? And jephthah gathered together all the men of Galaad, and fought with the Ephraites. And the men of Galaad smote the Ephraites because they said: You Galaadites are but runagates of Ephraim amongs the Ephraites and the Manassites. Moreover the men of Galaad took the passages of jordan where the Ephraites should come homeward. And when those Ephraites that were escaped, said let us go over: then the men of Galaad said unto them: You are Ephraites, and they said, nay. Then the other answered: Then say Sciboteth. And they said Siboleth, & could not so pronounce, ☜ whereupon the other took them and slew them at the passages of jordan. I●● 〈◊〉 And there were overthrown at that time of the Ephraites xlij thousand. And when jephthah had judged Israel six year, he died, and was buried in one of the cities of Galaad After this man, judged Israel one Abezan of Bethlehem, 〈…〉 who had thirty sons and thirty daughters, and sent also his thirty daughters out to marriage, and took thirty other in, for his sons. And when Abezan had judged Israel vi years he died, & was buried at Bethlehem. And after him, 〈…〉 Elon a Zabulonite judged Israel ten years, and he died and was buried in Aialon, in the country of Zabulon. And after him, Abdon the son of Hellel, 〈…〉 a Pharathonite judged Israel. And he had forty sons, and thirty nephews, that * road on threescore and ten ass colts. I● And when Abdon the son of Hellel the Pharathonite had judged Israel eight year, he died, and was buried in Pharthon, the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites. ¶ Israel being an Idolater is oppressed of the Philistines. The birth of Samson. The sacrifice of Samsons father. CAPI. XIII. ANd the children of Israel began again to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord. 〈◊〉. b And the Lord delivered them in to the hands of the Philistines xl year. And there was a man in Zaraah of the kindred of the Dannites, named Manoah, whose wife was barren and bore not. And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto his wife, and said unto her: Behold, thou art barren and bearest not: But thou shalt conceive and bear a son. And now beware, and drink no wine, ne strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. And there may no ●●gu i b razor or shears come on his heed: For the child shall be a ●●e law 〈◊〉 Naza●● stays shalt ●n the chapter ●●●ri. Nazare unto God, even from the time of his birth. And he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines. Then the wife went and told her husband, saying A man of God came unto me, and the fashion of him was like the fashion of an angel of God exceeding fearful. But I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name. And he said unto me: 〈◊〉 xvi c 〈◊〉 Behold, thou shalt be with child and bear a son, & now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: ☞ for the child shallbe ●●artus ●erate 〈◊〉 one. an abstainer to God even from his birth to the day of his death. Then Manoah made intercession to the Lord, and said: I pray thee (my Lord) let the man of God which thou sendest come once more unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child, when he is born. And God heard the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again unto the wife as she sat in the fields: But Manoah her husband was not with her. Then the wife made haste, and ran and showed her husband and said to him: Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came the other day unto me. Then Manoah arose, and went after his wife and came to the man and said unto him Art thou the man that spakest unto my wife? And he said, yea. Then Manoah said, now when thy word is come to pass: what shall be the manner of the child, and what shall he do? And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah: thy wife must abstain from all that I said unto her: she may eat of nothing that cometh of the vine tree, ne drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: but must observe all that I bade her. Then said Manoah unto the angel of the Lord: Grant us to tarry till we have made ready a kid, and have set it before the. And the Angel of the Lord said unto Manoah: 〈◊〉. ●ii. d though thou make me abide I will not eat of thy meat. And moreover if thou will't prepare a burnt-offering, that thou must offer unto the Lord. For Manoah witted not that it was an angel of the Lord. And Manoah said unto the angel of the Lord: What is thy name, that when thy saying is come to pass, we may do the some worship? Genes. xxxii e Exo di. three. e The name of the angel is wonderful. And the angel of the Lord said unto him: why askest thou after my name? when it is marvelous. And Manoah took a kid with a meatoffringe, and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord which worketh wonders, Manoah & his wife looked upon. And when the flame came up out of the aultare, Psal lxxi c and cxxxu a the angel of the Lord ascended up in the flame of the aultare. And Manoah and his wife looked thereon, and fallen flat on their faces unto the ground: But the angel of the Lord did no more appear unto Manoah and his wife. And then Manoah knew that it was angel of the Lord: and said unto his wife: We shall surely die because we have seen God. But his wife said unto him: If the Lord would kill us, Exod. xxxiii ● Iud. vi e he would not have received a burnt-offering and a meatoffringe of our hands, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would have told us as he hath of things to come. And the wife bore a son, Samson is born. & called his name Samson. And the lad grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the spirit of the Lord begun first to be with the house of Dan, between Zaraah and Esthaol. ¶ The marriage of Samson. He killeth a Lyon. He propoundeth a riddle. He killeth thirty men. His wife forsaketh him and taketh an other. CAPI. XIIII. SAmson went down to Thamnath, and saw a woman in Thamnath of the daughters of the Philistines, and came & told his father and mother, and said: I have seen a woman in Thamnath of the daughters of the Philistines. And now give her me to wife Then his father and mother said unto him, Deuter vii a is there never a woman of the daughters of thy brethren, among all my people: but that thou must go and fet a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, give me this woman, for she pleaseth me well. Now his father & mother will not that it was the Lords working, & that he sought an occasion upon the Philistines, which at that time reigned over Israel. Then went Samson, and his father and mother, down to Thamnath. So when they came to the vineyards of Thamnath: Behold, a young Lion roared upon him. And the sprite of the Lord came upon Samson. And he tare him, as a man would rend a kid, and yet had nothing in his hand. Nevertheless he told not his father and mother what he had done, but went down and talked with the woman which seemed beautiful in the sight of Samson. And within short space after, as he repaired thither again to take her to wife, he turned out of the way, to see the carcase of the Lyon. And behold, there was a swarm of bees in the carcase of the Lion, and honey: & he took of the honey in his hands, and went eating, and came to his father and mother & gave them of the same. And they did eat. But he told not them, that he had taken the honey forth of the carcase of the Lyon. And when his father was come unto the woman: Samson made there a feast, for so used the young men to do. And when her friends see him, they brought thirty companions to bear him company. And Samson said unto them: I will put forth a riddle unto you. And if you can declare it within seven days of the feast and find it out. I will give you thirty shirts and thirty change of garments. But if you cannot declare it me, then shall you give me thirty shertes and thirty change of garments. And they answered him, put forth thy riddle and let us hear it. ☞ And he said unto them. Out of the eater came meat: and out of the strong came sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. So when the seventh day was come, they said unto Samsons wife. Flatter thine husband, that he may declare us thy riddle, or else we will burn the and thy father's house with fire, have you called us to make us beggars? Then Samsons wife wept unto him and said, it cannot be but that thou hatest me and lovest me not, sith thou hast purposed a riddle unto the children of my folk and wilt not tell me what it means. And he said: Behold, I have not told it my father ne yet my mother, Iud. xiiii b and should I tell it thee? And she wept unto him seven days, while the feast lasted. So the seventh day he told her, because she lay so sore upon him. And she again told it to the children of her folk. And then the men of the city said unto him the seventh day before the son went down. What is sweeter than honey, Solution. and what is stronger than a Lion? then said he unto them: If you had not ploughed with my hefter, you had not found out my riddle. Then the spirit of the Lord came upon him. And he went down to Askalon, and slay xxx men of them, and despoiled them, and gave their garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And he was wroth, and went up to his father's house. But Samsons wife was given in marriage to one of his companions that accompanied him. ¶ Samson tieth fyrebrandes to fox jails, and letteth them run into the corn. with the jawebone of an Ass he killeth a thousand. Out of a great to the in the jaw, God giveth him water, CAPI. XU. But it chanced within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid. And when he thought to have go in unto his wife into the chamber, her father would not suffer him to go in: But said: I thought thou had best hated her, and therefore gave I her to one of thy companions. How be it, her younger sister is fairer than she. Take her in stead of the other. Then said Samson unto them: Now I am blameless concerning the Philistines, though I do them displeasures. And Samson went forth and caught three hundred Foxes, and took fyrebrandes, & fastened tail to tail, and put a fire brand in the mids between two tails. And he set the fire brands on fire, and put them into the corn of the Philistines, & burned up both the reped corn and also the standing, with wines and olives. Then the Philistines asked, who had done that deed. And it was told them that Samson the son in law of the Thamnite, because he had bereaved him of his wife & given her to one of his companions. And the Philistines came and burned both her and her father with fire. And Samson said unto them: should you do so? I will surely be avenged of you, & then I will cease. And he smote them leg & thigh with a mighty plague. And then he went and dwelled in the top of the rock Etam. Then the Philistines came up and pitched against juda and lay in Leht. And the men of juda said. Why are you come against us? And they answered to bind Samson are we come, even to do unto him, as he hath done to us. Then three thousand men of juda went up to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson: wottest thou not, that the Philistines are rulers over us? Wherefore then hast thou handled us thus? And he answered them, as they served me, so have I served them. Then said they unto him, we are come to bind thee, and to deliver the into the hands of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them: swear unto me, that you shall not hurt me yourselves. And they said, we will not hurt thee, save only bind thee, and deliver the unto their hands: But we will not kill the. And so they bound him with two new cords and brought him down from the rock. And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him. And the sprite of the Lord came upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms, become as flax that was burned with fire, and the bands loosed from his hands And he found a jaw bone of a rotten ass, & put forth his hand and caught it, and flew a thousand men therewith. And Samson said: with the jaw of an ass, have I put them back: with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. And when he had left speaking, he cast away the jaw out of his hand and called the place Ramath Lehi. But he was sore a thirst, and called on the Lord, & said. Thou Lord hast given this great victory, thorough the hand of thy servant. And now I must die for thirst, and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised. But God broke a great tooth that was in the jaw, and there came water forth of it. And when he had drunken, his spirit came again, and he was refreshed, wherefore the name thereof was called, 〈…〉 the well of the caller on, which is in Lehi, unto this day. And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years. ¶ Samson lifteth up the gates of Gaza and carrieth them up in to the mountain. He was deceived by Dalilah and made blind. He pulleth down the house upon the Philistines and dieth with them. CAPI. XVI. THen went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot & lay with her. And it was told the Gazites, that Samson was come thither. And they went about, and laid await for him all night in the gate of the city, and were still abiding for him all the night saying: tarry till the morning that it be day, and then let us kill him as he cometh forth of the city. And Samson took his rest till midnight, and arose at midnight and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two side posts, and rend them of, bars and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of an hill that lieth before Hebron. And after that, he loved a woman, upon the river of Sorek, called Dalilah, unto whom came the Lords of the Philistines, and said unto her. Flatter him and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may have power over him, that we may bind him and bring him under, and each of us shall give the xj hundred siluerlinges. And Dalilah said to Samson. O, tell me where thy great strength lieth, and what it is wherewith men might bind the and beat the. And Samson said unto her. If men bound me, with seven green withthes, that were never dried, I should be weak, and as an other man. And then the Lords of the Philistines brought her seven withthes that were yet green and never dried, and she bond him with them. Notwithstanding she had men dying in wait with her in the chamber. And she said unto him: the Philistines be upon the Samson. And he broke the cords as a thread of tow breaketh, when it feeleth fire. And so it was not known wherein his strength lay. Then said Dalilah to Samson: See, thou hast mocked me and told me lies. Now yet tell me I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said: If I were bound with new ropes, that never were occupied, then should I be weak, and as an other man. And Dalilah took new ropes and bound him therewith, and said unto him, the Philistines be upon the Samson. And there were liars await in the chamber, and he broke them from of his arms, as they had been but a thread. And Dalilah said unto Samson, hitherto thou hast mocked me and told me lies: I pray the yet tell me wherewith men may bind the. And he said unto her. If thou bind seven locks of my heed with an heart lace and fasten them with a nail, I shall be weak. And Dalila did so, and said unto him, the Philistines be upon the Samson. But he awaked out of his sleep, & plucked and went away with the nail that was in the platting, and with the heart lace. Then she said unto him: How canst thou say thou lovest me, when thine heart is not with me: for thou hast mocked me this three times, and haste not told wherein thy chief strength lieth. And as she lay upon him with her words continually vexing of him, his soul was encumbered even unto the death. And he told her all his heart, and said unto her: Numeri vi a. Iudi xiii a there never came razor nor shears upon mine heed, for I have been a Nazare to God even from my mother's womb. If mine heart were cut of, my strength would go from me, and I should become, and be like all other men. And when Dalilah saw he had uttered unto he all his heart, she sent for the Philistines, saying: come up yet this once, for he hath showed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came & brought the money in their hands. And she made him sleep upon her lap, and sent for a barber, & cut of the seven locks of his heed and began to vex him, and to thrust him from her, for by and by his strength was go from him. And she said, the Philistines upon the Samson. Samson is taken. And he awoke out of his sleep, and thought to go out as at other times before & shake himself, and wist not that the Lord was departed from him. Then the Philistines took him and put out his eyen, & brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters. And he was made to grind in the prison house, all be it the heart of his head began to grow again after that he was shorn. The the lords of the Philistines gathered them together, to offer a solemn offering unto Dagon their God, and to rejoice: for they said our God hath betaken Samson our enemy into our hands. And when the people saw him, they magnified their God: for they said, our god hath given into our hands our enemy, which destroyed our country and slay many of us. And when their hearts were merry, they said: send for Samson and let him play before us. So they set Samson out of the prysonhouse, who played before them, & they set him between the pyllers. And Samson said unto the lad that led him by the hand: set me that I may touch the pyllers that the house stand upon, and that I may lean to them. And the house was full furnished with men and women. And there were all the lords of the Philistines, and upon the roof there were about three thousand men and women, that beheld how Samson played. Then Samson called unto the Lord, and said my Lord almighty think on me, and restore me mine old strength, at this time O God, that I may be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyen. And Samson caught the two middle pyllers on which the house stood, the one in his ryghtehande, and she other in his left, and said: my life perish with the Philistines, and bowed them with might. And the house fallen upon the lords, & upon all the people that were therein. And so the deed which he slay at his death, were more than they which he slay in his life. And then his brethren & all the house of his father came down, & took him up, & brought, and buried him, between Zarah and Esthaol, in the burying place of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years. ¶ Of Michas whose mother made him an Idol of silver. Of the young priest of the lineage of Levi of Bethlehem. CAPI. XVII. THere was a man in mount Ephraim, named Michas, which said unto his mother: the xi hundred silverlings that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst in mine ears: Behold the silver is with me, for I took it away. Then said his mother, blessed be thou my son in the Lord. And so he restored the xi hundred silverlings to his mother again. And his mother said: I vowed the silver unto the Lord that my son should take it, of mine hand: to make a graven Image and an Image of metal. Now therefore I render it the again. And he restored the money again unto his mother. Then his mother took two hundred silverlings and put them to a goldsmith, to make thereof a graven image and a molten image, which remained in the house of Michas, who also made a chapel of gods, Ephod is a priests apparel. and made an Ephod and images, and filled the hand of one of his sons which become his priest. For in those days there was no king in Israel, ☞ but every man did as he thought be●●. judi xviii a and xxi d And there was also an other a young man of Bethlehem juda, amongs the kynredes of juda: and he was a Levite and sojourned there. And the young man departed out of the city of Bethlehem juda, to go devil where might be most commodious for him. And he came to mount Ephraim, and to the house of Michas as he journeyed. And Michas said unto him, Whence comest thou? and the Levite answered him: I am of Bethlehem juda and go to devil where I may find a most meet place. And Michas said unto him: dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest. And I will give the ten siluerlynges by year and double apparel and meat and drink. So the Levite went and dwelled with the man, and was unto him as dear as one of his own sons. And Michas filled the hand of the Levite, and the young man become his preaste, and continued in his house, and said now I am sure that the Lord will be good unto me, sithence I have a Levite to my priest. ¶ The children of Dan take the gods & the priest or Michas away. They destroy Lais, and build it again, and name it Dan. CAPI. XVIII. IN those days there was no king in Israel. Dan. And in those days the tribe of Dan sought them an inheritance to devil in, for till that time there fallen none inheritance unto them amongs the tribe of Israel. joshua ten d And the children of Dan sent forth of their kynredes five men of activity, out of their coostes even out of Zaraah and Esthaol, to view the land and search it out, and said unto them: go and search out the land. And they came to mount Ephraim, unto the house of Michas and lodged there. And when they were come unto his house, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite, whose lodging they used, and said unto him: Who brought the hither? what makest thou in this place? why art thou come hither? And he said unto them, thus and thus dealeth Michas with me, and hath hired me to be his priest. And they said unto him: Ask of God we pray thee, that we may know whether the way we go, shallbe prosperous, & whether the thing shall take effect. And the priest said unto them: go in peax, the Lord regardeth your way & the journey which you go. Then the five men departed and came to Lais, and saw the people there dwelling careless, and after the manner of the Sidons, still, and without casting of parelles, & that no man made any trouble in the land or usurped any dominion, and how they were far from the Sidons and had no meddling with any nation. And they came unto their brethren to Zaraah, and Esthaol. And their brethren said unto them: what tidings bring you? And they said, arise and let us go unto them, * 〈…〉 for we have seen the land, and it is very good. Hasten you therefore, and be not slothful to depart, and to come & conquer the land: you shall come unto a people that tasteth no parels, and unto a large country: for God hath given into your hands a place wherein is no lack of any thing in the world. Then departed thence of the kindred of the Dannites, out of Zaraah and Esthaol uj hundred men appointed with habilimentes of war. And they went and pytched in Kariath jarim in juda. Wherefore the place is called Mahanah Dan unto this day, which is on the backside of Kartath jarim. So they went thence unto mount Ephraim, and came to Michas house. Then answered the five men that went to espy out the country of Lais, and said unto their brethren: wots you not that there is in these houses an Ephod and Images, and a graven Image, and a molten Image? Now therefore consider, what you have to do. And they turned thytherward and came to the house of the young man the Levite in the house of Michas, and salved him peasably. And the vi hundred men well fenced with weapons of war which were of the children of Dan, stood in the enteringe of the gate. And the five men that went to espy out the land went in thither and took the kerued Image, & the Ephod, and the molten Image. And the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men, that were armed unto battle, while the other went to Michas house, and fet the kerued Image, the Ephod the kerued Image, and the Image of metal. Then said the priest unto them: what do you? and they answered him, keep silence, & * 〈…〉 put thine hand upon thy mouth, and come with us, and be unto us a father and a priest, whether is it better for the to be a priest unto the house of one man, or to be priest unto a tribe or kindred in Israel? And the priest was glad and took the Ephod and the Images, and the graven Image, and went with the people And they turned and departed, & put the children, the cattle and their costly things before them. When they were a good way from the house of Michas, the men that were in the houses that were by Michas house, made an outcry, and pursued after the children of Dan and called unto them. And they turned their faces, and said unto Michas, what aileth thee, that thou makest this outcry? And he said, you have taken away my gods which I made and also the priest, and go your ways with them: And what have I more, how then say you unto me, what aileth thee? And the children of Dan said unto him, let not thy voice be herd amongs us, jest angry fellows run upon thee, and thou loose thy life, with the lives of all thine household also. And so the children of Dan went their ways. And when Michas saw they were to strong for him, he returned unto his house again. And they took the things which Michas had made, and the priest which he had, and went unto Lais, even unto a people that were at rest and without mistrust, and smote them with the edge of the sword, & burned the city with fire. And there was no man to help, because it was far from Sidon, and they had none affairs with any other nation. And the city stood in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built the city and dwelled therein. * 〈◊〉. xi●. d And called it Dan, after the name of Dan their father which was son unto Israel. How be it in deed the name of the city was Lais at the beginning. And the children of Dan set them up the graven Image. And jonathan the son of Gerson, the son of Manasses and his sons were the priests unto the tribe of the Danites, till they were carried away out of the land prysonners. And they set them up the kerued Image which Michas made, 〈◊〉. ●xii. a all the while that the house of God was in Siloh. In those days was no king in Israel. ¶ Of the Levite whose wife was vyllanously killed in Gabaah. She is divided in to twelve parts and of her sent to every tribe of Israel a piece. CAPI. XIX. ANd a certain Levite dwelling on the side of mount Ephraim, took to wife a concubine out of Bethlehem juda: which concubine played the whore in his house and went away from him, unto her father's house to Bethlehem juda, and there continued four months. And her husband arose and went after her, to speak friendly unto her and to bring her home again, and his lad with him & a couple of Asses. And she brought him unto her father's house, and when the father of the damosel saw him, he rejoiced of his coming. And the Levite abode with his father in law three days and so they are and drank and lodged there. The fourth day the young man arose early in the morning, and would have departed. But the damosels father said unto his son in law, comfort thine heart with a morsel of breed, and then go your way. Genes. xviii a Psalm xiii b. And they sat down and did eat and drink both of them together. Then said the damoselles father unto the man, go to, I pray the and tarry all night and let thine heart be merry. How be it the man stood up to depart: but his father in law compelled him to turn again and to tarry all night there. And he arose up early the fifth day to depart. Then said the damoselles father, comfort thine heart: and so made him tarry till after midday: & they did eat both of them together. And then the man arose to depart with his wife and his lad. But his father in law the damosels father said unto him, behold the day goeth fast away and draweth toward night, tarry all night: at lest tarry this day here, and let thine heart be merry. And to morrow get you early on your way and get that to thy tent. Nevertheless the man would not tarry, but arose and departed, and came as far as jebus, which is jerusalem and his two asses laden, and his concubine, and his lad with him. And when they were fast by jebus, the day was sore spent and the young man said unto his master, come I pray the and let us turn into this city of the jebusytes and lodge all night there. But his master said unto him, we will not turn into a strange city that are not of the children of Israel: we will go forth to Gabaah, and we shall come to one place or other, and shall lodge all night in Gabaah or in Ramah. And they went forth on their journey, and the Son went down upon them when they were fast by Gabaah which is in BenIamin. So they turned thitherward to go and lodge all night in Gabaah. And when they came in they sat them down in a street of the city, for no man would take them in, to lodge. But behold, there came an old man from his work, out of the fields at even which was also of mount Ephraim, and but a stranger in Gabaah, for the men of the place, were of the children of jemini. And when he had left up his eyen, and saw a wayefaringe man in the streets of the city, he said: whether goest thou? And whence commeste thou? And the other answered him, we come from Bethlehem juda toward the side of mount Ephraim: from thence am I, and went to bethel juda, and go now to the house of God. But there is no man that receiveth me to house: & yet I have straw and provender for our asses and bread and wine for me and thy handmaid and thy lad that are with thy servant, and lack nothing but lodging. The old man said, peax be with thee, all that thou lackest shalt thou find with me: only remain not in the streets all night, and he brought him into his house, and gave fodder unto his asses, And they washed their feet, and did eat and drink. And as they were making good cheer, the men of the city which were wicked, set the house round about, and thrust at the door, and spoke to the good man of the house, saying: bring forth the man that came in to thine house, that we may play buggery with him. But the man of the house went out to them, and said unto them: Gene. xix b O, nay my brethren do not so wickedly, sithence this man is come into mine house: do not this abomination. Behold, my daughter a maiden and this man's concubine, them I will bring out unto you, and throw them down, and take your pleasure of them, but unto this man, do not this folly against nature, I beseech you. But the men would not hearken to him. Nevertheless the man took his concubine and brought her forth unto them, and they had to do with her and entreated her shamefully, all the night even unto the morning. And when the day began to springe, they let her go. And then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fallen down at the door of the man's house, where her Lord was. And her Lord arose up in the morning and opened the doors of the house, The scripture calleth the husband the wives Lord and came forth to go his way. And behold, his concubine lay along before the door of the house, & her hand upon the thressholde. And he said unto her: arise and let us be going. But she answered not. Then he took her up upon an Ass & stood up, and got him unto his own home. And when he was come unto his house, he took a thressinge knife, and caught his concubine & divided her thorough the bones into twelve pieces, and sent her into all quarters of Israel. And all that saw it said: there was no such deed done or seen sithence the children of Israel came out of egypt unto this day, consider the matter, give counsel and say your advices. ¶ The battle of all the Israelites against the tribe of Benjamin for the Levites wife killed. CAPI. XX. THen all the children of Israel went out, and there gathered a company together, Osee ten e as it had been but one man, even from Dan to Berseba, and out of the land of Galaad, unto the land of Marphah/ and there stood folk out of all quarters of all the tribes of Israel in the assemble of the people of God, four hundred thousand foot men that drew swords. And the children of BenIamin heard that the children of Israel were go up to Marphah. Then said the children of Israel, tell us how this wickedness happened. And the Levite the slain woman's husband answered and said: I came in to Gabaah in BenIamin with my concubine to lodge all night. And the cytezens of Gabaah arose against me, and beset the house round about me by night, & thought to have slain me: but they caught my concubine and forced her, that she died. Wherefore I took my concubine and cut her in pieces, and sent her thorough out all the lands of the inheritance of Israel. For they have done abomination and folly in Israel. Behold, you are all children of Israel. consider therefore, and give your advise in the case. Then all the people arose, as it had been one man, saying: there shall not one of us go to his tent, ne turn in to his house. And now this is it that we will do to Gabaah and cast lots against it. And we will take ten men of the hundred thorough out all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of the thousand, and a thousand of the ten thousand, to fet victual for the people, to make that they may go against Gabaah BenIamin, according to all the folly, that they have wrought in Israel. And so all the men of Israel assembled unto Gabaah, as it had been but one man. And the tribes of Israel sent men thorough all the tribe of BenIamin, saying: What wickedness is this, that is happened amongs you? Now therefore deliver us the men, those wicked wretches of Gabaah to th'intent we may slay them and put away evil from Israel. Nevertheless the children of BenIamin would not hearken unto the voice of their brethren the children of Israel: but mustered out of the cities unto Gabaah, to come out in battle against the children of Israel. And the children of BenIamin were recounted at that time, out of the cities xxvi thousand men that drew swords beside the inhabitants of Gabaah, which were numbered seven hundred piked men. And amongs all these folks were seven hundred nimble handed men, which every one could fling stones at an hear breadth, and not miss. And the children of Israel beside the children of BenIamin, were numbered at four hundred thousand men that drawn swords, and all men of war. And the children of Israel arose and went up to bethel, and asked of God, who should begin the battle against the children of BenIamin, and the Lord said juda shallbe your captain. And the children of Israel stood up early and besieged Gabaah. And the men of Israel went out to battle against BenIamin, and put themselves in array against them, to fight against Gabaah. And the children of BenIamin came out of Gabaah and destroyed in Israel that day xxij thousand men, and brought them to the ground. And the folk of the children of Israel plucked up their hearts, and yet eftsoons made battle in the same place where they did the first day: but they went first up and wept before the Lord unto even, and asked of the Lord, ☜ saying: shall we go again to battle against the children of BenIamin our brethren? And the Lord said: go up unto them, when the children of Israel were come to the children of BenIamin the second day, the children of Benjamin went against them out of Gabaah, the second day, and destroyed to the earth of the children of Israel once again xviij thousand men that drew swords every man of them. Then the children of Israel and all the people went up and came unto god's house and wept and sat there before the Lord, and fasted the same day unto even, and offered burned offerings and peax offerings before the Lord And they asked the Lord: for there was the ark of the appointment of God, in those days. And Phinehes the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron attending upon it at that time: and they said, shall we go out any more to battle against the children of Ben jamin our brethren, or shall we cease? And the Lord said go: for to morrow I will deliver them into your hands. And Israel set a privy watch against Gabaah round about And the children of Israel went against the children of BenIamin the third time, and put themselves in array against Gabaah, as they had done twice before. Then came the children of BenIamin against the people of Israel, till they were drawn a great way from the city. And they began to smite of the people and wounded them (as they did twice before, so that Israel fled by two high ways of which one goeth up to bethel and the other to Gabaah thorough the field) and slew upon a thirty men of Israel. For the children of BenIamin thought that the other had been beaten before them, as at the first tyme. But the children of Israel said, let us flee and pluck them away from the city, unto the high ways. And then all the men of Israel rose up out of their standing, and put themselves in array at Baal Thamar. And likewise the liars in await of Israel came forth out of their places, out of the meadows of Gabaah, and came before Gabaah: ten thousand choose men out of all Israel, & there was a strong battle. But the other wist not that evil was so nigh them. And the Lord plagued BenIamin before Israel, so that the children of Israel destroyed in Benjamin the same day twenty-five. thousand and a hundred men, that drawn swords every one of them. The children of Benjamin when they did see that they should be beaten down began to i'll. And the men of Israel gave room to BenIamen, because they trusted unto the layers in wait which they had laid against Gabaah. And the layers in wait hasted and ran out of their holes upon Gabaah, and went and smote all the city with the edge of the sword. And they of Israel gave the privy watch their watcheworde that as soon as they had taken the city they should fire it, that by the smoke they should show that the city was won. And the men of Israel fled in the battle. And BenIa●●● begun to smite deed of the children of Israel, about thirty personnes, for they supposed that the other had been put to the worsle before them, as in the first battle. Then began to arise out o● the city a pillar of smoke And the BenIami●es lo●●● back: & behold the wasting of the hole city began to ascend to heaven. Then the men of Israel turned again, and the men of BenIamin were abashed/ for they saw that evil approached them. And they fled before the men of Israel unto the way that leadeth to the wilderness, the other following than at the hard heel's. And beside that their partakers of their cities about them were slain in the same place. And they compassed Beniamin and chased them to Menuah/ and overran them before Gabaah on the east side/ and there were slain of BenIamin xviij thousand, and all men of might. And they turned and fled towards the wilderness, and unto the rock φ Hebr. Remon of pomegarnettes. And the other slew by the way of the rest of them, five thousand men/ and sticked unto them until they came to Gadaam, and flew two thousand more of them/ so that all that were slain that same day of BenIamin, were xxv thousand men that drew swords/ and all men of might: only six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness, unto the rock of pomegarnettes, and abode there four months. And then the men of Israel turned back again unto the children of BenIamin/ and smote them with the edge of the sword in the cities both man and beast, and all that came to hand/ and moreover set all the cities they could come by on fire. ¶ The tribe of BenIamin which was destroyed for their fornication with the Levites wife: is restored again. CAPI. XXI. ANd the men of Israel swore in Mazphah, saying/ there shall none of us give his daughter unto any of BenIamin to wife. The prayers of the people. And the people came to Bethel & abode there till even before God/ and lift up their voices, and wept sore, and said. O Lord God of Israel, why is this chanced in Israel, that there should be this day one tribe lacking in Israel? And on the morrow the people arose erly, and made there an altar, & offered burned offerings and peaxofferinges. And the children of Israel asked who are they amongs all the tribes of Israel that came not with the congregation unto the Lord/ for they had made a great oath concerning them that came not up to the Lord to Mazphah, saying they should surely die. And the children of Israel had pity on BenIamin their brethren, and said/ there is one tribe cut of from Israel this day: what shall we do unto the rest of them, to get them wives, for as much as we have sworn by the Lord, that we will not give them any of our daughters to wives. Then they said/ what are they of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mazphah to the Lord? And behold there came none of thinhabitants of jabes Galaad unto the congregation. So when the people were viewed/ behold there were none of thinhabitants of Jabes Galaad there. And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the strongest of them, and commanded them, saying: Go and smite the enhabitauntes of Jabes Galaad, with the edge of the sword as well women as children, * Num xxxi c And this is that you shall do: utterly destroy all the males and all the women that have lyen by men. And they found among the inhabitants of Jabes Galaad four hundred damsels virgynes that had known no man by lying with any male. And they brought them unto the host to Siloh which is in the land of Canaan. And the hole congregation sent & spoke with the children of BenIamin that were in the rock of Pomgarnettes, judi .xx c and called peasably unto them, and BenIamin came again at that time, and they gave them the women which they had saved a live of the women of Jabes Galaad. But they so sufficed them not. And the people had compassion on BenIamin because that God had made a gap in the tribes of Israel. And then the elders of the congregation said: What shall we do to the remnant of them, to get them wives, seeing all the wives of BenIamin are destroyed? And they said there must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of BenIamin that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel: how be it, we may not give them wives of our daughters. For the children of Israel had made an adjuration, saying: cursed be he that giveth a wife to BenIamin. Then they said Behold, there is a feast of the Lord yearly in Siloh which is on the northside of Bethel and on the eastside of the way that goeth from Bethel to Sichem, and south from Libanon. And they commanded the children of BenIamin, saying: go and lie in await in the vineyards. And when you see the daughters of Siloh come forth to dance in a rue, then come you out of the vineyards, & catch you every man a wife of the daughters of Siloh, and get you unto the land of BenIamin. And if their fathers or brethren come unto us to complain, we will say unto them, have pity on them, because we reserved not to each man his wife in time of war, & moreover because you gave them none in due time, you were to blame. And the children of BenIamin did accordingly: and took them wives after the number of the dancers which they caught. And that done they went and returned unto their inheritance, and built there cities and dwelled in them. And the children of Israel went thence at that time every one to his tribe, and to his kindred, and departed thence every man to his inheritance. In those days there was no king in Israel: but every man did what seemed him good. ¶ The end of the book of judges. THE BOOK O● RVTH. ¶ Elimelec goth with his wife and children in to the land of Moab. After his death his wife Noemi returns again in to her country, and with her Ruth her daughter in law. CAPI. I IN the time when the judges judged, there fell a dearth in the land. Wherefore a certain man of Bethlehem juda went to sojourn in the country of Moab with his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelec, and his wife Noemi/ and the names of his two sons were Mahalon and Chilion, and were Ephraites of Bethlehem juda. And when they came in to the land of Moab, they abode there. And Elimelec Noemies husband died, and she remained with her two sons, which took them wives of the nations of the Moabites: the one's name Orphah, and thothers Ruth. And when they had dwelled there about the space of ten years, Mahalon and Chilion died, so that the wife was bereaved of her two sons, and of her husband also. Then she stood up with her daughters in law, and returned from the country of Moab/ for she had herd say, being in the country of Moab, how the Lord had visited his people, and given them food. Wherefore she departed forth of the place where she was and her two daughters together with her. And as they went by the way returning unto the land of juda, Noemi said unto her two daughters in law: Go and return either of you unto your mother's house, the Lord deal as kindly with you, as you have dealt with the deed, and with me. And the Lord grant you may find rest either of you in the house of your husband: and so she kissed them. Then they cried and wept, and said unto her, we will go with the unto thy folk. But Noemi said, turn again my daughters/ for what cause would you go which me? think you there be any more children in my bowels to be your husbands? Turn again (my daughters) and go: for I am to old to have an husband/ also if I took a man this night: yea, though I had already born sons/ would you tarry for them, till they were of age? or would you for them so long refrain from taking of husbands? Not so, my daughters: for than you should be to old to mary, and it grieveth me moche for your sakes, that the hand of the Lord is go out against me. Therewith they cried and wept again/ how be it, Orphah kissed her mother in law and departed/ but Ruth abode still by her, than she said/ se, thy sister in law is go back again unto her people, and unto her God: return thou after her. But Ruth said: entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from thee/ for whither thou goest, I will go/ and where thou dwellest, there I will devil: thy people are my people, and thy God is my God. Where thou diest, I will die, and there will be buried. The Lord do so and so to me/ except that death only depart the and me asunder. When she saw she would needs go with her, she left speaking unto her/ and so they went both together, till they came to Bethlehem. And when they were come to Bethlehem, it was noised thorough all the city, and the women said: is not this Noemi? But she said unto them/ call me not φ Noemi is fair. Noemi/ call me φ Mara bitter. Mara, for the almighty hath made me very bitter. I went out full, but the Lord hath brought me home empty. Why should you then call me Noemi, seeing the Lord hath brought me low, & the almighty hath brought me unto adversity. And the time when Noemi with Ruth the Moabitesse her daughter in law returned out of the country of Moab and came to Bethlehem, Tobye ii a was in the beginning of barley harvest. ¶ Ruth loseth corn in the fields of Booz and finds favour in his sight. CAPI. II ANd Noemi had a kinsman of her husbands, a man of might, of the kindred of Elimelec, named Booz. And Ruth the Moabicesse said unto Noemi/ let me go to the field and lease and gather cares, after whom so ever I find grace in his sight. And she said unto her: go my daughter And she went, and came and gathered after the harvest men, and her chance was to gather in the field that pertained unto Booz, which was of the kindred of Elimelec. And behold, Booz came from Bethlehem and said unto the harvest men, the Lord be with you. And they answered him, the Lord bless the. Then said Booz unto the young man that had the oversight of the harvest men. Whose damosel is this? And the young man that was set to oversee the harvest men answered & said: It is the Moabitysh damosel that came with Noemi out of the country of Moab/ and she said: let me I pray thee, lease and gather after the harvest men the ears that remain. And so she came and hath continued even from the morning unto now/ & went not once home. Then said Booz unto Ruth: hearest thou my daughter: go to none other field to gather, neither go from hence, but abide by my maidens. Thine eyes are on a field that shall be reped: go after the maidens therefore/ for I have charged the young men that they touch the not. Moreover when thou art a thirst, go unto thy vessels and drink of that which the lads have drawn. Then she fallen on her face, and Gene. xxxiii a bowed herself to the ground and said unto him: how is it/ hat I have found grace in thine eyes, to know me, sithence I am an alien. And Booz answered and said unto her: all is told me that thou hast done to thy mother in law sense the death of thine husband, how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land where thou wast born, and art come unto a nation which thou knewest not in time passed. The Lord reacquyte thy work, and a full reward be given the of the Lord God of Israel, unto whom thou art come, to trust under his wings. Then she said unto him/ let me find favour in thy sight (my Lord) for thou hast comforted me, and hast spoken heartily unto thy maid, which yet can not be like unto one of thy maids. And Booz when the time of repast was come, said unto her: come hither and eat of the breed, and dip thy sop in the vinegar. And she sat down by the repers, and he taught her * joshua u e parched corn. And so she did eat and was filled, and left part. And when she was risen up to gather, Booz said to the young men, saying: let her gather the ears that remain, and do her no despite. And thereto pull out of the sheves for her, and let it lie, that she may gather it up, and rebuke her not. And so she gathered till even, and then threshed that she had gathered, and it was upon an Epha of barley. And she took it up and went to the city, Epha is three hussh●l●. and showed her mother in law what she had gathered. And thereto she plucked out and gave to her that she had reserved when she had eaten enough. Then said her mother in law unto her, where gatheredst thou to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that knew the. And she showed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said: the man's name with whom I wrought to day, is Booz. Then said Noemi unto her daughter in law, blessed be he, for he ceaseth not to do the same goodness to the deed, that he did to the living. And Noemi said unto her: the man is nigh unto us, even of our next kin. And Ruth the Moabyte said: he bade me also that I should continued with his young men, until they had ended all the harvest he hath. Then said Noemi unto Ruth her daughter in law, it is best my daughter that thou go out with his maidens, and that no man meet the in any other field. And so she kept her by the maidens of Booz, to gather unto the end of barleye harvest and of where harvest also, and returned to her mother in law. ¶ Ruth sleepeth at Booz feet, and is known his kinswoman. CAPI. III THen Noemi her mother in law said unto her: my daughter I will seek rest for thee, that thou mayst be in better state. For now this Booz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou waste, wynoweth his barley to night in the threshing flower: wash thyself therefore and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get the to the threshing flower. But let not the man be ware of thee, till he have left earring and drinking. And when he goeth to sleep, mark the place where he layeth him down, and then go and lift up the clotheses that are on his feet, and lay the down/ and so shall he tell the what thou shalt do. And she answered her/ all that thou biddest me, I will do. So she went unto the flower, and did all that her mother in law bade her. And when Booz had eaten and drunken, and made him merry, he went and lay down by the side of the heap, and she came softly and lift up the clotheses of his feet, and laid her down/ and at midnight the man was afraid and groped/ and behold, a woman lay at his feet. Then he said, what art thou? and she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid/ spread thy mantel over thine handmaid, for thou art the next of the kin. And then he said, blessed be thou in the Lord (my daughter) for thou hast showed more goodness in the latter end, then at the beginning/ in as moche as thou folowedst not young men, whether they were poor or rich. And now (my daughter fear not, I will do to the all that thou requyrest/ for all within the gates of this city know that thou art a woman of virtue. And it is true that I am of thy next kin/ how be it, there is one near then I Tarry all night, and when morning is come, if he will marry thee, well and good/ let him so do. But if he will not have thee, as sure as the Lord liveth, I will have thee/ lie still till the morning/ and so she lay at his feet till the morning. And she arose up before one could know an other. And he said/ let no man know that there came any woman in to the thresshing flower. And he said bring the mantel that thou hast upon thee, and hold it up/ and she held it up. And he met in six measures of barley and laid it on her. And she gather in to the city, and came to her mother in law which said/ what tidings, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. And said moreover, these six measures of barley gave he me, and said: thou shalt not go empty unto thy mother in law. Then said she, my daughter sit still, until thou know how the matter will proceed. For the man will not be in rest till he have ended the matter this same day. ¶ Booz taketh Ruth to wife, of whom he begetteth Obed. CAPI. FOUR THen went Booz unto the gate, and sat him down there: and behold, the kinsman of which Booz spoke came by. Unto whom he said: come and sit down here, and called him by his name. And he turned in and sat down. Then he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said/ sit you down here. And they sat down. 〈…〉 Then he said unto the kinsman: Noemi that is come again out of the country of Moab, will cell a parcel of land which was our brother Elimelecs'. And I thought to do the to weet, and bid the buy it before the inhabytoures and elders of my people/ if thou be disposed to calenge it, for thou art next of kindred: but if thou wilt not purchase it, then tell me, that I may were it. For there is none to calenge it, save thou, and I next the. And the other answered I will purchase it. Then said Booz/ what day thou byest the field of the hand of Noemi, thou must take also Ruth the Moabite the wife of the deed, to steer up the name of thy deed kinsman upon his inheritance. Then said the kinsman/ I can not purchase it for marring of my own name: take thou my right to thee, for I am content to lose my right here. Now this was the manner of old time in Israel concerning purches and changing, 〈◊〉 xxv b. for to stablish all thing: that a man must pluck of his shoe and give it his neighbour, and this was a witness in Israel. And the kinsman said to Booz/ buy it thou: and so drew of his shoe. Then said Booz unto the elders, and unto all the people, you are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelees, and all that was Chiltons' and Mahelons', of the hand of Noemi. And moreover Ruth the Moabyte the wife of Mahelon, do I take unto me to wife, to steer up the name of the deed upon his inheritance, that his name be not put forth among his brethren, and from the gate of his city: you are witnesses this day. And all the people that were in the gate, & the elders said, we are witnesses: the Lord make the woman that is come in to thine house like Rachel & Lea, which twain did build the house of Israel, that she may do virtuously in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem, and that thine house be like the house of Pharez, whom Thamar bore unto juda, Gene. xxx viii even of the seed which the Lord shall give the of this young woman. And so Booz took Ruth, and she was his wife. And he lay with her, and the Lord gave that she conceived and bore a son. And the women said unto Noemi: blessed be the Lord, which hath not left the without an heir this day, that shall have a name in Israel, and that shall bring thy life again, and cherish thine old age. For thy daughter in law which loveth thee, hath born him that is better to the then seven sons. And Noemi took the child and laid it in her lap, and become nurse unto it. And her neighbours gave her a name, saying/ there is a child born to Noemi, & called it Obed: he is the father of Isai, the father of David. This is the generation of Pharez, Pharez begat Hezron, Pharez generation. Hezron begat Ram, Ram begat Aminadab, Aminadab begat Nahason, Math. i a. Nahason begat Salmon, Salmon begat Booz, Booz begat Obed, Obed begat Isai, Isai begat David. ¶ Thus endeth the book of Ruth. THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMVEL CALLED THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS. ¶ Elkanah hath two wives, Hannah and Phenennah. Phenennah upbraideth Hannah because she is childless. Hannah after prayer made to God, bringeth forth Samuel. CAPI. I THere was a man of Ramathaim Zophim, of mount Ephraim named Elkanah, Paral vii b the son of jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Thohu, the son of Zuph an Ephrathyte, which had two wives, th'one called Hannah, tother Phenennah. And Phenennah had children but Hannah had none. And the said man went out of his city every feast day, Exodi xxiii b. Deuter xvi a to pray and to offer unto the Lord of hosts: where the two sons of Eli (Hophni and Phinehes) were the lords Preestes. And it fallen on a day as Elkanah had offered that he gave to Phenennah his wife, and to all her sons and daughters portions. But unto Hannah he gave an honourable portion with a heavy cheer, Gene. xxi c and xxx a for he loved her/ nevertheless the Lord had made her bateyn. And there to her enemy Phenennah vexed her sore, casting her in the rethe how the Lord had made her barren. And so did she year by year as oft as she went up to the house of the Lord. And so chafed her, wherefore Hannah wept, and ate not. Then said Elkanah her husband to her. Hannah, why wepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thine heart so troubled? am not I better to the then ten sons? Then Hannah rose up after that they had eaten. and drunk in Siloh. And Eli the Priest sat upon a stole by one of the side posts of the temple of the Lord. And she was troubled in her spirits, and prayed unto the Lord & wept sore/ and vowed a vow and said. Lord of hosts if thou wilt look on the wretchedness of thine handmaid, and shalt remember me and not forget thine handmaid, and shalt give unto thine handmaid a man child, I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall neither razor or shears come upon his heed. judi xiii a Numeri vi a And she continued praying before the Lord, Eli marked her mouth. For Hannah she spoke in her heart, and her lips did but move only, but her voice was not herd. And therefore Eli took her for drunken and said unto her/ how long wilt thou be drunken? put away from thee, the wine that thou haste. Hannah answered and said: not so my Lord/ I am a woman sorrowful in mine heart, and have drunk neither wine nor any strong drink/ but I have poured out my soul before the Lord. Count not thine handmaid to be like a daughter of unthryftynesse/ for out of the abundance of my meditation and grief have I spoken hitherto. Psal xli e Eli answered and said: go in peace, the God of Israel shall grant that thy petition that thou hast asked of him. Then she said/ let thine hand maid find grace in thy sight. And so the woman went her way, and did eat and looked no more so sad. And they rose up erly and bowed themselves before the Lord, and then returned and went to their house to Ramath. And Elkanah lay by his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. And in process of time she conceived and bore a son, and called his name * 〈…〉 Samuel: because she had asked him of the Lord. And Elkanah and all his house went up to offer unto the Lord both the offerings due for the feast and also his vows: but Hannah went not up for she said unto her husband: I will tarry until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever. 〈…〉 And Elkanah her husband said to her: do what seemeth the best: tarry till thou hast weaned him, only the Lord make good his saying. And so the women abode and gave her son suck, till she weaned him. And then she took him with her, when she had weaned him, with three bullocks and an Epha of flower and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Siloh howbeit the child was yet young. And they slew the bullocks and brought in the child to Eli, & then she said: O my Lord: as truly as thy soul liveth my Lord: I am the woman that stood by the here, praying unto the Lord and for this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my desire which I asked of him: and therefore I also lend him the Lord, as long as he may be lent the Lord. And so they prayed there unto the Lord. ¶ The song of Hannah. The offence o● the sons o● Eli. Eli is rebuked for the unmeasurable sufferance of his children. CAPI. II ANd Hannah prayed and said: mine heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine born is high in the Lord, and my mouth is wide open over mine enemies/ for I rejoice in that thou hast delivered me. There is none so holy as the Lord: no there is none save thou. Neither is there any strength like unto our God. Talk not to much proudly, let old things departed out of your mouths, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and he setteth forth the works. The bows of the strong are broken: and the weak are endued with strength. They that were full have been glad to serve for breed, and they that were hungry be satisfied/ in so much that the barreyn hath born seven/ and she that had many children is waxed feeble. ☜ The Lord killeth and maketh alive/ bringeth down to hell, and fetcheth up again. 〈…〉 The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich/ bringeth low, and heaveth up on high. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lytteth up the beggar from the dung hill, 〈◊〉 twelve. a. to set them among princes, and to inherit them with the seat of glory. For the pyllers of the earth are the Lords, & he hath set the round world upon them. He will keep the feet of his holy, but the wicked shall keep silence in darkness. For in his own might shall no man be strong. 〈◊〉 seven. d The lords adversaries shall be made to fear him/ and out of heaven he shall thunder upon them. The Lord shall judge the borders of the world, and shall give might unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. And Elkanah went to Ramath to his house, & the child did minister unto the Lord before Ely the priest. But the sons of Ely were the sons of Belial, and knew not the Lord. For the manner of the priests with the people was/ when so ever any man offered any offerings, the priests lad came while the flesh was sething, and a flesh hook with three teeth in his hand, and thrust it in to the pan, kettle, cauldron, or pot. And all that the flesh hook brought up, the priest took away. And so they did unto all Israel that came thither to Siloh. Yea and moreover before they had offered the rat, the priests lad came and said to the man that offered: give flesh to roast for the priest/ for he will not have sodden flesh of the but raw. And if any man said unto him, let the fat be offered according to the custom of the day, and then take as much as thine heart desireth. The lad would answer him, thou shalt give it me now, or else I will take it perfoce. And the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord. For they hindered the people's devotion from offering unto the Lord. But the child Samuel ministered before the Lord girded about with a linen Ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little cote, and brought it to him from feast to feast when she came up with her husband to offer the offering of the said feast. And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said: the Lord give the seed of this woman, for that she hath lente the Lord. And they went unto their own house. And the Lord visyted Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. But the child Samuel grew, dwelling still with the Lord. Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how they slept with the women that waited in the door of the tabernacle of witness, & said unto them/ why do you such things? For I hear your wicked deeds of all these people. O nay my sons, for it is no good reapporte that I hear, how you make the lords people to trespass. 〈◊〉 ●ii c If one man sin against an other, daysemen may make his peax: but if a man sin against the Lord, who can be his dayseman? Notwithstanding they herkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. The child Samuel profited and grew, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men. And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him/ thus saith the Lord. I appeared unto the house of thy father, ☜ when they were in egypt in Pharaos' house. And I chose thy father forth of all the tribes of Israel, to be my priest for to offer upon mine altar, and to burn incense, and to were an Ephod before me. And I gave unto the house of thy father all the offerings of the children of Israel. Leviti ten d Deuter xii b. Wherefore kick you against my sacrifice and against mine offering which I command in the tabernacle, and honour'st thy children above me/ and make your selves fat of the first fruits of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith: I said that thine house and the house of thy father should have walked before me for ever. iii Reg. ii ● But now the Lord saith that be far from me/ for them that worship me, I will worship/ and they that despise me, shall be despised. * iii Reg. ii d Behold the days will come that I will cut of thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house/ that there shall not be an elder in thine house. And thou shalt see thine enemy in the tabernacle, in all that shall please Israel/ and there shall not be an elder in thine house while the world standeth. Nevertheless I will not destroy all thy males from my altar, to dase thy sight with all, and to make thine heart melt. And all the multitude of thine house shall die young. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, iii Reg. xxli. d Hophni and Phinehes: even in one day either of them shall die. And I will steer me up a faithful priest, that shall do after mine heart, and in my mind/ and I will build him a sure house/ and he shall walk before mine anoynced for ever. And they that are left in thine house, shall come and crouch to him for a little piece of silver, and a cake of breed/ and shall say: put me I pray the in one office or other among the priests, that I may eat a morsel of breed. ¶ After the Lord had left to appear by open vision in Siloh for a long season: he yet calleth Samuel four times, and showeth him what should be●al● on Heli. CAPI. III ANd the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Hely/ and the word of the Lord was dainty in those days, ☜ for there was none open vision. i Regum four ●. And it chanced at that time that Hely lay in his place, and his eyen began to wax dim that he could not see. And ere the lamp of God went out, Samuel laid him down to sleep in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. And the Lord called Samuel/ and he said, here am I/ and he ran unto Hely & said/ here am I, for thou called'st me. But he said I called the not: go again and sleep. And he went and laid him down to sleep. And the Lord called once again Samuel/ and Samuel arose and went to Hell and said: I am here, thou didst call me. And he answered I called the not, my son/ go again and take thy rest/ but as yet Samuel known not the Lord neither was the word of the Lord opened unto him. And the Lord proceeded and called Samuel the third time. And he arose and went to Hell and said: I am here, for thou haste called me. Then Hell perceived that the Lord had called the child, and said unto him/ go & lie down, and if he call the again, then say speak on Lord, for thy servant heareth. And Samuel went & laid him down in his place. And the Lord came and stood and called as afore, Samuel Samuel. And Samuel said/ speak on, for thy servant heareth the. And the Lord said to Samuel: behold, I will do a thing in Israel, that the cares of as many as heareth it, shall tingle. In that day I will perform to Hell all that I have spoken concerning his house: i Regum ii g. I will begin it and end it. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever. For the wickedness which he knoweth how his sons are ungracious/ and he chastised them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Hell, that the wickedness of his house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering, while the world standeth. And Samuel lay till the morning, and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. But Samuel feared to show Helithe vision. Then Heli called Samuel and said: Samuel my son. And he answered, here I am. And he said what is it that the Lord said unto thee? See thou hide it not from me. * Ruth i c The Lord do so and so to thee, if thou hide any thing from me of all that he said unto the. And Samuel told him every whit, and hide it not from him. And he answered: it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. And Samuel gr●we, and the Lord was with him, and left none of his words unperformed. And all Israel from Dan to Bersabe wist that the faithful Samuel was truly made the lords Prophet. And the Lord appeared again in Siloh/ for the Lord opened himself to Samuel in Siloh, thorough the word of the Lord. ¶ The battle of the Philistines. Israel fleeth. The ark of the Lord is taken. Elies' children die and he himself also. CAPI. FOUR ANd Samuel spoke unto all Israel. And Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pytched beside the help stone. i Regum vii c But the Philistines pytched in Aphek, and put themselves in array against Israel. And in the battle Israel was put to the worse before the Philistines. For the Philistines slew along by the fields, about four thousand men. And when the people were come in to their tents, the elders of Israel said: wherefore hath the Lord beaten us this day before the Philistines? let us fetch the ark of the appointment of the Lord out of Siloh unto us, and let it come among us and save us out of the hands of our enemies. And the people sent to Siloh, and fet from thence the ark of the appointment of the Lord of hosts which dwelleth between the Cherubyns. And there were the two sons of Heli, Hophni, & Phinehes, with the ark of the appointment of God. And when the ark of the appointment of the Lord came in to the host, all Israel shouted a mighty shout, so that the earth rang again. When the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said: What means the sound of this mighty shout in the host of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the Lord was come in to the host. And the Philistines were afraid/ when it was told that God was come in to the host, and said. woe unto us, for it was never so before this. woe unto us, who shall deliver us out of the hand of this mighty God? this is the God that smote the Egyptians with all manner plagues in the wilderness. Be strong and quite yourselves like men you Philistines, that you be not servants unto the Hebrews, * 〈…〉 as they have been to you. Be men therefore and fight. And the Philistines fought, and Israel was put to the worse and fled every man in to his tent. And there was a mighty great slaughter, so that there were overthrown of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken, & the two sons of Hell, Hophni and Phinehes were deed. And there ran a man of BenIamin out of the array and came to Siloh the same day, with his clotheses rent and earth upon his heed. And when the man came in, Heli sat upon a stole by the ways side looking: for his heart feared for the ark of God. And the man came in and told it in the city. And all the city cried. When Heli herd the noise of the crying, he asked what the noise of the rumour meant. And the man hasted, and came in and told Heli. Heli was four score and eighteen year old, & * 〈…〉 his sight failed him that he could not see. And the man said unto Heli, I am he that ran forth from the array, and fled out of the host this day. And he said, how is it fortuned my sonne● And the messenger answered and said: Israel is fled before the Philistines/ and there is a great slaughter chanced among the people/ and thy two sons, 〈…〉 Hophni and Phinehes are deed/ and thereto the ark of God is taken. And when he had once named the ark of God, Heli fallen from his stole backward toward the gate/ and his neck broke, and he died/ for he was old and unwieldy, and he judged Israel forty years. And his daughter in law Phinches wife was with child, and nigh the birth. And when she heard these tidings of the taking of the ark of God/ and that her father in law and her husband were deed, she bowed herself and travailed, for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death/ the women that stood about her, said unto her/ fear not, for thou haste born a son. But she answered not, nor regarded it. And she named the child Ichabod, saying: honour is departed from Israel. Because the ark of God was taken, and her father in law and her husband were deed. And therefore she said: Israel hath lost his honour, because the ark of God was taken. ¶ Dagon the God of the Philistines is cast flat before the ark. The Philistines are plagued in the secret places. Thinhabitantes of Anaron refuse to receive the ark. CAPI. V ANd the Philistines took the ark of God and carried it from the help stone unto Asdoo, and brought it in to the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Asdod were risen in the morning, behold Dagon lay grovelling upon the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him in his place again. And when they rose up early in the next morning, behold Dagon lay grovelling upon the ground before the ark of the Lord, and his heed & his two hands cut of upon the threshold, that the body only was left on him. Wherefore neither the priests of Dagon, ne any man that cometh in to Dagons' house might tread on the threshold of Dagon in Asdoo, unto this day. ●●i vii d But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Asdod, and he destroyed them & smore them with Emeralds, both Asdod and all the costs thereof. And when the men of Asdod see that so, they said: the ark of the God of Israel shall not abide here with us/ for his hand is sore upon us, & upon Dagon our God. And so they sent and gathered all the Lords of the Philistines unto them and said: what shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel. Then said they of Geth, let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about. And when they hadle carried it about, the hand of the Lord was in the city with a mighty great plague, & he smote the men or the city both small and great/ and they were smitten in their secret places with the Emeralds. Then they sent the ark of God to Akaron. and as soon as the ark of God came to Akaron, the Akaronites cried out, saying: they have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us: to slay us and our people. Then they sent and fet all the Lords of the Philistines unto them and said: send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go home again unto his own place, that it flee us not with our people. For there was a plague of death thorough out all the city, and the hand of God was exceeding sore there, in so much that they which died not, were smitten with the Emeralds: so that the cry of the city reached up to heaven. ¶ The heifers bring home the ark with the rewards. The Bethsamites were pluged after they had seen the ark. CAPI. VI ANd so when the ark of the Lord had been in the counterye of the Philistines seven months/ the Philistines called for the priests and the sooth sayers, saying: what shall we do with the ark of the Lord? tell us wherewith we shall send it home again. They answered, if you sand the ark of the God of Israel home again, send it not empty: But reward it with a trespass offering/ and than you shall be hole/ and it shall be known to you why his hand departeth not from you. Then said they, what shall be the trespass offering, which we shall reward him with? And they answered: five golden arsses with Emeralds, and five golden mice, according to the number of the Lords of the Philistines. For it was one manner of plague that was on you all, and on your Lords to. Wherefore you shall make images like to your arsses with Emeralds, and images like to your mice that destroyed your land, and shall give glory unto the God of Israel: that he may take his hand from you, and from your god's/ and from your land. Wherefore should you harden your hearts, Exod. xii d as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts, which for all that (when he was well scourged) was fain to let the people go and departed. Now therefore make a new cart and take two mylche kine, on whose neck never came yoke. And tie the kine in the cart/ and keep their calves at home from them. Then take the ark of the Lord, and put it in the cart/ and put the jewels of gold (which you reward him with, for a trespass offering) in a forcer by the side thereof, and send it away and let it go. And mark, if he goeth up by the way that leadeth unto his own cost to Bethsames, than it is he that did us this great evil. But if he do not, than it is not his hand that smote us, but it was a chance that happened us. And the men did even so: they took two kine that gave milk and tied them in the cart, & kept the calves at home, and they laid the ark of the Lord upon the cart, and the forcer with the mice of gold, & the images of their arsses with Emeralds. And the kine took the straight way to Bethsames, both one way/ and as thee went, cried/ turning neither to the right hand ne to the left. And the Lords of the Philistines went after them, till they came to the borders of Bethsames. And they of Bethsames were reping their wheat in the valley. So they life up their eyes and espied the ark, and rejoiced when they see it. And the cart came into the groan of one josua a Bethsamite, and stood still there. There was there also a great stone. And they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burned offering unto the Lord. And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord, & the forcer that was thereby, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone. And the men of Bethsames sacrificed burned sacrifice, and offered offerings that same day unto the Lord. And when the five Lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Akaron the same day. These are the golden arsses with Emeralds, which the Philistines gave to amendss for a trespass offering, to the Lord/ for Asdod one/ for Gaza one/ for Askalon one/ for Geth one/ and for Akaron one. And the golden mice were according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines thorough the five lordships/ both of walled towns, and of towns unwalled, even unto the great stone whereon they set down the ark of the Lord: which remaineth unto this day in the field of josua the Bethsamyte. And the Lord plagued the men of Bethsames, because they had seen the jewels that were in the ark of the Lord. And he slew of the people fifty thousand, and three score & ten people. And the people lamented because the Lord had made so great a slaughter of them. And the men of Bethsames said, who is able to stand before the Lord so holy a God, and to whom shall he go from us? And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kariath jarim, saying: The Philistines have brought home again the ark of the Lord: come down and fet it up to you. ¶ The ark is brought to kariathiarim. The people weep, for which Samuel maketh intercession to the Lord. The Philistines are smitten. CAPI. VII. ANd the men of Kariathiarim came and fet up the ark of the Lord, & * two. Reg. vi a brought it in to the house of Abinadab in Gabaah, and sanctified Eleazar his son to attend upon the ark of the Lord. And while the ark abode in Kariathiarim, the days grew so, that it was twenty years, and all Israel lamented after the Lord. And Samuel spoke unto all Israel, saying if you be come again unto the Lord with all your hearts, ☞ then * jos xxiiii c duty vi e Math. four b. put away the strange gods from you, Baalim, and Astaroch/ and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him alone, and so shall he rid you out of the hands of the Philistines. And then the children of Israel did put away φ Of this you have. Iud. ii e Baalim and Astaroth, and served the Lord only. Then said Samuel/ gather all Israel to Mazphah, that I may pray for you unto the Lord And they assembled at Mazphah, and drew water and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted the same day, and said there: we have sinned against the Lord And Samuel judged the causes of the children of Israel in Mazphah. When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were assembled at Mazphah, the Lords of the Pilistines went up against Israel, which when the children of Israel herd, they were afraid of the Philistines, and said to Samuel/ cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he may keep us out of the hands of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it hole for a burned offering unto the Lord, and cried unto the Lord for Israel: & the Lord heard him. And as Samuel offered the burned offering/ the Philistines came to fight against Israel. But the Lord thundered a great thunder that same day upon the Philistines, and turmoiled them, that they were beaten before Israel. And the men of Israel issued out of Mazphah, and pursued the Philistines, and slew them till they came under Bethcar. And then Samuel took a stone, & pitched it between Mazphah and Sen, and called the name thereof 〈…〉 the stone of help, saying/ thus far hath the Lord holpen up. And so the Philistines were brought under that they came no more in to the costs of Israel/ for the hand of the Lord was upon the Philistines all the days of Samuel. Then the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel, came again to Israel, from Akaron to Geth, with the coostes of the same, which Israel plucked out of the hands of the Philistines. For there was peax between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life, and went about year by year to Bethel, Galgal, and Mazphah, and judged Israel in all those places/ and came again to Ramath, for there was his house/ and there he judged Israel/ and there he built an altar unto the Lord. ¶ Because Samuelles' sons did minister evil, the people require a king: and to them is describe the manner of a king. CAPI. VIII. WHen Samuel was old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his elder son was joel, and the name of the second Abiath, which were judges in Bersabe. Nevertheless his sons followed not his steps/ but turned aside after lucre, and 〈…〉 took rewards, and perverted judgement. Then all the elders of Israel pathered them together and came to Samuel unto Ramath, and said unto him/ behold, thou art old, and thy sons follow not thy ways. Now therefore * 〈…〉 make us a king to judge us, as all other nations have. But that thing displeased Samuel, when they said: give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, hear the voice of the people in all that they say unto the. For they have not cast the away, but me: that I should not reign over them. And as they have ever done sithence I brought them out of Egypt unto this day, & have forsaken me and served other gods, even so do they unto the. Now therefore hearken unto their voice/ how be it yet testify unto them, and show them the power of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel cold all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked a king of him/ and he said: this shall be the 〈…〉 power of the king that shall rain over you: he shall take your sons and put them to his charettes, and make his horsemen of them/ and they must run before his chariot, and shall make him captains of them over thousands, and over hundreds, and will set them to ear his ground/ and to gather in his harvest, and to make ordinance of war, and apparel for his charettes. And he will take your daughters & make them the dressers of his ointments, & his cooks & bakers. And he shall take the best of your fields/ & of your vineyards, 〈◊〉 xi. a and of your olive trees, and give them to his servants. And he shall take the tenth of your seed, and of your vines, and give it to his lords, and to his servants. And he shall take the best of your menseruauntes and maydseruauntes, and young men, and of your asses, and do his work with them. And he shall take the tenth of your sheep, and you shall be his servants. And when you cry out at that time upon your king which you shall have choose unto you, the Lord shall not hear you at that day. Nevertheless the people would not hear the voice of Samuel, but did say: nay not so: But there shall be a king over us, and we will be like all other nations. And our king shall judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles for us. And Samuel herd all the words of the people, and rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel/ hearken unto their voice, & make them a king. Then said Samuel unto the men of Israel, go every man unto his city. ¶ Saul the son of Cis seeketh his father's Asses and is choose king. CAPI. IX. NOw there was a man of BenIamin named Cis, 〈◊〉 ix. a 〈◊〉 xiiii g the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorah, the son of Aphiah, the son of a man that was a jeminyte, a man of strength, the same had a son called Saul, a goodly young man, so that among the children of Israel there was none goodlyer than he/ and was thereto from the shoulders upward higher than all the other people. And it chanced that the asses of this Cis Sauls father were strayed. Then said Cis to Saul his son/ take one of the servants with thee, & go thy way and seek the asses. And they went thorough mount Ephraim, & thorough the land of Salisa, and found them not. Then they went thorough the land of Salim, and there they were not. Then they went also thorough the land of jemini, and they found them not. Then when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to the young man that was with him: come let us return, jest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. And he answered him/ behold, there is in this city a worshipful man of God, and all that he saith, cometh to pass. Now then let us go thither/ peradventure he shall show us what way we may go. Then said Saul to his servant, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For our breed is all spent out of our hampers, and there is none other present to bring the man of God, what have we? And the young man answered to Saul again and said: I have found about me the fourth part of a sickle, that will we give the man of God to tell us the way. Before time in Israel when a man went to seek an answer of God, thus wise he spoke/ come and let us go to the Sear. For he that is now called a Prophet, was in the old time called a Sear. Then said Saul to his young man, well said of thee/ come let us go. And so they went unto the city where the man of God was. And as they were going up in to the city, they met with damosels that came out to draw water, & said unto them: is there here a Sear? And the maidens answered them/ yea, behold he goeth before you. Make haste now, for he came this day to the city, for the people must offer this day in the high place. When you be come into the city, incontinent you shall find him, ere he go up to the hill to eat/ for the people will not eat until he come, because he must bless the offering. And then eat they that be ready to the feast. Now therefore get you up, for even now shall you find him. And they went up in to the city/ and when they were come in to the mids of the city/ behold Samuel came out against them, to go up to the high place. But the Lord had told Samuel the day before Saul came, saying: Act xiii c i Regum xu a. to morrow this time I will send the a man out of the land of BenIamin, him shalt thou anoint captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people from the hand of the Philistines/ for I have looked upon my people/ and their cry is come unto me. When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him: see, this is the man whom I spoke to that of. This same shall reign over my people. Then went Saul to Samuel in the middle of the gate, and said/ tell me I pray the where is the Sears house? And Samuel answered Saul, and said: I am the Sear, go up before me unto the hill, for you shall ear with me to day. And to morrow I will let the go erly/ and will tell the all that is in thine heart/ and as concerning thine asses that were lost three days a go, care not for them, for they are found. And moreover who shall have the beautiful things of Israel? belong they not to thee, Iud. twenty e i Regum xu ● and unto all thy father's house? But Saul answered and said: am not I the son of a jeminite of the smallest tribe of Israel, and my kindred the least of all the kinredes of the tribe of BenIamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? And Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them in to the parlour and made them sit in the chief place amongs them that were bidden/ which were upon a thirty persons. Then said Samuel unto the cook: Bring forth that mess which I gave thee, and of which I said, reserve this to an other tyme. And the cook took up the shoulder and brought it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said: Behold, that is left set it before thee, and eat/ for I kept it for the unto this time, when I called the people. And so Saul did eat with Samuel that day. And when they were come down from the hill in to the city, Samuel communed with Saul in the gallery: and they arose erly. And about the spring of the day Samuel called Saul in the galerye, saying/ arise that I may send the away. And Saul arose. And they went out at the doors, both he and Samuel. And when they were come almost to the towns end/ Samuel said to Saul: bid thy servant go before us, and he went/ but stand thou still a little space, that I may show the what God saith. ¶ Saul is anointed king, and Prophesieth. Samuel declareth the people their fault, in that they asked a king. God lend the king life. CAPI. X. Acts xiii c Saul. Ozee ix d Deuter ix c ANd then Samuel took a box of oil, and poured it upon his heed, and kissed him and said: the Lord hath anointed the to be ruler over his inheritance. And now when thou art departed from me, thou shalt meet two men by * Ge. xxxv d. Rachel's sepulchre in the borders of BenIamin/ even at Zalezah. And they shall say unto thee, the asses which thou wentest to seek, are round/ but behold thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying: what shall I do for my son? Then thou shalt go forth thence and come to the oak of Thabor. And there shalt thou meet three men going to God to Bethel/ one carrying three kyddes, an other three loves of breed/ and the third a bottle of wine. And they shall great thee, and give the two loves of breed which thou shalt receive of their hands. After this thou shalt come to the hill of God, where the Philistines keep their watch. And when thou art come thither to the city, thou shalt mere a company of Prophets coming down from the hill, with a psalter, a timbrel, a pipe, and a harp before them/ and they prophesienge. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned in to an other man. two. Regum vii a i Par. xviii a. And when these signs are chanced thee, then do what thou hast to do/ for God is with the. And thou shalt also go before me to Galgal. And behold I will come unto thee/ for thou shalt sacrifice burned sacrifice and peax offerings. * i Re. x●ii. d Tarry for me seven days, till I come and show the what thou shalt do. And as soon as he had turned his shoulder to go from Samuel, God gave him an other manner of heart, and all those tokens took effect that same day. When they came to the hill, behold the company of Prophets met him, and the * i Reg. xi b spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied amongs them. And all that known him before, when they saw he prophesied among the prophets, said each to other: what is happened unto the son of Cis? * i Reg. xix d Is Saul also among the Prophets? And one of the same place answered and said: who is their father? And thereof sprang a proverb: is Saul also among the Prophets? And when he had made an end of prophesienge, he came to the hill. saul's uncle said unto him and his servant: whither went you? And he answered: to seek the asses, and when we saw them no where, we went to Samuel. Then said saul's uncle: tell me what Samuel said unto you. And Saul answered his uncle: he told us the asses were found. But of the kingdom whereof Samuel spoke, told he him not. After that Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mazphah, and said unto the children of Israel: thus saith the Lord God of Israel: I brought you out of Egypt, and delivered you forth of the hand of the Egyptians, and forth of the hands of all kingdoms that oppressed you. And you have this day cast away your Lord God that by himself holp you out of all your adversities and tribulations/ and you have said unto him: * 〈…〉 make a king over us. Now therefore stand before the Lord by your tribes and your houses. And when Samuel had brought all the tribes of Israel, the tribe of BenIamin was taken forth by lot. When he had brought the tribe of BenIamin by their kinredes, the lot fell upon the kinrede of Metri/ and so went the lot thorough unto it came to Saul the son of Cis. And they sought him, but he could not be found. Then they asked the Lord further, whether the man should come thither or no. And the Lord answered/ behold, he hath hide himself among the stuff. And they ran and fet him thence. And when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people, from the shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people: see you, whom the Lord hath choose, and how there is none like him among all the company. And the people shouted and said: God lend the king life. Then Samuel told the people the law of the realm, 〈…〉 and written it in a book/ and laid it up before the Lord/ and so sent all the people away, every man to his house. And Saul also went home to Gabaah. And there went with him an host, such as God had touched their hearts. But the children of unthriftiness said: ☜ how shall he save us? and despised him, and brought him not presents. And he made as though he had not heard it. ¶ The people being delivered from the tyranny of Nahas, renueth the kingdom of Saul. CAPI. XI. THen Nahas the Ammonyte came and besieged Jabes in Galaad. And all the people of Jabes said unto Nahas: make a covenant with us, and we will be thy servants. And Nahas the Ammonyte said: to this will I make a covenant with you, even to thrust out all your right eyes, that I may make all Israel ashamed of you. Then said the elders of Jabes: give us seven days respite, that we may send messengers unto all the costs of Israel. And then if there come no man to help us, we will come out to the. Then came the messengers to Gabaah where Saul dwelt, and told this tidings in the ears of the people. And all the people lift up their voices and wept. And behold Saul came following his oxen from the field, and asked what ailed the people to weep. And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabes. Then came the spirit of God upon Saul, when he heard those tidings, and he was exceeding angry. And took a yoke of oxen and hewed them in pieces, and sent them thorough out all the coostes of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying: who so ever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall his oxen be served. Then the fear of the Lord fallen on the people, and they came out as it had been but one man. And when they were numbered in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand/ and the men of juda thirty thousand. ●a● i ●● a And they said unto the messengers that came: so say unto the men of Jabes in Galaad: to morrow by that time the son be hoot, you shall have help. And the messengers came and showed the men of Jabes, and they were glad. And then the men of Jabes said/ to morrow we will come out unto you, that you may do with us all that pleaseth you. And on the morrow Saul put the people in three parts. And they came in upon the host in the morning watch, & slew the Ammonites till the heat of the day. And they that remained, scattered: so that two of them were not left together. Then said the people to Samuel: 〈◊〉 ten ●. what are they that said, shall Saul reign over us? bring them that we may slay them. But Saul said there shall no man die this day/ for 10 day the Lord hath saved Israel. ☞ Then said Samuel unto his people: come and let us go to Galgall, and renew the kingdom there. And the people went to Galgall, and made Saul king there before the Lord in Galgall. And there t●ey offered peax offerings be●ore the Lord. And there Saul and all the people rejoiced highly. ¶ Samuel being an innocent judge (the people themselves to witness) argueth the people of unkindness because they demanded a king. Him that repenteth and believeth, God forgiveth, because of his promise. CAPI. XII. THen said Samuel unto all Israel/ behold, I have obeyed your voice in all you said unto me, and have made you a king. And loo, your king goeth before you. But I am old and grey headed: and behold, my sons are with you, and I have lived amongs you from my childhod unto this day. Behold, here I am: answer me before the Lord, ☞ 〈◊〉 xlvi d ●● d and before his anointed/ whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? whom have I done wrong to? or whom have I pilled? And of whose ●ande have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore 〈◊〉 you again. And they said, thou haste done us no wrong, nor pilled us/ ●●●●her ●ast thou taken ought of any man's hand. Then said he to them: the Lord is witness unto you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have found nought in my hands. And they answered: we are witnesses. Then said Samuel unto the people/ it is the Lord φ Chald. which hath magnified. that made Moses and Aaron, which brought your fathers out of egypt. Now therefore stand still/ and let me reason with you before the Lord, of all the mercies of the Lord, which he showed both unto you and your fathers. After that jacob was come in to Egypt, Genesi xlvi a Exod. ii d your fathers cried unto the Lord, and the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, and brought your fathers out of egypt, judi four d and made them devil in this place. Nevertheless they forgot the Lord their God. And he sold them in to the hand of Sisara chief captain of jabin king of Hazor, and in to the hands of the Philistines, and in to the hands of the king of Moab which fought against them. Then they cried unto the Lord and said: we have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord, and have served Baalim and Astharoth. But now deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, and we will serve the. judi vi Iudi xiii d And the Lord sent jerobaal φ That is Samson. Badan, jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you dwelled without fear. i Regum viii a And for all this when you saw that Nahas the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said unto me: not so, a king shall reign over us, when yet the Lord your God was your king. Now therefore behold the king whom you have choose, and whom you have desired: se/ the Lord hath given you a king, O that he would fear the Lord and serve him, & hear his voice, and not disobey the mouth of the Lord: and that both you and the king that reigneth over you would follow the Lord your God. For if you shall not hearken unto the voice of the Lord, but shall disobey the lords mouth/ then shall the hand of the Lord be upon you, and on your fathers. Now also stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes: is it not now where harvest? And yet for all that, I will call unto the Lord, and he shall sand thunder and rain. Whereby perceive and understand, how that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king. And when Samuel called unto the Lord, the Lord sent thunder and rain the same day. And all the people feared the Lord and Samuel exceedingly. Then said all the people unto Samuel: pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have sinned in asking us a king, beside all the sins that ever we did. Then said Samuel unto the people: fear not. And though you have done all this wickedness, yet departed not from the Lord in any case: But serve him with all your hearts. Neither turn you after vain things which shall not profit you nor be able to deliver you, for they are but vanities. Exo xxxiiii b. Deuter ix c joshua vii b And the Lord will not forsake his people, because of his great names sake: because the Lord hath begun to make you his people. Moreover God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in leaving praying for you, and to show you the good and right way. Only fear you the Lord and serve him truly with all your hearts: for lo, he hath done great things for you. But if you shall do wickedly, then shall both you and your king perish. ¶ The Philistines are smitten of Saul and jonathas. Saul being disobedient to God's commandment is showed of Samuel that he shall not reign. CAPI. XIII. IT was now an hole year after that Saul had begun to reign. And when he had rained two years over Israel, he chose him three thousand men out of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Machmas & mount bethel/ and a thousand with jonathas in Gabaah/ BenIamin. And the rest of the people he sent home, every man to his house. So jonathas slay the Philistines in an hold that they had in Gabaah/ and it came to the Philistines ears. And Saul caused the trumpet to be blown thorough out all the land, saying/ let the Ebrues hear. And all Israel herd say how that Saul had destroyed an hold of the Philistines, and that Israel stank afore the Philistines. And all the people cried after Saul to Galgal. Then the Philistines gathered them selves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand charettes, and six thousand horse men, with other people like the * Isaiah ten f sand by the seas side in multitude/ and came up and pitched in Machmas eastward from Bethaven. And when the men of Israel see themselves in a straight/ and that the people were discomforted, they hid themselves in caves, in privy holes, in rocks, dens, and pits. And the Ebrues went over jordan unto the land of Gad and Galaad. But Saul was yet in Galgal/ and all the people that followed him were dismayed. And he tarried seven days, as Samuel i Regum ten b had appointed. But Samuel came not to Galgal/ and the people scattered from him. Wherefore Saul said/ bring me burnt sacrifice, and peax offerings. And he offered burned sacrifice. And as soon as he had ended his burned offerings/ behold Samuel came. And Saul went against him to great him. Then said Samuel to Saul: what hast thou done? And Saul said, because I saw that the people scattered from me/ and that thou camest not within the days appointed/ and that the Philistines gathered them selves together to Machmas: then said I, the Philistines shall come down upon me to Galgal ere I have made my prayer unto the Lord And therefore when they enforced me, I offered burnt offerings. Then said Samuel to Saul/ thou hast done folysshly, and hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee/ which thing if thou hadst not done at this time would the Lord have stablished thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. i 〈…〉 But now thy kingdom shall never flourish again. The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and hath commanded him to be a captain over his people/ because thou haste not kept that the Lord commanded the. And Samuel arose and got him from Galgal to Gabaah BenIamin. And Saul numbered the people that were found with him, about a six hundred men. And Saul and jonathas his son, and the people that were found with them, had their abiding in Gabaah BenIamin. But the Philistines had pytched in Machmas. And there came out of the host of the Philistines three companies, to destroy/ one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ephrah unto the land of Saul/ another company turned the way to Bethoron/ and the third company turned to the way of the cost that turneth to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. But there was no smith thorough out all the land of Israel. For the Philistines were ware that the Hebrews should not make themselves neither swords nor spears. And therefore must all Israel go down to the Philistines to mend every man his share, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle/ as oft as the edges of the sickles, mattocks, dongforkes, and axes were blunt, and must be had unto the stechye to be amended. And so in time of battle, there was neither sword nor spear found in the hands of any of the people that were with Saul and jonathas: save for Saul and jonathas his son was there somewhat found. And the army of the Philistines came out and stood on the other side before Machmas. ¶ jonathas companyed with his esquire putteth the Philistines to flight. He tasteth the honey which his father unknowing to him, had forbidden the hole host, for which he should have been slain, but the people delivered him. CAPI. XIIII. ANd it fallen on a day that jonathas the son of Saul said unto his young man that bore his harness/ come and let us go over to the watch men of the Philistines that are yonder on the other side, and told not his father. But Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gabaah under a pomegarnet tree that was in Magron/ and the people that were with him were about six hundred men. And Ahiah the son of Ahitob jehabodes brother, the son of Phinehes, 〈…〉 the son of Heli was the lords priest in Siloh and bore an Ephod. But the people wist not that jonathas was go. And in the way by which jonathas sought to go over unto the garrison of the Philistines, were there two sharp rocks, th'one on the one side, and an other on the other side: the one called Bozez, and the other Seneb. And the one leaneth northward toward Machmas, and the other southward toward Gabaah. Then said jonathas to the young man his harneysberer: come and let us go over unto the standing of these uncircumcised, 〈◊〉 xiiii c peradventure the Lord will work with us: for the Lord is able to save either with many or with few. And his harneysberer said unto him do all that is in thy heart: set the forward: & se, I am with thee, as thy heart lusteth. Then said jonathas: behold, when we go over unto the men, and show our selves unto them: if they say on this wise to us: tarry till we come to you, than we will stand still where we be and not go up unto them. But if they so say unto us: come hither unto us, than we will go up, for the Lord hath delivered them into our hands. And this shall be a sign unto us. And when they had both showed themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines, 〈◊〉 ●iii. b the Philistines said: se, the Hebrews come out of the holes were they had hid themselves in. And the men of the garrison answered jonathas and his harnesbearer and said: come up to us, & we will show you a thing. Then said jonathas unto his harnesberer: 〈◊〉 iiii. d. come after me, for the Lord hath delivered them into the hands of Israel. And jonathas claim upon hands and feet, and his harnesberer after him. Then they fallen before jonathas: and his harnesberer slew them after him. And the first slaughter which jonathas and his harnesberer made, was upon a twenty men, within the compass as it were about an half acre of land. And there was a fear in the host that was in the field, and among all the people: in so much that they that kept the hold, and they that were go to rob, 〈◊〉 ●iii c 〈◊〉 four e. 〈◊〉 x. b ●●ii c were afraid also: and the earth trymbled, and there was a fear sent of God. And the watch men of Saul in Gabaah BenIamin, saw. And behold, the people scattered and ran hither and thither. Then said Saul unto the people that was with him: number & see who is go away from us. And when they had told: behold, jonathas & his harnesbearer were not there. And then Saul said unto Ahia: bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. And while Saul talked unto the preaste, a loud skremysshe began in the host of the Philistines, and it increased and was hard with a great noise, And Saul said unto the priest: withdraw thine hand. And Saul assembled all the people that were with him, 〈◊〉 ●vii. f ●●al twenty b and went to the hold. And see, every man's sword was against his fellow, & there was great slaughter done. Moreover the hebrews that were with the Philistines before the time, and were come with them in all parts of the host, turned to the children of Israel that were with Saul and jonathas. And they also which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, hearing that the Philistines were fled, put themselves in press with Sauls men, & pursued the Philistines, and so God holp Israel that day. And the battle continued till they came to Bethaven. And the men of Israel joined themselves together that day: and Saul adjured the people saying: Cursed be he that eateth any food until night, Adjuration. that I may be avenged of mine enemies. And so there was none of the people that tasted any food. And all the land came to a wood, where honey lay upon the ground. And when the people were come into the wood: Behold, the honey dropped. ☜ How be it there was no man that moved his hand to his mouth, because that the people feared the curse. But jonathas heard not when his father adjured the people, wherefore he put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand and dypte it in an honey comb, and put his hand to his mouth and forthwith his eyen received their old virtue and courage. Then spoke one of the people and said: thy father adjured the people, saying: Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day, and yet the people were faint Then said jonathas: my father hath troubled the land: for behold my eyen have recovered their power and strength, because I tasted a little of this honey: how then if all the people had eaten of the spoil of their enemies which they found, had there not been then a moche greater slaughter among the Philistines? And they laid on the Philistines that day, from Machmas to Aialon. But the people were exceeding fayntie. Then the people got them to the spoil, duty xii & took sheep oxen and calves, and slew them on the ground, and did eat with the blood. Then men told Saul, saying: Behold the people sin against the Lord, in that they eat with the blood. And he said: you have trespased, But roll a great stone unto me now, and go abroad among the people and bid them bring every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, & sin not against the Lord/ in eating with the blood. And the people brought every man his ox in his hand by night and slew them there. And Saul made an aultare unto the Lord, And that was the first aultare that he made unto the Lord. And Saul said: Let us go down after the Philistines by night/ and let us make havoc among them till it be day in the morning, and let us not leave one of them. And the people answered, do whatsoever thou thinkest best. Then said the preaste: Let us come hither unto God. And Saul asked of God: Shall I go down after the Philistines? and wilt thou give them into mine hands? But he answered him not at that tyme. Then said Saul, let the people come hither out of all quarters, & know and see, in whom this sin is chanced this day: for as truly as the Lord liveth, which hath saved Israel, though it be in jonathas my son, he shall die for it. But no man answered him of all the people. Then he said unto all Israel: Be you on one side, and I and jonathas my son will be on an other. And the people said unto Saul: What thou thinkest best that do. And Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel: give perfect knowledge. And Saul and jonathas were apprehended by the lot, and the people escaped free. Then said Saul: cast lots between me and jonathas my son & jonathas was taken by the lot. Then Saul said to jonathas: tell me what thou hast done. And jonathas told him and said: I tasted a little honey upon the end of my staff that was in mine hand, and see, I must die. Then said Saul God deal so and so with me, but if thou die jonathas. But the people said unto Saul: shall jonathas die which hath so mightily holp Israel? God forbid, The people do rescue jonathas that he die not. As truly as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hear of his head fall to the ground: for he hath wrought with God this day. And so the people delivered jonathas, that he died not. And then Saul ceased from following the Philistines. And the Philistines returned to their own place. And so Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side: against the Moabites: against the children of Ammon: against the Edomites: against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. And whether so ever he turned himself, there he wan, and demeaned himself valiantly, and slew the Amaleckites, and rid Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. ☞ The sons of Saul were jonathas, jesui, and Melchisua. And his two daughters were thus named: the elder Merob, and the younger Michol. And the name of saul's wife was ●hinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of his chief captain was Abner the son of Net saul's uncle. And * i Reg. ix a i Para viii d Cis was saul's father. And Ne'er the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. And there was sore war with the Philistines, all the days of Saul. For where so ever Saul saw a strong man, and an active, he took him unto him. ¶ Saul is commanded to slay Amaleck. He is disobedient to the voice of God, and saveth the spoil for which the Lord forsaketh him. Samuel mourneth for Saul. CAPI. XU. THen said Samuel unto Saul: the Lord sent me to anoint thee, i Regum x c king over his people Israel. Now therefore obey thou the voice of the words of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: I have called to remembrance all that ever Amalecke hath done to Israel * Exo. xvii.x. Num xxiiii d Deuter xxv c how they lay in wait for th●m in the way, as they came out of egypt. Now therefore go and smite the Amaleckites, and destroy you only all that pertaineth unto them, and see thou have no compassion on them. But slay man and woman, intent and sucking, ox, sheep, c●●ell, & Ass. And Saul assembled the people and numbered them in Tel●im two hundred thousand foot men, and ten thousand men of juda. And Saul came unto a cy●e of the Am●leckites, & fought in a valley. But Saul said unto the Ke●●es: go & departed & get you away from the Amaleckites, least I destroy you with them for you showed mercy to Israel when they came out of egypt. And the Kenites departed from the Amaleckites. And Saul slew the Amaleckites from Hevila to Sur that lieth before egypt, 〈…〉 and took Agag the king of the Amaleckites a live, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, 〈…〉 and they left of the sheep and of the oxen and fat things and the lambs and all that was good, & would not destroy them. But all that was naught worth and flaggy, that they destroyed utterly. Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying: it forthinked me that I have made Saul king. For he is turned from me and hath not fulfilled my commandments, wherefore Samuel was evil apaid and cried unto the Lord all night. And Samuel arose early, to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel that Saul was come to Carmel, D●● and had set him up a pillar of triumph. And was turned and departed and go to Galgal. And when Samuel was come to Saul, Saul said unto him: Blessed be thou in the Lord. I have done the commandment of the Lord. And Samuel answered: What means then the bleatinge of the sheep in mine ears, and the noise of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said: they have brought them from the Amaleckites. For the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God. And the rest we have destroyed. But Samuel said to Saul: cease, and let me tell the what the Lord hath said to me this night. And he said unto him: say on. And Samuel said, 〈…〉 when thou were little in thine own sight, wert thou not made the heed of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord anointed thee, king over Israel. And then the Lord sent the on a voyage, and said unto thee, see thou utterly destroy those sinners the Amaleckites and fight against them, till you have utterly destroyed them, wherefore then hast thou now not obeyed the voice of the Lord: But didst turn to the pray and hast wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord? And Saul said unto Samuel: I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and went the way which the Lord sent me, & have brought Agag the king of the Amaleckites. And have utterly destroyed the Amaleckites. And the people took of the spoil, sheep, oxen, and the chiefest of the things which should have been destroyed, to offer unto the Lord thy God in Galgal. Then said Samuel, requireth the Lord burned sacrifices and offerings, and not rather that thou shouldest obey his voice? Behold, to obey is better than offering, 〈…〉 and to give hide, is better, than the f●t of Rams. For rebellyousnesse is as the sin of witchcraft: and stubborness is wickedness and idolatry. Because therefore thou hast cast away the word of the Lord/ therefore hath the Lord cast away the also/ from being king. Then said Saul to Samuel: I have sinned, for I have offended the mouth of the Lord, and thy words, because I feared the people and they obeyed their voice. But now take away my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord. Then said Samuel unto Saul: I will not return with thee: for thou hast cast away the commandment of God, and therefore the Lord hath cast away the also, that thou shalt not be King over Israel. And as Samuel turned to go away, he caught the lap of his root, and it rent. Then Samuel said, the Lord hath rend the Kingdom of Israel from this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine that is better than thou. And thereto, he that giveth victory to Israel, will not beguile nor repent, ☞ for he is not a man, that can repent. Then he said: I have sinned. But yet honour me before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may pray unto the Lord thy God. And Samuel turned again & followed Saul. And Saul prayed unto the Lord. Then said Samuel: Bring you hither to me Agag the king of the Amaleckites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said: truly the bitterness of death cometh on. And Samuel said: As thy sword hath made women child less, 〈◊〉 seven c 〈◊〉 xiiii. g so shall thy mother be childless among other women. And so Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the Lord in Galgal. And then Samuel departed to Ramath. And Saul went home to his house to Gabaah Saul. But Samuel came no more to see Saul till the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, because the Lord repented that he had made him king over Israel. ¶ David is anointed king: and receiveth the holy ghost. An evil spirit cometh upon Saul which departeth when David playeth. CAPI. XVI. ANd then the Lord said unto Samuel: How long will't thou mourn for Saul sithence I have cast him away from reigning over Israel? fill an horn with ointment, and come: I will send the to Isai the Bethlehemite, for I have espied me a king among his sons. But Samuel answered: how shall I go? For Saul shall hear it and will kill me. And the Lord said: Take an heifer with thee, and say, thou goest to offer to the Lord. And call Isai to the offering, and I will show the what thou shalt do: And thou shalt anoint him, whom I shall assign the. And Samuel did as the Lord bade him. And when he came to Bethlehem, the elders of the town were astonied at his coming, and said: Betokeneth thy coming peax? and he said yea, for I am come to offer unto the Lord. 〈◊〉 two. b ● Chal●●●pare xi. d 〈…〉 Cleanse yourselves and come with me to the offering. And he purified Isai and his sons, and bade them to the offering. And when they were come he looked on Eliab and said: the lords anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel Look not on his fashion nor on the height of his stature, for I have refused him. Because it is not as man seethe. ☜ For man looketh on the outward appearance: but the Lord beholdeth the heart. Then Isai called Abinadab, & made him come before Samuel. And he said: Neither hath the Lord choose this. Then Isai made Samah come, and he said: neither yet hath the Lord choose this. Then made Isai seven of his sons come before Samuel. And Samuel said, the Lord hath choose none of these. Then said Samuel to Isai: Are here all thy children? And he said: The youngest is yet behind: Behold, he keepeth the sheep. Then Samuel said unto Isai: send and fet him for we will not sit down to meat till he be come hither. David. And he sent and brought him in. And he was ruddy and a goodly creature of making, and of a pleasant countenance. And then the Lord said arise and anoint him: for this is he. And Samuel took the horn with the ointment and anointed him in the presens of his brethren. And the spirit of the Lord came upon David, from that day forward. Then Samuel arose up and went to Ramath. But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil sprite sent of the Lord, vexed him. Then said his servants unto him: Behold, an evil sprite sent of God vexeth thee, let our Lord therefore command his servants to seek a man that is a cunning player with an harp. And then when the evil spirit sent of God, cometh upon thee, he may play with his hand, and thou shalt be eased. And Saul said unto his servants: seek me a man that can well play, and bring him to me. Then answered one of his servants & said: Behold, I have seen a son of Isai the Bethlehemite, that can play upon instruments, and is an active fellow, and a man of war, and wise, and well made, & the Lord is with him, whereupon Saul sent messengers unto Isai, and said: Send me David thy son which is with the sheep. And Isai took an ass laden with bread, and a flacket of wine and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David went to Saul, and came before him, and he loved him very well, so that he was made his page. And Saul sent to Isai, saying: Let David remain with me, for he hath found favour in my sight. And when the spirit of God came upon Saul, David took an harp and played with his hand, and so Saul was refreshed/ and did amend, and the evil spirit departed from him. ¶ The battle of the Philistines against Israel. Little David overcometh great Goliath. CAPI. XVII. THe Philistines gathered their host to battle, and assembled at Socoh in juda, and pytched between Socoh and Azekah, in the end of Domini. And Saul and the men of Israel came and pytched in Ockedale, and put themselves in array, to fight against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on an hill on the one side, and Israel on an hill on the other side, and a baley between them. And then came a man and stood in the mids, out of the tents of the Philistines named Goliath, of Geth two cubits and an handbredth long, Goliath. and had an helmet of brass upon his heed, and a coote of mail about him. And the weight of his coote of mail was five thousand sycles of brass. And he had harness of brass upon his legs, and a shield of brass upon his shoulders. And the shaft of his spear was like a weavers beam. And his spear heed weighed six hundred sycles of iron. And one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and called unto the host of Israel, and said unto them: what needeth that you should come out in array to battle? am not I a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? chose you a man, and let him come down to me, if he be able to fight with me and to beat me, than we will be your servants. But if I can overcome him and beat him: you shall be our servants and serve us. And the Philistine said: I have defied the host of Israel this day, give me a man and let us fight together. When Saul and all Israel herd those words of the Philistine, they were discouraged and greatly afraid. Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem juda, named Isai, which Isai had eight sons. And was an old man in the days of Saul among the people. And the three eldest sons of Isai went and followed Saul to battle. And the names of his three sons that went to battle, were: Eliab the elder, and the mydlemost Abinadab, and the third Samah, and David was the youngest. And when the three elder were go after Saul, David went and departed from Saul, to keep his father's sheep at Bethlehem. And the Philistine came forth every morning and evening, and continued thus forty days. And Isai said unto David his son: take for thy brethren this Epha of patched corn, and these ten loves, and run to the host to thy brethren, and carry these ten fresh cheses unto the captain/ and look how thy brethren far, and fet out their pledges. And Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in oak valley fighting with the Philistines. And David arose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took and went as Isai had commanded him, and came where the host lay. And the host was goyinge out in acaye, & shouted in the battle/ for Israel & the Philistines had put themselves in array, the one against the other. Then David put the panier from him, unto the hands of the keeper of the vessels, and ran in to the host & came and greted his brethren. And as he talked with them. Behold, there stood a man in the mids Goliath the philistine, by name, of Geth/ which came out of the array of the Philistines, and spoke in the manner above rehearsed, that David heard it. And all the men of Israel when they saw the man, ran away from him, and were sore afraid. And every man of Israel said: See you this man that is come forth even to revile Israel is he come. And to him that beateth him will the king give great riches, and will give him his daughter thereto: yea and make his father's house free in Israel. Then spoke David to the men that stood by and said: What shall the man have that beateth this Philistine and taketh away the shame from Israel? for what is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should revile the host of the living God? And the people answered as is rehearsed, saying: thus shall he be rewarded that can vaynquyshe him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men, and was angry with David & said: Why camest thou away? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride and the malice of thine heart, that thou art come to fethe battle. And David answered, what have I now done? is there any more save a word? And departed from him into an other front, and spoke in the same manner, and the people answered him again, as before. And they that heard the words which David spoke, rehearsed them before Saul, which caused him to be fet. And David said to Saul: Let no man's heart faint, for dread of him. Thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David again, thou art not able to go unto this Philistine, to fight with him. For thou art but a child, and he hath been a man of war even from his youth. Then said David unto Saul, as thy servant kept his father's sheep, there came a Lion, 〈…〉 & likewise a Bear, and took a sheep out of the flock. And I went out after him, and smote him and took it out of his mouth. And when he arose against me, I caught him by the beard and smote him, and slew him. For both a Lion and also a Bear hath thy servant slain. And this uncircumcised Philistine shallbe as one of them, for his railing on the host of the living God. And David spoke moreover, the Lord that delivered me out of the hands of the Lion and out of the hands of the Bear, shall deliver me also out of the hands of the Philistine. Then said Saul to David go, and the Lord be with the. And Saul put his raiment upon David, and put an helmet of brass upon his heed, and put a coote of mail upon him, and girded David with his own sword upon his raiment. And he assayed how he could go, for he never proved it. Then said David unto Saul: I can not go in these, for I have not been used thereto, and put them of him. I took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of a broken, and put them in a shepherds bag which he had, and took his sling in his hand, and went to the Philistine. And the Philistine came and d●ue near to David, with the man that bore a shield before him. And when the Philistine looked and saw David: he disdained him, for he was but a youngling, roudye and goodly to look upon. And the Philistine said unto David: am I a dog, that thou comest to me with a staff? and he cursed David in the name of his Gods. And he said to David: come to me & I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine: thou comest to me with a sword a spear and a shield: But I come to thee, in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the host of Israel on whom thou hast railed. This day shall the Lord give the into my hand, and I shall smite the and take thine head from thee, and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the earth, and all the world shall know, ☞ that there is a God in Israel, And all this company shall know, that the Lord saveth not with the sword and spear. For the battle is the Lords, and he shall give you in to our hands. And when the Philistine arose and came and drew nigh unto David, David hasted & ran to fight against the Philistine. And David put his hand in his poke and took out a stone and slange it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead that the stone sunk in to his for head, and he fallen grovelling to the earth. And so David overcame the Philistine with a sling and a stone, 〈◊〉 xiii. ●. 〈◊〉 xvii. d and smote the Philistine and slay him. And because David had no sword in his hand, he ran and stood upon the Philistine, & took his sword and drew it out of his sheath and slew him and cut of his head therewith. ●●li xii d And when the Philistines saw their champion deed, they fled. And the men of Israel and of juda arose and shouted and followed after the Philistines, till they came to the valley and unto the gates of Akaron. And the Philistines fallen down deed by the way to Samraim even unto Geth and Akaron. And then the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and spoiled their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine, 〈◊〉 xiii g and brought it to jerusalem: But he put his armour in his tent. But when Saul see David issue forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner the captain of his host: Abner, whose son is this young man? And Abner answered, as truly as thy soul liveth, O king, I can not tell. Then said the king: inquire thou, if he be some noble man's son. And so when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the heed of the Philistine in his hand. And Saul said unto him: Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered the son of thy servant Isai the Bethlehemite. ¶ The ●onde between David and jonathas. Saul goeth about to s●ee David. David marrieth Mi●hol the daughter of Saul. CAPI. XVIII. ANd when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, jonathas. the soul of jonathas was knit with the soul of David. In so moche, that he loved him, as his own soul. And Saul took him that day & would let him go no more home to his father's house. And jonathas and David bond themselves the one to the other, for jonathas loved him as his own life. And jonathas put of his own cote that was upon him, & gave it David, and thereto his mantle, his sword, his bow, and his girdle. And David went out to all that Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely. And when Saul had set him over his men of war, he pleased all the people, and especially them that were Sauls servants. And it happened as they went, Eccle. xlvii ●. when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that women came out of all cities of Israel singing & dancing, against Saul, with tymbrelles, with joy, and with fydilles. And the women that played, sang thereto, and said: Saul hath slain his thou sand, and David his ten thousand. Then was Saul exceeding wroth and the saying displeased him, and he said: They have ascribed unto David ten thousand, and to me but a thousand, and what can he more have save the kingdom? wherefore Saul looked a wry on David from that day forward. And it happened on the morrow, that the evil spirit sent of God came upon Saul, so that he prophesied in the mids of the house. And David played on the instrument with his hand, as he was daily want. And Saul had a spear in his hand, and hourlde it, intending to have nailed David to the brickwall. But David avoided out of his presence two times. For Saul was afeard of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul. And then Saul put David from him & made him a captain over a thousand, and he went out and in before the people. And David was wise in all his doings, and the Lord was with him. Wherefore when Saul see he was so exceeding wise, he was afraid of him. But all Israel & juda loved David, because he went out and in before them. Then said Saul to David. Behold my elder daughter Merob, her I will give the to wife: Only play the man and fight the lords battles. For Saul thought mine hand shall not be upon him, but the hand of the Philistines. And David answered Saul: * two. Reg ix ● what am I? and what is my life or the kindred of my father in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? But when the time was come that Merob Sauls daughter should have been given to David, she was given unto Adriel a Meholothite, to wife. How be it Michol an other of Sauls daughters loved David. And when it was showed Saul: the thing pleased him well. And he said: I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, to bring the hand of the Philistines upon him. And Saul said to David: thou shalt this day be my son in law again. And Saul commanded his servants, to comen with David secretly and say: Behold the King hath a favour to thee, and all his servants love thee, be therefore the Kings son in law. And Sauls servants spoke those words in the ears of David. But David answered: seemeth it to you a light thing to be the kings son in law, when I am a poor man and of small reputation? And Sauls servants told him again, saying: in this manner answered David. Then said Saul: this wise say to David: the king careth for no nother dowry but for an hundred foreskynnes of the Philistines to be avenged of the kings enemies. For Saul thought to make David fall in to the hands of the Philistines. Then his servants told David these words, and it pleased David well to be the kings son in law. And shortly after David arose with his men, and went and slew of the Philistines, two hundred men, and brought their foreskynnes, and numbered them unto the king for to become his son in law. * two. Reg. iii c And so Saul gave him Michol his daughter to wife. And when Saul saw and understood, that the Lord was with David, & that Michol his daughter loved him, he was the more afraid of David, and become David's enemy for ever. And when the Philistines went out to war, David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul: so that his name was much set by. ¶ Saul commandeth to slay David. Michol his wite laveth him by a proper feat, and deceiveth her father. Saul is also among the Prophets. CAPI. XIX. THen Saul communed with jonathas his son, and with all his servants, that they should kill David. * i Re xviii a But jonathas Sauls son had a great favour to David, and told David saying: Saul my father goeth about to flay the. Now therefore take heed to thyself in season, and abide in some secret place and hide thyself. And I will go ou●e and stand by my father in the field where thou art, and will comen with my father of thee, and if I can perceive aught, I will tell the. And jonathas spoke good of David unto Saul his father and said unto him: let not the king sin against his servant David/ for he hath not trespased against thee, and his works are towards the very good. For he did put his life in his hand and slew the Philistine, judi xii a and the Lord gave a great victory to all Israel. And thou sawest it, and thou reioysedest, wherefore then shouldst thou sin against innocent blood, and slay David for naught? And Saul hearkened unto the voice of jonathas and swore: as truly as the Lord liveth, he shall not die. Then jonathas called David and showed him all those words, and brought him to Saul. And he was in his presence as in times passed. And the war began again, and David went out and fought with the Philistines and made a great slaughter, and put them to flight. And the evil spirit of the Lord was upon Saul as he sat in his house having a javelin in his hand, and David played with his hand. And Saul intended to nail David to the brickwall with the javelin: But David rid himself out of Sauls presence, and so he smote the spear in to the brickwall. But David fled and saved himself that night. Then Saul sent messengers unto David's house, to lie in await of him and to slay him in the morning. But Michol his wife told it him, saying: If thou save not thyself this night, to morrow thou art a deed man. And so Michol let David down thorough a window, and he went and fled and saved himself. And then she took an Image and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow sluffed with goats heart under the heed of it, & covered it with a clot. And when Saul sent messengers to fetch David, she said that he was sick: Then Saul sent the messengers 〈◊〉 se David, saying: bring him to me, bed and all, that he may be slain. And when the messengers were come in: Behold, there lay an Image in the bed, with a pillow of gootes heart under the heed of it. Then said Saul to Michol: Why hast thou mocked me so/ and sent away mine enemy that he is escaped? And Michol answered Saul: He said unto me, let me go, or else I will kill the. And so David fled and escaped and went to Samuel to Ramath and told him all that Saul had done to ●im. And he, and Samuel went and dwelled in Naioth. And it was told Saul saying: Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramath, than Saul sent messengers to fet David. And when they see a company of Prophets' prophesyenge, and Samuel teaching them, the spirit of God fallen upon the messengers of Saul, & they prophesied to. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers yet again the third time which prophesied also. Then went he himself to Ramath, and when he came to a great well that is in Socoh, he asked and said: Where are Samuel and David? And they said: See they be at Naioth in Ramath, and as he went thither to Naioth in Ramath the sprite of God came upon him also, and he went Prophesyenge, till he came to Naioth in Ramath. And he strypte of his clotheses and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and fallen naked all the day and all that night, 〈…〉 wherefore it is a comen saying: Is Saul also amongs the Prophets? ¶ David being in jeopardy complaineth unto jonathas jonathas delivereth him. Apol●cy deny●ed between them: by which David should know the intent of Saul. CAPI. XX. ANd David fled from Naioth in Ramath and went before jonathas, and said: What have I done? wherein am I faulty? what is the sin that I have committed against thy father that he seeketh my life? And jonathas answered him: God forbid, thou shalt not die. For see, my father will do nothing neither great ne small, but that he will show me. For why should my father bide this thing from me? I know not. And David swore again and said: thy father knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes and therefore he thinketh, jonathas shall not know it, jest he be sorry. For in deed, as truly as the Lord liveth, and as truly as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. Then said jonathas to David, what so ever thy soul desireth, I will do unto the. And David said unto jonathas: Behold, to morrow be the Kalen●es, and I should sit with the king at meat. But let me go that I may hide myself in the fields unto this day three days at even. If thy father miss me, say: David asked leave of me, that he might go to Bethlehem to his own city, for there is held a yearly feast for all his kin. And if thy father say thus: It is well done, than thy servant shall have peax. But if he be angry: be sure, wickedness is utterly concluded of him. And then thou shalt show mercy unto thy servant, for thou hast made with me thy servant a bond in the Lord. ●iii. a. ●i. d Notwithstanding if there be in me any trespass, slay me thyself, for what needest thou to bring me to thy father? And jonathas answered: God keep from thee, that I should know, that wickedness were concluded of my father, to come upon thee: and should not tell it the. Then said David, who shall tell me, if thy father answer cruelly? jonathas said to David: Come and let us go forth into the fields. And they went both of them into the fields. Then jonathas said unto David: O Lord God of Israel, when I have groped my father's mind, at one time or other, within this three days, that it stand well with David: and I then send not unto thee, and show it thee, the Lord do so and so unto jonathas. And in like manner, if evil towards the be appointed of my father, I will show thee, and send the away/ that thou mayst go in peax. And the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father. And thou shalt perform unto me the mercy of the Lord, not only while I live, but also when I am deed, pluck not thy mercy away from my house for ever: Not, not when the Lord hath destroyed the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. And so jonathas made a bond with the house of David, desiring that the Lord should seek out of the hands of David's enemies their wickedness. And with other words jonathas adjured David, because he loved him. For as his own foul he loved him. Then said jonathas to David: to morrow shall be the kalends. And thou shalt be miss, because the place shall appear empty. But on the third day come in any wise unto the place where thou shalt hide thyself, when it is workedaye: even by the stone Esell. And I will shoot three arrows by the one side thereof, as though I shoot at a mark, and will send after, a sad, and bid him go seek the arrows. If I say unto the lad: See the arrows are on this side thee, bring them: then come thou: for it is peax, and nothing to do, as sure as the Lord liveth, But if I say thus unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are beyounde thee, then flee, for the Lord hath sent the away. And of this which thou and I have spoken/ behold, the Lord is witness between thee, and me for ever. And so David hid himself in the field. And when the kalends came, the king sat him down at meat, to th'intent to eat. And the king sat him down after the accustomed manner, in his seat by the brickwall. And jonathas arose, & Abner sat by Sauls side, and David's place was empty, but yet Saul said nothing at all that day. For he thought, some thing had chanced him, whereby he was not clean. But on the morrow after the kalends, when David's place appeared empty, Saul said unto jonathas his son, wherefore cometh not the son of Isai to meat, neither yesterday nor to day. And jonathas answered unto Saul. David asked licence of me to go to Bethlehem saying/ let me go I pray thee, for our kindred hold an offering in the city, and my brother hath sent for me. Now therefore if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me go, and see my brethren. And for this cause he cometh not unto the kings table. Then was Saul angry with jonathas and said unto him/ O froward and rebellious child, thinkest thou I know not how thou hast choose the son of Isai unto thine own rebuke, and unto the rebuke and shame of thy mother? For as long as the son of Isai liveth upon the earth, thou shalt not be established, nor yet thy kingdom, wherefore now send and fet him unto me, * i Re xxvi ● two. Regum xii ● for he is the child of death. But jonathas answered Saul his father and said to him/ wherefore should he die? what hath he done? Then Saul cast a spear at him to bit him, whereby jonathas wist well, that it was utterly determined of his father, to slay David. Then jonathas arose from the table in a great anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the kalends, for he was sorry for David, because his father had done him shame. On the next morning jonathas went out in to the field, at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him. And he said unto the boy, run and find out mine arrows which I shoot. And as the boy ran, he shoot an arrow beyounde him. And when the lad was come to the place whether jonathas had shoot the arrow, jonathas cried after him, & said/ the arrow is beyond the. And he cried after the lad/ hast, make speed and stand not still. And jonathas lad gathered up the arrow and came to his master. But the lad wist nothing of the matter: Only jonathas and David witted it. Then jonathas gave his weapons unto the Lad, and said unto him: go and carry them to the town. And as soon as the lad was go, David arose out of a place that was toward the south and fell en his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times. And they kissed either other and wept together; but David more abundantly. And jonathas said to David: go in peax of such things as we have sworn either of us in the name of the Lord, saying: The Lord be between the and me, and between thy seed and mine for ever. And he arose and departed. And jonathas went in to the town. ¶ David flieth in to Nob to Achimelech the priest, and getteth show bread to satisfy his hunger. After he flieth to king Achis, and there feigneth himself mad. CAPI. XXI. THen came David to Nob to Achimelech the priest: And Achimelech was astonished at his coming and went to meet David and said unto him: Why commeste thou thyself alone, and no man with thee? And David said to Achimelech the priest: the king hath commanded me to do a certain thing and said unto me, let no man know whereabout I sand the and what I have commanded the to do. And therefore I have appointed my servants to such and such places. And now what hast thou under thine hand? give me five loves of ●red or what cometh to hand. And the pre●●t answered David and said: There is no com●● breed under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread, if the young men have abstained only from women. And David answered the priest and said unto him: Of a truth women hath been locked up from us about a three days, when we came out: and the vessels of the young men were holy. How be it if we have taken any unclennelie by the way this day, it shall be hallowed in the vessels. And so the priest gave him hallowed breed, for there was none other bread there save show breddes, that were taken from before the Lord, to put fresh bread there. And there was the same day a certain man of the servants of Saul within the tabernacle of the Lord named Doeg an Edomite, the chiefest of Sauls heard men. And David said unto Achimelech: is not here under thine hand either spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor mine harness with me, because the kings business required haste. Then the priest answered: the sword of Goliath the Phi●istine whom thou sleweste in Okedale, that is here wrapped in a clot behind the Ephod, If thou wilt take that, take it: for there is none other save that here. And David said: there is none to that, give it me. And David arose and fled the same day from the presence of Saul, and went to Achis the king of Geth. 〈…〉 And the servants of Achis said of him: Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing unto this fellow in daunses, saying: Saul hath slain his thousand, and David his ten thousand? And David put those words into his heart and was sore afraid of Achis the king of Geth. And he changed his countenance before them, and raved in their hands, and scrabled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achis unto his servant. Lo you see that this man was beside himself, wherefore then have you brought him to me? lack I mad men, that you have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? he shall not come into my house. ¶ David flieth in to the cave Odollam, and then in to Mazphah to the king of Moab, And thence in to Hareth. Doeg betrayeth David. Achimelech is accused of treason and slain, and four score and four priests mother with him: because they received David. Nob is destroyed of Saul. Abiathar flieth to David. CAP. XXII. SO David departed thence and escaped, & came unto the cave Odollam, which when his brethren & all his father's house heed of, they went thither to him. And there resorted unto him all such as were in distress and in der and troubled in their hearts, & he was made their captain, and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mazphah in the land of Moab, and said unto the king of Moab: Let my father and mother (I pray thee) have their abiding with you, till I know what God will do with me. And he brought them afore the king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the whyse that David kept himself in holds. And the prophet Gad, said unto David: Abide not in holds, but depart and go to the land of juda. Then David departed and came into the forest Hareth. And Saul heard of it: for David was known and also the men that were with him. And as Saul sat in Gaba●h under a grove upon an height bank with his spear in his hand, and all his men round about him, he said unto his servants that were about him. Hear me, you sons of jemini: Will the son of Isai also give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all grand captains and petye captains, that you have all conspired against me, so that there is none that will show me any thing, in so much that my son hath made a confederacy with the son of Isai? There is none of you that bewaileth my chance or showeth it in mine eat: because my son hath set up my servant to lie in await against me, as appeareth this day. Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was chief of the servants of Saul and said: I saw the son of Isai, when he came to Nob, to Achimelech the son of Achitob, which fought counsel of the Lord for him, and gave him victuals, & the sword of Goliath the Philistine also. Then the king sent to call Achimelech the Preaste the son of Achitob, and all his father's house: that is to say, the priests that were in Nob. And they came all to the king. Then Saul said: hear thou son of Achitob. And he said: here I am my Lord Then said Saul to him: why have you conspired against me, thou and the son of Isai, in so much that thou hast given him victual and a sword, & hast sought counsel of God for him, that he should arise against me, and lie await as appeareth this day? And Achimelech answered the king & said: who is among all thy servants as the faithful David and the kings son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is had in honour in thine house? have I this day begun first to ask counsel of God for him? be this far from me: let not the King suspect against his servant any such thing in all the house of my father. For thy servant knoweth nothing of all this, either little or moche. But the king said: thou shalt surely die Achimelech, both thou and all thy father's house. Then said the king unto his footmen that stood about him: turn and slay the priests of the Lord, both because their hand is with David, and because they knew when David fled and showed it not to me. But the servants of the king would not move their hands, to run upon the priests of the Lord Then said the king to Doeg: turn thou and smite the priests. And 〈◊〉 priests ●●ne. ●●●r ii g Doeg the Edomite turned and ran upon the priests and slew that same day four score and five personnes that did wear each man a linen Ephod. And Nob the city of the priests he smote with the edge of the sword, both man and woman, child and suckling, with ox ass and sheep. 〈…〉 Yet one of the sons of Achimelech the son of Achitob, named Abiathar escaped and fled to David, and showed him that Saul had slain the lords priests. Then David said unto Abiathar: I witted it the same day, that when Doeg the Edomite was there, he would surely tell it Saul. I am cause of the death of all the Souls of thy father's house. Abide with me and fear not: be that seeketh thy soul, shall seek mine, and with me thou shalt be in safeguard. ¶ David delivereth Keilah, and flieth in to the wilderness of ziph. He is comforted of jonathas. The ziphiens would have betrayed him. CAPI. XXIII. THen they told David, saying: Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and spoil the barns. David therefore asked the lords advise, saying: shall I go and smite the Philistines? And the Lord said unto David: Go and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. Then said David's men unto him: See, we be afraid here in juda. What shall we then be, when we come to Keilah, to the host of the Philistines? Then David asked the Lord again. And the Lord answered him and said, arise, and go to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into thine hands. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines/ and drove away their cattle and made a great slaughter of them. And so David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. Now it chanced, when Abiathar the son of Achimelech, had fled to David to Keilah, that he brought an Ephod in his hand. And it was told Saul, that David was come to Keilah. Then said Saul: God hath given him into mine hand. For he is shut in sith he is come into a town where be both gates and bars. And Saul called all the people to war, for to go to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. But David had knowledge that Saul privily imagined mischief against him, and said to Abiathar the priest: * i Reg. xxx ● Bring the Ephod. Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant heareth, that Saul is about to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake: will the elders of Keilah deliver me into his hand? or will Saul come as thy servant heareth say? Lord God of Israel tell thy servant. And the Lord said: He will come. Then said David: Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? & the Lord said: they will deliver you. Then David and his men which were upon a six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went here and there, they known not whether. And when it was told Saul, that David was fled from Keilah, and so in safeguard, he let the journey alone. And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, & in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him all his life, but God delivered him not into his hand. And David see that Saul was come out, to seek his life but David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a covert. And jonathas Sauls son arose & went to David to the covert, and strenghted him in God, and said unto him: Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee, but thou shalt be king over Israel, and I must be next unto the. Yea, and Saul my father knoweth that it shall be so. And they made * i Reg. xviii a. and twenty b a bond together before the Lord, & David tarried still in the wood, but jonathas went to his house. Then came the Ziphites to Saul unto Gabaah, saying: David hideth himself fast by us in strong holds that are in a covert in the hill of Hachilah on the ryghtesyde of the wilderness. Now therefore sir king, come down with all the lust that thy soul hath to come. And it shallbe our parts to deliver him into the bands of the king. Then said Saul: Blessed are you in the Lord: for you have compassion on me. God, I pray you, and mark more narrowly, and know and see his haunt, where his foot hath been, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me he is very wily. See therefore and know all the lorking places where he lourketh, and come again to me with the certainty, And I will go with you. Yea and if he will bide himself in the ground, yet I will hunt him out, with all the thousands of juda. And they arose and went to Ziph before Saul. But David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the wild field, on the right hand of the wilderness. For when Saul was go with his men to seek, it was told David. And therefore he went unto a rock and dwelled in the wilderness of Maon, which when Saul heard, he pursued after David in to the wilderness of Maon. But Saul and his men went one the one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other. And David as a man ams aed, made haste to get from Saul. For Saul and his men had compassed David & his men round about, to take them. Then there came a messenger to Saul, saying: Haste the and come, for the Philistines have invaded & do despoil the land. Wherefore Saul returned from persecuting David, and made against the Philistines. And therefore the place is called * That is the rock of ꝑtition Sela Mahelecoth. And then David went thence and dwelled in strong holds at Engaddi. ¶ David flieth into Engaddi and there hideth him. Saul cometh in thither to do his easement and David cutteth of the border of his mantle. David goeth out of the cave after Saul and speaketh to him. CAPI. XXIIII. When Saul was come again from the Philistines, there were that told him, saying: behold, David is in the wilderness of Engaddi. Then Saul took three thousand choose men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in the rocks, where nothing haunted but wild gootes. And he came to the flocks of sheep, by a ways side where was a cave. And Saul went in cover his feet. And David and his men sat a long by the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him: see, the day is come of which the Lord said unto thee: Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, and thou shalt do with him what it pleaseth the. Then David arose and cut of a lap of Sauls cote privily. And forthwith David's heart smote him, because he had cut of a lap of Sauls cote. And he said unto his men: the Lord keep me from doing that thing unto my master that is the Lords anointed, to say mine hand upon him, sith he is the Lords anointed. And so David kept of his servants with words, and suffered them not to set upon Saul. And when Saul was risen out of the cave, and went forward on his journey, David arose and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying: My lord king. And Saul looked behind him. And David stooped to the earth and bowed himself, and said to Saul: Wherefore givest thou an ear to men's words, that say, David seeketh the evil? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen, that the Lord had delivered thee, into mine hand in the cave. And when they bade kill thee, mine eye had compassion on thee: and I said: I will not lay my hands on my master, for he is the Lords anointed, but rather my father, see yet and acknowledge this the lap of thy coote in my hand. And in asmuch as I killed the not also, when I cut of that lap of thy coote, understand and see, that there is neither evil ne rebellion in me, and that I have not sinned against the. And yet thou huntest after my soul to destroy it. The Lord be judge between the and me, and the Lord avenge me of the. But mine hand be not upon the. According to the old Proverb: wickedness shall proceed out of the wicked: ☜ but mine hand shall not be upon the. After whom art thou come out, thou king of Israel? what is he whom thou chastest? certes even a deed dog, and a flee. The Lord be judge, and let him dame between the and me, and see and judge my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. When David had made end of speaking all these words to Saul, Saul said: is this thy voice my son David? and he lift up his voice and wept, and said to David: Thou art ryghteouser than I, for thou haste rewarded me with good, & I have acquyted the with evil. And thou hast showed this day how lovingly thou hast dealt with me, that when the Lord had locked me in thine hands, thou slewest me not. For who when he shall find his enemy will let him depart in a good way? Wherefore the Lord reward the with good, for that thou haste done unto me this day. And now forasmuch as I know assuredly that thou shalt be king and that the kingdom of Israel shallbe established in thine hand: Swear unto me by the Lord, that thou shalt not destroy my seed after me, and that thou shalt not destroy my name out of my father's house: & David swore unto Saul, So Saul went home, But David and his men got them up unto an hold. ¶ Samuel dieth. David flieth to the wilderness of Pharan. He is angry with Nabal: but is pacyfyed by the wisdom of Abigail. Nabal dieth, and David marrieth Abigail. CAPI. XXV. THen Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and lamented him and buried him in his own house at Ramath. But David arose & got him to the wilderness of Pharan. 〈…〉 And there was a man in Maon/ whose cattles was in carmel, & the man was exceeding mighty, & had three thousand sheep & a thousand goats. And he was shering his sheep in carmel. The name of the man was Nabal, & the name of his wife was Abigail, and was a woman of good wisdom & beautiful. But the man was churlish & of shrewd conditions, & was a Calebite. And when David heard in the wilderness, that Nabal share his sheep, he sent out ten of his young men, and said unto them: get you up to Carmel and go to Nabal and great him in my name. And thus wise say unto my friend: peax be to thee, peax be to thy house, and peax be unto all that thou haste. I have herd say thou haste sherers. Now, thy shepherds were with us, & we did them no despite ne villainy, neither was there aught missing unto them, all the while they were with us in Carmel: ask thy servants, & they will show the. Wherefore let these young men find favour in thy eyes (for we come in a good season) & 〈◊〉 xxi a give (I pray thee) whatsoever cometh to thy hand, unto thy servants and to thy son David. So David's young men came and told Nabal all those words in the behalf of David and then stopped. Then Nabal answered David's servants and said: what is David? and what is the son of Isai? there is plenty of servants now a days, that break away from their masters. Should I take my breed, my water and my flesh that I have killed for my sherers, and give it unto men which I wot not whence they be? Then David's servants turned their way/ and went again, and came and told him according to all those sayings. Then David said unto his men: gird every man his sword about him. And they girded every man his sword on him, and David thereto gird on his sword. And so there followed David about four hundred men, and two hundred abode by the stuff. But one of the servants told Abigail Nabals' wife, saying: See David sent messengers unto our master out of the wilderness to salute him, & he reviled them. And yet the men were very good unto us and did us no displeasure, neither myssed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields. Yea they were a brickwall of defence unto us, both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping sheep. Now take heed and see, what thou hast to do, for mischief is concluded to be done unto our master and to all his household. And he is ungracious to speak to. Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loves and two botelles of wine and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred bondelles of resings, & two hundred frayles of figs, and jaded them on asses, and said unto her young men: go before me, and lo I come after you, & told her husband Nabal nothing thereof. And as she road on her ass, & was coming down in a slade of the hill, David and his men came down against her, and she met them. And David said: in vain have I kept all that this fellow had in the wilderness: so that naught was myssed that pertained unto him, for he hath acquyted me with evil for good. So and so God do unto the enemies of David, as I will not leave of all that pertain to him, by the dawning of the day, aught that pisseth against the brickwall. When Abigail saw David, she hasted and did alyte of her ass, and fallen before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and fallen at his feet and said: Let this unhappy deed be accounted mine, my Lord, and let thine handmaid speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thy handmaid. Let not my Lord regard this unthrifty man Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my Lord which thou sendest. And now my Lord as truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, the Lord hath withholden the from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand. Furthermore I pray God that thine enemies and they that intend to do my Lord evil, may be as Nabal. And now take this blessing, which thine handmaid hath brought to the my Lord, let it be given unto the young men that follow my Lord. forgive the trespass of thine handmaid that the Lord may make my Lord a sure house because my Lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and there could none evil be found in thee, in all thy life. And if any man arise to persecute thee, and to seek thy soul, the soul of my Lord might be preserved as it were in a bondell of living things, with the Lord thy God. And the souls of thy enemies be slonge in the middle of a sling. And when the Lord shall have done to my Lord all the good that he hath promised thee, and shall have made thee, ruler over Israel: then shall it be no grudge of conscience unto the or discourage of heart unto my Lord, that thou shedst blood causeless, and didst avenge thyself. And when the Lord shall have dealt well with my Lord, think on thine handmaid Then said David to Abigail: blessed be the Lord God of Israel which sent the this day to meet me. And blessed be thy behaviour, and blessed be thou which hast kept me this day from bloudshedinge, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed as surely as the Lord God of Israel liveth, who hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and met me, there had not been left unto Nabal by the dawning of the day, a pisser against the brickwall. And so David received of her hand that shen brought, and said to her: go in peax to thine house. Lo I have obeyed thy voice and have received the to grace. And when Abigail returned to Nabal: behold, he held a feast in his house like the feast of a king, and Nabals' heart was merry with in him, for he was well drunk. Wherefore she told him nought neither little nor moche till the morrow. But in the morning, when Nabal had dygested the wine, his wife told him these words, and his heart died within him, and he become as a stone, ☜ and upon a ten days after the Lord smote Nabal, that he died. Which when David heard that Nabal was deed, said: Blessed be the Lord that hath judged the cause of my rebuke of the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil, and hath turned the wickedness of nabal upon his own heed. So David sent to comen with Abigail, to th'intent to take her to his wife. And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke unto her, saying: David sent us unto thee, to take the to his wife. And she arose and fallen on her face to the earth and said: Behold, thy hand maid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord. And Abigail hasted and arose and got her up upon an Ass, with u damoselles of hers that went at her feet, and went after the messengers of David and was his wife. David also take Ahinoan of jezrahel, and they were both his wives. But Saul gave Michol his daughter David's wife to Phalti the son of Lais of Gallim. ¶ Saul sleepeth in his tent, And David taketh away his spear and a cruse of water, that stood at his head. CAPI. XXVI. AFter that came the Ziphites unto Saul to Gabaah, saying: David hideth himself in the hill of Hachilah before the wilderness. Then Saul arose and went to the wilderness of Ziph and three thousand choose men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul pytched in the hill of Hachilah which lieth before the wilderness, by the ways side. But David dwelled in the wilderness. And when he saw that Saul pursued him into the wilderness, he sent forth espies and understood that Saul was come in deed. Wherefore David arose and went to the place where Saul had pytched, and beheld the place where Saul lay with Abner the son of Ne'er, his chief captain. For Saul lay within a round bank, and the people pytched round about him. Then answered David and spoke to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abisai the son of Zaruiah and brother to joab, saying: Who will go down with me to Saul to the host? and Abisai said: I will go down with the. And so David and Abisai came to the people by night. And behold, Saul lay sleeping within a round bank, and his spear pytched in the ground at his heed, Abner & the people dying round about him. Then said Abisai to David: God hath enclosed thine enemy unto thine hand this day. Now therefore let me smite him I pray the with my spear to the earth, but one stroke, and it shall need no more. But David said to Abisai: ☞ destroy him not, for who can say his hand on the Lords anointed and be guiltless? And David said furthermore: as truly as the Lord liveth, whiles the Lord shall smite him, or his day shall come to die or he shall descend into battle and there perish: the Lord keep me from laying mine hand upon the Lords anointed. Now then take the spear that is at his heed, and the crewse of water, and let us god. And David took the spear and the crewse of water that was at Sauls heed, and they got them away and no man see or witted it or a work. For they were all a sleep, because the Lord had sent a slumber upon them. Then David went out to tother side and stood on the top of an hill a far of (a great space being between them) and cried to the people and to Abner the son of Ne'er, saying: Answerest thou not Abner? and Abner answered and said: What art thou that criest to the king? ☜ and David said to Abner: art not thou a man, and who is like the in Israel? But wherefore hast thou not kept thy Lord the king? For there came one of the folk to destroy the king thy Lord It is not good that thou hast done. As truly as the Lord liveth you are worthy to die, because you have no better kept the Lords anointed. And now see where the kings spear is, and the crewse of water, that was at his heed. Then Saul knew David's voice & said: is this thy voice my son David? and David said: it is my voice my Lord king. And he said further wherefore doth my Lord pursue his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? Now hear therefore (my Lord king) the words of thy servant. If the Lord have stirred the up against me, let him smell the sacrifice. But if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the Lord. For they have cast me out so that I can not devil in the inheritance of the Lord, saying: hence & go serve other Gods. And yet I hope my blood shall not fall to the earth before the face of the Lord, though the king of Israel be come out to hunt one flee, as men hunt the partregis in the mountains Then syad Saul: I have sinned: come again my son David for I will do the no more harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have erred exceeding moche. And David answered and said: Behold the kings spear, let one of the young men come over and fet it. The Lord reward every man's rightwiseness and faith: for the Lord delivered the into my hand this day, but I would not say mine hand upon the Lords anointed. And as thy life was much set buy this time in mine eyes: so be my life set by in the eyes of the Lord, that he deliver me out of all tribulations. And Saul said to David: Blessed art thou my son David, for thou shalt be a doer and also able to bring to an end. And so David went his way, and Saul turned to his place again. ¶ David fleeth to Achis king of Geth, which giveth him zikeleg to devil in. He killeth the Philistines. And when Achis demanded against whom he had roved, he giveth him a subtle answer and deceiveth him properly. CAP. XXVII. THen thought David in his heart: I may perish at one day or other by the hands of Saul. There is no better thing for me then to flee in to the land of the Philistines, that Saul of very despair to find me, may cease seeking me any more in all the coostes of Israel: for so I may escape his hand. And David arose, and he and the six hundred men that were with him went unto Achis the son of Maoch king of Geth. And David dwelt with Achis at Geth, both he & his men, every man with his household, and David with his two wives: Ahinoam the jezrahelite and Abigail Nabals' wife of carmel. So when it was told Saul that David was fled to Geth, he sought no more for him. And David said unto Achis: If I have found grace in thine eyes, let me have a place in some town in the fields, that I may devil there. For what should thy servant devil, in the heed city of the kingdom with thee? Then Achis gave him Zikeleg the same day for which cause Zikeleg pertaineth unto the kings of juda unto this day. And the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines, was a year and four months. And David and his men went and ran upon the Gesurites, the Gerzites, and the Amalekites, which nations were from the beginning the inhabitants of the land, as men go to Sur, and so forth to Egypt. And David smote the land, and left neither man ne woman alive/ and took the sheep, the oxen, the asses, camels, and clotheses, and removed & came to Achis. And Achis said/ have you not been a roving this day? And David answered/ yes in the south of juda/ and in the south of the jezrahelytes, and in the south of the Kenites. And David saved neither man nor woman alive to bring to Geth, saying least they should speak against us: Thus did David, and so was his manner all the while he dwelt in the country of the Philistines. And Achis believed David, saying: He hath wrought moche mischief against his people Israel, and therefore he shall be my servant for ever. ¶ The Philistines move war against Saul and the Israelites. Saul requireth council of God but hath no answer: and then seeketh after an enchanter, who raiseth up the spirit of Samuel. CAPI. XXVIII. IT chanced in those days that the Philistines gathered their host together to war, intending to fight with Israel. And Achis said to David: Be sure thou shalt go out with me in the host, and thy men also. And David said again to Achis: then thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achis said to David: 〈◊〉 iiv. Then I will make the keeper of my heed for ever. Samuel was then deed, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramath his own city. And Saul had put the women that had spirits of prophesy and the sorcerers out of the land. And the Philistines gathered together, and came & pitched in Sunam, and Saul and all Israel gathered together and pytched in Gelboe. When Saul see the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, & his heart was sore astonied. And Saul asked counsel of the Lord: But the Lord answered him not, neither by dream, nor by priests, nor yet by the Prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants: seek me a woman having a spirit of prophecy, that I may go to her and ask of her. And his servants said to him: see, there is a wife that hath a spirit of prophesy at Endor. And S ul chuunged his clotheses, and put on other raiment/ and then went he & two men with him, and they came to the wife by night/ and he said: prophesy unto me by the spirit, and bring me him up whom I shall name unto the. And the wife said unto him: Behold thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath destroyed the women that had prophesienge spirits, & the sorcerers out of the land. Wherefore then layest thou a net for my soul to kill me? And Saul sworn to her by the Lord, saying: as surely as the Lord liveth, there shall no harm chance the for this thing. Then said the wife: whom shall I fetch up unto thee? and he said: bring me up Samuel. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice and spoke to Saul, saying: why haste though mocked me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, be not afraid: But what seest thou? And the wife said unto Saul: I see a God ascending up out of the earth. And he said: what fashion is he of? And the woman said: there cometh up an old man with a mantle upon him. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and stooped with his face to the ground and bowed himself. Ecclesi xlvi d And Samuel said to Saul: why hast thou unquieted me, to make me brought up? And Saul answered: I am sore encumbered. For the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answered me no more, neither by prophets, neither by dreams/ & therefore I have called thee, to tell me what I shall do. Then said Samuel: wherefore dost thou ask of me? while the Lord is go from thee, & is thine enemy/ the Lord will do to the as he said by my hand. For the Lord will rend the kingdom out of thine hand, and give it thy neighbour David, because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon the Amalekites. Therefore hath the Lord done this unto the this day. And further the Lord will deliver Israel with the in to the hands of the Philistines/ & to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me/ and the Lord shall give the host of Israel in to the hands of the Philistines. Then Saul fallen forthwith flat on the earth, and was fore a dread of the words of Samuel. And thereto there was no strength in him, for he had not eaten all the day before. And the woman came unto Saul, & saw he was sore troubled, and said unto him. See, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and have put my soul in my hand, & have hearkened unto thy words, which thou saidest unto me. Now therefore hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me set a morsel of breed before thee, and eat and get the strength to go thy journey. But he refused it and said: I will not eat. But his servants & the wife together compelled him, that he heard their voice. And so he arose from the earth and sat him on a bed. The woman had a fat calf in the house, and that she hasted and killed, and took flower & knead it, and did bake him sweet cakes, and brought them before Saul, and before his servants/ and when they had eaten, they stood up, and went away the same night. ¶ David goying with king Achis to fight against Saul is sent again by the means of the Lords of the Philistines. CAPI. XXIX. THe Philistines gathered all their hosts together unto Aphek/ and Israel pitched by a fountain in jezrahel. And the lords of the Philistines went forth by hundreds and by thousands. But David and his men came behind with Achis. Then said the lords of the Philistines: what will yonder Hebrews? And Achis said unto the lords of the Philistines. Is not this David the servant of Saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me days or years, and I have found no fault in him sithence he fled unto me unto this day. Nevertheless the lords of the Philistines were wroche with him and said unto him: Make this fellow return, i Parali xi d & let him go again to his place which thou hast appointed him. For he shall not go with us to battle, least he be an adversary to us in the battle, when we begin to fight. For wherewith could he better obtain the favour of his master, then upon the heeds of our men? Is this not David to whom they sang in dances: i Reg. xviii a and xxi d Eccli xlvii a. Saul slay in thousands, but David his in ten thousands? Then Achis called David and said unto him: As truly as the Lord liveth thou art honest, and it pleaseth me well that thou shouldest accompany me in the host/ for I have found none evil with the from the time thou camest to me unto this day. Nevertheless the Lords of the Philistines favour the not: wherefore return and go in peax, that thou displease not the Lords of the Philistines. And David said again to Achis: Why, what have I done? and what hast thou found in thy servant as long as I have been with the unto this day? that I may not go fight against the enemies of my Lord the king. Achis answered and said to David: I wots well, thou pleasest me, as it were an angel of God. Notwithstanding the lords of the Philistines have said, that thou shalt not go with them to battle. Wherefore arise up erly in the morning with thy master's servants that are come with the. And when you be up early, as soon it begin to be day, depart. And so David and his men arose early to depart in the morning, and to return in to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to jezrahell. ¶ David returning from king Achis findeth zikeleg burnt. He pursueth after the burners thereof and killeth them and recovereth the pray. CAPI. XXX. But ere David and his men were come to Zikeleg the third day, the Amalekites had made assault in the south part upon Zikeleg, and had smitten Zikeleg & burned it with fire/ and had taken the women there prisoners, both small & great, but slay not a man, but carried them with them & departed. When David and his men came to the city/ behold it was burned with fire/ and their wives, their sons and their daughters were taken prisoners. Then David and the people that was with him lift up their voices and wept till they could weep no more. And David's two wives were taken prisoners also/ Ahinoam the jezrahelite/ and Abigail the wife of nabal the Carmelite. And David was sore troubled/ for the people intended to stone him, because the hearts of all the people were vexed for their sons and their daughters. But David took a good heart to him in the Lord his God, and said to Abiathar the priest Achimelechs' son: bring me the Ephod. And Abiathar brought the Ephod to David. And David asked the Lord, saying: shall I pursue this company? and shall I overtake them? And he said to him: follow, for thou shalt overtake them and recover the pray. So he went and the six hundred men that were with him, and they came to the river Besor, where a part of them abode. Nevertheless David and four hundred men followed, but two hundred abode behind, being to weary to go over the river Besor. Then they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David and gave him breed to eat, and water to drink/ & gave him a few figs, and two clusters of reasynges, and when he had eaten, his spirits came again to him, for he had eaten no breed, nor drunk no water in three days and three nights. Then David said unto him: to whom belongest thou, and whence art thou? And the lad answered: I am an Egyptian, and servant to an Amalekite: & my master left me behind because it is three days a go that I fallen sick we came a roving upon the south of Cer● this, and upon them of juda, and on the south of Caleb. And we burned Zikeleg with fire. And David said to him: canst thou bring me to this company? And he said: swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me in to the hands of my master, and I will bring the unto them. And when he had brought him: see, they lay scattered all abroad upon the earth, eating and drinking and triumphing over all the great pray that they had carried away out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of juda. And David laid upon them from the twilight, until the even of the next day/ so that there escaped not a man, save four hundr●d young men, which road away upon camels and fled. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and his two wives/ so that there was no person lacking small or great/ son or daughter, or of the spoil of all that they had taken away, but David brought all again. And David took all the sheep and the oxen. And they drove the cattle before & said: this is David's pray. And then David came to the two hundred men that were over weary to follow David, which they made to abide at the river Besor. And they came to meet David and the people that were with him. And when David came to the people, he greted them peacibly. Then answered all the wicked and the unthrifts of the men that went with David, and said: because they went not with us, therefore shall none of the pray that we have recovered be given unto them, save to every man his wife & his children: which let them carry away and be walking. ☞ Then said David: you shall not do so (my brethren) with that the Lord hath given us, and hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us in to our hands. For who should hearken unto you in this matter? But as his part is that goeth and fighteth, ●●we of ●●warre. so good shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff/ they shall part it alike. And so from that day forward, was that made a law and a custom in Israel, and dureth till this day. When David came to Zikeleg, he sent of his pray unto the elders of juda, and to his friends, saying: See there a 〈◊〉 is are 〈◊〉 blessing for you, of the spoil of the enemies of the Lord He sent to them of Bethel, to them of south Ramath: to them of Gether: to them of Aroer: to them of Sephamoth/ to them of Esthamo/ to them of Rachal/ to them of the cities of the jerhameclytes: to them of the cities of the Kenites/ to them of Haramah/ to them of Borasan/ to them of Athach/ to them of Hebron/ and to all places where David and his men were wont to haunt. ¶ The battle between the Philistines and Israel. Saul killeth himself, and his children are slain in the battle. CAPI. XXXI. ANd as the Philistines fought against Israel, the men of Israel fled away from the Philistines, & fell down deed in mount Gelboe. And the Philistines made after Saul and his sons/ and slay jonathas, Abinadab and Melchisua, Sauls son. And the battle went sore against Saul, in so much that shoters with bows had found him, and he was sore wounded of the shoters. Then said Saul unto his harness bearer * Iud. ix g i Parali ten a. draw out thy sword and thrust me thorough therewith, least these uncircumcised come thrust me thorough, and make a mocking stock of me. Saul killeth himself. But his harness bearer would not/ for he was sore afraid. Wherefore Saul took a sword and fallen upon it. And when his harness bearer see that Saul was deed, he fallen likewise upon his sword & died with him. And so Saul died and his three sons, and his harness bearer, & all his men that same day together. When the men of Israel that were of the other side the valley, & they of the other side jordan heard that the men of Israel were put to flight, and that Saul & his sons were deed/ they left the cities and ran away, and the Philistines came & dwelt in them. * i Par. xi b. On the morrow when the Philistines were come to stryp them that were slain, they found Saul and his three sons lying in mount Gelboe. And they cut of his heed, & stripped him out of his harness, and sent in to the land of the Philistines every where, to publish in the houses of their gods, and to the people. And they hanged up his harness in the house of Astaroth, but they hanged up his carcase on the walls of Bethsan. When the inhabitants of Jabes in Galaad herd what the Philistines had done to Saul, they arose as many as were men of war, and went all night and took the corpse of Saul, and the corpses of his sons from the walls of Bethsan and brought them to Jabes, and * Ie xxxiiii ● burnt them there, and took their bones and buried them under a tree at Jabes, and fasted seven days. ¶ The end of the first book of Samuel, which they commonly call the first of the Kings. THE second BOOK OF SAMVEL, otherwise CALLED, THE second BOOK OF THE KINGS. ¶ David commandeth to slay the messenger, that said he had killed Saul. The Lamentation of David for Saul and jonathas. CAPI. I After the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and had been two days in Zikeleg: Behold, there came a man the third day out of the host from Saul with his clotheses rend, and earth upon his heed. And when he came to David, he fallen to the earth & did obeisance. To whom David said, whence comest thou? And the other answered him: Out of the host of Israel am I escaped. And David said to him again. How hath it chanced? tell me. And he said: the people fled from the battle/ and many of the people are overthrown and deed/ and Saul and jonathas his son are deed thereto. And David said unto the young man that told him/ how knowest thou that Saul and jonathas his son be deed? And the young man that told him said: I was by chance in mount Gelbo●. And see, Saul leaned upon his spear/ and the charets and horsemen followed him at the heel's. And Saul looked back and called me: And I answered: here am I And he said unto me: what art thou? And I said unto him: I am an Amalekite. And he said unto me: come on me and flee me. For anguish is come upon me, and my life is yet all in me. And I wen●e on him and slew him: for I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen. And I took the crown that was upon his heed, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them unto that my Lord hither. Then David took his clotheses and rend them, and so did all the men that were with him/ and they mourned, wept, and fasted till even, for Saul and jonathas his son/ and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they were overthrown with the sword. Then said David unto the young man that brought him tidings. Whence art thou? And he said: I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. Psalm ciiii v And David said unto him. How is it that thou wast not afraid to say thine hand on the Lords anointed to destroy him? And David called one of his young men, and said: Go and run upon him. And he smote him that he died. Then said David unto him: ☞ Thy blood be upon thine own heed. For thine own moth hath witnessed against thee, saying: I have slain the lords anointed. And David sang this song of mourning over S ul, and over jonathas his son, and bad to teach the children of Israel the slaves thereof. ☞ And behold it is written in the hook of the righteous. The glory of Israel is slain upon the high hills. O how were the mighty overthrown? Tell it not in Geth, nor publish it in the streets of Askalon/ least the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and that the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph thereof: You mountains of Gelboe, upon you be neither dew nor rain, ne fields whence heaveofferynges come. For there the shyldes of the mighty were cast from them: the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. The bow of jonathas, and the sword of Saul turned never back again empty, from the blood of the wounded, and from the fat of the mighty warriors. Saul and jonathas lovely and pleasant in their lives, were in their deaths not divided/ men swifter than eagles, and stronger than Lions. You daughters of Israel wept over Saul, which clothed you in purple and garments of pleasure/ and bordered your raiment with ornaments of gold. How were the mighty slain in battle? jonathas on the high hills was wounded to death. Woe is me for thee, my brother jonathas: delectable to me wast thou exceeding. Thy love to me was wonderful passing the love of women. How were thy mighty overthrown, and how were the weapons of war forlorn. ¶ David is anointed in Hebron. The battle of the servants of David and Isboseth. CAPI. II AFter this David asked the Lord, saying: shall I go up in to any of the cities of juda? And the Lord said go: and David answered: whither shall I go? He answered, unto Hebron. And so David went thither with his two wives also/ Ahinoam the jezrahelyte, and Abigail Nabals' wife the Carmelite. And the men that were with him, did David carry up also, every man with his house. And they dwelt in the towns of Hebron. And the men of juda came & there they anointed David king over the house of juda. When it was told David how the men of Jabes in Galaad had buried Saul, he sent messengers unto them, and said unto them: blessed are you unto the Lord, that you have showed such kindness unto your Lord Saul, and have buried him. Wherefore the Lord show you mercy and truth again. And I will do you good also, because you have done this thing. And now let your hands steer them and play you the men, though your master Saul be deed. And finally understand that the house of juda have anointed me king over them. 〈…〉 But Abner the son of Ne'er that was captain of saul's host took Isboseth the son of Saul, and brought him to Mahannim and made him king over Galaad and over the Assurites, 〈…〉 and over jezrahel/ and over Ephraim and BenIamin, and over all Israel. And Isboseth Sauls son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel and reigned two years. But the house of juda only followed David. ●eg u ●. And the time which David reigned in Hebron over the house of juda, was vij year and six months. And Abner the son of Ne'er and the servants of Isboseth the son of Saul went out of Mahanaim to Gabaon. And joab the son of Zaruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pole of Gabaon. And they sat down, the one part on the one side the pole, and the other on the other side. And Abner said to joab/ let the young men arise and play before us. And joab answered: Be it. Then there arose & went over: twelve of BenIamin by number, which pertained to Ishoseth the son of Saul/ and twelve of the servants of David. And they caught each his fellow that came against him by the heed/ and thrust his sword in his side, and so fell down all at once. Wherefore the place was called 〈◊〉 is, the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 or might Helath Zurim which is in Gabaon. And there began an exceeding cruel battle that same day. But Abner and the men of Israel were put to the worse of the servants of David. And there was three sons of Zaruiah: joab, Abisai, and Asahel/ which Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild roe, and followed after Abner/ and turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from Abner. Then Abner looked behind him, and said: art thou Asahel? And he said, yea. Then said Abner/ turn the either to the right hand or to the left/ and catch one of the young men, and take the his spoil. But Asahel would not departed from him, but pursued him. And Abner said again to Asahel: turn from me, and follow not me/ for I were loath to smite the to the ground. For then how should I hold up my face before joab thy brother? how be it he would in no wise depart. ●eg twenty d Then Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the short rib, that the spear came out behind him, that he fell down in the same place and died there. And as many as came to the place where asahel fell down and died, stood still. But joab and Abisai followed Abner till the son went down. And when they were come to the hill Amah, that lieth before Giah, in the way that goeth thorough the wilderness of Gabaon the children of Benjamin assembled after Abner on a plump, and stood still on the top of an hill. Then Abner called to joab, & said/ shall the sword devour without end? knowest thou not that bitterness is wont to come in the later end? how long shall it be ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? And joab answered: as truly as God liveth if thou hadst so said, then even in the morning had the people departed each from following his brother. And therewith 〈◊〉 twenty g joab blue a trumpet/ and all the people stood still and pursued after Israel no more, nor fought no more. And Abner and his men walked all that night by the wild fields, and went over jordan, and past thorough all Bethhoron, and came to Mahanaim. And joab returned from Abner and assembled all the people. And there lacked of David servants nynetene personnes and Asahel. But the servants of David had slain of BenIamin and of Abners' men, three hundred and three score men. And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father in Bethlehem. And joab and his men went all night, and came in the dawning to Hebron. ¶ Abner cometh to David and bringeth him his wife Michol. joab killeth Abner. David bewepeth his death, and curseth joab. CAPI. III THere was long strife between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. * i Pat iii ● David's children. And David had children born him in Hebron. His elder son was Amnon of Ahinoam the jezrahelice/ the second Cheleab of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite/ the third Absalon the son of Maachah the daughter of Tholmai the king of Gessur/ the fourth Adoniah the son of Hagith/ the fift Saphatiah the son of Abital/ the sixte, jethraam by Egla David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. And as long as there was battle between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner the son of Ne'er held up the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine named Riphah, the daughter of Aiah. And Isboseth said to Abner. Wherefore liest thou with my father's concubine? Then was Abner very wroche for the words of Isbose●●, and said: Am I not a i Reg. xvii f. dogs heed, which against juda have showed mercy this day unto the house of Saul thy father, and to his brethren and friends/ and have not delivered them in to the hand of David: sithence thou findest a fault in me this day for a woman? * Ruth i ●. So do God to Abner/ and so unless as the Lord hath sworn to David, I so do to him/ and bring the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the feat of David over Israel and over juda, from Dan to Bersabe. And he could give Abner not one word to answer, because he feared him. Then Abner sent messengers to David forthwith, saying: Whose is the land? And he said moreover: Make a bond with me/ and se, my hand is with thee, to bring all Israel unto the. And David answered/ well said/ I will make a bond with the. But one thing I require thee, that thou see not my face, unless thou first bring Michol Sauls daughter, when thou comest to see me. And David sent messengers to Isboseth Sauls son, saying: deliver me my wife Michol, which I married with an hundred foreskynnes of the Philistines. And Isboseth sent and took her from her husband Phaltiel the son of Lais. And her husband followed her, and came weeping behind her, till they came to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, go and return. And he returned. And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying: You have long go about that David should be king over you. Now then do it: for the Lord hath said of David, by the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hands of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. And semblable words had he with BenIamin/ and then went to tell in the ears of David in Hebron all that Israel was content with, and the hole house of Benjamin. So when Abner was come to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him/ David made him, and the men that were with him a feast. Then Abner said unto David/ I will arise and go gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a bond with thee, that thou mayst be a king over all that thine heart desireth/ and so David let Abner depart, and he went in peax. And loo, the servants of David and joab came from chasing robbers, and brought a great booty with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron: for he had sent him away to depart in peax. When joab and all the host with him were come, men told joab saying: Abner the son of Ne'er came to the king/ and he hath sent him away that he is go in peax. Then joab went to the king, and said: What hast thou done? See Abner came unto thee, why hast thou sent him away that he should escape free? Thou mightest know Abner the son of Ne'er that he came to flatter thee, and know thy conversation and haviour, and to know all thy doings. And when joab was come out from the king, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirrah unwitting to David. So when Abner was come again to Hebron, joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him gylefully, and there smote him under the short rib that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. And when it afterward came to David's ear, he said: I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord for ever, concerning the blood of Abner the son of Ne'er, It fall therefore on the heed of joab, and on all his father's house: that the house of joab be never without one or other that hath running issues or without lepers and goers on crutches, and that fall on the sword, and that lack breed. And the cause why joab and Abisai slew Abner, was that Abner had slain their brother Asahel at Gabaon in battle. And David said to joab, and to all the people that were with him/ rend your clotheses, and put on sack clot and mourn before Abner/ and king David himself followed the bear. And when they had buried Abner in Hebron, the king life up his voice and wept over the grave of Abner/ and so did all the people. And the king bewailed Abner and said: Abner died not as a wretch dieth. Thy hands were not manacled, ne thy feet shackled with fetters/ but as men fall before wicked children, so fellest thou/ and all the people wept yet more over him. And when all the people came to eat meat with David, while it was yet day, David swore, saying: so do God to me and so, if I cast breed or ought else, till the son be down. And the people wist it, and it pleased them, as well as all other good things which the king did in the sight of the people. And all the people, and all Israel understood that day how it was not the kings mind, to flee Abner the son of Ner. And the king of said unto his servants: know you not, there is a Lord, and that a great, fallen this day in Israel? And I am this day tender, though I be anointed king. And these men the sons of Zaruiah be to good for me to rule? But the Lord reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. ¶ Baanah and Rch ab slay Isboseth the son of Saul. CAPI. FOUR WHen Sauls son herd that Abner was deed in Hebron, his hands fainted and all Israel was troubled. Now, this Sauls son had two men that were become captains over the soldiers, the one called Baanah, and the other Rechab the sons of Remon a Berothite/ and of the children of BenIamin: for Beroth was reckoned to appertain to Benjamin. And these Berothites fled to Gethaim, and sojourned there till the same tyme. And jonathas Sauls son had a son lame on his feet: five year old was he, when tidings came of Saul and jonathas out of jezrahel. And his nourise take him up, and fled away. And as she made haste to flee and was amazed, the child fell and become halt and was called Miphiboseth. And these sons of Remon the Berochite, Rechab and Baanah went and came in the heat of the day to the house of Isboseth, as he slept on a bed at none. And behold, they came in to the house as though they would have bought wheat, and smote him under his short rib, and fled. For they came into the house as he slept on his bed in his resting chamber, and smote him and slew him and beheaded him, and took his heed and ga● them away toward the east all night. And they brought the heed of Isboseth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king: Behold here the heed of Isboseth Sauls son thine enemy, which sought thy soul. But the Lord hath a wreaked my Lord the king this day, of Saul and of his seed. Then David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, 〈…〉 the sons of Remon the Berothyte, and said unto them: as surely as the Lord liveth, who hath delivered my soul out of all adversities: him that told me that Saul was deed, thinking to have brought me good tidings, I caught and slew in Zikeleg, to give him a reward for his tidings bringing. And how moche more aught I so to deal with wicked men that have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his head. Now therefore think you that I will not require his blood of your hands, and take you from the earth? And David gave a in commandment to his servants, and they slew them and cut of their hands and their feet, & hanged them up by the pole in Hebron. And they took the heed of Isboseth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. ¶ David is yet again anointed king: and taketh the ark from Zion. He casts out the blind and the lame. He marrieth more wives and getteth more children. He striketh the Philistines. CAPI. V THen came all the kynredes of Israel to David to Hebron and said: 〈◊〉 xi a se, we are thy bones and thy flesh. And further in times passed when Saul was king over us, thou leddest Israel in and out. And the Lord hath said: thou shalt feed my people Israel, and shalt be a captain over Israel. And so all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron. And king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord/ and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty year old what time he bgan to reign, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over juda, seven year, and six months/ and in jerusalem thirty and three years over all Israel and juda. Then went the king and his men to jerusalem, unto the jebusites thinhabitants of the land. And they said unto David: unless thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither, meaning thereby that David should not have come in thither. Nevertheless David took the hold of Zion, which is in the city of David. Then said David the same day. Who so ever sleeth the jebusite, and winneth the towers of his house/ and destroyeth the lame and the blind enemies unto David soul. Wherefore it is a proverb: the blind and the lame shall not come in to the house. And David dwelled in the tower, ana called it the city of David. And he built round about it from melo inward. David waxed great, and the Lord God of hosts wao with him. And Hiram king of Tire sent messengers to David with Cedar trees and carpenters and masons, 〈◊〉 xiiii a to build David an house. Whereby David perceived the the Lord had established him king over Israel, and had anaunsed his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. And David took him more concubines and wives out of jerusalem, 〈◊〉 two. three. b after he was come from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. These be the names of the sons that were born him in jerusalem: Samua, Sobab, Nathan, Solomon. jebahar, Elisua, Nepheg, japhia, Elisama, Eliada, and Eliphalet. But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, i Para xiiii d they came all up to seek David. And as soon as David heard of it, he got him to an hold. And the Philistines came and laid them along in the valley of Raphaim. And David asked of the Lord, saying: shall I go to the Philistines? and will't thou give them in to my hands? And the Lord said unto David: go, for I will deliver the Philistines in to thy hands. And David came to Baal Perazim and smote them there and said: Isa xxviii f the Lord hath severed mine enemies asunder before me, as a man would divide water, and therefore he called the name of the said place Baal Perazim. And there they left their images, and David and his men took them up. And the Philistines came yet again, and laid them in the valley Raphaim. But David asked the Lord, and he said, go not. But compass them on the backside, and come upon them from the mulberye trees. And when thou hearest the noise of a thing going in the tops of the trees, then move. For then the Lord is go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. And David did as the Lord commanded, and smote the Philistines from Gabaah to Gezer. ¶ The ark is brought forth of the house of Abinadab. Ozah is stricken and dieth because he touched the ark. The ark is brought in to the house of Obed Edom, and from thence in to jerusalem. David danceth before it, and is therefore despised or his wife Michol. CAPI. VI AFter this, David chose out all the chief young men in Israel to the some of thirty. thousand, and arose and went, i Para xiii b. and all the folk that were with him of the men of juda, to fet away the ark of God, upon which is called the name of the Lord of hosts, that dwelleth between the cherubyns. And they put the ark of God on a new cart, & brought it forth of the house of Abinadab that dwelt at Gabaah. And Ozah and Ahio the sons of Abinadab drove the new cart. i Regum vii a. And when they brought it out of the house of Abinadab that dwelled at Gabaah with the ark of God/ Ahio went before the ark/ and David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord with all manner instruments of fir wood, with haps, psalteryes, tymberelles, fedylles and symbals. And when they came to Nachons' threshing flower, Ozah put his hand to the ark of God and held it, for the oxen stumbled. i Para xu b. And the Lord was wrath with Ozah, and God smote him in the same place for his fault, ☜ and there he died by the ark of God. And David was displeased because the Lord had rend Orah. And the name of the place was called Pe●ez Ozah till this day. And David was then afraid of the Lord, and said: how should the ark of the Lord come to my house? And so David would not bring the ark of the Lord with him in to the city of David, but carried it in to the house of Obed Edom a Gethite. And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed Edom the Gethyte three months/ and the Lord blessed Obed Edom, and all his household. i Parali xu And when it was told king David that the Lord had blessed the house of Obed Edom, and all that belonged unto him, because of the ark of God, he went and brought the ark of God from the house of Obed Edom, unto the city of David with gladness. And ever when they that bore the ark of the Lord had go six passes, he offered an ox and a fat sheep. And David danced before the Lord with all his might in a linen Ephod gird unto him. And David and all the house of Israel brought the ark of the Lord with shouting and trumpet blowing. And as the ark of the Lord came in to the city of David, Michol. Michol Sauls daughter looked thorough a window and saw king David spring and dance before the Lord, and therefore despised him in her heart. And when they had brought in the ark of the Lord, and had set it in his place, even in the tabernacle that David had prepared for it: David offered burnt-offerings and peaxofferynges before the Lord/ and as soon as David had made an end of offering burned offerings and peaxofferynges, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts, and gave among all the folk, even among the hole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men every one a cake of breed, and a piece of flesh and a flacket of wine. And so the people departed every man to his house. Then David returned to salute his household. And Michol the daughter of Saul came out against him and said. O how glorious was the king of Israel to day, which strypte himself this day before the eyen of the maidens of his servants, as a light brained fellow is wont to stryppe himself. But David said again to Michol, I will make sport before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his kin, commanding me to be ruler over all his people Israel. And I will be yet more vile than so, and will be meek in mine own sight: and shall nevertheless that of the very same maid servants which thou speakest of, be had in honour. ☞ But the said Michol daughter to Saul, had no child unto the day of her death. ¶ David of a good purpose intending to build an house unto the Lord, is forbidden of God. He prayeth that the promises of God may be fulfilled. CAPI. VII. ANd in process as the king dwelt in his house after that the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies, i Par. xvii u he said unto Nathan the Prophet: behold, I well in an house of Cedar trees, but the ark of God dwelleth in the mids of curtains. Then said Nathan unto the king: go and do all that is in thine heart, for the Lord is with the. But that same night the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying: go and tell my servant David, thus saith the Lord/ shalt thou go build me an house to devil in? For I have not dwelt in any house sithence the time I brought the children of Israel out of egypt, unto this day: but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. In any way where I went among all the children of Israel, spoke I one word with any of the kynredes of Israel, which I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying: why build you not me an house of Cedar tree? Now therefore so say unto my servants David: 〈…〉 thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took the out of a sheep cote from following sheep, to be a ruler over my people Israel. And I was with the in all thou wentest to, and have destroyed all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made the a great name, like unto the renown of the great men of the world. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant it, and they shall continued in one place and shall move no more, neither shall wicked people trouble them any more as they did at the beginning/ and sithence the time I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and I will give the rest from all thine enemies. And the Lord telleth the that he will build the an household. And when the days be fulfilled, and thou laid to rest with thy fathers, 〈…〉 than I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy body, and will establish his kingdom, he shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the seat of his kingdom for ever: I will be his father, 〈…〉 and he shall be my son: in so much that if he sin I will but rebuke him with such a rod as men be rebuked with, and with such plagues as the children of men be plagued with. But my mercy will I not take away from him, 〈…〉 as I took it from Saul, whom I put down before the and thine house, and thy kingdom shall endure without end after thee, and thy seat shall be established for ever. When Nathan had told David all these words, and all this vision, than went David and set him down before the Lord and said: what am I Lord almighty, and what is my kin, that thou shouldest have brought me this far forth? And is this a small thing in my sight Lord almighty, but that thou shouldst speak also of thy servants house for a great while to come? Is this a law among men Lord almighty? And what can David say more unto thee, sith thou knowest thy servant Lord almighty? Even for thy word, and according to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things to make them known unto thy servant. wherefore thou art great, oh Lord God, and there is none like thee, neither is there any God save thou, according to all that we have herd with our ears. And what one people in the earth is like unto thy people Israel, which God delivered to be his people/ and to make him a name/ and to show them great and terrible things in the earth, before thy people which thou redemedst to thee, out of egypt/ even from the people and from their gods. And thou hast ordained thy people Israel to be thy people for ever/ and thou Lord art their God. And now, Lord God, the thing thou hast said of thy servant & of his house, make it good for ever, and do as thou haste said. And let thy name be great for ever/ that men may say: the Lord of hosts is the God of Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be assured before the. For thou Lord of hosts, God of Israel hast told in the ear of thy servant, saying: I will build the an house. And therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto the. And now Lord almighty thou art the God, & thy words must be true/ for thou haste told this goodness unto thy servant. Now therefore go to, and bless the household of thy servant, that it may continued for ever before the. For thou Lord almighty hast said that of thy blessing, the house of thy servant shall be blessed for ever. ¶ David overcometh the Philistines and maketh them trybutaryes. He ordaineth and appointeth his officers. CAPI. VIII. AFter that, David beaten the Philistines, and subdued them, 〈◊〉 xviii. a and took the bridle of bondage out of their hands. And he beaten the Moabytes, and measured them with a line, making them lie along on the earth/ and then meating the length of two lines to slay, and the length of one line to save a live. And so become the Moabites David's servants, and paid tribute. David smote also Adadezer the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to make the end of his costs at the river Euphrates. And David took a thousand and seven hundred horsemen of his, & twenty thousand foot men, and destroyed all his charettes, reserving one hundred of them. Then came the Syrians of Damascon to succour Adadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them xxij thousand men, and put soldiers in Sirrah Damascon. And the Syrians become servants to David, paying tribute. And thus the Lord saved David in all that he went to. And David took the shyldes of gold that were upon the servants of Adadezer, and brought them to jerusalem. And thereto out of Betah and Berathai cities of Adadezer, he brought exceeding great abundance of brass. When Thoi Thoi. king of Hemath had herd how David had discumfyted all the host of Adadezer, he sent joram his son unto king David, to salute him with peax, and to bless him because he had fought against Adadezer, and beaten him: For Thoi kept war with Adadezer, which son brought vessels of silver, gold, and of brass with him. And them also king David did present unto the Lord the silver and gold that he hallowed severally of all nations which he subdued: of the Syrians: the Moabites, the children of Ammon, the Philistines, the Amalekites, and of the spoil of Adadezer son of Rehob king of Zobah. And David made him a name after he returned from the slaughter of the Syrians in the valley of salt where he slew eighteen thousand men. And he put keepers in Edom, even thorough out all Edom put he soldiers/ and all Edom become his subjects. And the Lord kept David what so ever he took in hand. And David reigned over all Israel, and executed right and justice unto all his people. And * two. Reg. twenty d joab the son of Zaruiah was over the host/ and josaphat, the son of Ahilud was recorder. And Sadoch the son of Ahitob and Achimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests/ and Saraiah was the scribe. And Banaiah the son of jehoiada was over the Cerethites and the Phelethites, but David's sons were chief rulers. ¶ David restoreth all the fields of Saul, to Miphiboseth the son of jonathas. CAPI. IX. THen said David: is there yet any man left of the house of Saul, that I may show him mercy/ for jonathas sake? And there was of the household of Saul a servant named Zibah, who was called unto David. And the king said unto him: art thou Zibah? And he said: thy servant is he. Then said the king: remaineth yet any man of the kindred of Saul, whom I may show the mercy of God upon? And Zibah said unto the king: jonathas hath yet a son which is lame on both feet. And the king said unto him: where is he? And Zibah said unto the king: behold he is in the house of Machir the son of Amiel in Lodaber. Then king David sent and fet him out of the house of Machir the son of Amiel out of Lodaber. Now, when Miphiboseth Miphiboseth. the son of jonathas the son of Saul was come to David, he bowed himself, and fallen on his face. Then said David: Miphiboseth? And he answered. Behold thy servant. And David said: fear not, for I will surely show the kindness for jonathas sake/ and will restore the all the lands of Saul thy father/ and thou shalt eat meat on mine own table alway. And the other bowed himself and said: what is thy servant, that thou sholdeest vouchsafe to look upon such a deed dog as I am? Then the king called Zibah Sauls young man, saying unto kym: I give unto thy master's son all that pretayned to Saul and to all his kin. See therefore thou and thy sons and thy servants ●ylle the land for him, and bring in, that thy master's son may have food to eat. For Ma●●●●o●th thy master's son shall eat m●●●e a●●●●e upon my table. For this Zibah had fifteen sons, and twenty servants. Then said Zibah unto the king: All that my lord hath said unto his servant/ thy servant shall do. For (said the king) Miphiboseth must eat upon my table, as one of the kings sons. This Miphiboseth had a son that was young, named Micha/ and all that dwelled in the house of Zibah, were servants unto Miphiboseth. So Miphiboseth dwelt in jerusalem/ for he ate ever at the kings table/ and was thereto halt on both legs. ¶ The messengers of David are spytefully entreated o● the king of Moab: which thing David avengeth. CAPI. X. IT happened after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died/ and Hannon his son reigned in his stead: Then said David: I will show kindness unto Hannon the son of Nahas, i Paral xix a as his father showed kindness unto me. And thereupon David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants over the death of his father. Now, when David's servants were come in to the land of the children of Ammon/ the lords of the children of Ammon said unto Hannon their lord/ thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, because he hath sent to comfort thee? Nay he hath rather sent his servants unto the to search the city and to espy it out, to th'intent to overthrow it. Wherefore Hannon took Davies servants, and shaved of the one half of every man's beard, and cut of their garments even in the middle hard by the buttocks of them, & sent them away. Which thing when it was told David, he sent against them (for they were men exceedingly ashamed) and said: carry at jericho till your beards be grown, and then return. And when the children of Ammon saw that, they wronged David, they sent and hired the sons of Bethrehob, and of the Syrians of Zobah twenty thousand foot men, and of king Maacah a thousand men/ & of Isiob twelve thousand men: and when David herd of it/ he sent joab and all the host of strong men. And the children of Ammon came out and gave battle before the gate/ and the Syrians of Zabah, of Rehob, Isiob, and Maacah, were themselves in the fields. When joab saw that the front of the battle was before and after, he chose of all the best of Israel and put them in array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people be delivered in to the hand of Abisai his brother, which put them in array against the children of Ammon. And he said: if the Syrians overcome me, then secure me. But if the children of Ammon be to good for thee, I will come and secure thee/ quite the like a man, and let us fight lustily for our people, and for the cities of our God. And the Lord do what seemeth best in his eyes. Abo forthwith joab proceeded and the people that was with him in to battle against the Syrians, which fled before him. Which when the children of Ammon see that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abisai, and entered in to the city. And so joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to jerusalem. And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they gathered them together. And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river. And the host of them came, and Sobah captain of the host of Hadadezer before them. And when it was showed David, he gathered all Israel and passed over jordan & came to Helam: where the Syrians put them selves in array against David, and fought with him: how be it the Syrians fled before Israel. And David destroyed seven hundred charettes of them, and forty thousand horsemen/ and smote Sobah the captain of his host, so that he there died. And when all the kings that were servants to Hadadezer see they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peax with them and served them. And so the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any further. ¶ The adultery of David with Bethsabe the wife of Urias, Urias is gylefully slain. After that David taketh Bethsabe to wife. CAPI. XI. IT came to pass in the beginning of a new year, 〈…〉 in the times when kings are wont to go forth to battle, that David sent joab and his servants with him and all Israel. And they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabah. But David carried still at jerusalem. And it chanced in an evening, that David arose from his couch and walked upon the roof of the kings palace, and from the roof saw a very beautiful woman washing herself. And he sent to inquire what woman it should be. And it was answered again, that she was Bethsabe the daughter of Eliam, and wife to Urias the Hittite. And David sent messengers and fet her, and she came unto him, and he lay with her. And she was forthwith cleansed from her uncleanness, & returned unto her house. And when the woman had perceived that she had conceived, she sent and told David, and said: I am with child. Then David sent to joab to sand unto him Urias the Hittite. And joab sent Urias to David. So when Urias was come to him, he demanded how joab did/ and how the people ●ared, and how the war prospered. And David said moreover to Urias: go down to thine house, and wash thy feet. And Urias departed out of the kings palace and there followed him a service from the kings table. But Urias slept at the door of the kings palace with all the servants of his Lord, and went not down to his house. Then they told David saying: Urias went not in to his house. Then said David unto Urias: forasmuch as thou art come from journeying, why dost thou not go down unto thine house? And Urias said unto David: the ark and Israel and juda, dwell in pavilions: and my lord joab and the servants of my lord lie in tents upon the flat earth/ and should I go in to mine house, to eat and drink and to lie with my wife? 〈◊〉 xiiii a By thy life, and as sure as thy soul liveth, I will not do that thing. Then said David unto Urias: tarry here this day also, 〈◊〉 xix c and to morrow I will let the depart. And so Urias' abode in jerusalem that day and on the morrow. And David called him, and he are and drank before him/ and he made him drunk. And at even he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house. Wherefore on the morrow David written a letter to joab, and sent it by Urias. And he written in the letter, saying: put Urias in the fore front of the battle where it is most strong, and come back from him, that he may be smitten to death. So when joab besieged the city, he appointed Urias to a place, where he will that strong men were. And the men of the city came out and fought with joab. And there were certain overthrown of the people, and of the servants of David, and Urias the Hittite died also. Then joab sent and told David all the procedings of the w●r, and charged the messengers, saying: When thou hast made an end of telling the things of the war unto the king if he begin to sum and say unto thee: wherefore approached you so nigh unro the city to fight? wist you not that men would hourle and shoot from the walls? Who smote Abimelech son of jerobeseth? 〈◊〉 ix. ● Did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from of the walls, that he died in Thebes? why then went you nigh the walls? Then say thou, thy servant Urias the Hittite is deed also. And the messengers went, and came and showed David all that joab had sent him with/ and said unto David: the men prevail against us, and came forth unto us in to the field, and we slack unto them unto the entering of the gate, and shoters shot from the walls, and some of the servants of the king be deed. And thy servant Urias the Hittite is deed also. Then said David unto the messenger: thus wise say unto joab/ let not the thing trouble the. For the sword devoureth one as well as an other: make thy battle more strong against the city, and destroy it/ and see thou encourage joab. And when the wife of Urias' herd that her husband was deed, she mourned for him/ and as soon as the mourning was ended, David sent and fet her to his house, and she was his wife and bore him a son. But the deed that David had committed, displeased the Lord. ¶ David is reproved for the slaughter of Urias, and then repenteth. The child conceived in adultery dieth. After it, is Solomon born. CAPI. XII. ANd the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him and said unto him: ☜ there were two men in one city, a rich and a poor. And the rich had exceeding great abundance of sheep and oxen. But the poor had nothing save one little lamb, which he bought and nourished up. And it grew up with him and his children, and did eat of his own meat and drank of his own cup, and slept in his bosom, and was as dear unto him as his daughter. And there came a stranger unto the rich man. And he could not find in his heart to make of his own sheep nor of his beestes to prepare for the stranger that was come unto him. But took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David was exceeding wrath with the man, and said to Nathan: as surely as the Lord liveth the fellow that hath done this thing is worthy of death and shall restore the lamb four fold, because he did this thing and had no pity. Then Nathan said to David: thou art the self man. This saith the Lord God of Israel: I anointed the king over Israel and rid the out of the hands of Saul: And I gave the thy masters house, and thy master's wives in to thy bosom, and gave the the house of Israel and of juda, and would if that had been to little: have given the twice so much more. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do wickedness in his sight? thou hast killed Urias the Hittite with the sword and haste taken his wife to thy wife, & hast slain him with the sword of the children of Amnon. Now therefore the sword shall never departed from thine house, because (sayeth the Lord) thou hast despised me and taken the wife of Urias the Hittite, to be thy wife. Thus sayeth the Lord: behold I will steer up evil against the even of thine own house and will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, two. Regum xvi ● which shall sleep with them in the sight of the son. And thou didst it secretly, yet will I do this thing before all Israel and in the open son light. Then said David unto Nathan: Eccle. xulii. b I have sinned against the Lord. ☜ And Nathan said again to David: Repentance. the Lord hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die. How be it because in doing this deed thou haste given the enemies of the Lord a cause to rail, the child that is born thee, shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. Then the Lord struck the child that Urias' wife bore David, and it sickened. David besought God for the child, and fasted and went and lay all night upon the earth: And the elders of his house arose and went to him, to take him up from the earth. But he would not/ neither yet eat meat with them. It happened the seventh day that the child died. But the servants of David dared not tell him the child was deed. For they said: se, while the child was yet alive, we spoke unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice. How moche more will he vex himself, if we tell him the child is deed? But David saw his servants whispering, and thereby perceived that the child was deed, and said unto his servants: is the child deed? And they said, yea. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel/ and went in to the house of the Lord, and prayed/ and after came to his own house, and had they should set meat before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him: what is this that thou hast done? Thou fastedest and wepest for thy child while it was alive, but as soon as it was deed, thou didst rise up and eat meat. And he answered: while the child was alive, ☞ I fasted & wept. For I this thought: who can tell whether God will have mercy on me that the child may live? But now sith it is deed, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him again any more? I shall go to him, but he shall not come again to me. And David comforted Bethsabe his wife/ and went in unto her and say with her, and she bore a son whose name was called φ Hebre. Salomoh. Math. i Solomon/ and the Lord loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the Prophet, and called his name jediah, on the lords behalf. And as joab fought against Rabah, the city of the children of Amnon, he took the kings tour and sent messengers to David, saying: I have made assault to Rabah/ and also have taken the castle from whence they had their water. i Parali twenty a Now therefore gather the rest of the people/ and come and besiege the city, and take it/ least if I take it, the victory be ascribed to me. And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabah and assaulted it, and gate it. * i Par. twenty b. And he took the kings crown from of his heed, which weighed an hundred weight of gold, and was set with precious stones/ and David wore it on his heed. And he brought out the spoil of the city in exceeding great abundance. And he brought out the people that was therein, and sawed them, and drew harrows of iron upon them, and shred some of them with shreding knives of iron, and thrust some in to furnaces. And so he served all the cities of the children of Amnon. And then David and all the people returned unto jerusalem. ¶ Amnon David's son defileth his sister Thamar. Absalon therefore killeth Amnon and after flieth for fear of his father. CAPI. XIII. ANd it chanced that Absalon David's son had a fair sister named Thamar, Amnon. whom afterward Amnon an other son of David loved. And this Amnon was so vexed that he fallen sick for the love of his sister Thamar: for it thought him hard to come by his purpose of her, sith she was yet a virgin. But Amnon had a companion called jonadab the son of Samah the brother of David: which jonadab was a very wise man. And he said unto him, how cometh it, that thou being the kings son art thus consumed every morning? mayst thou not tell it me? And Amnon answered him: I love Thamar my brother Absalon's sister. Then said jonadab unto him: lie on thy bed and fain thyself sick/ and when thy father is come to see thee/ say unto him: let my sister Thamar come and give me meat, and dress it in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it of her hand. So Amnon lay down and made himself sick/ and when the king was come to see him/ Amnon said unto him: let Thamar my sister come and make me a couple of fritters in my sight, that I may eat of her hand. Then David sent home to Thamer, saying: go to thy brother Amnons' house, and dress him meat. When Thamar came to her brother Amnons' house, he lay/ & she took flower and made paste, and made fritters in his sight and did bake them/ and took a platter and powered them out before him. And Amnon would not eat, but commanded to have out all men from him/ and they went all out from him. Then said Amnon unto Thamar: bring the meat in to the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand: And Thamar took the fritters which she had made, and brought them in to the chamber to Amnon her brother, and set them before him to eat. And he took her and said unto her: Come lie with me my sister. And she answered him: nay my brother do not enforce me/ for it aught not to be so in Israel/ do not this folly. * 〈…〉 For whither shall I go with my shame? And thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. But speak unto the king, and he shall not deny me unto the. How be it he would not hearken unto her voice but was to strong for her, and * 〈…〉 forced her and say with her. And then Amnon hated her exceedingly: so that the hate wherewith he hated her, was greater than the love with which he before loved her. And he said unto her/ arise and away. Then she said unto him/ this great cruelty that thou puttest me away, passeth the other that thou didst unto me. Nevertheless he would not hear her, but called his lad that waited upon him and said: put her out at the doors from me, and bolt the door after her. And she had a kirtle of divers colours upon her: For with such were the kings daughters that were virgins appareyled, made straight unto them. Then his servant brought her out at the doors, and locked the doors after her. And Thamar put ashes on her heed, and rent her gay kirtle that was on her, and put her hand on her heed and so went/ and as she went, cried. Then Absalon her brother said unto her: hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? Now then be still my sister, for he is thy brother/ and let not this thing grieve thine heart. And so Thamar remained discomforted in her brother Absalon's house. And king David heard of all these things, and was very wroth. And Absolom said unto his brother Amnon, neither good ne bad. How be it Absalon hated Amnon because he had forced his sister Thamar. And it happened two year after that, Absalon had a shepeshering in Baal Hazor besides the tribe of Ephraim, and bad all the kings sons and he came to the king and said: behold thy servant hath a shepesheringe, let the king and his servants come with thy servant. And the king said unto Absalon. O nay my son, let us not go every one of us, that we be not chargeable unto the. And Absalon lay sore upon him/ how be it he would not go, but blessed him. Then said Absalon, then let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king answered, what needeth it that he go with thee? But Absalon made such instance, that he let Amnon go with him, and all the kings children. Then Absalon commanded his young men, saying: mark when Amnons' heart is merry with wine, and when I bid you smite Amnon, then kill him: fear not, for it is I that bid you/ be bold therefore and play the lusty bloods. And the young men of Absalon served Amnon even as Absalon commanded them. And all the kings sons arose and took each man his mule and fled. And while they were yet in the way, tidings came to David that Absalon had slain all the kings sons, so that none was left alive. Then the kings arose and ear his garments, and lay along on the earth/ and all his servants stood by, with their clotheses rent. Then jonadab the son of Samah David's brother answered and said: let not my lord suppose, that they have stain all the young men the kings sons, save Amnon only is deed, for that hath been ever in Absoloms mouth, sithence he forced his sister Thamar Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing so grievously, to think that all the kings sons be deed, when Amnon only is deed. But Absalon fled/ and the young man that kept the watch lift up his eyen and looked about/ and behold, there came moche people by away that was behind his back along by an hills side. Then said jonadab unto the king: behold, the kings sons are come/ and as thy servant said, so it is. And as soon as he had left speaking: behold the kings sons came and lift up their voices and wept. And thereto the king and all his servants wept exceedingly. But Absalon escaped and went to Tholmai the son of Amihud king of Gesur. And the king mourned for his son continually. And so Absalon escaped and went to Gesur, and was there three years. And by that time the king turned his mind from pursuing Absalon. For he had left mourning for the death of Amnon. ¶ By the wisdom of the woman of Thekoa Absalon is called. The comeliness and bousshe of Absalon. Absalon fy●eth joabs corn. His father kysseth him. CAPI. XIIII. WHen joab the son of Zaruiah perceived that the kings heart was turned again to Absalon, he sent to Thekoa, and fet thence a wise woman, and said unto her: feyn thyself to be mourner, and put on mourning apparel. And anoint not thyself with oil. But be as a woman that had long time mourned for the death of some body. And go to the king and speak on this manner unto him. And joab taught her what she should say. Now when the wife of Thekoa was come to speak with the king, she fallen on her face to the ground and did obeisance and said: help me O king. And the king said unto her, what aileth thee? she answered. I am a widow, and mine husband is deed. And thy handmaid had two sons which fought together in the fields where was no man to go between them, & the one slew tother. And behold, the hole kindred arose against thy handmaid, and said: deliver us him that smote his brother: that we may kill him for the soul of his brother whom he slew, for we will destroy the heir also. And so they shall quench my sparkle which is left, till there remain neither name ne issue upon the earth unto my husband. The king said unto the wife: go home to thine house, and I will give a charge forth. Then the woman of Thekoa said unto the king. My lord king, the trespass be on me and on my father's house, and the king and his seat be guiltless. And then said the king: if any man say aught unto thee, bring him to me/ and he shall no more trouble the. Then said she, let the king remember his Lord God, that the next of the blood gather not on heaps together to destroy, and that they slay not my son. And he said: as truly as the Lord liveth, there shall not one here of thy sons heed fall to th'earth. Then the woman said: let thine handmaid speak one word more to my lord the king, and he said, say on. And the woman said/ wherefore then hast thou determined on this same manner against the people of God? that the king should speak this thing and be faurye therein, so that the king should not fet home again his banisshed? For we must needs die and perish, as water spilled on the ground, which can not be gathered up again/ and God will not take away the life, but find the means that the banished be not utterly expelled from him. And now concerning that I am come to speak of this thing unto the king my lord/ for I stood in fear of the people/ thy handmaid thought surely I will speak unto the king/ peradventure the king will hear the request of his handmaid. And the king shall hear his handmaid and deliver her forth of the hand of the man that would have destroyed me and my son also, out of the inheritance of God. Then thine handmaid said: I pray God that the word of my lord the king may be unchangeable. ☜ For my lord the king is an angel of God in hearing of good or bad: and therefore the Lord thy God be with the. Then the king answered and said to the woman: hide not from me I pray thee: the thing that I shall ask the. And the woman said: let my Lord the king say on. Then said the king. Is not the hand of joab with the in all this matter? And the woman answered and said: as surely as thy soul liveth, my Lord king, it is neither on the right hand nor on the left, that my Lord the king hath spoken. For thy servant joab bade me, & he put all these words in the mouth of thine hand maid. And that I should thus turn my tale an other way, willed me thy servant joab. And so I see that my Lord is wise, even as an Angel of God, to understand all things that are in the earth. Then said the king to joab, behold, I am content to do this thing. Go therefore fet home the youngman Absalon. And joab fallen to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, & blessed the king, and said: now thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in the sight of my Lord the king in that he hath fulfilled the request of his servant. And so joab arose and went to Gesur, and brought Absalon to jerusalem. Then said the king: let him turn to his own house, and see he come not in my presence. And so Absalon went to his own house, but came not in the kings presence. Moreover in all Israel there was not so goodly a man as Absalon, ●●salon. or so greatly praised, from the sole of his foot to the top of his heed, was no blemish in him. And when he shaved his heed (for at every years end he shaved it because it was heavy on him, & therefore he shaved it) the heart thereof weighed two hundred sycles weight of the kings weight And this Absalon had three sons born him and one daughter named Thamar, which was a tayre woman to look upon. When Absalon had dwelled two year in jerusalem with out coming into the kings presence, he sent for joab, to th'intent, to have sent him to the king. But he would not come to him. And he sent again, & yet he would not come. Then he said unto his servants: ☞ behold, joab hath a parcel of land fast by mine/ & hath barley therein. Go and set it on fire, And Absaloms' servants went and set it on fire. Then joab arose and came to Absalon unto his house, and said unto him: Wherefore have thy servants burned my field with fire? And Absalon said to joab: behold. I sent for thee, desiring the to come, because I would have sent the to the king, for to say: wherefore am I come from Gesur? It had been as good for me to have biden there still. Now therefore let me come to the kings presence, or else if there be any trespass in me, kil me. And joab went to the king and told him. And he sent for Absalon: which when he was come, fallen to the ground on his face before the king. And the king kissed him. ¶ Absalon maketh insurrection against his father. David is fain to flee for fear of him. CAPI. XU. AFter this, Absalon got him charettes and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And thereto he used to arise up early in the mornings, and to stand by the ways side that led to the gate of the city. And all the men of Israel that had complaints and came to the king for judgement, he called unto him and said: of what city art thou? And when the other answered: thy servant is of such a tribe of Israel. Then said Absalon unto him: see, me thinketh thy matter is good and righteous, and yet no man is appointed of the king, to hear the. Then Absalon said further: O, that I were a judge in the land, and that all men which have suits and matters in the law, should come to me. For I would do them justice. And also when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand and took him to him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalon to all Israel that came to the king for judgement, and thus he wan the hearts of the men of Israel. And at forty years end Absalon said to the king: Let me go to Hebron, and pay my vow which I have vowed, unto the Lord: for thy servant vowed a vow when I was in Gesur in the land of Syria, saying: if the Lord shall bring me again to jerusalem, I will serve the Lord. And the king said/ go in peax. And so he arose and went to Hebron. Then Absalon sent spies thorough out all the tribes of Israel, saying/ as soon as you hear the voice of the trump blow, say/ Absalon reigneth king in Hebron. And with Absalon went two hundred men forth of jerusalem that were called. And they went with pure hearts knowing nothing of the matter. Absalon sent also for Achitophel the Gilonite David's councillor, and fet him out of his city Giloh, when he sacrified sacrifices, where was wrought strong treason. And the people drew to Absalon in great throngs. And there came a messenger to David and said/ The hearts of the men of Israel are to follow Absalon. Then said David to all his servants that were with him at jerusalem/ arise and let us flee, for we shall not otherwise escape from Absalon. Make speed to departed/ lest he come suddenly and catch us, and bring some mischief upon us, & smite the city with th'edge of the sword. And the kings servants said to him/ behold, thy servants are ready to whatsoever my Lord the king shall appoint. Then the king & all his household departed a foot. And he left behind him ten women that were his concubines, to keep the house. And so the king & all the people went forth a foot & tarried far from the house, & all his servants went by his side. And all the Cerethites & all the Phelethites, & all the hittites even vi hundred men whi●h were come a foot from Geth, went before the king. Then said the king to Ethai the Gethite, wherefore shouldest thou go with us also? Return and abide with the king, for thou art a straungte and art removed from thine own place. Thou camest but yesterday, and should I disquiet the to day to go with us? I will go whether I go. But return thou and carry again thy brethren. Mercy & truth be with the. And Ethai answered the king and said: as surely as the Lord liveth, and as surely as my Lord the king liveth, in what place my Lord the king shallbe, whether in death or life, there will thy servant be. Then said the king to Ethai, come and go forward. And Ethai the Gechite went forth, and all his men, and all the children that were with him. And all the country wept with a loud voice. So all the people went forward the strait way to the wilderness. And behold Sadock and all the Levites were with him, and bore the ark of the testament of God. And when they had set down the ark of God, Abiathar came up, until the people were all come over, out of the city. Then said the king unto Sadock. Carry the ark of God again into the city. If I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me both it and the tabernacle thereof also. But if the Lord thus say: I have no lust unto the. Behold, here am I, let him do with me what seemeth good in his eyes. The king said also unto Sadock the preaste, thou art a Sear. Return therefore into the city in peax. And take your two sons with you: Ahimaaz thy son, & jonathas the son of Abi●thar. And see, I will hide me in the fields of the wilderness till there come some word from you to be told me. And so Sadock and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to jerusalem, and they tarried there. And David went up on mount Oly●●● and wept as he went, and had his heed covered, and went barefote. And all the people that was with him, had every man his heed covered, and as they went wept also And one told David, saying: Achitophel is one of them that have conspired with Absalon. Then said David: O Lord, turn the counsel of Achitophel in foolishness. When Da●●● was come to the top of the mount and ●ad b●●●ed himself unto God: behold, H●●●t● Arachi●e came against him with his co●etorne & earth upon his heed. Unto whom David said: if thou go with me, thou shalt be a burden unto me. But if thou return to the city: then shalt thou say unto Absalon I will be thy servant O king: thus long have I been thy father's servant, and now I am thine. And shalt disclose the counsel of Achitophel. And thou hast therewith the Sadock and Abiathar the priests, to whom thou shalt show all thou canst hear out of the kings house. And behold, you have with you their two sons: Ahimaaz Sadockes son, and jonathas Abiathars son, by whom you shall send me all you can hear. And so Hus●● David's friend got him to the city. And Absalon also entered into jerusalem. ¶ Ziba bringing presents to David, doth falsely accuse M●phiboseth. Semei ●ursethe David and hourleth stones at him. Absalon by ●haduyse or Achitophel lieth with his fathers concubines. CAPI. XVI. WHen David was a little paste the top of the hill: behold Ziba the servant of Miphiboseth came against him with a couple of Asses sadeled, and upon them two hundred loves, and one hundred bonches of resinges, and an hundred frayles of dried figs, and a bottle of wine. Then said the king to Ziba: What hast thou there? And Ziba said: Asses for the kings household to ride on, and breed and fruit for the young men to eat, and wine to drink, if any man faint in the wilderness. Then said the king: two. Regum xix ● Where is thy master's son? and Ziba said unto the king: behold, he tarrieth still at jerusalem. For he said: This day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. Then said the king to Ziba: behold thine are all that pertained unto Miphiboseth. And Ziba answered: I beseech the that I may find grace in thy sight my Lord king. And when king David came to Bahurim: behold, thence came out a man of the kindred of the house of Saul named Semei the son of Gera, and he came out cursing. three Regum. ● And thereto he cast stones at David and at all the servants of king of David, all the people and all the men of war going part on his rightehande, and part on his left. And thus said this Semei, when he cursed the king, walk, walk, thou bloudesheder, and thou unthrifty man. The Lord hath brought upon thee, all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place thou hast reigned, and he hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalon thy son. And thou art wrapped about with thine own mischief, because thou art a blood sheder. Then said Abisai the son of Zaruiah unto the king: Why doth this deed dog curse my Lord the king? let me go and strike of his heed. And the king said: What have I to do with you, you sons of Zaruiah/ Letoy him curse/ for the Lord hath bidden him curse David. ☜ And who dare presume to say wherefore doth he so? And David said to Abisai, & to all his servants/ behold, my son which came out of mine own bowels seeketh my life. How moche more than may this son of jemini do it? Suffer him therefore to curse for the Lord hath bidden him/ happily the Lord will look on my wretchedness, and do me good for his cursing this day. And thus as David and his men went by the way, Semei went along on the hills side, over against him, and railed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. And the king & all that were with him came very weary, and refreshed themselves there. And Absalon and all the people of the men of Israel came to jerusalem and Achitophel with him. And as soon as he was come/ Husai the Arachite David'S friend went unto Absalon and said unto him: God save the king, God save the king. And Absalon said again to Husai: is this thy kindness thou owest to thy friend? Why wentest thou not wi●h him? And Husai said unto Absalon: nay not so, but whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel those, his will I be, and with him will I devil. And furthermore, unto whom shall I do service but to his son? And as I was servant before wi●h thy father, so shall I be with the. Then spoke Absalon to Achitophel, give counsel what is best for us to do. Achitophel said to Absalon: get the in to thy father's concubines which he hath left to keep the hou●e. For when all Israel shall hear that thou hast foiled thy father, then shall the hands of all that are with thee, be strong. And so they pytched Absalon a tent upon the top of the house. And he went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. And the counsel of Achitophel which he counseled in those days, even as a man had asked counsel of God: so was all the counsel of Achitophel, both unto David and also unto Absalon. ¶ Achitophel apperceiving his counsel disallowed o● Huiai and forsaken, hangs himself. CAP. XVII. THen Achitophel said unto Absalon: let me choose our twelve thousand men. And I will forward and follow after David by night, and come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and westray him, that all the people that are with him shall flee. And so will I smite the king succourless, & will bring again all the people unto thee, for thou ●etchest but after one man, and all the people shall have rest. And the saying pleased Absalon well, and all the elders of Israel. Then said Absalon: call also Husai the Arachi●e and let us hear his advise. When Husai was come to Absalon, Absalon spoke unto him, saying: Achitophel hath given such counsel, whether it be best we do after his saying or not, tell thou. Then said Husai to Absalon: the counsel that Achitophel hath given is not good at this tyme. For (said Husai) thou knowest thy father and the men that are with him, how they be strong men. And they be chafed in their minds, as a Bear rob of her whelps. Prove xvii b And moreover thy father is a man practised in water, and will not lie a nights amongs the comen people. Perchance he now lurketh in some cave or in some other place. And though some of his men be overthrown at the first brunt, yet they that hear it will think the people that followeth Absalon, be put to the worse. By reason whereof even the best men thou hast whose hearts are as the hearts of Lions, shall shrink thereat. For all Israel know that thy father is a dowtye man, and that they which be with him be valiant men. But my counsel is that all Israel be gathered unto thee, from Dan to Berseba, as the sand of the see in number, and that thou go to battle in thine own person. And we shall come upon him in one place or other, where we shall find him, and we shall pitch a field against him, even as thick as the dew falls on the ground. And there shall not one of them be left, neither he ne any of all that were with him. Moreover if he take a town, then shall all the men of Israel compass that city round about with ropes, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one stone found upon an other. And Absalon and all the men of Israel said: that the counsel of Husai the Arachite was better than the counsel of Achitophel. For it was even the even lords intent to destroy the counsel of Achitophel: 〈…〉 which was good, that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalon. Then said * 〈…〉 Husai unto Sadock and Abiathar the priests: on this & that manner did Achitophel and thelders of Israel counsel Absalon. And thus and thus have I counseled. Now therefore send quickly and show David, saying: tarry not all night in the fields of the wilderness, but get the over jest the king be devoured, and all the people that are with him. Now jonathas and Ahimaaz abode by the well Rogel/ for they might not be seen to come into the city. And a we●● went and told them. And they to go & showed king David. Nevertheless there was a lad see them which told it to Absalon. But they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his yard, into which they went down. And the wife took and spread a coverlet on the top of the well, and strawed thereon steaped barleye to dry. And the thing was not espied. So when Absaloms' servants came to the wife, to the house and asked where one Ahimaaz and jonathas were, the wife said unto them/ they be go over the little brook of water. And when they had sought them and could not find them, they returned to jerusalem. And as soon as they were departed, the other came out of the well and went and told king David, and said unto him/ arise and get you quickly over the water, for such counsel hath Achitophel given. Then David arose and all the people that were with him, and they were come over jordan by day light so that there lacked not one of them that was not come over jordan. And when Achitophel saw his counsel was not followed, he sadelled his ass, and arose, 〈…〉 and got him home, to his own city, and set his household in order and hanged himself and died, and was buried in the burial of his father. Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalon passed over jordan, both he and all the men of Israel with him. Then Absalon made Amasa captain of the host in stead of joab which Amasa was a man's son named jethra a jezrahelyte that went in to Abigail the daughter of Naah, sister to Zaruiah joabs mother. And Israel and Absalon pitched in the land of Galaad. And when David was come to Mahanaim, Sobi the son of Naah of Rabath the city of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Amiel of Lodaber, and Berzelei the Galaadite of Rogelim, brought beds, basins and earthen vessels: and also corn, barley, flower, and parched corn, beans, and rice, honey, butter, sheep and cheese of kine, for David and all the people that were with him to eat. For they supposed that the people should be hungry, faintye, and thurstye in the wilderness. ¶ Absalon is overcome in battle. He hangs by the hear on an Oak. He is killed and put in a ditch. David is so sorrowful for the death of Absalon that he weepeth. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the king numbered the people that were with him, and set grand capitalnes and petty capytaines over them. And he sent one part of them with joab, and an other part with Abisai the son of Zaruiah joabs brother, and the third part with Ethai the Gethite. And the king said to the people: shall I go with you? And the people answered: nay, for if we i'll, our adversaries will not care for us: neither though half of us were slain, shall they regard us. But thou were worth ten thousand of us. And furthermore it is that thou be ready to secure us out of the city. Then said the king: what seemeth you best, that will I do. And the king stood by the gates side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands. And the king commanded joab, Abisai, and Ethai saying: see that you save my son Absalon. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge upon Absalon. And the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim. Where the people of Israel were put to the worse before the servants of David and there was a great slaughter that day, even of twenty thousand men. And the field was fought in diverse places, all abroad upon the earth. And the woods devoured more people that day, than did the sword. And it chanced Absalon to come before the servants of David riding upon a Mule which carried him under the thick bows of a great Oak. And hi● heed caught in the Oak, so that he hung between heaven and earth, and the Mule that was under him went away. And one that saw it told joab saying: behold, I saw Absolom hang in an Oak: and joab said unto him that told him: lo, sawest thou him? And why didst not thou there smite him to the ground, that I should have given the ten sycles of silver and a soldiers girdle. And the man answered joab: though I had a thousand sycles of silver told in my hand, yet would I not stretch out mine hand against the kings son. For we heard with our ears when the king charged thee, Abisai, and Ethai, saying: see that you lay no hand upon my son Absalon. Moreover though I had leoparded my life, and done falsely, yet could naught of all the matter have been hid from the king: yea and thou thyself wouldest be against me. Then said joab I may not stand tarrying with thee, I will upon him before thy face. And therewith he took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalon while he was yet alive on the body of the tree And ten servants that bore joabs weapons, turned and smote Absalon and slew him. Absalom● death. Then joab blue a trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel: for joab spared the people. And they took Absalon, and cast him into a great pit that was in the wood, & cast a mighty great heap of stones upon him Then all Israel fled every man to his tent. And this Absalon yet in his life time, reared up a pillar, which is yet in kings dale. For he said: I have no male child. Absaloms' p●●ler. And therefore to keep my name in remembrance do I it. And he called the pillar after his own name. And it is called unto this day, Absaloms' pillar. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Sadock: let me run and bear the king tidings, how the Lord hath given him judgement forth of the hands of his enemies. joab said to him: thou art no man to bear tidings to day: thou shalt bear tidings another time but to day thou shalt bear none, because the kings son is deed. Then said joab to Chusi go and tell the king what thou hast seen. And Chusi bowed himself unto joab and ran. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Sadock again to joab: come what come will, let me run I pray the after Chusi. And joab said: Wherefore shouldst thou run my son? for all be it thou run thou gettest no reward: but he said, Well, come what will let me run. And he said unto him: run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the plain and over ran Chusi. David sat between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the brickwall, and lift up his eyes and saw: and behold, there came a man running alone. And the watchman called and told the king. And the king said, if he come alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came and drew nigh. And the watchman saw another man running, and called unto the porter and said: behold, there cometh another running alone. And the king answered, he is also a tidings bringer. And the watchman said: me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Sadock, And the king said: he is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. And Ahimaaz called and said to the king: good tidings, and bowed himself to the earth upon his face before the king and said: blessed be the Lord thy God which hath shut up all the men that life up their hands against my Lord the king. And the king said, is the lad Absalon safe? And Ahimaaz answered, I see a great hurly-burly when the kings servant joab sent me thy servant. But I wot not what it was. And the king said: turn and stand here. And he turned and stood. And behold Chusi came and said, Good tidings my liege sir king, the Lord hath quit the this day out of the hands of all that arose against the. And the king said to Chusi, is the lad Absalon safe? And Chusi answered, the enemies of my Lord the king and all that rise against thee, to have thee, be as thy son is. And the king was moved and went up to a chamber over the gate and wept, And as he went thus he said: my son Absalon, my son, my son, my son Absalon, would to God I had died for the Absalon, my son, my son. ¶ David is restored to his kingdom, and brought again to jerusalem. CAPI. XIX. IT was told joab, that the king wept and mourned for Absalon. And the victory was turned that day in to mourning unto all the people. For the people heard that day, how the king sorrowed for his son, and the people went stealing in to the city, even as people confounded do steal away, when they flee in battle. And the king hid his face and cried with a loud voice: my son Absalon Absalon my son my son. joab therefore went into the house to the king & said: thou hast abashed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons & daughters, and the lives of thy wives & concubines, in that thou lovest thine enemies and hatest thy friends. Thou hast declared this day that thou carest neither for thy capitains nor servants. For now I evidently perceive, if Absalon had lived, and all we died this day, than it had pleased the well. Now therefore arise and come abroad, & speak kindly unto thy servants, I swear by the Lord whiles thou come out, there will not tarry one man with the this night, which thing will be worse unto thee, than all the evil that fallen on the from thy youth unto this hour. Then the king arose & sat down in the Gate. And it was told unto all the people, how the king sat in the Gate. And then all the people came before the king, But Israel fled every man to his tent. And all the people were at strife thorough out all the kynredes of Israel, saying: the king delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines. And now he is fled out of the land for Absalon. But Absalon whom we anointed over us is deed in battle. Now therefore why are you so still, that you bring not the king again? And king David sent to Sadock & Abiathar the priests, saying: Speak unto the elders of juda and say: why should you be the last that should bring again the king to his house, sith such tidings is come from all Israel unto the king even to his house? you are my brethren, my bones and my flesh: wherefore then should you be the last that should come to bring the king home again? And say to Amasa: art thou not my bone and my flesh? And God do so to me and so, unless thou be captain of the host to me for ever in the room of joab. And he bowed the hearts of all the men of juda, as a man would bow the heart of one man: so that they sent word to the king, that he should return with all his servants. And the king returned and came to jordan. And juda came to Galgal to th'intent to meet the king and convey him over jordan. And Semei * 〈…〉 the son of Gera the son of jemini which was of Bah●rim, hasted and came with the men of juda to meet king David, and a thousand men of BenIamin with him, and * 〈…〉 Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his xu sons, and twenty servants with him. And they whypte over jordan before the king. And there went over a Botte to carry over the kings household, and to do him pleasure. And Semei the son of Gera fallen before the king, as he was come over jordan, & said to him: let not my lord account wickedness unto me, ne let him not remember the wickedness that thy servant did, 〈…〉 when my lord the king departed forth of jerusalem that the king should take it to heart. For thy servant doth know his offence. And therefore behold, I am the first this day of all the house of joseph that am come to meet my lord the king. But Abisai the son of Zaruiah answered and said: shall Semei not die for these words that he reviled the Lords anointed? And the king said/ What matter is between you and me, you sons of Zaruiah, that you should this day be adversaries unto me? There shall no man die this day in Israel/ for I know I am made this day king over Israel. And the king said unto Semei/ thou shalt not die, and swore unto him. And Miphiboseth the son of Saul came also to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, ne shaven his beard, ne washed his clotheses, from the time the king departed, till he came again in peax. And when he was come to jerusalem toward the king, the king said unto him/ Wherefore wentest not thou with me Miphiboseth? And he said, My Lord king, my servant deceived me. For thy servant said/ that I would have mine ass saddled to ride thereon, 〈…〉 for to go to the king, because thy servant is lame. And he hath thereto complained on thy servant unto my Lord the king. But my lord the king is as an angel of God/ do therefore what seemeth best in thine eyes. For all my father's house were but deedmen unto my lord the king/ & yet didst thou put me among them that eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet, to cry any more unto the king? And the king said/ it needeth the not to speak any more, 〈…〉 for I have said/ that thou and Ziba shall divide the lands between you. And Miphiboseth said unto the king/ ye let him take all/ for so much as my lord the king is come in peax to his own house. And Berzelai the Galaadite came from Rogelim, ●●gum i b and went over jordan with the king, to accompany him over jordan: which Berzelai was a very aged man, even four score years old, and had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim: for he was a man of very great substance. And the king said unto Berzelai: come thou with me, that I may feed the with me in jerusalem. But Berzelai said unto the king, Of what age am I, that I should go with the king into jerusalem? I am this day four score year old: and therefore can not decern savoury from unsavoury, neither hath thy servant pleasure in that he eateth or dryncketh: ne yet delectation in the songs of men or women. It is no need that thy servant be a burden unto my Lord the king: let thy servant go a little way over jordan with the king, for why should the king yield me such a reward? But let thy servant turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and mother. But loo, here is thy servant Chamaam, let him go with my Lord the king, and do to him, what shall please the. And the king answered, Chamaam shall go with me. And I will do to him that thou shalt be content with. Yea and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that same will I do for the. And all the people went over jordan. And when the king was come over jordan, he kissed Berzelai and blessed him, and he went back again unto his own place. And then the king went to Galgal, and Chamaam went with him. Now, all the men of juda were at the bringing over of the king, and but half the men of Israel. Wherefore all the men of Israel came to the king and said unto him: why have our brethren the men of juda stolen the away, and have brought the king and his household and all David's men with him over jordan? And all the men of juda answered the men of Israel: for the king is near of kin to us: wherefore be you angry for that matter? think you that we eat of the kings cost, or that the king giveth us any gifts? And the men of Israel answered the men of juda and said: we have ten parts in the king and have thereto more right to David than you. Why then did you despise us, that our advise had not been first had in restoring our king again? And the words of the men of juda were fearcer than the words of the men of Israel. ¶ Seba the son of Bochri raiseth Israel against David. joab killeth Amasa trayt●rouslye. The heed of Seba is delivered to joab David's receivers are numbered. CAPI. XX. THere happened also to be an unthrifty person named Seba, the son of Bochri, a man of Gemini, which blew a trompec & said: we have no part in David, nor inheritance in the son of Isai, O Israel, let us departed therefore every man to his 〈◊〉. And all Israel went from David and followed Seba the son of Bochri. Seba. But the men of juda clave fast unto the king, from jordan to jerusalem. And when David was come to his house to jerusalem, he took the ten women his concubines that he had left behind him to keep the house, and put them in ward and ministered all things unto them: but lay no more with them. And so they were closed unto the day of the death of them, and lived a widows life. Then said the king to Amasa: assemble me the men of juda within three days & present thyself here. And Amasa went to assemble the men of juda: but tarried longer than the time appointed him. Wherefore the king said to Abisai: now shall Seba the son of ●ochri be worse to us then Absalon. Take thou therefore thy masters servants and follow after him: jest he get him walled cities and escape us. And there went out after him joabe men and the Cerethi●es and the Phelechites and men of strength. And they departed one of Ieru●alem t● pursue Seba the son of Bochri. And when they were come to the great stone in Gabaon, Amasa met him. And joab had his garment that he had about him, gird unto him, and had gird thereon a knife joined fast to his loins in a sheathe out of which it might easily come forth. And joab said to Amasa: are all things in rest and peax my brother? joab killeth Amasa. And joab took Amasa by the chin with the right-hand, as though he would have kissed him. And Amasa took no heed to the knife that was in joabs hand, with which joab smote him in the short rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and smote him but one stroke, and he died. And then joab and Abisai his brother pursued Seba the son of Bochri. And one of joabs men that stood by the deed corpse of Amasa said: What is he that he would be as joab, and what is he that would be unto David in stead of joab? And Amasa lay wallowing in blood in the mids of the way. And there was a man that see how all the people stood s●ll to gaze upon him, and he rolled Amasa out of the way into the field, and cast a cloth upon him. two. Regum ii f And as soon as he was tumbled out of the way all the people went after joab, to pursue Seba the son of Bochri. And he went thorough all the tribes of Israel unto Abel Bethmaacah and all Barim. And the people gathered unto him and went also after him. And they came & besieged him in Abel Bechmaacah. And they call up a bank against the city. And it was besieged. All the people that was with joab laboured busily to overthrow the brickwall. Then cried a wise woman A wise woman. out of the city, hearken, hearken, bid joab that he come hither, to th●●re●● I may speak with him. When joab was come, the woman said: a●● thou joab? And joab answered, I am. And she said to him: hear the words of thy handmaid, And he said: I am ready to hear. And she said: it hath been a comen saying in old time/ men must ask in Abel, & then it come to good pass. Abel is one of the quyetest and faithfullest cities that are in Israel. And thou goest about to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why devourest thou the inheritance of the Lord? And joab answered and said: God forbid, God forbid it me, that I should either devour or destroy it. The thing is not so: But there is a man of mount Ephraim, Seba the son of Bochri by name, who hath life up his hand against king David. deliver us him only, and I will departed from the city. And the woman said unto joab: Behold, his heed shall be thrown thorough the brickwall to the. And then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they smote of the head of Seba the son of Bochri, and cast it to joab. And he blue the trump, and they skatered from the city every man to his tent. So joab returned to jerusalem unto the king. And joab was the grand captain over all the host of Israel, and Banaiah the son of joiada was over the Cerethites & the Phelethites. Aduram was officer over the tribute And josaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder. Seva was scribe. Sadock and Abiathar were the priests. But Ira the jatrite was counsellor even to David self. ¶ Three dear years. The vengeance of the sins of Saul lighteth on his seven sons, which are hanged. Four great batelles, which David fought against the Philistines. CAPI. XXI. THen there fallen an hunger in the days of David three years insewinglye, and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered: it is for Sauls sake and the house of blood, because he slew the Gabaonites. And the king called the Gabaonites, and said unto them. Iud. ix ● (Now these Gabaonites were not of the children of Israel, but a remnant of the Ammorites, for the children of Israel had sworn unto them, & yet Saul sought to slay them, of a zeal he had to the children of Israel and of juda) David therefore said unto the Gabaonites: What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I content you, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord? The Gabaonites said unto him: Our matter is not upon silver & gold but against Saul and against his house: neither have we any man that we would kill in Israel. Then he said What then will you I do for you? And they said unto the king: the man that consumed and imagined to bring us to naught, him we aught to destroy, that not one of his stock be left ●●all the coostes of Israel, let the seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, that ●●e may hang them up unto the Lord, in Ga●●●●, of Saul sometime the Lords elect. And David said: I will give them you. But the king had compassion on Miphibo●●th the son of jonathas, i Reg. xuli. a the son of Saul, because of the lords oath that was between David and jonathas the son of Saul. But he took the two sons of Rezphah the daughter of Aiah which she bore unto Saul, Armoni and Miphiboseth, and the five sons of Michol the daughter of Saul which she bore to Adriel the son of Berzelai the Molachite, & delivered them unto the hands of the Gabaonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the Lord. These seven were all slain at once in the first days of harvest: even in the beginning of Barley harvest. And Rezphah the daughter of Aiah took sack cloth and spread it under her upon the Rock, even from the beginning of harvest, until rain dropped upon them out of heaven and suffered neither the birds of the air to fall on them by day, nor beasts of the field by night. When it was told David what Rezphah the daughter of Aiah the concubine of Saul had done, he went and took the bones of Saul & of jonathas his son, 〈…〉 of the men of Jabes in Galaad, which they had stolen from the street of Bethsan, where the Philistines had hanged them in the days when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gelboe. And brought thence the bones of Saul and the bones of jonathas his son, and they fet away the bones of them that were hanged, and buried them with the bones of Saul and jona t'has his son in the country of BenIamin, in Zela, in the sepulchre of Cis his father. And when they had performed all that the king commanded, God was appeased with the land. And the Philistines had yet again war with Israel. David therefore went down and his servants with him, and fought with the Philistines. And David waxed faynty, & jesdi of Nob one of the sons of Haraphah whose spear head weighed three hundred sycles of Brass, and was gird with a new sword thought to have slain David. But Abisai the son of Zaruiah succoured him and smote the Philistine and killed him. Then the servants of David swore unto him saying. Thou shalt go no more forth with us to battle, that the light of Israel be not put out. And there was yet after this, battle with the Philistines at Nob, in which Sobochai the Husathite slay Sapho of the sons of Haraphah. And there was yet the third battle in God, with the Philistines, where Elehanan the son of the jaere Orgim, a Bethlehemite, slay one Goliath a Gethite: the staff of whose spear was as great as a weavers clot beam. And there was yet battle in Geth, where was a man of a great height, who had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes xxiiij in all. And was also of the kindred of Haraphah, and defied Israel. And jonathas the son of Samach the brother of David slay him. These four were of the sons of Haraphah in Geth, and were overthrown by the hand of David and his servants. ¶ The song of David for his delivery from his enemies. CAP. XXII. ANd David spoke the words of this ballad unto the Lord, what time the Lord had delivered him out of the hands of all his enemies, and out of the hands of Saul. ☞ And he said: the Lord is my rock, my castle and my saviour. God is my strength, and in him will I trust: my shield & the horn that defendeth me: mine high hold and refuge, my savour, save me from wickedness. I will praise and call on the Lord and so shall be saved from mine enemies. 〈◊〉 xvii a For the storms of death have closed me about, and the flouddes of Belial have feared me. The cords of hell have environed me, and the snares of death have overtake me. In my tribulation I called to the Lord, and cried to my God. And he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry entered into his ears. The earth trembled and quoke, and the foundations of heaven moved and shaken, because he was angry. Smoke went out of his nostrils, and consuming fire out of his mouth, that it kindled coals. He bowed heaven & came down, and derckenesse under nethe his feet. And he road upon Cherubim and flew: and appeared upon the wings of the wind. And he made derckenesse a tabernacle round about him, with water congealed in thick clouds. Of the brightness that was before him, coals were set on fire. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the most high put out his voice. He shot arrows and scattered them, and hurled lightning and turmoiled them. And the bottom of the see appeared, and the foundations of the world were seen, by reason of the rebuking of the Lord, and thorough the blasting of the breadth of his nostrils. He sent from above and fet me, & plucked me out of mighty waters. He delivered me from my mighty enemy, and from them that hated me, and were to strong for me. When they had besieged me in the day of my affliction, the Lord stayed me up. And he brought me out at large and delivered me, because he delighted in me. The Lord rewarded me after my rightwiseness, and according to the pureness of my hands he requyted me. For I kept the ways of the Lord, and committed no wickedness by forsaking my God. But I had all his laws in my sight, neither I turned my face from any of his ordinances. But was pure unto him ward, and kept myself from ungodliness. And the Lord did to me again, according to my rightwiseness, and after my pureness that I had in his sight. With the holy thou shalt be holy, and with the man that is uncorrupt, thou shalt be uncorrupt. With the pure thou shalt be pure, & with the froward thou shalt be froward also. And the people that are in adversity, thou shalt help. And on the proud shalt thou cast thine eyes, to pull them down. Thou art my light (O Lord,) and the Lord shall light my derckenesse. With thy help I will run thorough an host of men, and by the aid of my God will springe over a brickwall. The way of God is undefiled, and the word of the Lord fyned as gold, and he a shield to all that trust in him. Who is a God save the Lord, & who mighty save our God? God is my strength in war, and ryddeth the way clear before me. And maketh my feet as swift as an hinds, and setteth me fast upon my high holds. And teacheth my hands to fight, that a bow of brass is to weak for mine arms. And thou hast saved me with thy shield, & thy gentleness hath multiplied me. Thou madest me space to walk in, that my feet should not stagger. I followed mine enemies and destroyed them, and turned not again till I had consumed them. I wasted them & so browsed them, that they could not arise: but fallen under my feet. And thou didst compass me about with might to battle, and madest them that rose against me, to stoop under me. Thou madest mine enemies to turn their backs to me, & them that hated me, & I destroyed them. They looked for help: but none came to save them. Unto the Lord they cried, but he heard them not. I will beat them as small as the dust of the earth, and will stamp them as the dirt of the street, and will spread them abroad. Thou deliverdest me from the dissension of my people, ☜ and keepest me to be an head over nations, for the people which I known not become my servants. And the strangers shall make resistance against me, and shall obey me at a word. And the alyenes that shrink away/ shall tremble for fear in their defenced places. The Lord live, and blessed be he that is my strength: and exalted be God the strength that saveth me. It is God that avengeth me, and bringeth down the people under me. And delivereth me from mine enemies, thou lyftest me up on high from them that arise against me, and deliverest me from the wicked men. And therefore I will praise thee (O Lord) among the Heythen, Roma xu ● and will sing unto thy name. For thy great and manifold saving of thy king, and shewing mercy unto thine anointed, even to David, and his seed for ever. ¶ The last communication of David, and the description of the mighty men to him belonging. CAPI. XXIII. THese be the last sayings of David the son of Isai. The man which is made the high anointed of the God of jacob and pleasant Psalmist of Israel said: the spirit of the Lord spoke in me, & his words were on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke unto me, and the strength of Israel said: he that beareth rule over men, ☜ he that ruleth justly in the fear of God, shall be as the morning start when the son shineth in a morning in which are no clouds to let the brightness, and as the grass of the earth by virtue of the rain. And is not mine house so with God? in that he hath made with me an everlasting covenant perfect in all points: and in that he shall fulfil all that is healthsome unto me, & all my desires thereto. Where as the unthrifty men are all as thorns taken forth of their places, which cannot be taken with hands: but the man that shall touch them, must be armed with iron on a long helve. And then shall they be burned with fire, to sit thereby. These be the names of the mighty men that were about David: joseb of Sebeth the Tharhmonite, first of three, otherwise called Adino the Azonite, which slay eight hundred at one tyme. And next to him Eleazar the son of Dodi the son of Ahohi, one of the three principal that were with David, which when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered in battle (and the men of Israel were go up) arose and laid on the Philistines till his hand ached and clave unto the sword. And the Lord made a great victory the same day. And the people returned and went after him only to spoil. After him was Sema the son of Ageh the Hararite (which when the Philistines were gathered in Lahaia where was a parcel of land full of rice, and the people were fled for fear of the Philistines) stood in the mydi●s of the ground, and defended it & slay the Philistines. And the Lord gave him a great victory. And these three of the thirty of the lords went down and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave Odollam. And the host of the Philistines had pitched their pavilions in the valley of geauntes. And David was then in a strong hold. ☞ And the soldiers of the Philistines were then in Bethlehem. And David longed and said: O, that I had of the water that is in the well in the gate of Bethlehem to drink. And anon the three mighty brake thorough the host of the Philistines and fet water out of the Well of Bethlehem that was in the gate, and took and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but offered it unto the Lord, and said: the Lord forbid that I should do so, should I drink the blood of men that were in leopardye of their lives? and so he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. Then Abisai the brother of joab, the son of Saruiah: he was captain over three, and he life up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and was named with the three. For he was nobler man than the three and was their captain. How be it he attained not unto those three in acts. Then Banaiah the son of joiada the son of a lusty man valiant in acts of Kabzeel, he slew two Lions of Moab. He went down and slay a Lion in a pit in time of snow. And he slay an Egyptian a goodly man, which had a spear in his hand. And Banaiah went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptians hand and slew him with his own spear: Such things did Banaiah the son of joiada and was the noblest of thirty: But not like to any of the three in feats of war. And David made him of his counsel. Asahel the brother of joab was one of the thirty. Then Elehanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem: Semah the Harodite: Elica the Harobite: Helez the Paitite: Ira the son of Aches the Thekoite: Abiezer of Anatoth: Mobonai the Husathite: Zelmon an Ahohite: Maharai the Netophathite: Heleb the son of Baanah an Netophathite: Ithai the son of Ribai of Gabaah a city of the children of BenIamin: Banaiah the Pharathonite: Hedai of the river of Gaas: Abialbon the Arbathite: Asmaveth a Bethomite: Elthaba a Salabonite: Of the sons of jasen jonathas: Semah the Harorite/ Ahiam the son of Sarar an Aratite/ Eliphelet the son of Aasbar the son of a Maachathite/ Eliam the son of Achitophel the Gilonite/ Hezrai the Carmelite/ Pharai the Arbite/ Igaal the son of Nathan of Zobah/ Bani the Gadite/ Zelec an Amonite/ Naharai a Berothite the harnesbearer of joab the son of Zaruiah/ Ira the Jethrite/ Bareb the Jethrite/ Urias the Hittite/ in all thirty and seven. i 〈◊〉 ¶ Because David caused the people to be numbered, Israel is plagued with pestilence: so that in three days died lxx thousand. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd the Lord was wroth eftsoons against Israel, & stirred up David against them, saying/ Go and number both Israel and juda. And forthwith the king said to joab the captain of his host/ go abroad I pray thee, thorough out all the tribes of Israel, ●uen from Dan to Bersabe & number the people that I may know the number of them. And joab said unto the king/ I beseech the the Lord thy God make the people as many more as they be/ yea and an hundred times so many more, and that the eyes of my Lord the king may see them. But how is it that my Lord the king hath a lust in this thing? Notwithstanding the kings words prevailed against joab and against all the captains of the host. Then joab and the captains of the host went out from the king, to view the people of Israel. And they passed over jordan and pitched in Aroer on the rightsyde of the city that lieth in the mids of the valley of Gad and so forth to jazer. And then they went to Galaad & to the neither land of Hodesi, and from thence to DanIaan, & about to Sidon, and came to the strong town of tire, and to all the cities of the Hevites, & of the Canaanites, and then went out to the south of juda, even to Bersabe. And so when they had been abroad thorough out all the land, they returned to jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. And then joab delivered up the reckoning of the number of the people unto the king. And there were found in Israel nine hundred thousand men of might that drawn swords. And the men of juda were five hundred thousand men. And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And he said unto the Lord: I have sinned exceedingly in that I have done. And now Lord take away the trespass of thy servant: for I have done foolishly. And when David was risen in a morning, the word of the Lord came unto the Prophet Gad David's Sear, Gad. saying: Go and say to David, this saith the Lord. I offer the three things, chose which of them I shall do to thee. And Gad came to David and showed him, & said unto him: ☞ whether will't thou have vij years hunger in thy land, or that thou flee three months before thine enemies and they following thee, or that there be three days pestilence in thy land. Now avise the and see, what word I shall bring again to him that sent me. Then said David unto Gad: I am in a right great straight. But better it is to fall into the handꝭ of the Lord, for much is his mercy, them to fall in to the hands of men. And the Lord sent a pestilence in Israel from the morning unto the end of the time appointed. And there died of the people between Dan and Berseba lxx thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand unto Jerusalem to have destroyed it, the Lord repent upon the scourge and said to the angel that destroyed the people/ It is sufficient, let thine hand cease. And the angel was at the thresshinge place of Areunah the jebusite. Then spoke David unto the Lord when he see the Angel that smote the people, and said/ Loo, it is I that have sinned, and I that have done wickedly. But these sheep what have they done? let I pray the thy hand be on me & on my father's house. And Gad came the same day to David, and said unto him/ Go up an rear an altar unto the Lord in the thresshinge flower of Areunah the jebusite. And David according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded. And when Areunah looked and see the king and his servants coming toward him, he went out: and bowed himself to the king flat on his face to the ground, & said: Wherefore is my Lord the king come to his servant? And David said: to buy the threshing flower of thee, for to make an aultare unto the Lord that the plague may cease from the people. And Areunah said unto the king: Let my Lord the king take and offer what seemeth him good in his eyes/ Behold, oxen for sacrifice, and sleades and the other instruments of the oxen for wood. And Areunah the kings friend gave all to the king, and said moreover unto the king/ the Lord/ the Lord thy God accept the. But the king said unto Areunah/ not so, but I will buy it of the at a price, and will not offer sacrifice unto the Lord my God that shall cost me naught And so David bought the thresshinge flower, and the oxen, for fifty sycles of silver. And David built there an aultare unto the Lord, and offered burned sacrifices and peax offerings. And so the Lord was appeased with the land. And the plague ceased from Israel. ¶ The end of the second book of Samuel: commonly called the second of the Kings. THE third BOOK OF KINGS, BUT AFTER THE HEBRVES, THE first OF THE KINGS. ¶ The young virgin Abisag keepeth David in his extreme Age. Adonias occupieth the realm unwitting to his father. Solomon is anointed king and then Adonias flieth. CAPI. I WHen King David was waxen old & stricken in years, though they covered him with clotheses, yet he caught no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him: let there be sought for my Lord the king, a young maiden to stand before him and to cherish him. And let her lie in thy bosom, that my Lord the king may get heat. And so they sought for a fair damosel thorough out all the coostes of Israel and found one Abisag, a Sunamite, and brought her to the king. And the damosel was exceeding fair, and cheryshed the king and ministered to him: But the king had not to do with her. But Adonias Adonias. the son of Hagith exalted himself saying: I will be king. And he got him a chariot, and horsemen, and thirty men to run before him. And his father rebuked him not at any time nor said so much to him as why dost thou so. And he was thereto a goodly man and his mother bore him next after Absalon. And he communed with joab the son of Zaruiah, & with Abiathar the priest. And they holp Adonias. But Sadock the priest Banaiah the son of joiada, Nathan the prophet, Semei and Rei & the men of might which were with David favoured not Adonias And Adonias sacrificed sheep and oxen and fatlynges at the stone of Zoheleth, which is fast by the well of Rogel/ and bad thither all his brethren the kings sons, and all the men of juda the kings servants. But Nathan the Prophet and Banaiah and the mighty men and Solomon his brother he bade not. Whereupon Nathan Nathan. spoke unto Bethsabe the mother of Solomon, saying: hast thou not herd how Adonias the son of Hagith doth reign unwetinge unto our master David? Now therefore come that I may give the counsel, how to save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon. Hence and get the unto king David, and say unto him: didst not thou my Lord king swear unto thy handmaid, saying? Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my seat, why is then Adonias made king? And see, while thou yet talkest there with the king I will come in after thee/ and will end thy words. So Bethsabe entered unto the king into the chamber. And the king was very old & Abisag the Sunamite ministered unto him. And Bethsabe stooped and made obeisance unto the king. And the king said: what is thy matter? She answered and said: my lord, thou sworest by the Lord thy God unto thine handmaid: Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and shall sit upon my seat. But now see, Adonias is king and thou my Lord king wottest it not, & he hath offered oxen, fatlynges, and sheep abundantly, and hath called all the sons of the king and Abiathar the priest, and joab the captain of the host, But Solomon thy servant hath he not bidden. And now (my lord king) the eyes of all Israel wait on thee, to tell them who shall sit on the seat of my Lord the king after him. For else when my Lord the king is laid to rest with his fathers, I and my son Solomon shallbe sinners. And behold, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet was come. And they told the king, saying: here cometh Nathan the Prophet. And when he was come before the king, he made obeisance unto the king upon his face unto the ground, & said: My lord king, hast thou said, Adonias shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my seat? For he is go down this day and hath offered oxen, fatlynges, and sheep plentifully and hath called all the kings sons and the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest. And see, they eat and drink before him & say. God save king Adonias. But me thy servant & Sadock the priest and Banaiah the son of joiada, and thy servant Solomon he hath not called. Is this thing done of my Lord the king and yet wouldest not show me thy servant, who should sit on the seat of my lord the king after him? Then king David answered and said: Call me Bethsabe. And she came in and stood before him. And the king swore, saying. As surely as the Lord (that hath rid my soul out of all adversity) liveth: even as I swore unto the by the Lord God of Israel, saying: Solomon shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my seat for me, so will I do this day. And Bethsabe bowed on her face to the earth, and did obeisance unto the king, and said: I pray God my lord king David may live ever. Then said king David call me Sadock the priest and Nathan the Prophet, and Banaiah the son of joiada. And when they came before the king/ The king said unto them/ Take with you the servants of your lord, and set Solomon my son upon mine own Mule, and carry him down to Gihen. And let Sadock the Preaste, and Nathan the Prophet anoint him there/ to be King over Israel. And they blow you with a trumpet, and say: God save king Solomon. And then come up after him, and let him come and sit upon my seat. For he shall be king in my stead. And him I have commanded to be leader over Israel and juda. And Banatah the son of joiada answered the king, and said: Amen. And so I pray God that the Lord God of my Lord the king say so to. And as the Lord hath been with my Lord the king: so I pray God he may be with Solomon, and that he make his seat more glorious than the seat of my Lord king David. So Sadock the priest, and Nathan the Prophet, and Banaiah the son of joiada, and the Cerethytes and Phelethytes went down, and set Solomon upon king David's Mule, and led him to Gihen. And Sadock the Priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blue a trumpet/ and all they said: God save king Solomon. And all the people came up after him piping with pipes, and rejoicing greatly, so that the earth range with the sound of them. And Adonias and all the gests that were with him heard it, even as they had made an end of eating. And when joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said: how happeneth it that there is such a noise in the city? And as he yet spoke: se, jonathas the son of Abiathar the Priest came. And Adonias said: come for thou art a lusty blood, and bryngest good tidings. And jonathas answered and said to Adonias: Verily our Lord king David hath made Solomon king. And the king sent with him, Sadock the Priest, and Nathan the Prophet: and Banaiah the son of joiada, and the Cerethites and the Phelethites, and they have set him upon the kings Mule. And Sadock the Priest, and Nathan the Prophet have anointed him king in Gihen. And as they came up again, they rejoiced that the city did sound again. And that is the noise that you have herd. And thereto Solomon on sitteth on the seat of the kingdom. And moreover the kings servants went in to bless our Lord king David, saying: thy God make the name of Solomon more full of favour than thine/ and his seat more glorious than thine. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. And last of all thus said the king: blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who hath made one to sit on my seat this day, mine eyes saying it. Then all the gests that were with Adonias were afraid, and rose up and went every man his way. But Adonias fearing Solomon, arose, and went and caught hold on the horns of the altar, And it was told Solomon that Adonias for fear of king Solomon, hath caught hold by the horns of the altar, saying: let king Solomon swear unto me this day, that he will not slay his servant with the sword. And Solomon said: if he will be a good man, there shall not an here of him fall to the earth. But if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die for it. And thereupon king Solomon sent and fet him down from the altar. And he came and did obeisance unto king Solomon. And Solomon said to him: get the to thine house, ¶ David dieth. Adonias requireth to have Abisag to his concubine, and therefore Solomon commandeth to slay him. Abiathar is put from his Preasthode. Semei and joab are slain. CAPI. II WHen the days of David were drawn nigh that he should die, he charged Solomon his son, saying: I must walk by the way of all the world, nevertheless be strong, and quite thyself manfully. And see thou keep the appointment of the Lord thy God, that thou walk in his ways, and keep his commandments, ordinances, laws and testimonies/ as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayst understand all that thou oughtest to do/ and all that thou shouldst meddle with, that the Lord may make good his promise, which he hath promised me, saying: if thy children shall take heed to their ways, that they walk before me in truth with all their hearts, and with all their souls: * iii Reg. ix b then thou shalt never be without one sitting on the seat of Israel. * two. Reg. iii ●. and .xx c Moreover thou wottest how joab the son of Zaruiah hath served me, and what he hath done to the two captains of thosts of Israel: unto Abner the son of Ne'er, and unto Amasa the son of Jether/ how he slew them, and shed the blood of war in time of peax, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Deal with him therefore according to thy wisdom and see thou bring not his grey heed down to the grave in peax. * two. Reg. x●x. f And show kindness anto the sons of Berselai the Galaadyte, tnd let them be among them that eat at thy vable, because they so clave to me when I fled from Absolom thy brother. * two. Re. xvi b And lo thou hast with thee, Semei the son of Gera the son of Gemini of Bahurim, which cursed me with a bitter curse, what time I went to Mahanahim. But he came against me to jordan/ and I swore to him by the Lord, saying. I will not slay the with the sword. But pardon thou him not. Thou art a man of wisdom, and shalt know what to do to him/ se therefore thou bring his grey heed to the grave with blood. And so David tested with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. And the days which David reigned upon Israel were forty years/ seven years in Hebron, and thirty and three year in jerusalem * i Pate xxix ● So Solomon sat upon the seat of David his father. And his kingdom was stablished myghtyly. After this, Adonias the son of Hagith came to Bethsabe the mother of Solomon. And she said: betokeneth thy coming peax? * i Reg. xvi ● And he said it betokeneth peax. Then said he, I have a matter to show the. And she said: say on. And he said: thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their eyes on me that I should reign, how be it the kingdom was turned away and given to my brother, for it was appointed him of the Lord: and now I ask a petition of thee, whereof deny me not. And she said unto him: tell what it is. Then he said: speak I pray thee, unto Solomon the king (for he will not say the nay) that he give me Abisag the Sunamyte to wife: And Bethsabe said: well, I will speak for the unto the king. And thereupon Bethsabe went unto king Solomon to speak unto him for Adonias. And the king rose up against her and bowed himself unto her, and sat him down on his seat. And there was a seat set for the kings mother, and she sat on his right side. Then she said: I must desire a little petition of thee: say me not nay. And the king said unto her. Ask on my mother: for I will not say the nay. And she said: let Abisag the Sunamit● be given to Adonias thy brother to wife. And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother: why dost thou ask Abisag the Sunamite for Adonias? Nay, rather ask for him the kingdom, sith he is mine elder brother: Even for him ask it, and for Abiathar the Priest, and for joab the son of Zaruiah. Then king Solomon swore by the Lord, saying: God do so to me and so, if Adonias have not spoken this word against himself. Now therefore as surely as the Lord liveth, who hath established me and set me on the seat of David my father, and who hath made me an house as he promised me, Adonias shall die this day. And king Solomon sent by the hand of Banaiah the son of joiada, and smote him so that he died. And unto Abiathar the Priest said the king: get the to Anatoth unto thine own fields, for thou art worthy death: but I will not at this time kill thee, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou sufferedest with my father in all his afflictions. And so Solomon put away Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord: to fulfil the words of the Lord which he spoke over the house of Eli in Siloh. Regum ii f Then tidings came to joab: for joab had turned after Adonias, but not after Solomon. Whereupon he fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord and caught hold on the horns of the altar. And it was told king Solomon how joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and stood by the altar. Then Solomon sent Banaiah the son of joiada, saying: go and smite him. And when Banaiah was come to the tabernacle of the Lord he said unto him: thus saith the king, come out. And he said nay. But I will die here. And Banaiah brought the king word, saying: thus said joab, and thus he answered me. Then the king said: do even as he hath said: smite him and bury him, and take away the blood (which joab shed causeless) from me, and from the house of my father/ and the Lord bring his blood upon his own heed, for he smote two men ryghtwyser and better than he, and slay them with the sword, my father unwering: even Abner son of Ne'er, 〈…〉 capitayne of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, capitain of the host of juda, and their blood return upon the heed of joab, and on the heed of his seed for ever/ and prosperity be unto David, and unto his seed, and unto his house, and unto his seat of the Lord for ever. And Banaiah the son of joiada went up and smote him, and slew him & buried him in his own house in the wilderness/ and the king put Banaiah the son of joiada in his room over the host, and put Sadock the priest in the room of Abiathar. Then the king sent and called Semei, and said to him: build the an house in jerusalem, and devil there, & see thou go not thence any whither. For be thou sure of it, the day thou goest our and passest over the river of Cedron, thou shalt die for it, and thy blood shall be on thine own heed. Semei said unto the king: it is well said/ as my Lord the king hath said, so will his servant do. And Semei dwelt in jerusalem many a day. And it chanced at the end of three year, that two of the servants of Semei ran away unto Achis son of Maacah king of Geth. And one told Semei saying: see, thy servants be in Geth. And Semei stood up and saddled his ass, and got him to Geth to Achis to seek his servants, & came and brought them again from Geth. But it was told Solomon how Semei had go from jerusalem to Geth, and was come again. And the king sent and called Semei and said unto him: Did I not swear by the Lord, and recorded unto the saying/ be sure when so ever thou goest out and walkest abroad any whither, thou shalt die? And thou aunsweredst me, it is good tidings that I have herd. Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the Lord, and the commandment that I commanded thee? And then the king said to Semei: * 〈…〉 thou remember'st all the wickedness which thine heart knoweth that thou didst to David my father. The Lord therefore tender again thy wickedness upon thine own heed: and king Solomon be blessed, and the seat of David be settled before the Lord for ever. And the king commanded Banaiah the son of joiada: which went out and smote him that he died. And so was the kingdom settled in the hand of Solomon. ¶ Solomon taketh Pharaos' daughter to wise. The Lord appeareth to him, and giveth him wisdom. The plead of the two harlots who should own the living child: and Salomons sentence therein. CAPI. III THen Solomon drew affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, 〈…〉 and took his daughter, and brought her in to the city of David, till he had made an end of building his own house and the house of the Lord, and the walls of jerusalem round about. Only the people sacrificed in altars made on hills, because there was no house built for the name of the Lord, till those days. Solomon doubtless loved the Lord, & walked in the ordinances of David his father, save only that he sacrificed and offered incense upon altars in hills. And the king went to Gabaon to offer there/ for that was a great offering place. And there Solomon offered a thousand burned offerings upon that altar. And in Gabaon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said: Ask what I shall give the. And Solomon said: thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy/ because that he walked before the in truth and in righteousness and plainness of heart with the. And thou hast kept for him this great mercy, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his seat: as it is come to pass this day. 〈…〉 And now Lord my God, it is thou, that hast made thy servant king in the room of David my father. 〈◊〉 ix a And I am a young lad, and wots not how to order myself. And thy servant is in the mids of thy people, which thou hast choose, a people that are so many that they can not be told nor numbered for multitude. 〈◊〉 ix ● give therefore unto thy servant, ☞ an understanding heart to judge thy people, & to deserve between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy so weighty a people? And it pleased the Lord well, that Solomon had hesyred this thing. Wherefore God said unto him: because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked long life, neither haste asked richesses, nor the lives of thine enemies, but hast asked the discretion to understand equity: Lo, I have done according to thy petition: and behold, I have given the a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like heretofore, neither after the shall any arise like unto the. And thereto I have given the that thou askedst not, 〈…〉 both richesse and honour: so that there shall be no king like thee, all thy days. 〈…〉 And if thou wilt walk in my ways to keep mine ordinances and commandments, as David thy father did walk, I well lengthen thy days also. When Solomon awoke, he understood this was his dream. And he came to jerusalem and presented himself before the ark of the lords covenant, and offered burnt-offerings and peaxofferynges, and made a feast to all his servants. Then came two women that were harlots unto the king, and stood before him. And the one of them said: O my Lord, I and this woman devil in one house. And I was delivered of a child with her in the saydhouse. So the third day after I was delivered, she was delivered also: we two being together, and no stranger with us in the house save we two alone. And this wives child died in a night, for she had overlayed it. And then she arose at midnight, and took my son from my side, while thine handmaid stepped and laid it in her bosom, and put her deed child in my bosom. And when I arose up in the morning to give my child suck: lo, it was deed. But when I had looked more diligently upon it in the morning: Behold, it was not my son which I did bear. And the other woman said: It is not so: But the living is my son, and the deed thine. And she said again: thou sayest untrue, for the deed is thy son, and the living mine. And thus they chydded before the king. Then said the king: the one saith/ this that is alive is my son, and the deed is thine. And tother saith nay: But thy son is the deed, and the child alive is mine. Then said the king: bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said: divide the living child in two, and give the one half to the one, and the other to the other. Then spoke the woman that was mother to the child alive unto the king (for he bowels yearned upon her son) and said: I beseech the my Lord, Luc i g give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. And the other said: it shall be neither thine nor mine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said: * Luc vii ● give her the living child and flee it not, for she is the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgement which the king had given, and feared the king/ for they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. ¶ The Princes and rulers under Solomon. The provision for his victuals. The number of his Horses, and of his parables. CAPI. FOUR SO king Solomon was king over all Israel. And these were his lords: Azarias the son of Sadock the priest, Elihoreph and Ahiah the sons of Sisa scribes. josaphath the son of Ahilud, the recorder. And Banaiah the son of joiada was over the host. And Sadock and Abiathar were the priests. And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the general receivers. And Zabud the son of Nathan was a waiter, and the kings companion. And Ahisar steward of household. And Adoniram son of Abda over the tributes. And Solomon had twelve general receivers over all Israel, which sustained the king and his household, each man his month in a year. Whose names are these: the son of Her in mount Ephraim: the son of Dekarin Makez, in Salem in Bethsames, in Elon and in Bethhanan: the son of Hesed in Aruboth, and to him pertained Socoh, and all the land of Hepher: the son of Abinadab, which had all the regions of Dor, and Tapheth the daughter of Solomon was his wife: Baanah the son of Ahilud had Thanach Magedo, and all Bethson which is by Zarhanah beneath jezrahel, and from Bethsan to Abel Mehulah, and unto beyond jecmaam. The son of Gaber had Ramoth Galaad, and his were the towns of jair the son of Manasse, which lie in Galaad, and his was the coostes of Argob in Basan, three score great cities with walls and bars of brass. Abinadab the son of Ado, had Mahanaim: Ahimaaz had Nephthalim, and he had taken Basemath the daughter of Solomon to wife: Baanah the son of Husai had Aser and Aloth: josaphat the son of Pharuah had Isachar Semet/ the son of Elah had BenIamin: Gaber the son of Vrye, had the country of Galaad and the land of Sehon king of the Amorites/ and of Og king of Basan/ and was alone receiver in the land. And juda and Israel were many/ even as the sand of the see in number/ eating, drinking, and making merry. And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river thorough out all the land of the Philistines, ●cclesi xlv ●. unto the borders of egypt/ and they brought presents, and served Solomon all days of his life. And Salomons expense of household was every day thirty quarters of manchet flower, and three score quarters of meal/ ten stalled oxen/ and twenty out of the pastures/ and an hundred sheep and gootes, Household. beside venison of hearts, bucks, and buballes, and fat pultrye. For he ruled in all the regions on the other side Euphrates/ from Thaphsah to Gaza, and also over all the kings on the other side the said Euphrates. And he had peax with all his servants on every side. And juda and Israel dwelt without fear, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan to Bersabe, all the days of Solomon. And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for charettes/ and twelve thousand horsemen. And the foresaid general receivers made purveyance for king Solomon, and for all that came to king Salomons table every man his month, so that there lacked nothing. And as for barley and straw for the horses and mules, they brought unto the place where the officers were, every man in his office. * Eccl. xlvii c And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding moche, and a large heart/ even as the sand along by the see bank: so that Salomons wisdom exceeded the wisdom of all them of the East country, and all the wisdom of the Egyptians. And he surmounted all men in wisdom/ both Ethan the Ezathite & Heman, Chalcol, and Dorda the sons of Mahol. And his name spread abroad among all nations on every side. And Solomon written three thousand proverbs. And his songs were a thousand and five. And he disputed of trees, even from the Cedar tree that groweth in Libanon, unto the Ysope the springeth out of the brickwall. And he disputed of beestes, fowls, worms, & fishes. And there came of all nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all kings of the earth which had herd of his wisdom. ¶ King Hiram sendeth Cedar timber to the building of the temple. The description of the works. CAPI. V ANd Hiram king of Tire sent his servants unto Solomon/ for he had herd that they had anointed him king in the room of his father. And thereto Hiram was ever a lover of David. * 〈…〉 And Solomon sent again to Hiram, saying: thou knowest of David my father, how he could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for war which he had on every side, until the Lord had put them under his foot. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side/ so that there is neither adversary nor any evil plague. And therefore I am disposed to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, 〈…〉 as he promised David my father saying: thy son which I will put upon thy seat for thee, he shall build an house unto my name. Now then command that they hew me Cedar trees in Libanon. And let my servants be with thine/ & I will give thee, the hire of thy servants in all such things as thou shalt require/ for thou knowest that there are not among us that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidones. When Hiram heard the words of Solomon/ he rejoiced greatly and said: Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath set David a wise son over this mighty people. And Hiram sent again to Solomon, saying: I have allowed the request which thou sentest to me/ and will satisfy all thy lust concerning timber of Cedar trees and fir. My servants shall bring them from Libanon to the see. And I will convey them by ship unto the place that thou shalt assign me, and will 'cause them to be discharged there, that thou mayst receive them. And thou shalt do me this pleasure again/ to give me grain toward my houskeping. And So Hiram gave Solomon Cedar trees, and fyrre trees, as much as he desired. And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand quarters of wheat to feed his household with/ and twenty butts of pure oil. And so moche gave Solomon to Hiram yearly. And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peax between Hiram & Solomon, and they were in a league together. And king Solomon raised a tribute thorough out all Israel. And the tribute was thirty thousand men, which he sent to Libanon, than thousand a month by course/ so that they were one month in Libanon, and two months at home. And Adoniram was ruler over the tribute. So Solomon had three score and ten thousand that bore burdens, and three score and ten thousand that hewed in the mountains, beside the Lords he had to oversee the work, in number three thousand and three hundred/ who governed the people that wrought in the work. And at the commandment of the king, they brought great stones, and that free stones, and hewed thereto, to say in the foundation of the house. And Salomons masons, and the masons of Hiram did hew them, with them of the borders. And so they prepared both timber and stone to build the house. ¶ The frame and form of the temple porch and Aultare. etc. CAPI. VI ANd it came to pass in the four hundred and four score year, ●●ans ten after the children of Israel were come out of the land of egypt, and the fourth year of the reign of Solomon upon Israel, and the second month called ●●ali iii a ●is, A● there 〈◊〉 Some ●at it he 〈◊〉 Zif, that he began to build the temple unto the Lord. And the house which Solomon built for the Lord was three score cubytes long, and twenty broad, and thirty cubytes high. And the porch that was before the body of the temple, was twenty cubytes long, after the measure of the breadth of the house, and ten broad/ even at the very end of the house. And he made unto the house, windows to open and shut. And under the walls of the house, he made galeryes round about, both about the temple, and also the quere. And so made sides round about. And the nethermost galerye was five cubytes broad, and the middle galerye six, and the third seven cubytes broad. for he made the walls without whereon the beams lay, ever thinner and thinner/ so that they were not fastened in the walls of the house. And the house was built of stone made perfect already ere it was brought thither/ so that there was neither hammer or axe, tyther any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building. And the door of the middle galerye was in the end of the house on the right side. And men went up with winding steers in to the middle galerye, and out of the middle in to the third. And so he built the house and finisshed it, and roufte it with beams of Cedar timber, made hollow and joined together. Then he built chambers over all the temple of five cubytes height, and coupled the house together with beams of Cedar. And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying: concerning the house which thou art a building/ if thou wilt walk in mine ordinances, and execute my laws, and keep all my commandments, to walk in them: then will I make good unto thee, my promise 〈…〉 which I promised David thy father. 〈…〉 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. And so Solomon built the house and finished it, and syled the walls of the house within, with rib of Cedar tree/ even from the pavement unto the roof, did he syle it within, and boarded the floor of the house with planks of fir. And he syled twenty cubytes in the end of the temple, both floor and walls with Cedar, and dressed it within to be the quere, and place most holy. And the first house, that is to say, the body of the temple, was forty cubytes long. And the Cedar of the house within, was kerued with knops and graven with flowers, and all was Cedar timber, so that no stone was seen. And the quere that was within the temple, he prepared to set there the ark of the lords testament. And the quere was twenty cubits long/ and twenty in breadth, and twenty in height. And he siled it with pure gold, and boarded the altar with Cedar. And Solomon syled the house within also with pure gold. And he made golden bars run along the quere, which he had covered with gold. And the hole house he overlayed with gold, until he had ended it. And the altar that was in the quere, he gainsaid with gold also. And within the quere he made two * Exod. xxv b Cherubyns of olive tree, ten cubytes high a piece, and every wing five cubytes long/ so that from the uttermost part of one wing, unto the uttermost part of the other, were ten cubytes. And the other Cherub was ten cubytes high also/ so that both the Cherubes were of one measure and one cyse. The height of the one Cherub was ten cubytes, and so was it of the other. And he put the Cherubes in the middle of the inner house. * Exod. xxv b And the Cherubs stretched their wings/ so that the one wing of the one touched the one brickwall, and the one wing of the other touched the other wall. And the other two wings of them touched one an other in the mids of the house. And he gainsaid the Cherubes with gold. And the walls of the house round about he garnished with work of Cherubs and palm trees, and graven flowers, both within in the quere, and without in the temple. And the floor of the house he covered with gold/ both within in the quere, and also without in the temple. And in the entering of the quere he made two doors of olive tree, with the upper and two side posts, five square, And the two doors of olive tree, he graved with graving of Cherubes and palm trees, and graved flowers, an covered them with gold, and laid gold over the Cherubes, and also the palm trees. And in like manner unto the door of the temple, he made posts of olive tree four square, and two doors of fir tree, and either door with two folding leaves, and graved thereon Cherubes, palm trees, & flowers, and covered them with gold made plain by a ruler. And then he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and one row of Cedar wood. In the fourth year of his reign was the foundation of the house of the Lord laid/ even in the month Zif, and in the eleventh year in the month φ Bull i● O●tob●r. Bul, which the eight month, it was full fynisshed in all that pertained thereto, and fashioned as it should be in all points. And so was he seven year in building of it. ¶ The building of the house of Solomon. The house of Pharaos' daughter. The form of the pyllers of Brass, of the Brazen See. etc. CAPI. VII. ANd Solomon built his own house in thirteen year space, and full finisshed it. And he built the house of the wood of Libanon, an hundred cubytes long, and fifty broad, and thirty high, four square with rows of Cedar pyllers, and Cedar beams along upon the pyllers. And the roof was Cedar above an high upon the beams that lay an high on the pyllers, which pyllers, were forty and five in number/ fifteen on a row/ and the spaces between the pyllers were one against an other three fold. And all the doors with the side posts were four square one against an other three fold. And he made a porch of pyllers fifty cubits long, and thirty cubytes broad/ and yet a porch before that with pillars/ and a thick pillar before that. Then he made a porch to sit and judge in, syled with Cedar even from the pavements, unto the top. And his own house where he kept residence in an other court without that porch, was of the same work. And then Solomon made an house for Phatos' daughter, which he had taken to wife, like unto that porch. And all these things were of rich stones hewed after a measure, and sawed with saws within and without/ even from the foundation, unto the cop of the walls/ and on the out side thereto toward the great court. And the foundation was of rich stones, and that mighty great stones of ten cubytes, and of eight. And above were rich stones hewed according to the same cyse/ and also with Cedar. And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stone, and one row of Cedar planks. And likewise was it in the inner court of the house of the Lord, and of the porch of the temple. * two. Para ii c And king Solomon sent and fet one Hiram out of Tire, a widows son of the tribe of Nephtalim/ his father being of Tire. Which Hiram was a perfit founderer, and full of wisdom, understanding, and cunning, to work all manner of work in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work. He cast two pyllers of brass, of eighteen cubits a piece high/ and a string of twelve cubytes might compass either of them about. And he made two heed pieces of molten brass to set on the tops of the pyllers, of five cubytes long a piece, with garlands of braided work, and hoops of chain work for the heed pieces that were on the pyllers, seven for the one and seven for the other. And he made the pyllers / and for either of the heed pieces a garland with two rows of pomegranetes to cover them with. And the heed pieces that were on the tops of the pyllers, were wrought with sylyes in the porch, the space of four cubits of them. And the pomegranetes above and beneath on the wreathen chains that compassed the middle of the heed pieces, were in number two hundred on either heed piece. And he set up the pyllers in the porch of the temple/ and when he had set up the right pillar, he called the name thereof jachin/ and when he set up the left pillar, he called the name thereof Boaz. And the tops of the pillars were thus wrought with lilies, and so was their workmanship finysshed. Then he cast a see of brass ten cubytes wide from brim to brim, and round in compass, and five cubytes high. And a string of thirty cubytes might compass it about/ and under the brim of it as it were apples compassed and embraced the see of ten cubytes wide in two rows cast with it when it was cast. And it stood on twelve oxen/ of which, three looked north, three West, three South, and three East/ and the see on high upon them/ & all their hinder parts were inward. And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim wrought like the brim of a cup with flowers of lilies. And it contained two thousand Baths. And he made ten botomes of brass, 〈…〉 four cubits long, and four cubits broad a piece, and three high. And the works of the bottoms was on this manner that the sides were, as it were flat boards between the ledges. And on the flat boards between the ledges were lions, oxen, and Cherubes. And upon the ledges that were above and beneath the lions and oxen, was joined pendant work. And every bottom had four brazen wheels/ whose axeltrees were also of brass. And in the four corners were undersetters under the lavatory cast each over against his fellow. And the stalk of the lavatory was in the middle of the bottom one cubit high/ and a cubit and an half round/ and it had knops thereon in the bore places, which were four square, not round. And under the sides were four wheels/ and their axeltrees joined fast ●o the bottom. And the height of every wheel was a cubit and an half. And the workmanship of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel. And the axeltrees, the navel, spokes, and shaltes were all molten. And the four undersetters in the four corners, were of the very bottoms. And under the stalcke of the lavatory in the mids of the bottom, was there a round foot of half a cubit high. And thereon plain places and ledges of the self. And he graved in the plain, and also on the ledges, Cherubes, lions, & palm trees, every where round about. And on this manner he made the ten bottoms cast work: all of one measure and one cyse. Then he made ten laver of brass, containing forty Baths a piece, and they were of four cubytes a piece for every one of the bottoms a laver. And he put five of those bottoms on the right corner of the temple/ and other five on the left/ and put the set on the right corner of the temple Eastward, and toward the south. And Hiram made pots, shovels, and basons/ and so finisshed all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the Lord: that is to say, two pyllers, and two scalps of the heeds that were on the tops of the two pyllers, and four hundred pomegranettes upon two wreaths/ two rows on either wreath, to cover the two scalps of the heeds, that were on the tops of the two pyllers: and the ten bottoms of brass, with ten laver upon them/ and a see with twelve oxen under it/ and pots shovels and basins. And all these vessels which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the Lord, were of bright brass. And in the plain of jordan did the king cast them: even in the clay of the earth between Socoh and Zarthan. And Solomon left all the vessels unwayed, for the exceeding abundance of brass that was in them. And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord/ the altar of gold/ and the table of gold whereon the show breed was put. And five candelstyckes for the right side/ and as many for the left, before the quere of pure gold: with flowers, lamps, and snoffers of gold/ and bolles, psalteries, basons, spoons and fire pans of pure gold, and hinges of gold, both for the doors of the quere, the place most holy/ and for the doors of the temple also. And so was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the Lord. And then 〈…〉 u a Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated in silver, gold, and other vessels, and put them to the treasure of the house of the Lord. ¶ The ark is born in to the temple. A Cloud filleth the temple. The temple is blessed. CAPI. VIII. THen Solomon gathered the elders of Israel, 〈◊〉 ●ii u a all the heeds of the tribes, and ancient lords of the children of Israel, unto him to jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the testament of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled unto king Solomon, to the feast that falls in the month ●●●atis, ●●●er. Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And when all the elders of Israel were come, the priests took up the ark of the Lord/ and brought it and also the tabernacle of witness, and all the holy vessels that were therein. And the priests and the Levites brought them up. And king Solomon and all the company of Israel that were assembled. & where with him before the ark, did offer sheep and oxen that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. And so the priests brought the ark of the lords testament unto his place, even in to the quere of the temple, and place most holy, under the wings of the Cherubes. For the Cherubes stretched out their wings over the ark, and covered both it and also the staves thereof a high upon it. How be it the staves were so long that the ends of them appeared out of the holy place before the quere/ but on the out side were they not seen, and there they be unto this day. And there was nothing in the ark, Deuter ten a. Exo xxxiiii, d save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made an appointment with the children of Israel, after they were come forth of egypt. And when the priests were come out of the holy place/ then a cloud filled the house of the Lord, that the priests could not endure to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord. Then spoke Solomon: two. Paral vi ● the Lord said that he would dwell in darkness. I have built the an house to dwell in, and an habitation for the to abide in for ever. And the king turned his face, and blessed all the congregation of Israel, all the congregacon standing. And he said: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath fulfilled with his hand, that he spoke with is mouth unto David my father: saying: from the day I brought my people Israel forth of egypt, I chosen's city among any of the tribes of Israel, to build an house that my name might be there: But I have choose David to be ruler over my people Israel. And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. two. Regum vii ● But the Lord God said unto David my father/ in that it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well, that thou wast so minded. Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house, but thy son that shall come our of thy loins, shall build an house for my name. And the Lord hath made good his word that he spoke. For I stood up in the room of David my father, and sat on the seat of Israel, as the Lord promised/ and have built an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And I have prepared therein a place for the ark wherein the covenant of the Lord is, which he made with our fathers, after he had brought them out of the land of egypt. And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the sight of all the people of Israel, and stretched out his hands to heaven, and said: Lord God of Israel. i Mac ii ● there is not God like the in heaven above, ☜ or in the earth beneath/ that keepest appointment and mercy with thy servants that walk before the with all their hearts/ which also hast kept with thy servant David my father, that thou promysedst him. Thou spakest with thy mouth/ and hast fulfilled with thine hand, as it is come to pass this day. two. Reg. vii b. And now Lord God of Israel keep with thy servant David my father, that thou promysedst him, saying: thou shalt not be without one or other before me, sitting on the seat of Israel: So nevertheless, if thy children shall take heed to their ways that they walk before me, as thou haste walked before me. Now then. O Lord God of Israel/ let thy word be stable which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. But in deed can God dwell on the earth? Behold, neither heaven, nor heaven above all heavens are able to contain thee: how moche less than this house that I have built? but look to the prayer of thy servant and his supplication, oh Lord my God, to give an ear unto the voice and prayer which thy servant prayeth before the this day, that thine eyes may be open upon this house night and day, and upon the place, Deuter xii b. of which thou haste said, my name shall be there: that thou hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall pray in this place. And hearken unto the supplication of thy servant and of thy people Israel which they shall pray in this place: And hear thou up unto heaven thy dwelling place/ and when thou hearest, have mercy. And if any man trespass against his neighbour, & his neighbour take an adjuration to adjure him withal, and the adjuration come before thine altar at this house, then hearken thou up to heaven, & work and judge thy servants, that thou condemn the wicked, to bring his way upon his heed, and justify the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. When thy people Israel be put to the worse before their enemies, because they have sinned against thee, & afterward turn again to thee, & praise the name, and pray and make supplication unto the in this house, then hear thou up to heaven, & be merciful unto the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. If heaven be shut up, that there be no rain, because they have sinned against thee: yet if they pray in this place, and praise thy name, and turn from their sins, thorough thy scourging of them/ then hear thou up to heaven, and be merciful unto the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou show them a good way to walk in, and give rain upon thy land that thou hast given unto thy people to inherit. If thece chance derht in the land, pestilence, blasting, or wythering of corn, or that the fruits be devoured of greshoppers, or caterpyllers, or if their enemies besiege them an the land, & in their own cities, or what so ever plague or sickness chance/ then hear thou up to heaven thy dwelling place, all the prayers and supplications that shall be made of all men thorough out all thy people Israel, which shall knowledge every man the plague of his own heart/ and stretch forth his hands unto this house/ and be merciful and work, and give every man according to his ways/ (even as thou only knowest every man's heart/ for thou knowest the hearts of all the children of Adam) that they may fear the as long as they live upon the earth which thou gavest unto their fathers And likewise if a stranger the is not of thy people Israel, cmoe out of a far country for thy name's sake/ (for they shall heat of thy great name and of thy mighty hand, and stretched out arm) and therefore if the come & pray at this place/ bear thou vup to heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to the for, that all nations of the earth may know thy name/ to fear the as do thy people Israel/ and that it may be known that thy name is called upon over this house which I have built. And when they go out to battle against their enemies whither so ever thou shalt sand them, and shall pray unto the Lord toward the city which thou hast choose, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: hear thou their prayers and supplications, up to heaven, and judge their cause. And finally, ☜ 〈…〉 when they shall have sinned against thee (for there is no man that sinneth not) and thou are angry with them, and hast delivered them to their enemies, that they be carried away prisoners unto the land of their enemies, whether far or near/ yet if they turn again unto their hearts in the land where they be in captivity/ and returned and pray unto the in the land of them that hold them captive, saying: we have sinned, and have done wickedly, and have trespacee, and so turn again unto thee, with all their hearts and all their souls in the land of their enemies which hold them captive, and pray unto thee, toward the land which thou gavest unto their father's/ and toward the city which thou hast choose, and house which I have built for thy name: then hear thou their prayer and supplication up to heaven thy dwelling place, and judge their causes/ and be merciful unto thy people that have sinned against thee, and unto all their trespass that they have trespassed against thee/ and get the favour in the sight of them that hold them captive/ that they may have compassion on them. For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out of egypt/ from the 〈…〉 furnace of iron. And let thine eyes be open unto the prayer of thy servant and unto the prayer of thy people Israel/ to hearken unto them in all they call unto the for. For thou didst severe them to be thine inheritance, above all the nation's of the earth/ as thou saidest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of egypt, O Lord almighty. When Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord/ he arose from the altar of the Lord, and from kneeling on his knees, and from stretching his hands up to heaven, and stood and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying: Blessed be the Lord that hath given given rest unto his people Israel according to all that he promised: * 〈…〉 so that there is not one word escaped of all the good promises which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. And the Lord our God be with us, as he was with our father's/ and forsake us not neither leave us, but that he bow our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways/ and to keep his commandments, ordinances and rites, which he commanded our fathers. And these my words which I have prayed before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he defend the cause of his servant and of his people Israel evermore, that all nations of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and none but he. And I pray God that your hearts may be sound with the Lord our God, to walk in his ordinances, and to keep his laws, as we do this day. And the king and all Israel with him, offered offerings before the Lord 〈◊〉 v●●. a. And thep peax offerings that Solomon offered unto the Lord were xxij thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. And so the king and all the children of Israel hallowed the house of the Lord And the same day the king hallowed the middle of the court that is before the house of the Lord/ for there he offered burn to offerings, and meatofferynges, & the fat of the peax offerings, because the brazen altar that was before the Lord, was to little to receive the burnt-offerings and meatofferynges, and the fat of the peaxofferynges. And Solomon held that same time an high feast, and all Israel with him, a mighty congregation, even from the coostes of Hemath, unto the river of Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven days, and yet seven days, that is fourteen days. And the right day he sent the people away. And they blessed the king and went unto their tents joyous and glad in heart, for all the goodness that the Lord had showed unto David his servant, and to Israel his people. ¶ The Lord appeareth again to Solomon. Solomon giveth towns to Hiram. The Canaanites become trybutaryes. He sendeth ships for gold. And buildeth many cities. CAPI. IX. WHen Solomon had finysshed the building of the house of the Lord, 〈◊〉 v●i c and of the kings palace/ and all that his desire and lust was to make: the Lord appeared unto him again, as he appeared to him at Gabaon. And the Lord said unto him: I have herd thy prayer and intercession that thou madest before me, and have hallowed this house which thou hast built to put my name there for ever/ and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in pureness of heart and plainness, to do all that I have commanded thee, and shalt keep mine ordinances and rites: then I will settle the seat of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever/ as I promised David thy father, saying: * ●●eg ii a Thou shalt not be without one or other upon the fear of Israel. That if you and your children shall turn away from me, and shall not keep mine ordinances which I have set before you, but shall go and serve other gods, and bow yourselves, unto them: then I will weed Israel out of the land which I have given them. And this house which I have hallowed for my name. I will put out of my sight. And Israel shall be a proverb and a fable unto all nations. And his house which is so high, * 〈◊〉. ii.x c all that pass by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss and say: jerem xxii c ii Para vii d why hath the Lord dealt on this manner with this land, & with this house? And it shall be answered them, because they forsook the Lord their God, which brought their fathers out of the land of egypt, and have leaned to other gods, and have stooped unto them and served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil. Then at the end of twenty years, two. Paral. vi● in which Solomon had built the two houses/ that is to wit, the house of the Lord, and the kings palace: because Hiram the king of Tire had supported him with Cedar, fir, and gold, as much as he desired/ therefore Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galtle. And when Hiram was come from Tire to see the cities which Solomon had given him/ they pleased him not. Wherefore he said: what cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabull unto this day. This Hiram had sent the king six score hundred weight of gold. And this is the some of the tribute which king Solomon raised to build the house of the Lord and his own house, & Melo, and the walls of jerusalem and Hezer and Magedo, and Gazer. For Pharaoh king of egypt went up and took Gazer and burned it with fire/ and slew the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, & gave it for a present unto his daughter that was Salomons wife. And Solomon built Gazer and BethHoron the neither, and Baalath and Thamar in the wilderness that is in the land/ and all the store cities that Solomon had, and cities for his charettes, and cities for his horsemen, and all that his lust was to build in jerusalem and Libanon, and in all the land of his kingdom. And all the people that were left of the Amorytes, hittites, Pheresytes, Hevites, and jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel/ the children of the said nations that were left in the land/ because the children of Israel were not able to destroy them/ Solomon made trybutaryes unto this day. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen. But they were men of war, and his servants, and his Lords, and Captains and rulers of his charettes, and of his horsemen. And these many Lords that oversaw the work had Solomon, five hundred and fifty, which ruled the people that wrought in the work, And Pharaos' daughter came up out of the city of David, unto the house which Solomon had built for her. And after that, he built Melo. And thrice a year did Solomon offer burned offerings and peax offerings upon the altar which he had built unto the Lord, to burn the fat thereon: which altar is before the Lord. So when king Solomon had made the house perfect, he made ships in Azion Gaber, which is beside Eloth, on the bryncke of the read see, in the land of Edom. And Hiram sent by ship also of his servants, that were shypmen, and expert in the see, with the servants of Solomon. And they went to Ophir. and set from thence gold, to the some of four hundred and xxij talentes, & brought it to Solomon. ¶ The Queen of Saba cometh from the furthest parts of the land to hear and see the wisdom of Solomon. The yearly revenues and rents of Solomon. His throne, vessels of gold, Chariots, horsemen, and foison of syver. CAPI. X. ANd the queen of Saba herd of the wisdom of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, two. Para ix a Math twelve. d Luc xi d and came to prove him with rydelles. And she came to jerusalem with a mighty great multitude of camels that bore sweet odours and gold exceeding moche, and precious stones. And when she was come to Solomon, she talked with him of all that was in her h●rt●. And Solomon expowned her all her questions, that there was not one thing hid from the king, which he expowned her not. And when the queen of Saba had seen all Salomons wisdom, & the house that he had built, and the meat of his table/ and the lodgynges of his servants, and the fashion of his court, and their apparel, and his buttlers', & his sacrifice that he offered in the house of the Lord, she was astonished. Then she said to the king: the word I heard in mine own land of thy deeds and wisdom, is true. How be it I believed it not, till I came and saw it with mine eyes. And so, the one half was not told me/ for thy wisdom and goodness passeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men/ and happy are these thy servants, which stand ever before the and hear thy wisdom. And blessed be the Lord thy god which had a lust to thee, to set the on the seat of Israel, because the Lord loved Israel for ever, and therefore made the king, to do equity and righteousness. Then she gave the king an hundred and twenty talentes of gold, and of sweet odours exceeding moche/ and precious stones. There came never after such abundance of swear odours as the queen of Saba gave to king Solomon. And thereto the ships of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir great plenty of φ Some read Courall. Some brasil. Almuge tree, and precious stones. And king Solomon made of the Almuge trees pyllers in the house of the Lord, and in the kings palace, and made haps and psalteries for syngers. There came no more Almuge tree so/ nor was any more seen unto this day. And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Saba all her desire that she asked of him/ besides that he gave her with his own hand. And so she returned unto her own country with her servants. The weight of gold that came to Solomon every year, was vi hundred three score and vi talentes of gold, besides that he had of chapmen, and of merchants, of pothecaries, and of all the kings of Arabi●. and of the lords of the country. And king Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold/ six hundred sickles of gold went to a buckler. And he made three hundred shyldes of beaten gold, three pound of gold going to a piece, and put them in the house of the wood of Libanon. And the king made a great seat of ivory and covered it with precious gold. And the seat had six steps. And the top of the seat was round behind his back, with pomels on either side on the place where he sat/ and two lions standing beside the pomelles. And there stood twelve lions on the steps, six on a side. There was none like seen in any kingdom. And all king Salomons drinking cups were of gold, and all the garnysshement of the house of the wood of Libanon, were of pure gold. And as for silver, it was nothing worth in the days of Solomon. ☜ For the see ships which the king had in the see, with the ships of Hiram, came every third year laden with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. two. 〈…〉 And so king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the world resorted to Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart. And brought him every man his present, vessels of silver and of gold/ and of raiment, harness, sweet odours, horses, and Mules, year by year. And Solomon gathered together charettes and horsemen/ so that he had a thousand and four hundred charettes, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he bestowed in hte chariot cities, and with the king at jerusalem. two 〈◊〉 And the king made silver in jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and Cedar as plenteous as the mulberry trees that grow in the valleys. And Salomons horses came out of Egypt from Keva. The merchants fet them from Keva at a price. A chariot came out of Egypt for vi hundred sickles of silver, & an horse for an hundred & fifty. And even so by the hands of the said merchants, horses were brought out for all the kings of the hittites, and for the kings of Sitia. ¶ Solomon hath seven hundred Queens and three hundred concubines, which bring him to idolatry His adversaries rebel against him. He dieth, and Jeroboam his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XI. But king Solomon loved many outlandyshe women: 〈…〉 the daughter of Pharaoh/ and of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonites, and hittites/ even of nations of which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, see you come not at them, 〈…〉 nor let them come to you/ for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods. Nevertheless to such Solomon clave, an fell in love with them. * 〈…〉 And he had seven hundred every queens, and three hundred concubines, which turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned his heart after other goods, so that his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. And Solomon followed Astaroth the God of the Zidons, and Milcom the abhominacition of the Ammonitꝭ. So Solomon wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord, and continued not after the Lord as did David his father. After that Solomon built an altar for Chamos that abomination of the Moabites in the hill that standeth before jerusalem, and unto Moloch the abomination of the children of Ammon. And semblably did he for all his outlandyshe wives which burned incense and offered unto their Gods. Then was the Lord angry with Solomon, ●●gum ix b because his heart turned from the Lord God of Israel which appeared unto him twice, and gave him a charge of this thing that he should not follow other Gods. But he kept not that which the Lord commanded him: whereupon the Lord said to Solomon: for as much as this is done of thee, and thou haste not kept mine appointment & mine ordinances which I have commanded thee, therefore I will rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it, because of David thy father: but will take it from thy son. How be it I will not take away all: but will give one tribe to thy son, because of David my servant, and because of jerusalem, which I have choose. 〈◊〉 viii g 〈…〉 Then the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, one Hadad an Edomite, and of the kings lineage of Edom. For when David was in Edom, and joab the captain of the host was go up to bury them that were slain, & had slain all the men children in Edom. For six months did joab remain there, and all Israel, till he had destroyed all the men children in Edom. And this Hadad fled, & certain other Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go to Egypt, Hadad being yet a little lad. And they arose out of Madian, and went to Pharan, and took men with them out of Pharan, & came to Egypt unto Pharaoh king thereof, which gave him an house/ and appointed him victuals, and gave him lands. And Hadad got great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, sot hat he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Thahaphnes' the queen. And the sister of Thahaphnes' bore him Senubath his son. And Thahaphnes' weaned him in Pharaos' house. And he was in Pharaos' house among the sons of Pharaoh. And when Hadad heard say in egypt that David was laid to sleep with his father's/ and that joab the captain of the host was deed also/ he said to Pharaoh: let me depart, that I may go to mine own country. Then said Pharaoh unto him: what lackest thou hear with me, that thou wouldest go to thine own country? And he said, nothing: how be it let me go. And God stirred up an other adversary, one Razon the son of Eitada, which fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah his master. This Rason gathered men unto him, and become captain over an army, when David slew them. And they went to Damascus, & dwelt therein/ and reigned in Damascus. And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, with the evil that Hadad did, which abhorred Israel, and reigned in Syria. And Jeroboam the son of Nabat an Ephrathite of Zaredah (whose mother was called Zeruah, and was a widow, and he Salomons servant) lift up his hand against the king/ and hereof came it, that he lift up his hand against the king. Solomon built Melo, and mended broken places in the city of David his father. And this fellow Jeroboam was an active man. And when Solomon saw the young man that he wrought so lustily in the work, he made him ruler over all the charges of the house of joseph. And it chanced at that season, as Jeroboam was go out of jerusalem, that the Prophet Ahiah the Snonice met him by the way, having a new mantel on him, & they two alone in the field. And Ahiah caught the new mantle that was on him, and rend it in twelve pieces, and said to jeroboam: take the ten pieces. For this saith the Lord God of Israel: behold I will rend the kingdom out of the hands of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee/ & he shall have one, for my servant David's sake, and for jerusalem, the city which I have choose out of all the tribes of Israel, because they have forsaken me, and have bowed themselves unto Astaroth the God of the Zidons/ and to Chamos the God of the Moabites/ and to Milcom, the God of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that pleaseth me/ and mine ordinances and rites: as did David his father. How be it I will take none of the kingdom out of his hand/ but will make him chief all his life long, for David my servants sake, which I chose, because he kept my commandments and ordinances. But I will take the kingdom forth of his sons hand, and will give unto the ten tribes of it/ and will give his son one, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in jerusalem the city which I have choose me, to put my name there. And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign upon all that thy soul desireth, & shalt be king over Israel. And if thou shalt hearken unto all that I command thee, and shalt walk in my ways/ and do that is right in my sight/ that thou keep mine ordinances and commandments/ as David my servant did: then will I be with thee, and build the an house that shall continued/ as I built for my servant David/ and I will give Israel unto the. And therewith will I vex the seed of David, but not for ever. And Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam/ wherefore Jeroboam arose, and fled in to egypt, unto Sesak king of egypt, and continued there till the death of Solomon. The rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are written in the book of the acts of Solomon. And the time that Solomon reigned in jerusalem upon all Israel, was forty years. And then he laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The kingdom is divided: & Rehoboam reigneth over ii tribes, and Jeroboam over ten Aduram is stoned. Jeroboam maketh golden calves. CAPI. XII. ANd Rehoboam went to Sichem: for all Israel were come to Sichem to make him king. And when Jeroboam the son of Nabat herd of it, being yet in Egypt: for he had fled to egypt, for fear of Solomon/ and dwelt there. And they sent and called him: and so Jeroboam and all the assemble of Israel came and spoke unto Rehoboam, saringe: thy father made our yoke grievous, but now make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his sore yoke which he put upon us, lighter/ and so we will serve the. And he said unto them: depart yet for the space of three days, and then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that stood before Solomon his father, while he yet lived, and said: what counsel give you to answer this people with? And they said unto him. If thou shalt be a servant unto this people this day, and serve them, and answer them, and speak kind words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he left the counsel that the old men had given him, The counsel of the old men despised. and counseled with the young men that were nourished up with him and had waited on him. And he said unto them: what counsel give you, to answer this people, which have communed with me saying: make the yoke which thy father did put upon us, lighter? And the young men that were brought up with him answered him, saying: this people that have said unto thee: thy father made our yoke heavy make thou it us lighter: thus answer them. My little finger shall be wayghtyer than my father's loins. Eccles. xlxi. d And now where my father put a grievous yoke upon you, I will make it heavier. For where my father corrected you with scourges. I will chastise you with scorpions. And when Jeroboam, and all the people were come to Rehoboam the third day, as the king appointed them, saying: come to me again this day three days/ the king answered the people churlysshely, and left the advise that the old men gave him/ and spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying. My father made your yoke grievous, but I will make it grievous. For where my father chastised you with whyppes, I will chastise you with scorpions. And so the king hearkened not unto the people: for the turning away was of the Lord, * iii Reg. xi f to perform his saying, which the Lord said by Ahiah the Silonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nabat. And when all Israel saw that the king regarded them not/ the people answered the king again. saying: we have no part in David, nor inheritance in the son of Isai. * two. Parali ten d. Hasten to your tents therefore Israel, and now see to thine own house David. And so Israel departed unto their tents. How be it over the children of Israel which dwelt in the city of juda, did Rehoboam reign still. Then king Rehoboam sent Aduram the receiver of the tribute. And all Israel stoned him to death with stones. But king Rehoboam made speed and got him up to his chariot, & fled to jerusalem. And so Israel departed from the house of David unto this day. And when all Israel herd that Jeroboam was come again, they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over Israel: so followed the house of David, but the tribe of juda only. * 〈…〉 And when Rehoboam was come to jerusalem, he gathered all the house of juda, and all the tribe of BenIamin an hundred and four score thousands of choose men & good warriors, to fight against the house of Israel/ and to bring the kingdom again of Rehoboam the son of Solomon. Then came the word of the Lord unto Semeiah the man of God, saying/ speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon king of juda, and unto all the house of juda and BenIamin, and the remnant of the people, and say, Thus saith the Lord: go not nor yet fight against your brethren the children of Israel, but return every man to his house, for this doing is of the Lord. And they obeyed the word of the Lord, and returned and departed according to the word of the Lord. Then Jeroboam built Sichem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein. And went from thence and built Phanuel. And Jeroboam thought in his heart: 〈…〉 now might the kingdom return to the hous● of David again. For if this people shall go up and do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at jerusalem: then shall their hearts turn again unto their Lord Rehoboam king of juda: and so shall they kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of juda. * 〈…〉 Whereupon the king took counsel and made two calves of gold, and said unto the people: you shall not need to go any more to jerusalem. Behold, your Gods (Israel) which brought you out of the land of Egypt. And he put the one in Bethel and the other in Dan. And that doing was a cause of sin. And the people went to worship the calf, as far as Dan. And he made temples in the hills, and made of the lowest of the people priests, which were not of the sons of Levi. And Jeroboam made a feast the fifteen day of the eight month, like unto the feast that was in juda, and offered on the altar. And so did he in Bethel. to offer unto the calves that he had made. And he put in Bethel the priests of the hyllaulters. which he had made. And he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel, the fifteen ●aye of the eight month, which he had imagined of his own heart/ and made a solemn feast unto the children of Israel, and went up to the altar to burn sacrifice. ¶ Jeroboam sacrifyinge unto Calves, is reproved of the Prophet. His hand drieth up while he putteth it out against the Prophet. The Prophet is killed and buried. CAPI. XIII. ANd behold, there came a man of God out of juda with the word of God, to Bethel, as Jeroboam stood by the altar to offer, and cried against the aultare at the commandment of the Lord and said: aultare, aultare, thus saith the Lord. Behold, ☞ a child shall be born of the house of David, 〈◊〉 xxiii d josiah by name, which upon the shall offer the priests of the hyllaultares that sacrifice upon thee, and shall burn men's bones upon the. And he gave them the same time a sign saying: this is the sign of that the Lord hath promised. Behold the altar shall rend and the ashes that are in it shall fall out. And when the king heard the saying of the man of God which he cried against the altar in Bethel, he stretched out his hand from the aultare saying: hold him. And his hand which he put forth toward him, dried up, that he could not pull it in again to him and the altar clave and the ashes ran out of the altar according to the token which the man of God had given at the commandment of the Lord. And the king answered and said unto the man of God: O pray unto the Lord thy God, and make intercession for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and his hand came to him again as well as before. Then said the king unto the man of God Come home with me and refresh thyself, & I will give the reward. But the man of God answered the king, if thou wouldest give me half thine house, I would not go with the neither would I eat meat or drink water in this place. For so was it charged me, thorough the word of God and said to me: eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way thou wentest. And so he went an other way and returned not by the way he came to Bethel. And there dwelled an old Prophet in Bethel, whose sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel, and the words which he spoke unto the king they told their father also. And their father said to them: what way went he? for his sons had seen what way the man of God went which came from juda. Then said he to his sons: saddle mine ass. And they saddled him an ass. And he got him up thereon and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an Oak, and said unto him: Art thou the man of God that camest from juda? And he said, yea. Then he said to him: come home with me and eat bread. And the other said again, I may not return with thee, to go with that, neither may I eat bread or drink water with the in this place. For it was said to me by the commandment of the Lord, eat no bread nor drink water in this place, nor turn again by the way thou wentest. And the old Prophet said unto him: I am a Prophet as well as thou, and an Angel spoke unto me with the word of the Lord, saying: Bring him again with the to thine house, & let him eat bread and drink water, and yet lied unto him. And so the other went again with him & ate bread in his house and drank water. And as they sat at the table, the word of the Lord came unto the Prophet that brought him again. And he cried unto the man of God that came from juda, saying: Thus saith the Lord: because thou haste disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, but camest back again & hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place in which he had that thou shouldest eat no bread nor drink water: therefore thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. And when he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled an Ass for the Prophet which he had brought again. And as he journeyed, a lion met him by the way, and slay him, and his carcase lay along in the way, and the ass stood thereby, and the lion stood by the corpse also. And men that passed by, see the carcase cast a long in the way and the lion standing thereby, & went & told it in the town where the old Prophet dwelled. And when the Prophet tha● brought him back again from the way, heard thereof, he said: It is the man of God which disobeyed the mouth of the Lord And therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the Lion which hath rend him and slain him, according to the word of the Lord, which he said to him. And he said to his sons saddle me an Ass: and so they did. And he were and found the body cast along in the way, and the Ass and the Lion standing thereby. And the Lion had not eaten the carcase nor hurt the Ass. And he took up the body of the man of God, and put i● upon the Ass, and brought it again, and came to the city of the old Prophet to lament him, & to bury him. And he laid his body in his own grave, and lamented over him, O my brother. And when he had buried him, he spoke to his sons saying: When I am deed, see you bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried/ and lay my bones by his. For the saying which he cried at the biding of the Lord against the aultare in Bethel, and against all the houses of hyllaultares which are in the cities of Samarie, shall come to pass. How be it for all that, Jeroboam turned not from his wicked way: but turned away and made of the lowest of the people preestes of the hyllaultares. Who so ever would ●he filled their hands, and they become priests of the hyllaultares. And this doing was sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to destroy it and to put it away from of the face of the earth. ¶ jeroboams wife asketh counsel of Ahiah, which prophesyeth the death of her child and the destruction of the Realm. Jeroboam dieth. Sezak king of Egypt robbeth the house of the Lord. Rehoboam dieth. Abiam suc●edeth him. CAP. XIIII. AT that time Abiah the son of Jeroboam fallen sick. And Jeroboam said unto his wife: arise and change thine apparel, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam, and get the to Siloh. For there is Ahiah the Prophet, which told me * iii Reg. xi f iiii. Reg. viii c that I should be king over this people. * And take with the ten loves and cracknelles and a cruse of honey, and go to him: for he will tell the what shall come of the child. And jeroboams wife did so: she arose and went to Siloh, and came to the house of Ahiah. But Ahiah could not see, for his eyes were waxed dim for age. And the Lord said unto Ahiah: Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh, to question with the about her son which is sick. This wise and this wise answer her. And when she came, she feigned herself to be an other woman. But when Ahiah heard the sound of her feet as she came to the door, he said: Come in thou wife of Jeroboam, why feynest thou thyself to be an other? three Regum xii c I am sent to the an heavy messenger. God and tell Jeroboam, thus saith the Lord God of Israel: for as much as I advanced the above the comen people, & made the prince over my people Israel, and did pluck the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it thee: and thou hast not been as was my servant David, who kept my commaundmentes and followed me with all his heart, to do that only which seemeth right in mine eyes: but hast done evil above all that were before thee, and haste go and made the other gods and images, of metal to provoke me, and hast cast me behind thy back: therefore behold I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will strike from Jeroboam all that pisseth against the brickwall, and what so ever is in prison or forsaken in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as men take away a dung hill, till it be consumed. * iii Re xvi a and xi c And who so ever of jeroboams house die in the town, him shall the dogs eat, and him that dieth in the field, shall the fowls of the air eat: for the Lord hath said it, arise and get the to thine house, and as soon as thy foot entereth the city, the child shall die. How be t●●l Israel shall mourn him and bury him, for this only of all Jeroboam shall come to the sepulchre, because in him there is found goodness toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam. Moreover the Lord shall steer him up a king over Israel who shall destroy the house of Jeroboam in that day. And what is that that is now in hand? And the Lord shall smite Israel, as a reed that groweth in the water is shaken, and will weed Israel out of this good land which he gave to their fathers, and will scatter them beyond Euphrates, because they have made them groves to anger the Lord. And he will give Israel up, because of the sin of Jeroboam, wherewith he did sin, & made Israel sin also. And jeroboams wife arose and departed, and went to Therzah, and by that she was come to the thressholde of the door, the lad was deed. And all Israel buried him and lamented him, according to the word of the Lord which he spoke by the hand of his servant Ahiah the Prophet. The rest of the deeds of Jeroboam, how he warred and how he reigned, are written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. And the days which Jeroboam reigned, were two & twenty year. And then he rested with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in juda, and was xli two. 〈◊〉 year old when he began to reign, and reigned xvij year in jerusalem the city which the Lord had choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. His mother's name was Naamah an Ammonite. And juda wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord and angered him above all that their fathers did, with their sin which they sinned. For they also made them hill altars and Images and groves on every high hill, and under every green tree. And thereto there was a sives of male children in the land, 〈…〉 and they did according to all the abominations of the Heythen, which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. And the fift year of king Rehoboan came See sack king of Egypt up to jerusalem, & took away the treasure of the house of the Lord and the treasure of the kings house, and all that was to be had. And he took away the shields of gold which Solomon made. 〈…〉 In whose slede king Rehoboam made brazen shyldes, and put them in the keeping of the captains of the guard, which waited at the door of the kings house. And as oft as the king went into the house of the Lord, they of his guard bore them, and ever brought them again into the guard chamber. The rest of the Acts of king Rehoboam and all he did, are written in the book of the Acts of the kings of juda. And there was w●●●re between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all th●● lives. And Rehoboam laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonite. And Abian his son reigned in his place. ¶ wicked Abiam reigneth over juda, and rightwise Asa succeedeth in his room. The battle between Asa and Baasa. josaphat succeedeth Asa. Nadab succeedeth Jeroboam. Baasa killeth Nadab. CAPI. XU. THe xviij year of king Jeroboam the son of Nabat, 〈…〉 reigned king Abiam over juda, and ruled three year in jerusalem. His mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abesalom. And he walked in all the sins of his father which he did before him, and his heart was not hole with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. Nevertheless for David's sake, the Lord his God gave him a light in jerusalem, that he set up his son after him, to continued jerusalem. Because that David did the which pleased the Lord, and turned from nothing that he commanded him all the days of his life, * Reg. xii a save only in the matter of Urias the Hittite. And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam as long as he lived. The rest of the deeds of Abiam and all the he did, 〈◊〉 twelve a are written in the book of the Chronicles that were done in the days of the kings of juda. And there was war between Abian and Jeroboam. And Abiam rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And Asa his son reigned in his stead. 〈◊〉 xiiii g The twenty year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Asa Asa. to reign over juda, and ruled in jerusalem xli year. Whose mothers name was Maacah the daughter of Abesalom. And Asa did that seemed right in the eyen of the Lord, like David his father. And he made the slues of males depart the land, and put away all the idols that his fathers had made. And thereto he put down Maacah his mother from bearing rule, because she had made an Idol in a grove. And Asa destroyed her Idol and burned it by the broken Cedron. But he put not down the hill altars. Nevertheless Asas heart was hole with the Lord all his days. And he brought in, that his father had dedicat, and the things hallowed unto the house of the Lord, silver, gold and jewels. And there was war between Asa and Baasa king of Israel all their days. And Baasa king of Israel went up against juda, and built Ramah, because he would let none of Asas people king of juda, go in or out. Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasure of the house of the Lord, & all the treasure of the kings house, and delivered it unto his servants, & sent them to Benhadad the son of Tabremon the son of Hezion king of Syria that dwelt at Damascus, saying: there is a bond between the and me, as was between thy father and mine. Therefore I send the both gold & silver for a gift, that thou go and break the bond between the and Baasa king of Israel, that he may depart from me. And Benhadad herkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ahion, Dan, Abel called Beth Maacah and all Ceneroch with all the land of Nephthali. And when Baasa heerde that, he left building of Ramah and dwelled in Theezah. Then king Asa made Proclamation thorowoute all juda, that none should be excused. And they took the stones of Ramah and the timber wherewith Baaza had built, and king Asa built therewith Gabaah in BenIamin and Mazphah. The rest of all the deeds of Asa, and of all his might, and of all his procedings, and the cities which he built, are written in the Chronicles of the acts done in the days of the kings of juda. Nevertheless in his old age he was diseased in his feet. And Asa laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father. And josaphat his son reigned in his room. And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign upon Israel the second year of Asa king of juda, Nadab. and reigned upon Israel two year. And he did evil in the sight or the Lord, and walked in the way of his father and in his sin wherewith he made Israel sin. But Baasa the son of Ahiah of the house of Isachar conspired against him, and slay him at Gebethon a city of the Philistines, for Nadab and all Israel lay at siege before Gebethon. And it was the third year of Asa king of juda, when Baasa stew him, and reigned in his stead. And as soon as he was king, he slay all the house of Jeroboam and left him nought that breathed, until he had utterly destroyed him, agreeing unto the saying of the Lord which he spoke by his servant Ahiah the Silonice, for the sin of Jeroboam wherewith he sinned and made Israel sin, and for his angering that he angered the Lord God of Israel. The rest of the deeds of Nadab, and all his procedings, are written in the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. And there was war between Asa and Baasa, king of Israel, all their days. In the third year of Asa king of juda, Baasa the son of Ahiah began to reign over all Israel in Therzah, and continued xxiiij year. And he did that displeased the Lord, for he walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin, wherewith he made Israel sin. ¶ jehu prophesieth against Baasa, of whom he is slain. Elah succeedeth Baasa. Zamri killeth his master Elah, and destroyeth the house of Baasa. He is reject and Amri choose. Zamri burneth himself and his house. Wicked Ahab succeedeth Amiri, and taketh to wife wicked jezabel. CAPI. XVI. THen came the word of the Lord to jehu the son of Hanani against Baasa, saying: jehu. for as much as I exalted the out of the dust and made the capitain over my people Israel, and thou haste walked in the way of Jeroboam and haste made my people Israel sin, to angry me with their sin: I will make clean ●iddaūce of Baasa and of all his house, and will make his house like the house of Jeroboam, the son of Nabat. iii Reg. xu g iii Reg. xiiii c and xxi f And he that dieth of Baasa in the city, him shall dogs eat: and him that dieth in the fields, shall the fowls of the air eat. The rest of the deeds of Baasa, and what he did, and his wars, two. Para xvi ● are written in the book of the Histories of the kings of Israel. And Baasa fell on sleep with his fathers, & was buried in Therzah. And Elah his son reigned in his stead. And by the hand of the Prophet jehu the son of Hanani, the word of the Lord came against Baasa, & against his house because of all the wickedness that he did in the sight of the Lord, in angering him with the works of his hands, that he should be like the house of Jeroboam, because he had killed Nabat. The xxvi year of Asa king of juda began Elah the son of Baasa to reign over Israel in Therzah, and continued two year. And his servant Zamri Zamri. captain of half his charettes, conspired against him, as he was in Therzah drinking of strong drink, in the house of Arza steward of his house in Therzah. And Zamri came and smote him and killed him the xxvij year of Asa king of juda, and reigned in his stead. And as soon as he was king and sat on hi● seat he slew all the house of Baasa and left not a pysser against the brickwall. * Exodi xi b i Regum ii b And thereto he five all his kin and friends, and so Zamri destroyed all the house of Baasa, according to the word of the Lord which he spoke to Baasa thorough jehu the prophet, for all the sins of Baasa and sins of Elah his son, wherewith they sinned and made Israel sin, to anger the Lord of Israel with their vanities. The rest of the deades of Elah and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. The xxvij year of Asa king of juda, Zanri reigned vij days in Therzah, the people besieging Gebethon a city of the Philistines. And when the people that lay in the siege heard say how Zamri had conspired, & how he had slain the king also: then all Israel made Amri Amri. the capitain of the men of war king, that same day over Israel even in the host. And Amri departed from Gebethon, & all Israel with him, and beseaged Therzah. And when Zamri saw that the city must needs be taken, he went into the palace of the kings house, & se● the kings house a fire upon himself, and there died, for his sins which he sinned in doing wickedness in the sight of the Lord, and for walking in the way of Jeroboam and in his sins which he did and made Israel sin. The rest ●f the ●●cles of Zamri and the treason that he wrought, are written in the book of Chronicles of the kings of Israel. Moreover that same season was Israel divided in twain, for half the people followed The●●● the son of Gineth, to make him king, and tother half followed Amri. But the people that followed Amri, prevailed against them that followed Thebi● the son of Gineth. And so Theb●● died and Amri reigned. The xxxi year of Asa king of juda began Amri to reign over Israel. x●●. year and ruled six year in Therzah. And he bought the hill of Samaria of one Semar for two hundred talentes of silver, and built in the hill, & called the name of the city which he had built Samaria, Samaria. after the name of Semar the Lord of the hill. And this Amri wrought wickedness in the eyes of the Lord worse than all that were before him, and walked in all the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, and in his s●nne wherewith he made Israel sin, to anger the Lord God of Israel with their vanities. The rest of the acts of Amri which he did, and his battles that he fought, are written in the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. And Amri laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria, & Achab his son reigned in his stead. The xxxviij year of Asa king of juda, began Achab the son of Amri to reign over Israel, and reigned in Samaria xxij year. And he displeased the Lord above all the were before him. For it seemed him a light thing to walk in the sin of Jeroboam. But took jezabel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonites to wife, and * 〈…〉 went and served Baal and bowed unto him. And he rered an altar to Baal in the house of Baal which he had made in Samaria. And Achab made a grove, and proceeded further in angering the Lord God of Israel, than all the kings of Israel that were before him. In his days Hiel of Bethel built jericho And it cost him Amram his elder son when he said the foundation, and his youngest son when he set up the gates, agreeing unto the word of the Lord which he spoke by josua the son of Nun. ¶ Eliah is nourished and fed of Ravens, and after is sent to the woman of Sarephtha whose child he raiseth to life. CAPI. XVII. ANd Eliah the Thesbite which was of the enhabitauntes of Galaad, said unto Achab: * 〈…〉 as truly as the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shallbe neither dew nor rain these years, save 〈◊〉 I appoint it. And the word of God came 〈◊〉 him, saying: get the hence and turn the eastward, and hide thyself in the broken Karith, that lieth before jordan: ☜ drink of the river, for I have commanded the ravens to feed the there. And he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: he went & dwelled by the broken Karith that lieth before jordan And the ravens brought him breed and flesh every morning and every evening, and he drank of the brook. And it chanced after a while, that the broken dried up, because there fallen no rain upon the earth. Then came the word of the Lord unto him saying: arise, and get the to Sarephtha a city of Sidon, & devil there. Behold I have commanded a widow there to sustain the. And he arose & went to Sarephtha. And when he came to the gate of the city, there was a widow there gathering sticks. And he called to her & said * 〈…〉 fet me I pray thee, a little water in a dish that I may drink. And as she went to fet it, he cried to her and said: Bring me I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she answered: as surely as the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but even an handful of meal in a pitcher, and a little Oil in a cruse. And so, I have gathered a few sticks for to go and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it and then die. And Eliah said unto to her: fear not, but go and do as thou haste said: and make me thereof a little cake first of all, and bring it out to me: and afterward make for the and thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of Israel: ☞ the pitcher of meal shall not be wasted, neither shall thy oil cruse be without oil, till the Lord have sent rain upon the earth. And she went and did as Eliah bad. And she and he and her house did eat a good space, & the pitcher of meal wasted not, neither was the oil cruse without oil according to the word of the Lord which he spoke thorough Eliah. And after these things, it happened that the son of the wife of the house fallen sick. And his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. Then said she unto Eliah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me, that my sin should be thought on, and my son slain? And Eliah said unto her: give me thy son. And he took him out of her lap and carried him up into a fit where he lay, and laid him upon his own bed, and called unto the Lord and said: O Lord my God, hast thou been so evil unto the widow with whom I sojourn, that thou hast slain her son? 〈◊〉 iiii. f. 〈◊〉 xi● c And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called unto the Lord and said: O Lord my God, let the child's soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Eliah, and the soul of the child came into him again and he revived. And Eliah took the boy & brought him down out of the chamber into the house and delivered him unto his mother and said: se, thy son liveth. Then the wife said to Eliah: Now I know thou art God's man, & that the word of the Lord in thy mouth, is truth. ¶ Eliah is sent to Achab. Abdiah hideth an hundred Prophets and saveth them. Baal cannot hear although the people cry very loud. Eliah killeth all Baal's Prophets: and after obtaineth rain. CAPI. XVIII. ANd at last the word of the Lord came to Eliah the third year saying: go show thyself unto Achab, 〈…〉 Eli● that I may sand rain upon the earth. And Eliah went to show himself unto Achab, for there was a great famysshement in Samaria. Wherefore Achab called Abdiah the governor of his house which feared God greatly: in so much that when jezabel destroyed the lords prophets he took an hundred of the Prophets and hide them, thirty in one cave, and thirty in an other and provided bread and water for them. And Achab said unto Abdiah: walk thorough the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brokes, to see whether any grass may be found, that we may save the horses and the Mules, that we destroy not the beasts. So they divided the land between them to walk thorough it. Achab went one way by himself, and Abdiah went an other by himself. And it chanced as Abdiah went in the way, that Eliah met him. And Abdiah knew him, and fallen on his face, and said: Art not thou my Lord Eliah? And he said unto him: I am he. Go and tell Achab that Eliah to here. And the other answered: What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver me into the hand of Achab, to slay me? As surely as the Lord thy God liveth, there is no nation ne kingdom whether my Lord hath not sent to seek the. And when they said thou wast not there he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, because he found the not. And now thou sayest: Go tell thy Lord, Eliah is here. And as soon as I am go from thee, the spirit of the Lord shall carry the away whether I shall not know: and then when I have go and told Achab, and he can not find thee, he shall slay me. And yet I thy servant have feared the Lord from my youth. Was it not told my Lord, what I did, when jezabel slew the Prophets of the Lord, how I hid an hundred of the lords Prophets, fyfty● in one cave and as many in an other, and provided them bread & water? And yet now thou sayest, go show thy Lord, that Eliah is here to thin tent he might slay me. Then Eliah said: as truly as the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand: I will show myself unto him this day. And thereupon Ab●iah went to Achab and told him. And Achab went against Eliah. And when Achab see Eliah, he said unto him: Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he said: it is not I that trouble I●●ael, ☜ but thou & thy father's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed Baal. But now send and gather me all Israel unto mount carmel, & the Prophets of Baal four hundred & thirty and the Prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat of jezabels' table. And Achab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the Prophets unto mount Carmel. And Eliah came unto all the people & said: Why halt you between two opinions? If the Lord be very God: follow him: or if Baal be he, then follow him. And the people answered him not one word. Then said Eliah unto the people: I only remain of the lords Prophets, and Baal's Prophets are four hundred and thirty. Let two oxen be given us, and let them choose the one, and cut him in pieces and lay him on wood, and put no fire under, And I will dress the other and put him on wood, and will put no fire under. And call you on the name of your God, and I will call on the name of the Lord. And then the God that answereth by fire, he is the very God. i Ie ix e. & ii f And all the people said: It is well spoken. Then said Eliah unto the Prophets of Baal, chose you an ox and dress him first (for you are many) and call on the name of your God, but put no fire under. And they took the ox that was given them and dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning to none, saying: O Baal hear us. But there was no voice nor answer. And they leapt about the aultare that they had made. And at none Eliah mocke● them & said: Call low●● (for he is a God; but he is talking or pursuing his enemies, or happily he sleepeth) that he may awake. And they cried aloud/ & cut themselves (as their manner was) with knives and lancers, till the blood followed on them. But when midday was passed, and they had played the Prophets till it was time to offer/ and yet was neither voice, ne answer, ne any that regarded them. Eliah said to all the folk/ come to me. And all the people came to him. And he mended the altar of the Lord that was broken, * joshua four a and took twelve stones, according to the number of the twelve tribes of the sons of jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying: Israel shall be thy name. Gene. xxxii f And with the stones he made an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a gutter round about the altar, able to receive two pecks of corn/ and he put the wood in order, and hewed the ox in pieces, and put him on the wood, and said/ fill four pytchers with water, and pour it on the sacrifice and on the wood. And he said/ do so again. And they did so again. Then he said: do it the third tyme. And they did so the third tyme. And the water ran round about the altar/ and the gutter was full of water also. So when offering time was come, Eliah the Prophet went to and said: Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel/ let it be known this day, that thou art the God of Israel, and that I am thy servant/ and that I do all these things at thy commandment. Hear me, O Lord, hear me/ that this people may know that thou art the God/ and that thou hast turned their hearts backward. And there fell fire from the Lord and consumed the sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust/ and licked up the water that was in the gutter. Which when all the people saw, they fell on their faces and said, the Lord he is God, the Lord he is God. Then said Eliah unto them, lay hands on the Prophets of Baal, let not one of them escape. And when they had taken them Eliah brought them down unto the brook Kison, and sieve them there. Then Eliah said unto Achab, get the up and eat and drink, for there is a sound of moche rain. And when Achab went up to eat and to drink/ Eliah went up to the top of mount Carmel, iii Reg. xvii a jacob u d and bowed himself to the earth, and put his face between his knees/ and said to his servant: go up and look toward the see. And he went up and looked, and said: here is nothing. And he said go again seven times. And the seventh time he said: behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the see, like the palm of a man's hand. Then he said: go and say to Achab, put the horses in the charete, and get the down that the rain stop the not. And within a little while heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Achab road and went to jezrahel. and the hand of the Lord was on Eliah, and he girded up his loins and ran before Achab, till they came to jezrahel. ¶ Eliah fleinge from jezabel is nourished of the Angel of God. He complaineth that he is left alone, and that they seek his life to. He is commanded to anoint Azahel, jehu, and Eliseus. CAPI. XIX. ANd Achab told jezabel, all that Eliah had done, and all together, how he had slain the Prophets with the sword. Then jezabel sent a messenger unto Eliah, saying: * 〈…〉 so do God to me, and so thereto, but if I make thy soul like one of theirs/ by to morrow this time: when he see that, he arose and went for his life, and came to Bersabe in juda, and left his servant there. And he went a days journey in to the wilderness/ and when he was come, sat down under a juniper tree/ and desired for his soul, that he might die, and said: * 〈…〉 it is now enough, O Lord, take my soul/ for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under the juniper tree: behold there came an angel and touched him, and said unto him: arise and eat. And he looked about him: and loo there was an Imber cake, and a cruse of water at his heed. And he ate and drank, and laid him down again to sleep. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said: arise and eat, for thou haste a long journey to go. And he arose and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God, and entered there in to a cave, and lodged there all night. And then the word of the Lord came to him and said: what dost thou hear Eliah? And he answered: I have been thorough angry for the Lord God of hosts sake. For the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, 〈…〉 and have broken down thine altars, and slain the Prophets with the sword, and I only am left/ and they seek my soul to have it to. And he said: come out and stand before the Lord. And behold, the Lord went by, and a mighty strong wind that rend the mountains, and broke the rocks before him/ but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, came an earthquake/ but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake came fire/ but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, came a small still voice. And when Eliah heard it, he covered his face with his mantel/ and went out and stood in the mouth of the cave. And loo, there came a voice unto him, and said: what dost thou here Eliah? And he answered: I have been earnestly angry for the Lord God of hosts sake: because the children of Israel have forsaken thine appointment and have cast down thine altars, and slain thy Prophets with the sword/ and I only am left, and they seek my soul to have it. Then the Lord said unto him/ go and turn thy way to the wilderness of Damascus, and go and anoint Hazael to be king of Suta. And jehu the son of Namsi, anoint to be king over Israel. And Eliseus the son of Saphat of Abel Mehulah anoint to be Prophet in thy room. And who so escapeth the sword of Hazael, 〈◊〉 ix ● 〈…〉. ● him shall jehu slay/ and if any man escape the sword of jehu, him shall Eliseus slay. And thereto I have left me seven thousand in Israel, 〈…〉 of which never man bowed his knees unto Baal nor kissed him with his mouth. 〈…〉 And he departed thence and found Eliseus the son of Saphat ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, & he with the twelve. And Eliah went to him and cast his mantel upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Eliah and said: let me I pray thee, kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow yt. And he said to him: go back again, for what have I done to thee? And he went back again from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slay them, and dressed the flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave it the people, & they did eat. And then he arose and went after Eliah and ministered unto him. ¶ The first and second time that Samaria was besieged of Benhadad king of Syria. CAPI. XX. 〈…〉 ANd Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host together, and xxxij kings with him, with horse and chariot: and went up and besieged Samaria and warred against it. And he sent messengers to Achab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him: thus says Benhadad, Thy silver & thy gold is my●e, and the best of thy wives, and the best of thy children be mine. And the king of Israel answered and said: my Lord king according to thy saying, I am thine with all I have. And the messengers came again to Achab and said: thus saith Benhadad. I have therefore sent unto thee, saying: deliver me then thy silver and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children. Or else I will send my servants unto the by to morrow this time: & they shall search thine house, and the houses of thy servants, which shall take all that is glorious in thine eyes, and bring it away with them Then the king of Israel sent for the elders of the land and said: take heed I pray you, & see how this fellow goeth about mischief. For he sent unto me, for my wives and my children, and my silver and my gold: and I denied him nothing of it. And all the elders of Israel and all the people said: hearken not to him nor consent. Whereupon he said unto the messengers of Benhadad: tell my Lord the king, all that he sent for the first tyme. that I will do: but this request I may not do. And the messengers departed & brought him word Then Benhadad sent unto him and said: thus do the gods to me and so thereto, if the dust of Samaria be enough for all the people that follow me, that every man may have an handful. And the king of Israel answered and said: Tell him, let not him that putteth on his harness boast himself, as he that putteth it of. And when Benhadad heard that answer as he and the kings were drynckinge in the pavilions, he said unto his servants: put yourselves in array. And they put themselves in array against the city. And behold there came a Prophet unto Achab king of Israel and said to him: Thus saith the Lord. Seis● thou all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver them into thine hand this day, that thou mayst know that I am the Lord. And Achab said, by whom? And he said, thus saith the Lord: even by the governors men of the shires. And Achab said: who shall first join battle? And he said, thou. Then he numbered the men of the governors of the shires: and they were two hundred & xxxij And after them he numbered all the people, and all the children of Israel were seven thousand. And they marched forward at none when Benhadad was a drinking strong drink in the pavilions with the xxxij kings that holy him. And the men of the rulers of the shires went out first. And Benhadad sent forth, & they showed him saying: There come men from Samaria. And he said: if they come to make a peax, take them a live. And also if they come for war, take them yet a live. And when those men of the shryfes of the shires were come out of the city and the host after them, they slay every one of them his enemy that stood in his way. And the Syrians fled, and Israel followed after them. And Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with his horsemen. And the king of Israel went out and smote horse and chariot, & slay a great slaughter of the Syrians. Then there came a Prophet to the king of Israel, and said to him: Go forth and play the man, be wise and take heed what thou dost: for when the year is go about, the king of Syria will come against that again Then said the servants of the kings of Syria to him/ The gods of the hills are their gods, and therefore they had the better of us. But let us fight with them in the plain and undoubtedly we shall have the better of them. And this do/ take the kings away every man out of his place, & put Dukes in their rooms. And furnish the a new host, like the host that thou hast lost, and horse for horse, & chariot for chariot, and let us fight with them in the plain, and for a wager, we get the better of them. And the king herkened unto their counsel and did even so. And as soon as the year was go about, Benhadad numbered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to war with Israel. And the children of Israel were numbered and provided of victual, and went against them, and pytched before them like two little flocks of kyddes but the Syrians filled the country. Then there came a man of God and said unto the king of Israel, thus saith the Lord. Because the Syrians say, that the Lord is but a God of the hills, & not God of the valleys to/ therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thy hand the you may know that I am the Lord. An● they pytched one over against the other vij days, and the seventh day they joined battle. And the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand foot men in one day. And the rest fled to Aphek into the city. And there fallen a brickwall upon xxvij thousand of them that were left. And Benhadad fled and went into the city, from chamber to chamber. Then said his servants unto him: Behold, we have herd say, that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us put sack clot about our loins, and ropes about our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: happily he will save thy life. So they girded sack cloth about their loins, & put ropes about their heads, and went out to the king of Israel and said: thy servant Benhadad saith, I pray the let me live. And he said: Is he yet a live? what he is my brother. And they took that word for good luck and hastily caught it out of his mouth & said Yea thy brother Benhadad. Then he said: go and bring him. And Benhadad came our to him, and the other took him up in to the chariot. And Benhadad said: the cities which my father took from thy father, I will restore again. And thou shalt make streets for the in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. And I will make a league with the & sand the away. And so made a league with him and sent him away. Then a certain man of the children of the prophets said unto his fellow with the word of the Lord, smite me I pray the. And the man would not smite him. And he said, because thou haste not obeyed the voice of the Lord: behold, as soon as thou art departed from me a Lion shall slay the. And as ●one as he was departed from him, i Regu xvii a a Lion round him & slay him. Then he found an other man and said to him: smite me I pray the. And the man gave him a good stripe and wounded him. And the Prophet went forth and waited for the king by the way and tied a kerchief over his eyes, and put himself out of knowledge. And when the king came by, he cried unto him and said: thy servant went out in the mids of the battle. And so, there was one began to flee. And there came a man to me and said: keep thou this man. And if he be myssed, thy light shall go for his, or else thou shalt pay a talon of silver. ☞ And as thy servant had here & there to do, he was go. And the king of Israel said unto him: even so shall thy judgement be as thou hast defined it thyself. And he hasted and unfolded the kerchief away from his eyes: and the king of Israel known him, that he was of the Prophets. And he said unto the king, iii Reg. xxii f thus says the Lord because thou hast let go a man that aught to have died, thy life shall go for his life, & thy people for his. And the king of Israel went to his house all sad & heart heavy, & entered into Samaria ¶ jezabel commandeth to kill Naboth, for the vineyard that he refused to cell Achab. Heliah reproveth Achab, and he repenteth. CAPI. XXI AFter these things were done, it chanced that Naboth the jezrahelite had a vineyard in jezrahel hard by the palace of Achab king of Samaria. And Achab spoke unto Naboth saying: let me have thy vineyard, to make me a garden of herbs thereof, because it lieth so nigh my house: & I will give the a better vineyard for it: or if it please the I will give the the worth of it in silver. But Naboth said to Achab: the Lord forbid that from me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto the. Then went Achab unto his house exceeding angry and evil apaid, because of the words which Naboth the jezrahelite had spoken to him saying: I will not give to the the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face and would eat no meat. Then jezabel his wife came to him, and said unto him: Why art thou so froward, that thou eatest no meat? And he said unto her, I spoke unto Naboth the jezrahelyte, & said unto him: give me thy vineyard for silver, or else if thou will't, I will give the another vineyard for it. And he said: I will not give the my vineyard. Then said jezabel his wife unto him: What a goodly kingdom were thou able to make in Israel? up and eat meat, and set thine heart at rest, for I will give that the vineyard of Naboth the jezrahelite. Then she written a letter in Achabs' name & sealed it with his seal, and sent it unto the elders and chief men of his city that dwelled where Naboth dwelled. And she written in the letter saying: proclaim fasting and set Naboth on high among the people, and set two naughty fellows before him, and let them testify against him saying: thou didst blaspheme both God & the king And upon that carry him out and stone him to death. And the elders and nobles of his city, which dwelled in his city, did as jezabel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letter which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed fasting, and set Naboth an high among the people, and there came in two unthrifty people and sat before him. And the two devilish people witnessed against Naboth before the people saying. Naboth did curse God and the king. 〈…〉 And upon that they carried him out of the city and stoned him with stones to death. And then they sent to jezabel saying: Naboth is stoned to death. And when jezabel heard that Naboth was stoned to death: she said to Achab: arise and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth, the jezrahelite, which he denied to give the for silver, for Naboth is not a live, but deed. And when Achab heard that Naboth was deed. He arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the jezrahelite. to take possession of it. And the word of the Lord came unto Eliah the Thesbite saying: arise and go down to meet Achab king of Israel which is in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth: for he is go down thither, to take possession of it. And say unto him: thus says the Lord, thou hast killed & moreover got possession. And say after that unto him, thus saith the Lord: in the place where dogs lapped the blood of Naboth, 〈◊〉 xxii. f. shall dogs lap even thy blood also. And Achab said to Eliah: hast thou found me thine enemy at any time? And he said ye, because thou art utterly appointed to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will make clean ryddaunce of thine issue, and will destroy of Achab all that pisseth against the brickwall, and even the incluse and furthest in Israel: 〈◊〉 ●ix. b. & will make thine house, like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, and like the house of Baasa the son of Ahiah, because thou haste provoked me to anger, & made Israel sin. And also against jezabel came the word of the Lord, saying: dogs shall eat jezabel under the walls of jezrahel. And he the dieth of Achab in the town, him shall dogs eat: and he that dieth in the fields, 〈◊〉 ●x. b him shall the fowls of the air eat. For there was none at all like Achab, 〈◊〉 x●●. b that was so utterly appointed to work wickedness in t ● sight of the Lord, and that because jezabel his wife pricked him forward. And therefore he did exceeding abominably, in following idols, in all things like as did the Amorites which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. When Achab heard those words, 〈…〉 he rend his clotheses and put sackcloth about his flesh and fasted, and lay in sack and went comfort less. And the word of the Lord came to Eliah the Thesbite saying: sayst thou how Achab humbleth himself before me? because he so humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his sons days I will bring evil upon his house. ¶ Four hundred false Prophets do counsel Achab and josaphat to war against Ramoth: only Michcah prophesyeth the truth, for which he is smitten and put in prison. CAP. XXII ANd they continued three year without war between Syria and Israel. 〈…〉 And the third year josaphat king of juda came to the king of Israel. Then said the king of Israel unto his servants, know you not that Ramoth in Galaad is ours, and we sit still and take it not out of the hands of the king of Syria? And he said unto josaphat: will't thou go with me to battle, to Ramoth in Galaad? And josaphat said unto the king of Israel: 〈…〉 I will be as thou art, & my people shallbe as thine, and my horses as thine. And josaphat said unto the king of Israel: 〈…〉 ask counsel I pray the of the Lord to day. And then the king of Israel gathered of the Prophets together, 〈…〉 upon a four hundred men, and said unto them: shall I go to Ramoth in Galaad to battle, or be still? And they said, go/ for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the king. And josaphat said: is there not one Prophet of the Lords here more, that we might inquire of him? And the king of Israel said to josaphat: there is yet one, by whom we may ask counsel of the Lord, one Micheah the son of jemlah But I hate him: Micheah. for he never prophesyeth good unto me, but evil. And josaphat said: let not the king say so. Then the king of Israel called unto one of his chamberlayns and said: fet Micheah the son of jemlah hither at one's. And the king of Israel and josaphat the king of juda sat either in his seat and their apparel on them, in a void place beside the entering of the gate of Samaria, and all the Prophets' Prophesyenge before them. And Zedekiah the son of Canaanah made horns of iron and said, thus saith the Lord: with these horns thou shalt wynowe the Syrians until thou have made an end of them. And all the Prophets prophesied even so, saying: go to Ramoth in Galaad and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the king. And the messenger that was go to call Micheah, said unto him/ see, the words of the Prophets speak good unto the king with one voice/ let thy words I pray thee, be like the words of one of them, and speak that is good. And Micheah said/ as surely as the Lord liveth, what the Lord putteth in my mouth, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said to him/ Micheah shall we go to Ramoth in Galaad to battle, or shall we be still? And he said unto him, Micheas or Micheah ii Par. xviii d go and prosper, the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the king. And the king said unto him, how often shall I adjure thee, that thou tell me nothing but truth, in the name of the Lord? Then he said I see all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have no shepherds. And the Lord said/ those have no master, let them return every man to his house in peax. Then said the king of Israel to josaphat/ did I not tell thee, that he would Prophesy no good unto me, but evil? ☜ And Micheah said/ Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sit on his seat, and all the company of heaven standing about him, on his ryghthand and on his left. And the Lord said: two. Par. xviii a Who shall deceive Achab that he may go & be slain at Ramoth in Galaad? and one said on this manner & an other on that. Then came forth a spirit & stood before the Lord & said/ I will deceive him. And the Lord said, wherewith? And he said/ I will go out and be a false spirit in the mouths of all his Prophets. Ezechi xiiii b And the Lord said, Thou shalt deceive him and also prevail, go forth & do even so. Now therefore behold, the Lord hath put a lying sprite in the mouth of all these thy Prophets'/ when in very deed the Lord hath spoken evil toward the. Then Zedekiah the son of Canaanah went to and smote Micheah on the cheek, and said/ How is the sprite of the Lord go from me, to speak in thee? And Micheah said: Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go from chamber to chamber to bide the. And the king of Israel said Take Micheah and carry him back again unto Amon the governor of the city, and unto joab the kings son, and say: thus saith the king. Put you this fellow in prison and feed him with bread and water straightly, till I return in peax. Then Micheah said, if thou come safe again, the Lord hath not spoken in me. And he said, hearken you people every one of you. And so the king of Israel and josaphat the king of juda went up to Ramoth in Galaad. And the king of Israel said to josaphat I will change mine apparel and get me to war: but put thou on thine own apparel. And the king of Israel changed his raiment and went to battle also. But the king of Syria had commanded the Captains of his charettes of which he had xxxij saying: fight neither with small nor great, save with the king of Israel only. And when the captains of the charettes saw josaphat, they thought he had been the king of Israel, and therefore turned to him to fight. But josaphat cried out. And when the captains of the charettes saw he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from him. And a certain man drew a bow unwares, and smote the king of Israel between the ribs of his harness. Wherefore the king said unto the driver of his chariot, turn thy hand and carry me forth of the host, for I am hurt. And the field increased that day, and the king continued in his chariot before the Syrians, and died about night. And the blood ran out of the wound into the bottom of the chariot. And there went a Proclamation thorough out the host after the son was down, saying: let every man depart to his city and to his own country. And when the king of Israel was deed, they came to Samaria and buried him there. And while they washed the chariot in the pole of Samaria, the dogs lycked up his blood, iii Reg. xxi c and harlots washed him according unto the word of the Lord which he spoke. The rest of the deeds of Achab, and all he did, and the Ivory house which he made, and the cities that he built, are written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. And when Achab was laid to rest with his fathers, Ohoziah his son reigned in his stead. josaphat the son of Asa began to reign upon juda, 〈…〉 the fourth year of Achab king of Israel, and was xxxv year old when he began to reign and reigned xxv year in jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Salahi. And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father and bowed not therfrome, but did that was right in the eyes of the Lord. Only he did not put the hylaulters out of the way: for the people offered & burned their sacrifices yet, in the hylaultares. And he had peax with the king of Israel. The rest of the deeds of josaphat, and the might that he used, and how he warred, 〈…〉 are written in the book of Chronicles of the kings of juda. And also the remnant of the buggery boys, which remained in the days of his father, he put clean out of the land. There was then no king in Edom, the king was but a deputy. And josaphat made ships in these, to go to Ophir for gold, but they went not: for the ships broke at Azion Gaber. Then said Ohoziah the son of Achab unto josaphat: Let my servants go with thine in the ships. But josaphat would not. And josaphat laid him to sleep with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: & jehoram his son reigned in his towme. ¶ The end of the third book of the kings, as the latenistes reckon, the Hebrews call it the first of the kings. THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE KINGS, WHICH THE HEBRVES CALL THE second OF THE KINGS. ¶ Ohoziah is hurt, and asketh counsel of Belzebub how he may come by health. The captains over fifty with their soudiars are burned, by the prayer of Heliah. Ohoziah is reproved of Heliah, and dieth and jehoram his brother succeedeth him. CAPI. I OHoziah the son of Achab began to reign upon Israel in Samaria, the xvij year of josaphat king of juda, and was king over Israel two years, and did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nabat which made Israel to sin. And he served Baal and bowed himself to him, and angered the Lord God of Israel, in all thing, as did his father. And the Moabites rebelled against Israel after the death of Achab. And Ohoziah fell thorough a lattese window out of an upper chamber that he had in Samaria, and fallen sick. Then he sent messengers, saying unto them: Go and inquire of Beelzebub the God of Akaron, whether I shall recover of this disease, or no. But the angel of the Lord spoke to Eliah the Thesbite, arise and go against the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them: Is there no God in Israel, that you go to ask of Beelzebub the God of Akaron. Therefore thus says the Lord: Thou shalt not come down from the bed whereon thou liest, but shalt die. And Eliah departed. And the messengers turned back again unto Ohoziah. And he said unto them: why are you thus come again? And they said unto him, there came a man against us and said unto us? go and return unto the king that sent you, and show him. Thus saith the Lord. Is there no God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire of B●elzebub the God of Akaron? Therefore thou shalt not come down from the bed whereon thou art go up, but shalt surely die. And he said to them: What manner man was that which met you and told you these words? And they said unto him: it was an hairy man and gird with a girdle of a skin about his loins. And he said unto them: it is Eliah the Thesbi●e. Then the king sent unto him a captain over thirty with his thirty that were under him. And when the captain was come to him, behold: he sat on the top of an hill. And the captain said unto him: Man of God, the king biddeth the come down. And Eliah an swired and said to the captain over the fifty, If I be a man of God, fire come down from heaven and consume the and thy fifty. 〈…〉 And there came site down from heaven & devoured him and his fifty. And the king went again and sent to him an other captain over thirty with his fifty men with him which answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus saith the king make haste and come down. And Eliah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume that and thy fifty. And there came fire down from heaven and consumed him and his thirty. And the king sent again the third captain over fifty. And when the third captain over thirty was come up to him, ☜ he fallen on his knees before Eliah and besought him and said unto him/ O man of God, let my life and the life of these thirty thy servants be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven and burned up the two fore captains over thirty with their fyfties. But let my life now be precious in thy sight Then said the angel of the Lord unto Eliah/ God down with him, and be not afraid of him. And he went down with him unto the king. And he said unto the king, thus saith the Lord/ for as much as thou sentest messengers to ask thorough Beelzebub the God of Akaron, as thought there had been no God in Israel to ask thorough his word, therefore thou shalt not come of the bed on which thou art mounted, but shalt surely die. And so he died according to the word of the Lord which Eliah spoke/ and jehoram was made king in his stead, the second year of jehoram son of josaphat king of juda, because he had no son. The rest of the deeds of Ohoziah which he did, are written in the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. ¶ Eliah divideth the waters with his mantle. He is taken up in to heaven. The bitter and venomous waters are healed by the salt that Eliseus put into them. The children that mock Eliseus are rend in pieces. CAP. II ANd it chanced when the Lord would take up Eliah to heaven in a whorlewind, that Eliah and Eliseus were going from Galgal. And Eliah said to Eliseus, tarry here, for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. But Eliseus said/ * i Re xxviii b. as surely as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave the. And when they came to bethel, the children of the Prophets that were at Bethel, came forth to Elis●us, and said to him: knowest thou not that the Lord will take away thy master that he be no longer thy head this day? And he said I know it to, hold your peace. Then said Eliah to Eliseus/ tarry here I pray thee, for the Lord hath sent me to jericho. And he said/ as surely as the Lord liveth, and as surely as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee, and so they went to jericho. And the children of the Prophets that were at jericho came to Eliseus and said unto him: art thou not ware that the Lord will take away thy master from the this day? And he answered: I know it also, hold your peaxe. And Eliah said to him: tarry I pray the here, for the Lord hath sent me to jordan. But he said: as surely as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave the. And so they went both of them together. And fifty men of the sons of the Prophets went and stood in sight a far of, as they two stood by jordan. ☞ And then Eliah took his mantle & wrapped it together, and smote the water, and it divided itself/ part one way, and part an other/ and they two went over on the dry land. And as soon as they were over, Eliah said to Eliseus/ ask what I shall do for thee, ere I be taken away from the. And Eliseus said: let me have thy spirit double in me. And he said: thou hast asked an hard thing. Nevertheless if thou see me when I am taken away from thee, thou shalt have it so: if thou do not, it shall not be. And as they went walking and talking: behold there came a chariot of fire, and horses of fire/ & put them asunder. And Eliah went up in the whorlwind to heaven. And Eliseus saw and cried: O my father, O my father, the chariot of Israel, and his chariot man, but he saw him no more/ and therefore took his own clotheses, and rend them in two pieces. And then he took up the mantel of Eliah that fell from him, and went back again and stood by jordan's side, and with the mantel of Eliah that fallen from him, he smote the water, and said: where is the Lord God of Eliah, where is he? And when he had smitten the water, it divided part this way and part that way/ and Eliseus went over. And the children of the Prophets of jericho which saw him a far, said: the spirit of Eliah, doth rest on Eliseus/ and went against him, and bowed to the earth unto him. And they said unto him/ see, there be among thy servants fifty lusty men: let them go and seek thy master, haply the spirit of the Lord hath taken him up & cast him upon some mountain, or in some valley. And he said: send not. Nevertheless yet they lay upon him, till he was ashamed, and said: send, and they sent fifty men which sought him three days and three nights/ but found him not. And they came again to him, for he tarried at jericho. And he said to them/ did I not say unto you that you should not go? Then the men of jericho said to Eliseus: behold, the city standeth plesauntly, as my Lord seethe/ but the water is nought, and the ground barren. ☞ And he said: bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. And he went unto the spring of the water, and cast the salt in thither/ and said, thus saith the Lord: I heal this water/ there shall not come henceforth either death, or bareynnesse. And the water was healthsome ever after, according to the saying of Eliseus which he spoke. And he went from thence up to bethel. And as he was going in the way/ there came little lads out of the city, and mocked him, and said to him: ☜ go up thou bald heed/ go up thou bald heed. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came two bears out of the wood, and tare xlij of the boys. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence went aagayne to Samaria. ¶ The kings of Israel juda and Edom lack water, when they should fight against Moab: which they obtain through the prayer of Eliseus. The king of Moab loseth the field and after sacryfyeth his son. CAPI. III Jehoram the son of Achab begun to reign upon Israel in Samaria the eighteen year of josaphat king of juda, and continued twelve year. And he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord/ but not like his father or his mother/ for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless he continued in the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nabat which made Israel sin, 〈…〉 and shrunk not therefrom. And Mesa king of Moab, which was rich of sheep (and was wont to tender unto the kings of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and as many rams with the wool) rebelled against the king of Israel after the death of Achab. 〈…〉 And king jehoram went out of Samaria the same season, and numbered all Israel. And then went and sen●e to josaphat king of juda, saying: the king of Moab hath rebelled against me/ wilt thou go with me against the Moabites to battle? 〈…〉 And he said I will go, and will be as thou, & my people shall be as thine, and my horses as thine. And he said what way shall we go? And the other answered: the way thorough the wilderness of Edom. And the king of Israel took his journey with the king of juda and the king of Edom. And when they had compassed the way seven days, there was no water for the host nor for the cattle that they had with them. Then said the king of Israel: Alas, the Lord hath called together these three kings, to deliver them in to hands of the Moabites. But josaphat said: Is there hear no Prophet of the Lords, that we may inquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said: here is Eliseus the son of Saphat, which poured water on the hands of Eliah. And josaphat said: the word of the Lord is with him. And so the king of Israel and josaphat, and the king of Edom went down to him. And Eliseus said to the king of Israel: what have I to do with thee? Get the to the. Prophets of thy father and of thy mother And the king of Israel said unto him: O nay/ but hath the Lord called these three kings to deliver them in to the hands of the Moabites? And Eliseus said: as truly as the Lord of hosts liveth (in whose sight I stand) and it were not that I regarded the presence of josaphat the king of juda, I would not look toward thee, nor yet se the. But now, bring me a minstrel. And as the minstrel played, the hand of the Lord was upon him. And he said: thus biddeth the Lord/ make at this brokes heed, ditches and ditches again. For thus saith the Lord: you shall see neither wind nor rain, and yet this broken shall be filled with water that you may drink, and your beestes and your cattle also. And this is yet but a small thing in the sight of the Lord. But he will give the Moabites in to your hands also. 〈…〉 And you shall destroy all strong towns, and all goodly cities/ and shall fell all pleasant trees, & stop all the wells of water/ and mar all good plots of ground with stones. And in the morning about offering time, there came such a water the way from Edom, that the country was filled with water. When all the Moabites heard the kings were come to fight against them, they assembled from the youngest that was able to put on harness, and so upward/ and waited in the borders. And they being up early in the morning, the son arose and shone upon the water. And when the Moabites saw the water a far of as read as blood/ they said: it is blood, the kings have fought together/ & one slain an other. Now therefore you Moabites / get you to the spoil. And when they came to the host of Israel, the Israelites stood up and laid on the Moabites/ that they fled before them. And so they entered the land and destroyed the Moabites. And they overthrew the cities/ and on every good parcel of land cast every man his stone and over covered it/ and stopped all the wells of water/ and fried all the good trees. And as long as the stones thereof did remain in the walls of brick, the styngers went upon it and bet it. And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was to strong for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew the sword, to have broken up unto the k●ng of Edom, but they could not. And then he took his elder son that should have reigned in his stead, ☞ and offered him for a burned offering upon the walls. And there came so great wrath upon Israel, that they departed from him, & returned to their own land. ¶ God giveth a certain poor woman oil and flower by Eliseus. Eliseus obtaineth of God a child for his Hostess: which dieth and is after raised to life thorough him. He maketh sweet the pottage: and multyplyeth the loves. CAPI. FOUR ANd there cried a certain woman of the wives of the children of the prophets unto Eliseus, saying: thy servant my husband is deed, and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord. And the man that lend us money is come to fet my two sons, to be his bondmen. And Eliseus said to her: What shall I do for thee? Tell me, what hast thou in thine house? And she said, thine handmaid hath nothing at all in her house, save a pitcher with oil. And he said: Go and borrow the in other places of all thy neighbours, empty vessels and that not a few/ and than go and shut the door to thee, and to thy sons/ and pour out in to all those vessels, and put the full always aside. So she went from him, and shut the door to her, and to her sons. And they brought to her, and she poured out. And when the vessels were full, the said to her son: bring yet a vessel. And he said: there is no more. And then the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said: go and cell the oil, and pay thy dettes. And live thou and thy children of the rest. And it befallen on a day, that Eliseus came to Sunam where was a rich woman that took him in for to eat breed. And as oft as he came that way, he turned in thither to eat breed. And she said unto her husband: see, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, and cometh oftentimes by us/ let us make him a chamber with a little wall, and let us set him there a bed, a table, a stole, & a candlestick, that he may turn in thither when he cometh to us. And it fortuned on a time that he came thither, and turned in to the chamber, and lay there. Then he said to Gihezi his servant: call this Sunamite. And he called her, and she came before him. And Eliseus said to him, say to her I pray thee: see, thou hast made all this provision for us, what shall we do for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she said/ I devil among mine own people. Then he said: what is to be done for her? And Ethezi said: Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. And he said: call her. And he called her. And she came and stood at the door. Then he said: by such a time, and in such an hour, if thou livest, Genes. xviii ● thou shalt embrace a son, and she said: O nay my Lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the wife conceived and bore a son that same season and hour that Eliseus had said unto her. And when the child was well waxed, it fell on a day, that he went forth to his father to the haruestmen. And there be complained to his father, my heed my heed. And his father said to a servant, carry him to his mother, & he took him and brought him to his mother. And he sat on her knees till none, and then died. And she carried him up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door to him, and went out, and came to her husband, and said: send me one of the young men and an ass, that I may run to the man of God. And he said: wherefore wilt thou go to him to day, while it is neither new moan, nor Saboth day? And she said: be content. Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant: lead away, and make me not cease riding till I bid the. So she went and came to the man of God to mount Carmel. And when the man of God saw her a far/ he said to Elhezi his servant: see where our servant cometh. Now go and meet her, & ask her whether it be all well with her, and with her husband, and with the child. And she said: all is well. Then she went to the man of God up to the hill, and caught him by the feet. And Gihezi went to her to thrust her away. But the man of God said: let her alone, for her soul is vexed, and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told it me. Then she said: did I desire a son of my Lord? did I not say, that thou shouldest not mock me. Then he said to Gihezi: gird up thy loins/ and take my staff in thine hand, & get the hence. If any man meet thee, salute him not. And if any salute thee, answer him not. And put my staff upon the boy. ●. Re. xxviii b. Notwithstanding the mother of the child said: as surely as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave the. And then he arose and followed her. Gihezi went before them, and put the staff upon the lad. But there was neither voice nor feeling. And then he went again against his master and told him, saying: It hath not awaked the child. When Eliseus was come to the house: behold the boy was deed. and laid upon his bed. And he went in and shut the door to the child and him/ and prayed unto the Lord. iii Re. x●ii. b. Actu .xx c And he went up, and lay upon the lad, and put his mouth on this mouth/ and his eyes on his eyes/ & the palm of his hands on the palm of his hands/ and spread himself upon the lad, that the flesh of the child waxed warm. And went again and walked one's up and down in the house, and then went up and spread himself upon him/ and then the ladnesed seven times. and opened his eyes. And he called Gihezi and said. Call for this Sunamite. And he called her. And when she was come to him, he said: * Aut vii c take thy son. Then she went and fallen at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went forth. When Eliseus was come to Galgal again, there was a dearth in the land, and the children of the Prophets dwelled with him. Then he said to his servant/ put on a great pot/ and make pottage for the children of the Prophets. And one went out in to the field to gather herbs, and found as it were a wild vine/ and gathered thereof Coloquintidaes' his lap full, and came and shred them in to the pot of pottage, and wist not what it was. And they poured out for the men to eat. And when they had tasted of the pottage they cried out and said/ there is doth in the pot, thou man of God, and could not eat thereof. Then he said: bring meal. And he cast it in to the pot and said: fill for the people, that they may eat, and there was no harm in the pot. There came a man from Baalsalisa and brought the man of God breed of first fruits, even twenty loves of barley, and new corn in a cloth he had. And Eliseus had put it before the people, that they might eat. Then his minister said: what shall I set this before an hundred men? And he said/ set it before the people, and let them eat. For thus saith the Lord: They shall rate and leave. And he set it before them/ and they ate and left, according to the word of the Lord. ¶ Naaman the Sirien is healed of his lepry. Gihezi is stricken with a leprosy because he took money and raiment of Naaman. CAPI. V NAaman captain of the kings host of Syria was great with his master, and well taken: for thorough him the Lord saved Syria. And he was an active man & rich, but yet a leper. And there was a company of soldiers go out of Syria a roving, and had brought of the country of Israel a little maid, which was with Naamans' wife. And the damosel said unto her lady: I would my master were with a Prophet that is in Samaria, he would deliver him of his lepry. And she went and told her husband, saying/ thus and thus saith the maid of the land of Israel. And the king of Syria said: go thy way, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he went and took with him ten talentes of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten change of raymentes. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, containing in effect these words. When this letter is come up to thee: Behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou shouldest rid him of his lepry. And when the king of Israel had read the letter, he rent his clotheses and said: 〈…〉 am I God, to slay & to make alive that he should send to me, to deliver a man from his lepry. But consider I pray you and see, how he pyketh quarrels with me. And when Eliseus the man of God, had heard how the king of Israel had rend his clotheses, he sent to the king, saying: Wherefore hast thou rend thy clotheses? let him come to me, that he may know there is a Prophet in Israel. And Naaman came with his horses and his charette, and stood at the door of Elieus. Then Eliseus sent a messenger, saying: go and wash the in jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall be hole, and thou shalt be clean. And Naaman was wroth and went away, and said: Behold, I thought in myself, he would have come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and put his hand on the place of the disease, and so take away the lepry. Are not Abanah and Pharphar rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Might I not rather wash in them and be clean? And so he turned and departed in anger. Then came his servants, and talked with him and said. Father, if the Prophet had bid the done some great thing oughtest thou not to have done it? How moche rather then shouldest thou do it, while he saith to the only, wash and be clean? 〈◊〉 xvii c Then he went down & washed seven times in jordan, as the man of God bade/ & his flesh changed, like unto the flesh of a little boy, and he was clean. Then he turned again to the man of God and all his company with him/ and came and stood before him and said. Behold, I know there is no God in all the world, but in Israel. And now I pray the take a reward of thy servant. But he said 〈◊〉 xvii a as surely as the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And the other would have constrained him to receive/ but he would not. And Naaman said: if thou wilt not, yet I pray the may there not be given to thy servant the burden of two mules of earth. For thy servant will henceforth offer neither burned sacrifice nor offering unto any other God, then to the Lord But herein the Lord be merciful to thy servant/ for when my master goeth in to the house of Remon to worship there, he leaneth on mine hand/ and I must worship in the house of Remon, let the Lord I pray the be merciful unto thy servant in this case. And he said to him: go in peax. And when he was departed from him a furlong of ground, Ethezi the servant of Eliseus the man of God, said: se, my master is so pitiful to this Sirien Naaman, that he would not receive of his hand that he offered. As surely as the Lord liveth, I will run after him & take somewhat. And so Gihezi went after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him come running after him, 〈◊〉 four b he came down of the chariot against him, and said: is all well? And he said yea. But my master hath sent me, saying: to, there be two young men come to me out of Ephraim of the children of the Prophets: give them I pray thee, one talon of silver, and a couple of good garments. And Naaman said: adventure and take two talentes of silver/ and he constrained him & bond two talentes of silver in two bags, with two goodly garments, and delivered them unto two of his servants to bear it before him. So when he came to the tour, he took it of their hands, and bestowed it in the house, and let the men go, and they departed. Then he went and stood before his master. And Eliseus said to him: whence cometh Gihezi? And he said: thy servant went no whither. And he said: went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned and came of his chariot against thee? Did not I know the time when thou went to receive silver, and to receive garments, olive trees, vineyards, oxen, sheep, men servants, and maid servants? The lepry therefore of Naaman cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. 〈◊〉 xxvi d And he went out from him a leper as white as snow. ¶ Eliseus maketh iron to swim above the water. The Siriens besiege Israel, so that two women agree together to eat their own children. CAPI. VI THen said the children of the Prophets unto Eliseus: se, the place where we devil with thee, is to little for us. Let us therefore take every man a piece of timber, and build us a place there to dwell in. And he said: go you. And one said: begin I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he said: I will/ and so went with them. And when they came to jordan, they cut down wood. And as one was hewing of a tree, the axe heed fallen in to the water. And he cried out and said: Alas master, for it was lente me. And the man of God said: Where fallen it? And he showed him the place. ☜ And he cut an helve and cast it in thither, and made the axe heed swim. And he said: take it up to the. And the other stretched is hand and caught it. And the king of Syria fought against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying: In such a place and in such, will I pitch. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying: Beware thou go not by such a place, for there are the Syrians go down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him & warned him of, and saved himself there more than once or twice. And the heart of the king of Syria was troubled therewith, that he sent for his servants, and said to them: * i Reg. xxli. b will you not show me, who bewreyeth me to the king of Israel? And one of his servants said: nay my lord king: Eliseus the Prophet that is in Israel, he telleth the king of Israel, the words that thou speakest in thy privy chamber. Then he said: go and espy where he is, that I may send and fet him. And one told the king, saying: see, he is in Dothan. And he sent thither horse and charettes, and a great host. And they came thither by night, and enuyronned the town about. And when the servant of the man of God rose up early and was go out. Behold, there was an host round about the town with horses and charettes. Then said his servants to him. Alas master, what shall we do? And he said: fear not, there are more with us then with them. And Eliseus prayed and said. Lord open the eyen of the young man/ and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and charettes of fire round about Eliseus. And when the soldiers came down to him, Eliseus prayed unto the Lord and said. Smite this people with blindness. And he smote them with blindness, according to the desire of Eliseus. Then Eliseus said unto them/ this is not the way, nor this is not the town. But follow me and I will bring you to the man you seek. And he led them to Samaria. When they were come to Samaria, Eliseus said: Lord open their eyes, and let them see, and the Lord opened their eyes that they saw. And behold, they were in the mids of Samaria. And then said the king of Israel unto Eliseus when he saw them/ i Regum xvii a shall I smite them shall I smite them father? And he said/ smite them not. But smite those whom thou takest with thine own sword/ and with thine own bow/ but set breed and water before them, and let them eat and drink and go to their master. And he made great ordinance before them. And when they had eaten and drunk, sent them away, and they went to their master. And so the soldiers of Syria came no more in to the land of Israel. After this, Benhadad king of Syria gathered all the host, and went and besieged Samaria. And there arose great dearth in Samaria. For they had besieged it, till an asses heed was worth four score sickles of silver/ and the fourth part of a Cab of doves dung worth five sycles. And as the king of Israel walked upon the walls, there cried a woman to him, saying/ help my lord king. And he said: Nay, the Lord help the. But wherewith should I help thee, with corn or wine? Then said the king to her/ what aileth thee? And she answered/ this woman here said to me, bring thy son, and let us eat him to day, and we will eat mine to morrow. Deut. xxviii c Threns four b And so we dressed my son and did eat him. And I said to her an other day/ bring thy son, that we may eat him. But she hath hid her son. When the king heard the words of the woman, he rent his clotheses even as he was walking on the walls. And when the people looked upon him/ lo, he was clothed in sack under. Then he said God do so and so to me, if the heed of Eliseus the son of Saphat tarry on him this day. And as Eliseus sat in his house and the elders with him, the king sent one for him. But ere the messenger came at him, he said to the elders: See you not how the son of this murderer hath sent to take of mine heed? Be circumspect therefore when the messenger cometh, and shut the door, and thrust him back therewith/ for the sound of his master's feet followeth him. And while he yet talked with them: Behold, the messenger was come unto him. And he said behold, this evil is of the Lord/ what more shall we look for of the Lord? ¶ Eliseus Prophesyeth plenteousness of vytayles and other things to Samaria. The Syrians run away no man following them. The Lord that would not believe the word of Eliseus to trodden to death. CAPI. VII. THen Eliseus said: hear the word of the Lord/ for thus saith the Lord, to morrow this time a bushel of fine ●●●ure shall be sold for a sickle, and two busshels of barley for an other in the gates of Samaria. Then a Duke, on whose hand the king leaned, answered the man of God and said/ though the Lord would make windows in heaven, yet would not this be. And he said again: Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, and shalt not eat thereof. And there were four lepers set without the gate of Samaria. ☜ And they said each to his companion/ what, sit we here until we die? though we thought that we might come in to the city, yet is the dearth so great in the city, that we shall there die. And if we tarry here, we are but deed also. Now therefore come and let us flee to the host of the Syrians: If they save our lives, we shall live: And if they kill us, then are we deed. And so they arose in the dayspring to go to the host of the Syrians. And when they were come to the side of the host of Syria/ lo there was no man there. For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians hear a noise of charettes, and a noise of horses, and the noise of a great host. In so much that they said one to an other: lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the hittites, and the kings of egypt to come upon us. Whereupon they arose and fled in the dark, and left their tents, their horses, their asses, and the field they had pitched, even as it was, and fled for their lives. And when these lepers came to the edge of the host, they went in to a tent and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, gold, and raiment, & went and hid it/ and came again, and entered in to an other, and carried thence also, and went and hid it. Then they said one to an other it is not well that we do/ for this day hath brought good tidings with it. And if we hold our peax, and tarry till it be day light, we shall find a mischief. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the kings household. And so they went and called to the po●ter of the city, and told them, saying: we came to the pavilions of the Syrians/ and lo, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses and asses tied, and the tents even as they were. Then the porters called and told the kings house within. And the king arose in the night, and said to his servants, I will show you how the Syrians have served us. They know we are oppressed with hunger, and therefore are go out of their pavilions to hide themselves in the field, saying: They will come out of the city, and then we shall catch them alive, and get in to the city. And one of his servants answered and said: Let men take five of the horses that remain and are left in the city. Behold, they are as good as all the multitude that are left in the city/ and as good as all the multitude of the city that are consumed, and let us send and see. And they took two charettes of horses/ and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying: Go and see. And they followed after them, even unto jordan: and lo, all the way was full of clotheses and vessels which the Syrians had cast from them for haste. Then the messengers returned and told the king and the people issued out, and rob the tents of the Syrians. And so a bushel of flower was sold for a sycle, and two busshelles of barley for a sycle, according to the lords word. And the king set the Duke on whose hand he leaned, to keep the gate. And the people trod him in the gate, that he died, according to the saying of the God's man, which he said when the king came down to him. And it came to pass according to the word of the man of God spoken to the king saying: two busshelles of barley for a sycle, and a bushel of barley for an other, shall be to morrow this time in the gates of Samaria. Whereunto the Duke answered the man of God, and said: though the Lord made windows in heaven, yet would this not be. And the other said/ behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, and shalt not eat thereof. And so it chanced/ for the people trod him under feet in the gate, that he died. ¶ Eliseus Prophesyeth unto the Sunamite the dearth of seven year. After the death of Benhadad reigneth Hazael in Syria. jehoram the son of josaphat reigneth in juda. Edom falls from juda. Ohoziah succeedeth jehoram. CAPI. VIII. THen spoke Eliseus unto the woman whose son he had restored to life, saying/ arise and go both thou and thine house, and sojourn where thou thinkest best/ for the Lord will call a dearth/ which shall come on the land seven year. And the woman arose and did after the saying of the God's man/ and went both she and her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven year. And at the seven years end, when the woman was come again out of the land of the Philistines, she went out to speak to the king for her house and for her land. And the king was talking with Gihezi the servant of the man of God, saying: tell me I pray thee, all the great deeds which Eliseus did. And it chanced as he was telling the king how he restored a deed body to life again, came in the woman whose son he revived, and cried to the king for her house and land. Then said Gihezi: My lord king, this is the woman, and this is her son which Eliseus brought to life again. And the king asked the woman, and she told him. And so the king sent with her one of his chamberlains, saying/ restore all that pertaineth to her, with all the fruits of the field, sithence the day she left the land, unto this tyme. After this Eliseus went to Damascus, and Benhadad the king of Syria fallen sick. And one told the king, saying: The man of God is come hither. Then said the king to Hazael: 〈…〉 take a present with thee, and go against the man of God, and ask the Lord by him whether I shall recover of this my disease or no. And Hazael went to meet him, and took presents with him, even of all the good things of Damascus, as much as forty camels could bear, and came and presented himself before him and said/ thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying/ shall I recover of this my disease? Eliseus' said to him: go and say to him/ thou shalt recover/ how be it the Lord hath showed me that he shall surely die. And the man of God stood still by him, and was taken with a sore malady / in so much that he changed countenance and wept. And Hazael said/ why weepeth my lord? And he answered/ for I know that thou shalt do evil unto the children of Israel/ their strong cities thou shalt set on fire, and their young men thou shalt slay with the sword, and shalt dash out the brains of their sucking children/ and all to tear their women with child. And Hazael said/ what is thy servant, which am but a dog, that I should do this great thing? And Eliseus said/ for the Lord hath showed me, that thou shalt be king of Syria. And so he departed from Eliseus, and came to his master, which said to him. What said Eliseus to thee? And he said/ he told me that thou shouldest recover. And on the morrow he took a rough cloth, and dypte in the water, & spread it on his face, and he died, and Hazael reigned in his stead. The fift year of jehoram son of Achab king of Israel (josaphat yet king of juda) jehoram son of josaphat, king of juda, jehoram 〈◊〉 joram. began to reign/ thirty and two year old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned eight year in jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Achab/ for the daughter of Achab was his wife/ and he did that displeased the Lord. Nevertheless the Lord would not destroy juda, because of David his servant, as he promised him to give him a light in his children alway. And in his days, Edom Edom. fallen away from under the hand of juda, and made them a king of their own. And jehoram went to Seir, and all his charettes with him. And he rose by night, and laid on the Edomites, which compassed him in/ and the captains of his chariot and the people fled in to their tents. And so the Edomites slipped away from being under the hand of juda unto this day. And then Lobnah slipped away to, even that same tyme. The rest of the deeds of jehoram, and all he did, are written in the chronicles of kings of juda. And jehoram rested with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Ohoziah his son reigned in his stead. The twelve year of jehoram son of Achab, king of Israel, did Ohoziah the son of jehoram king of juda begin to to reign. Two and twenty year old was Ohoziah when he began to reign, and reigned one year in jerusalem, his mother's name was Athalia daughter of Amri king of Israel. And he walked in the way of the house of Achab/ for he was a son in law to the house of Achab. And jehoram the son of Achab went to war with Hazael king of Syria, at Ramoth in Galaad/ and the Syrians wounded him. Wherefore king jehoram went back again, to be healed in jezrahel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramoth, when he fought with Hazael king of Si●●a. And Ohoziah the son of jehoram king of juda, went down to see jehoram son of Achab in jezrahel, because he was sick. ¶ jehu is made king of Israel, and killeth jehoram the king thereof, and Ohoziah king of juda also: and thereto causeth jezabel to be cast down forth of a window, whom dogs eat. CAPI. IX. ANd Eliseus the Prophet called unto one of the children of the Prophets, and said to him: gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and get the to Ramoth in Galaad. And when thou comest thither thou shalt there see jehu the son of josaphat the son of Namsi, and go to him and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to a secret chamber. And take the box of oil and your it on his heed, and say/ thus saith the Lord: I have anointed the to be king over Israel. And then open the door and flee/ and tarry not. So the servant of the Prophet did get him to Ramoth in Galaad/ and when he came, the captains of the host were sitting together. And he said: I have an erraude to thee, sir captain. And jehu said/ unto which of all us? And he said: to thee, O captain. And he arose and went in to the house. And the other poured the oil on his heed, and said to him/ thus saith the Lord God of Israel: I have anointed the to be king over Israel the people of the Lord, that thou slay the household of Achab thy master. For I (saith the Lord) will avenge the blood of my servants the Prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, of the hand of jezabel (for the hole house of Achab shall be destroyed) and I will destroy unto Achab what pysseth against the brickwall/ and so much as the prisoned, or that is forsaken in Israel, and will make the house of Achab like the house of Jeroboam son of Nabat, and like the house of Baasa the son of Ahiah. And concerning jezabel, the dogs shall eat her in the field of jezabel/ and none shall bury her. And he opened the door and fled. And when jehu was come our to the servants of his Lord/ they said to him: Is all peax? Wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said to him: you know the person and his communication. And they said: it is not so. But tell us a fellowship. And he said/ thus and thus spoke he to me, saying. Thus saith the Lord: I have anointed the to be king over I●●●ell. And they hasted and took every man his mantel and put under him on an hy● bench at the top of the steps, and blue a trumpet, and said: jehu is king. And so jehu the son of josaphat the son of Namsi, conspired against jehoram. And jehoram had been waiting at Ramoth Galaad, and all Israel with him for fear of Hazael king of Syria, and was returned to be health in jezrahel, of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, as he fought with Hazael king of Syria. Then said jehu. If it be your minds, let no man escape out of the city, to go and tell in jezrahel. And jehu road and went to jezrahel/ for jehoram lay there/ and Oh●ziah king of juda, was come to jehoram. And the watchman that stood on the tour i● jezrahel, espied the company of jehu as he came, and said: I see a company. And jehoram said: take an horseman and send against them, and let him ask whether it be peax. And there went one on horseback against him, and said. Thus saith the king: is it peax? And jehu answered, what hast thou to do with peax? turn and come after me. And the watchman told, sayings the messenger came to them, but he cometh not again. Then he sent out an other on horseback, which came to them and said thus saith the king: Is it peax? And jehu answered/ what hast thou to do with peax? turn and come after me. And the watchman told, saying: he came to them, but he cometh not again, and the driving is like the driving of jehu the son of Namsi, for he driveth as he were mad. Then said jehoram, make ready. And they made ready his chariot. And jehoram king of Israel, and Ohoziah king of juda went ou● either in his chariot against jehu, and meche him in the furlong of Naboth the jezrahelite. And when jehoram saw jehu, he said is it peax jehu? And he said/ what peax should there be, so long as the hooredomes of thy mother jezabel and her wytchecraftes are so great? And jehoram turned his hand and fled, and said to Ohoziah/ there is falseh●d in hand Ohoziah. And jehu took his bow i● his hand, and smote jehoram between the shoulders, that the arrow came out at his breast. And he fallen down three fold in his chariot. Then he said to Badukar a lord of his take and cast him in the plot of ground of Naboth the jezrahelyte. For I remember a● I and thou road together after Achab his father, how the Lord spoke these words against him: I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth and of his sons, said the Lord, and I will reacquyte him in this ground saith the Lord. 〈…〉 Now therefore take and ca●● him in the plot of ground, according to the lords word. And when Ohoziah king of juda saw that, he fled the way to the φ 〈…〉 g●●den house. And jehu followed after him and said: smite him also. And they smote him in his chariot at the going up to Sur by Ie●●●am, and fled to Magedo, and there died. And his servants carried him to jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David. And in the eleventh year of jehoram son of Achab, began Ohoziah to reign over juda. And when jehu was come to jezrahel, jezabel heard of it, and depeinted her eyes, and tired her heed, and looked out at a window. And as jehu entered at the gate she said: had Zamri peax, which slay his master? And he life up his eyes to the window and said: Who is of my side, who? And there looked out to him two or three lords that were chamberlains. And he said: Throw her down. And they threw her down. And he sprynckled of her blood upon the walls and on the horses, and trod her under foot. And then when he was come in, ☞ and had eaten and drunk, he said: go and visit I pray you yonder cursed creature, and bury her/ for she is a kings daughter. And when they came to bury her, they found no more of her then the skull and the two feet and the two hands. And they came again and told him. And he said: It is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by the hand of his servant Eliah the Thesbite, saying: 〈◊〉 ●xi. f. in the field of jezrahell shall dogs eat the flesh of jezabel, and the carcase of jezabel shall be dung upon the earth in the field of jezrahel/ that men shall not say, this is jezabel. ¶ jehu causeth the three score and ten sons of Achab to be slain, and after that forty and two of his brethren. He findeth a mean also to kill all the priests of Baal. After his death his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. X. AChab had three score and ten sons in Samaria. And jehu written letters, and sent to Samaria unto the elders that were lords of jezrahel/ and to them that nourced up Achabs' children, saying: now at the coming of these letters to you/ you have with you your master's sons/ and you have with you charettes and horses/ and a strong city and harness. Therefore chose the best/ and him that most pleaseth you of your master's sons/ and put him on his father's seat/ and fight for your lords house. And they were exceedingly afraid, and said: se, two kings were not able to stand before him, how shall we then stand? And the governor of the kings house, and of the city and of the elders/ and the nurses sent to jehu, saying: we are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us: we will make no man king: but do thou what seemeth good in thine eyes. Then he written other letters to them, saying: If he be mine, and will obey my voice, then take the heeds of your master's sons and come to me to jezrahel by to morrow this tyme. And the kings sons were three score and ten personnes with the great men of the city which nourished them. And when the letters came to them, they took the kings children and slew them in number three score and ten people, and put their heeds in cophines, and sent them to him to jezrahell. And there came a messenger and told him, saying: they have brought the heeds of the kings sons. And he said: let them put them on two heaps in the entering of the gate, till it be day. And in the morning he went out and stood and said to all the folk: You be righteous: for see, I conspired against my master, & slew him: But who slew these? i Regum iii d Consider now how there is nothing of the lords word fallen to the earth, which he spoke against the house of Achab: for the Lord hath done that he spoke to his servant Eliah. And so jehu slew all that remained in the house of Achab in jezrahel/ and all that were great with him/ and his companions and his priests, till he had left him nought. And he arose and departed, and went to Samaria. And as jehu was come to the house where the shepherds bind their sheep by the high way side, he met with the brethren of Ohoziah king of juda, and said: what are you? and they said, the brethren of Ohoziah are we, and go to welcome the children of the king & of the queen. And he said: take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the well beside the house where the shepherds bind their sheep, in number two and forty people, that he left none of them. And when he was departed thence, he met with jonadab the son of Rechab coming against him. And jehu welcomed him, and said to him: is thine heart right, as mine heart is with thine? And jonadab said/ you it is. He said: if it be, then give me thine hand. And he have his hand, and the other took him up to him in to the chariot, & said/ go with me and see the zeal I have to the Lord, & made him ride with him in his chariot. And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Achab in Samaria, till be had wiped him out, according to the saying of the Lord, which he spoke to Eliah. After that jehu assembled all the people together, and said to them: iii Reg. xvi g Achab served Baal a little: But jehu shall serve him a good. Now therefore call unto me all the Prophets of Baal, and all his servants, and all his priests, that none be lacking. For I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal: and if any be misled, ☞ he shall not live. But jehu did it of a wile, to destroy the servants of Baal. Wherefore jehu said: appoint a solemn feast for Baal, and they proclaimed it. Then jehu sent thorough out all Israel. And all the servants of Baal came, that there was not a man left behind that came not. And when they were come in to the temple of Baal, the temple was full from th'one end to tother. Then he said to the keeper of the vestry/ bring forth garments for the servants of Baal. And he brought them out garments. And jehu went with jonadab son of Rechab in to the house of Baal: and said to the servants of Baal: search and look that there be none here with you of the servants of the Lord, but the servants of Baal only. And they went in to offer sacrifice and burned offerings. But jehu appointed him four score men without, and said: If any of the men which I shall bring unto your hands escape/ he that letteth him go shall die for him. And as soon as he had made an end of offering of burned sacrifice, he said to them of the guard, and to the captains: go in and slay them, let none come out. And they smote him with the edge of the sword. And the guard and the captains cast them out, and went in to the city of the house of Baal, and fet out the image out of the house of Baal, and burned it. And they broke the image of Baal, and broke the house of Baal/ and made a jakes of it ever after. And so jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. But from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel sin with the golden calves in Bethel and Dan, jehu departed not. Then the Lord said to jehu/ because thou haste busyly done that pleaseth me/ and hast done to the house of Achab all that was in mine heart: Therefore shall * iiii. Reg. xv c thy children in the fourth generation, sit on the seat of Israel. But jehu forced not to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart/ for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel sin. In those days the Lord began to cut Israel short/ for Hazael slew them in all the costs of Israel, from jordan Eastward: even all the land of Galaad/ the Gaddites, the Rubenites, and the Manassites/ from Aroer upon the river of Arnon, with Galaad and Basan. The rest of the acts of jehu, and all he did, & all his power, are written in the Chronicles of kings of Israel. And when jehu was laid to rest with his father's/ they buried him in Samaria/ and joachaz his son reigned in his stead. And the time that jehu reigned upon Israel in Samaria, was eight and twenty year. ¶ Athalia putteth to death all the kings sons, except joas the son of Ohoziah: which is hidden and after her death is made king. CAPI. XI. ANd Athalia the mother of Ohoziah/ when she see that her son was deed she arose and slew all the kings blood. But josaba the daughter of king jehoram, and sister of Ohoziah, took joas the son of Ohoziah, and stole him from among the kings sons that were slain, and his nurse with him out of the nourserye, and hid him from Athalia that he was not slain. And he was with her, hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athalia did reign over the land. In the seventh year joiada sent and fet the captains & soldiers, & took them unto him in to the house of the Lord/ and made a league with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the Lord/ and showed them the kings son/ and commanded them, saying: this is the thing that you must do: one third part of you shall come on the Saboth day, and keep the watch of the kings house: And an other third part shall be at the gate Sur/ & an other third part shall be at the gate behind the guard chamber/ and so shall you keep the watch of the house of Mesa/ and two portions of you/ that is, all that go out on the Saboth day, shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord about the king/ and shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapon in his hand. And who so ever cometh with in the ranges, shall die for it. And see you be with the king as the goeth out and in. The captains did all things as joiada the priest commanded, and took every man his men/ that is, them that came in the Saboth day with them that went out the Saboth day, and went to joiada the Priest. And the Priest gave to the captains the spears and shyldes that were king David's, and had remained in the temple. And the garb stood every man with his weapon in his hand round about the king/ from the right corner of the temple to the left a long by the altar and the temple. And he brought out the kings son, and put the crown upon him and delivered him the 〈…〉 witness, and made him king, and anointed him. And they clapped their hands and said: God save the king. When Athalia heed the noise of the concourse of the people/ she came to the people in to the house of the Lord. And when she saw the king stand by a pillar (as the manner was) and the syngers and the trumpets by the king/ and all the people of the land rejoicing, and the blowing of the trumpets, she rend her clotheses and cried, treason treason. Then joiada the Priest commanded the captains that had the rule of the host, and said to them: have her out without the ranges, and if any follow her, let him die with the sword: for the priest said/ she may not be slain in the house of the Lord. And they laid hands on her, and she went the way that the horses of the kings went out, and was slain there. And joiada made a bond both between the Lord and the king, and between the people's the Lord, that they should be the Lords people/ and also between the king & the people. Then all the people of the land went in to the house of Baal, and destroyed his altars, and broke down his images lustily, and flew Nathan the priest of Baal before the altar. And the priest set watchmen in the house of the Lord, and took the rulers over hundreds, & the captains and the guard, and all the people of the land. And they brought the king from the house of the Lord, and went the way of the gate of the guard unto the kings house. And he sat him down under the cloth of estate. And all the people of the Lord rejoiced/ and the city was in quiet. So they slew Athalia with the sword in the kings house. ¶ joas maketh provision for the repairing of the temple. He is killed by two of his servants, and Amazia reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XII. IOas was seven years old when he was made king. And he began to reign the seventh year of jehu, and reigned forty years in jerusalem. His mother's name was Zebia Bersabe. And he did that pleased the Lord, as long as joiada the Priest informed him. But he took not away the hill altars/ for the people slew, and offered still in the hill altars. And joas said to the priests: all the silver that is given to the use of the temple, and brought to the house of the Lord by strangers, whether that it be the money that every man is set at/ or the money that any man's heart giveth him to bring in to the house of the Lord/ let the priests take it to them, every man in his course, and let them repair the broken places of the temple, in all places where aught is found decayed. Nevertheless the priests had not repaired unto the three and twenty year of joas, the things decayed in the temple. Then king joas called for joiada the priest, and for tother priests, and said to them/ why repair you not the broken places of the temple? Now therefore see you receive no more money according to your order, but deliver it to repair the temple withal. And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people: But that it should go to the repairing of the temple. Then joiada the Priest took a coffer, and bored an hole in the lid of it, and put it beside the altar on the right side as one cometh to the house of the Lord. And in to that did the priests that kept the doors, put all the money that was brought to the lords house. And when they saw there was moche money in the coffer 〈◊〉 xiii. a the kings scryke and the high priest came and sealed up the money that was found in the house of the Lord, after they had told it. And they gave the money by sums in to the hands of the masters of the works, that had the oversight of the house of the Lord: and they brought it out to the carpenters & builders that wrought upon the house of the Lord, and to masons and hewers of stone, to buy timber and free stone, to repair the decay in the house of the Lord/ and all that needed reparations in the house: how be it there was not made in the house of the Lord booles of silver, shredding knives, basins, trumpets, or any other instruments of gold or silver, of that money that was brought for the house of the Lord. For they gave that to the workmen, to repair therewith the house of the Lord. Moreover they reckoned not with the men, in to whose hands they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: But they did it even of fidelity. How be it trespass money and sin money might not be brought in to the house of the Lord, for it was the priests. Then came Hazael king of Syria/ and fought against Geth, and took it/ and appointed himself to go up to jerusalem. But joas king of juda took all the dedicated things, that josaphat, jehoram, and Ohoziah his progenitors kings of juda had dedicated/ & that he himself had dedicated/ and all the gold that could be found in the treasure of the lords house, and of the kings house/ and sent it to Hazael king of Syria/ and so he departed from jerusalem. The residue of the acts of joas and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of kings of juda. But his own servants arose and wrought treason, and slew joas in the house Melo, in the way down to Sela. For jozachar the son of Semaath and jozabad the son of Summer his servants, smote him that he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the city of David. And Amazias his son reigned in his place. ¶ joachaz the son of jehu is delivered in to the hands of the Siriens, and dieth. joas his son reigneth in his stead. Eliseus dieth. CAPI. XIII. IN the three and twenty year of joas son of Ohoziah king of juda/ joachaz joachaz. the son of jehu was made king over Israel in Samaria, and continued seventeen years/ & he wrought wickedness in the eye of the Lord/ for he followed the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel to sin, and departed not from the same. Wherefore the Lord was angry with Israel/ and delivered them in to the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and in to the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael all their days. But joachaz besought the Lord, and the Lord heard him. For he had seen the affliction of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. And therefore the Lord gave unto Israel a delyverour, and they were delivered forth of the hands of the Syrians. And the children of Israel dwelled in their tents as before tyme. Nevertheless they departed not from the sin of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin, but walked therein. And there remained a superstitious would also in Samaria still/ but there were left of the people to joachaz, but fifty horsemen and ten charettes, and ten thousand footmen/ for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and made them like threshed chaff. The rest of the acts of joachaz, and all he did/ and his power, are written in the Chronicles of kings of Israel. And joachaz rested with his father's/ and they buried him in Samaria/ and joas joas his son reigned in his stead. In the xxxvii year of joas king of juda, began joas the son of joachaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and continued sixteen years/ and did naughtily in the sight of the Lord, and departed in nothing from the sins of jeroboam the son of Nabat that made Israel sin/ but walked therein. The remnant of the acts of joas, and all he did, and his power, how he fought with Amazias king of juda, are written in the chronicles of kings of Israel. And when joas was laid to rest with his fathers, Jeroboam sat upon his seat/ and joas was buried in Samaria among the kings of Israel. Eliseus dieth. When Eliseus was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died/ joas king of Israel came to him and wept to him and said. O father father, chariot of Israel, and conduictour of the same. Eliseus' said unto him/ bring bow and arrows. And he brought to him bow and arrows. And he said to the king of Israel: ☞ Put thine hand upon the bow. And when he had put his hand upon the bow, Eliseus put his hands upon the kings hands. Then he said: open a window Eastward: and he opened. And Eliseus said: shoot/ and he shot. And he said: the arrow of help of the Lord, and the arrow of help against the Syrians/ for thou shalt beat the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. Then he said: take arrows/ and he took. Then he said to the king of Israel/ smite the ground: and he smote thrice, and ceased. And the man of God was angry with him, and said: Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times, & then thou hadst smitten the Syrians till thou hadst consumed them: where now thou shalt beat them but thrice. When Eliseus was deed and buried/ an army of the Moabytes came in to the land, the year following. And it chanced as they were burying a man, they espied the soldiers, and therefore cast the deed corpse in to the sepulchre of Eliseus. And as soon as it touched the bones of Eliseus, ☞ Eccle. xlviii b he revived & stood up on his feet. And Hazael oppressed Israel all the days of joachaz. But the Lord had mercy on them, and turned to them because of his promise made with Abraham, Isaac, and jacob/ and would not destroy them, neither cast them from him as yet. And when hazael king of Syria was deed, Benhadad his son reigned in his stead. And then joas the son of joachaz went again, and took out of the hand of Benhadad son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken forth of the hands of joachaz his father by law of arms. And three times did joas beat him and brought the cities of Israel again. ¶ Amazias king of juda putteth to death the murderers of his father: and smytteth Edom. joas king of Israel taketh Amazias. joas dieth, and Jeroboam succeedeth: after him reigneth Zacharias. Amazias is killed, and Azariah reigneth in his stead. CAPI XIIII. THe second year of joas son of joachaz king of Israel, two. Para xv. a reigned Amazias son of joas, king of juda/ he was five and twenty years old when he began/ and reigned nine and twenty years in jerusalem. His mother's name was joadan/ and was of jerusalem. And be did that pleased the Lord, yet not like David his father: but did in all things as joas his father did. Neither took they away the hill altars/ for the people slew and offered still in hill altars. And as soon as the kingdom was settled in his hand/ he slew his servants that killed the king his father. ☜ But the children of those murderers he slew not: according to that is written in the book of the law of Moses/ where the Lord commanded saying: * 〈…〉 the fathers shall not die for the children's cause, nor the children for the deeds of their fathers: but every man shall be slain for his own sin. * 〈…〉 And he slew of the Edomites in the salt valley, ten thousand, and took the town Sela with strength of battle/ and called the name of it jekcheel ever after. After that Amazias sent messengers to joas the son of joachaz son of jehu, king of Israel, saying: come, let us see each other. ☜ But joas king of Israel sent again to Amasias king of juda, saying: A thistle in Libanon, 〈…〉 sent to a cypress tree in Libanon, saying: give thy daughter to my son to wife. But the wild beasts in Libanon, went and trod down the thistle. Because thou hast beaten the Edomites, therefore thine heart riseth. Be glorious: but tarry at home. For what needest thou to provoke mischief, that thou shouldest be overthrown, and juda with thee? But Amasias would not hear. And so joas king of Israel went up, and he and Amazias king of juda saw either other at Bethsames in juda. And juda was out to the worse before Israel/ and they fled every man to his cence. And joas king of Israel took Amazias king of juda, son of joas, son of Ohoziah at Bethsames. And then he went to jerusalem, and broke down of the brickwall of jerusalem, from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasure of the kings house, and hostages thereto: and then returned to Samaria again. The rest of the acts of joas which he did, and his power/ and how he fought with Amazias king of juda, are written in the Chronicles of kings of Israel: and joas laid him to rest with his father's/ and was buried at Samaria among the kings of Israel: and Jeroboam his son reigned in his room. Amazias the son of joas king of juda, lived after the death of joas son of Ioacha● king of Israel fifteen years. The rest of the deeds of Amazi●s, are written in the Chronicles of kings of juda. And they conspired great treason against him in jerusalem/ and he fled to Lachis. And they went after him to Lachis, and slew him there. And they brought him on an horse, and he was buried at jerusalem amongs his progenitors in the city of David. 〈◊〉 xxvi a And all the people of juda took Azarias being sixteen year old/ and made him king in place of his father Amazias. He built Ailath and brought it again to juda/ after that the king was laid to rest with his fathers. ●●●m. The fifteen year of Amazias son of joas king of juda, was Jeroboam son of joas made king over Israel in Samaria/ and reigned one and forty years, and wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord: for he turned in nothing from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel to sin. He restored the costs of Israel from the entering of Hemath unto the see, in the wild fields/ according to the word of the Lord God of Israel which he spoke thorough his servant jonah the son of Amithai the Prophet, which was of Geth Ophir. For the Lord had seen how the affliction of Israel was exceeding bitter/ in so much that the prisoned and the forsaken were at an end. And there was no helper unto Israel. And the Lord had not yet said that men should put out the name of Israel from under heaven. 〈◊〉 xiii ● 〈…〉 And therefore he holp them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of joas. The rest of the deeds of Jeroboam/ and all he did, and his power how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hemath to juda in Israel, are written in the book of Chronicles of kings of Israel. And Jeroboam laid him to rest with his fathers, and with the kings of Israel, to whom Zacharias his son succeeded. ¶ Azarias king of juda becometh Leprouse. jotham reigneth for him. Selum killeth Jeroboam and succeedeth him. After whom reigneth Manahem Phakeiah, Phakeh, Hosea, jotham, Ahaz, one after an other, CAPI. XU. THe seven and twenty year of Jeroboam king of Israel/ Azarias son of Amazias king of juda began to reign. ●xv. a 〈…〉 Sixteen years old was he, when he was made king, and reigned two and fifty years in jerusalem, his mother's name was jechelia, and was of jerusalem. And he did that pleased the Lord in all things, as did his father Amazias: save that they put not the hyllaulters away/ for the people offered and burnt still in the hill altars. And the Lord smote the king that he was a leper unto the day of his death/ and dwelt in an house at liberty by himself/ and jotham the kings son governed the house, 〈…〉 and judged the people of the land. The rest of the deeds of Azarias and all he did, are written in Chronicles of kings of juda. And Azarias laid him to sleep with his father's/ and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David/ and jotham his son reigned in his side. In the xxxviij year of Azarias king of juda was Zacharias the son of Jeroboam made king upon Israel in Samaria/ and reigned six months/ and * Gene. xxxix a did that pleased the Lord, as did his father's/ and turned not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which caused Israel to sin. And Selum the son of Jabes conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and killed him, and reigned in his stead. The rest of the deeds of Zacharias, are written in the Chronicles of kings of Israel. This is the saying that the Lord spoke unto jehu, saying: * iiii. Reg. ten f thy sons shall sit on the seat of Israel in the fourth generation. And it came so to pass. Selum Selum. the son of Jabes began to reign the nine and thirty year of Azarias king of juda/ and he reigned a month in Samaria. For Manahem the son of Gadi came up from Therzah, and went to Samaria and smote Selum the son of Jabes in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead. The rest of the deeds of Selum, and the treason which he conspired, are written in the Chronycles of kings of Israel. The same time Manahem destroyed Thaphsah, and all that were therein/ and the costs thereof from Therzah (because they opened not to him) he smote, and rend all the women with child. The nine and thirty year of Azarias king of juda, began Manahem Manahem. the son of Gadi to reign upon Israel/ and continued ten years in Samaria. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and turned not all the days from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel to sin. And Phul king of Assiria came upon the land. And Manahem gave Phul a thousand talentes of silver, to help him to stablish his kingdom. And Manahem raised the money in Israel, A Tax. upon all men of substance, for to give the king of Assiria fifty sycles of silver a piece. And the king of Assiria turned back again and tarried not there in the land. The rest of the deeds of Manahem and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of kings of Israel. And when Manahem was laid to rest with his fathers, Phakeiah his son reigned is his stead. The fyftyeth year of Azarias king of juda, began Phakeiah Phakeiah. the son of Manahem to reign over Israel in Samaria/ and continued two years, and wrought wickedly in the sight of the Lord, and left not of from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nabat, which caused Israel to sin. And Phakeh the son of Romeliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and slew him in a tour of the kings house, with Argob and Ariah, and fifty men with him that were Galaadites. And when he had killed him, reigned in his room. The rest of Phakeiah and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of kings of Israel. In the lij year of Azarias king of juda, began Phakeh the son of Romelia to reign over Israel in Samaria, & continued twenty years, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, and turned not from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nabat that made Israel to sin. In the days of Phakeh king of Israel, came Teglath Phalasar king of Assiria/ and took Aion, ☞ Abel, Beth, Maaca, janoa, Kades, Hazor, Galaad, Galilee, and all the land of Nephthali/ & carried them away to Assiria. And Hosea the son of Elah conspired treason against Phakeh the son of Romelia, and smote him and slew him, and reigned in his slede/ the twenty year of jotham the son of φ Otherwise Azariah or as some will Vsiah Oziah. The rest of the acts of Phakeh, and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. The second year of Phakeh son of Romelia king of Israel, two Page xxvii a jotham. began jotham the son of Oziah king of juda to reign. five and twenty years old was he, when he began to reign/ and he reigned sixteen years in jerusalem. His mother's name was jerusa, the daughter of Zadock. And he did that was right before the Lord: even in all thing, as did his father Oziah, so did he. But he put not away the hill altars/ for the people offered and burnt incense still in the hill altars/ he built the highest door in the house of the Lord. The rest of the deeds of jotham and all he did, are written in the Chronicles of kings of juda. In those days the Lord began to send against juda Razin the king of Syria, and Phakeh the son of Romelia. And jotham rested with his fathers, and was buried with his ancestors in the city of David his father/ and Achaz his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Achaz king of juda, consecrateth his son in fire: and hath many battles against the king of Israel. He causeth an aultare to be made like unto it of Damascus. In the stead of Achaz reigneth Ezechias his son. CAPI. XVI. THe seventeen year of Phakeh son of Romelia king of Israel/ Achaz son of jotham king of juda, two Parali xxviii a began to reign being of th'age of twenty year, when he was made king/ and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem/ and did not the thing that was right in the eyen of the Lord his God, as did David his father: But went in the way of the kings of Israel/ & thereto he offered his son in fire, ☞ after the abomination of the heathen, which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. And he offered and burned the fat in the hill altars, ☞ and on the hills and under every green tree. * Esay vii a Then Razin king of Syria, and Phakeh son of Romelia king of Israel, came up to jerusalem to fight. And they besieged Achaz, but could not overcome him. At the same time Razin king of Syria brought Ailath again to Syria, and rid the jews thence. And the Edomites went to Ailath and dwelled therein unto this day. iiii. Re. xiiii d Then Achaz sent messengers to Teglath Phalasar king of Assiria, saying: I am thy servant and thy son/ come and deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria. and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which be risen against me. And Achaz took the silver & the gold that was found in the house of the Lord, & in the treasure of the kings house, and sent it for a reward to the king of Assiria. And the king of Assiria was applying to his mind, & went to Damascus, and took it/ and carried the people away to Kir, and slew Razin. And king Achaz went against Teglath Phalasar king of Assiria, to Damascus. And when he saw a certain altar that was at Damascus, he sent to Vria the priest the pattern of the altar, and the fashion of all the workmanship thereof. And Vria the Priest made an altar in all points like to the pattern which king Achaz had sent from Damascus/ and had fynisshed it by the kings coming from Damascus. And when the king was come from Damascus, and see the altar, he went to it, and offered thereon. And he burned his burned offering, and sprynckled the blood of his peaxoffering/ and poured his wessayles, and sprynckled the blood of his peaxofferynges upon the said altar. And the brazen altar that was before the Lord, he removed from between the altar and the house of the Lord, and put it on the north side of the said altar. And the king commanded Urias the priest saying: upon the great altar set on fire in the morning burned offerings, and in the even meatofferynges/ and the kings burned sacrifice, and his meatofferinges/ and the burnt-offerings of all the people of the land and their meateofferynges & their drink offerings, & pour thereon all the blood of all manner offerings. But the brazen altar shall be for me to inquire with. And Urias the Priest did all things as king Achaz commanded him. And king Achaz broke the sides of the bottoms, and took the laver from them/ and took down the see from the brazen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stone. And thereto the pulpit for the Saboth that they had made in the house, and the kings entry without, turned he to the house of the Lord, for fear of the king of Assiria. The rest of the deeds of Achaz which he did, are written in the chronicles of kings of juda. And Achaz laid him to rest with his father's/ and was buried with his fathers in the city of David/ and Ezechias his son reigned in his room. ¶ Hosea king of Israel is taken. And he and all his royalme brought to the Assyrians. CAPI. XVII. IN the twelve year of Achaz king of juda, Hosea son of Elah began to reign in Samaria upon Israel, 〈…〉 and continued nine years, and did that displeased the Lord but not so evil as did the kings of Israel that were before him. 〈…〉 And Salmanasar king of Assiria came upon him/ and Hosea become his servant, and gave him trybutes. And the king of Assyria found treason in Hosea, because he had sent messengers to Sua king of egypt, and sent no tributes unto the king of Assiria, as he was yearly wont to do. Therefore the king of Assiria besyeged him & bound him and put him in prison. 〈◊〉 xviii b And then the king of Assiria came thorough out all the land and came to Samaria & besieged it three year. And in the ninth year of Hosea, 〈◊〉 xviii c 〈◊〉 viii. a. the king of Assyria took Samaria & carried Israel away unto Assiria and put them in Hala, in Habor on the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. For the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God which had brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the hand of Pharaoh king of egypt, and worshipped other gods. And they walked in the ordinance of the heathen which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel, & in the things which the kings of Israel had made. And the children of Israel wrappeth themselves in things that were not well toward the Lord their God. ☞ And they built them hylaulters in all their cities, both in the towers where they kept watch and also in the strong towns. And they made them Images and superstitious woods on every high hill and under every green tree. And there they sacrificed in the hylaultars, as did the heathen, which the Lord carried away at their coming, and wrought wicked deeds to anger the Lord with. And they served idols, concerning which thing the Lord had said to them: you shall not do so. And the Lord testified to Israel and to juda, 〈◊〉 four f. by all the prophets and by all the Sears, saying: Turn from your wicked ways, 〈◊〉 xxv and keep my commandments and mine ordinances, according to all the laws which I commanded your fathers, and as I sent to you by my servants the Prophets. But they would not hear, ☞ but hardened their necks, like to the necks of their fathers that did not believe the Lord their God. 〈◊〉 iiii. f. 〈◊〉 iii b And they refused his ordinances and his covenant that he had made with their fathers, and the witness which he had witnessed to them, and followed vanity and become vain, like to the heathen, that were roundeabout them, of which, the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them. But they left the commandments of the Lord their God, 〈◊〉 twelve. b and made them images of metal, that is to say two calves and made groves and bowed themselves unto all the host of heaven, and served Baal. And they sacrificed their sons & their daughters in fire, ☞ and used ●●●checraft and enchantments, and had even appointed them selves to work● wickedness in the sight of the Lord, force anger him. Wherefore the Lord was exceeding wroth with Israel and put them out of his ●●●●e, that there was left but the leyhe of juda only, yea and neither Iu●a kept th● commaundmentes of the Lord 〈◊〉 God, ☞ but walked in the ordinances of Is●ael which 〈◊〉 had made. Therefore 〈◊〉 ●orde ca●●e up all the seed of Israel and vexed them and betook them in to the hands of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. And Israel divided themselves from the house of David, and made Jeroboam the son of Nabat king. Which Jeroboam thrust Israel away from the Lord and made them sin a great sin. And so the children of Israel walked in all the sin of Jeroboam which he had set up, and departed not from the same, till the Lord had put Israel away out of his sight, as he said by all his servants the Prophets. jerem xxv a And so he translated Israel out of their land to Assiria, even unto this day. And the king of Assiria brought people from Babylon and from Cutha, and from Ava, and from Hemath, and from Sepharuaim, and put them in the cities of Samaria in stead of the children of Israel. And they possessed Samaria and dwelled in the cities thereof. But at the beginning of their dwelling, they feared not the Lord. ☜ Wherefore the Lord sent Lions upon them which slew them. Then men told the king of Assyria, saying: The nations which thou hast brought & put in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land, and therefore he hath sent Lions upon them, which slay them because they know not the manner of the God of the land. Then the king of Assiria commanded saying: carry thither one of the priests which you brought thence, and let him go and devil there, and teach them the fashion how to serve the God of the country. And then one of the priests which they had carried thence, went and dwelled in Bethel, and taught them how t●ey should fear the Lord. How be it every nation made their own Gods & put them in the houses of the hilaultares which the Samari●ans had made, every nation in their cities where they dwelled. The men of Babylon made Socoth, Benoth. The men of Cuth made Nergel. They of Hemath made Asima. Socoth. Benoth. Nergel. Asima. Nebahaz. Tharthak. Anamelech. The Euites made Nebahaz, and Tharthak. And the Sepharuaites burned their children in fire unto Adramelech. & Anamelech, the gods of the Sepharuaites. And though they feared the Lord, yet they made them priests of the lowest of the people, for the hilaulters which sacrificed for them in the houses of the hilaultars. And so they feared the Lord, and yet served their own gods after the manner of the people from whence they were brought. Unto this day they do after the old manner: they neither fear the Lord, neither do after their own ordinances and customs, & after the law and commandment which the Lord commanded the children of jacob whose name he called Israel, and made an appointment with them and charged them saying: fear not any other gods. Gene. xxxii b Iud. vi Iere ten a no● baw yourselves to them nor serve them, no● sacrifice to them: but to the Lord which brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm●: ●●m fear and to ●im bow, and to him do sacrifice. And the ordinances, customs, law and commandment which I written for you, see you be diligent to do, for ever more, and fear not any other gods. And the appointment that I have made with you, see you forget not, and that you fear none other gods: but the Lord your God you shall fear, and he shall deliver you out of the hands of all your enemies. How be it they heard not, but did after the old manner. And even so did these nations fear the Lord and serve their images thereto: and so did their children and their children's children to. Even as did their fathers, so do they unto this day. ¶ Ezechias king of juda putteth down the brazen serpent, and destroyeth the Idols. Salmanasar bringeth Israel to the Assyrians. The blasphemy of Sennacherib. CAPI. XVIII. THe third year of Hosea son of Ela, king of Israel, reigned Ezechias son of Achaz king of juda. two. Par. xxix a Twenty and five years old was he, when he began to reign, and reigned xxix years in jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zacharias, duty vii a and he did that pleased the Lord in all thing, like to David his rather. He put away the hill aultares and broke the Images and cut down the groves, Nun xxi a and all to broke the brazen serpent that Moses made. For unto those days the children of Israel did burn sacrifice to it, ☞ and called it Nehustan. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him came none like him among all the kings of juda, neither among them that were afore him. He clave to the Lord & departed not from him, but kept his commandments which the Lord commanded Moses. And the Lord was with him, And whatsoever he took in hand he did it wisely. And he rebelled against the king of Assiria and served him not. Isaiah xiiii e. Hebet the Philistines even unto Azah and the costs thereof, both in castles of garrisons and strong cities to. In the fourth year of king Ezechias which was the seventh year of Hosea son of Ela king of Israel, Samaria besieged and won. came Salmanasar king of Assiria upon Samaria and besieged it. And they took it at the end of three year, which was the sixte of Ezechias: that is to say the ninth year of Hosea king of Israel, was Samaria won. And the king of Assiria did carry away Israel unto Assiria, and put them in Halah and in Habor on the river of Gozan, and in the cities of Medes: because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God, But transgressed his appointment, and all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and would neither hear nor do. two. Par. xxxii a isaiah xxxvi a. Eccles xlv ii f The xiiij year of king Ezechias came Sennacherib king of Assiria against all the strong cities of juda and took them. Whereupon Ezechias king of juda sent to the king of Assiria to Lachis, saying: I have offended. But departed from me, and what thou put test on me that will I bear. And the king of Assiria assesed upon Ezechias king of juda, three hundred talentes of silver and thirty talentes of gold. ii●. 〈◊〉 And Ezechias gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord and also in the treasure of the kings house. And the said season Ezechias rend of the doors of the temple of the Lord and the pyllers, which the said Ezechias king of juda covered over, and gave them to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria scent Tharthan and Rabsaris and Rabsakeh from Lachis to king Ezechias with a great host to jerusalem. And they went up and came to jerusalem, and went and stood by the coundyt of the overmost pole which is in the way to the fullers field, and called to the king. And there came out to them, Eliakim the son of Helkiah steward of household and Sobnah the scribe, and joah the son of Asaph, there corder. And then Rabsakeh said to them. Tell you Ezechias I pray you: thus saith the great king the king of Assyria. What confidence is this that thou hast? thou wilt happ●●●e speak a light word, that thou hast coun●●● and power to make war. On whom then dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? 〈…〉 dost thou trust to the staff of this broken reed Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will run in to his hand and pierce it. For even so is Pharaoh king of egypt unto all that trust on him. 〈…〉 If you say unto me, we trust in the Lord our God. Is not this God he, whose hylaultares and other altars to, Ezechias hath put down, and hath said to juda and jerusalem, bow yourselves before this altar here in jerusalem? Now therefore join thyself to my Lord the king of Assiria, and I will deliver the two thousand horses, if thou be able to set riders upon them: (and if thou be not) how then art thou able to resist one of the less Dukes of my master's servants? or trustust thou to Egypt for chareties and horsemen? Moreover th●nkesse thou I am come without the bidding of the Lord to this place to destroy it? Nay: the Lord said to me, go up to this land and destroy it. Then said Eliakim the son of Helkiah and Sobnah and joab, to Rabsakeh: speak, we pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrians language, for we understand it: and talk not with us in the jews tongue, in the ears of the people that are on the walls. And Rabsakeh said unto them: hath my master sent me only to thy master and to thee, to speak these words, or rather to the men that keep the walls, that they shall eat their own dirt and drink their own pass with you. And so Rabsakeb stood and cried with a loud voice in the jews language, and spoke, saying: Hear the saying of the great king, the king of Assiria. Thus saith the king: Let not Ezechias beguile you, for he is not able to deliver you out of mine hand● neither let Ezechias make you trust to the Lord saying: the Lord shall surely rid us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hands of the king of Assiria. hearken not unto Ezechias, for thus saith the king of Assiria. Deal kindly with me, and come out to me. And then eat every man of his own vine, and of his fig tree, and drink every man of the water of his own well, till I come and fet you to as good a land as yours is, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vynyardes, a land of olive trees of oil and of honey. And you shall live and not die. And hearken not unto Ezechias for he will beguile you, saying: the Lord shall deliver us. For have the gods of the nations delivered any God his land, out of the hand of the king of Assyria? where are the gods of Hemath and of Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharuaim of Ana and Auah? did they deliver Samaria out of mine hands? what God of any land hath delivered his land out of mine hand, that the Lord should deliver jerusalem out of mine hand? But the people held their peax and answered not him a word: for the king had commanded, saying: answer him not. Then Eliakim the steward of household, and S●●na the scribe, and joah the son of Asaph the recorder, came to Ezechias with their clotheses rend and told him the words of Rabsakeh. ¶ The Angel of the Lord killeth. Clxxxu. thousand men of the Assyrians. Sennacherib is killed of his own sons. CAP. XIX. WHen king Ezechias heard this, be rend his clotheses and put on sack, and went to the house of the Lord. 〈◊〉 ●ii a Furthermore he sent Eliakim steward of household, & Sobna the scribe, & the elders of the Preastes clothed in sack, to Isai the Prophet the son of Amoz. And they said to him, thus saith Ezechias: This day is a day of tribulation of rebuking and railing: Even as when the children are ready to be born, and the mothers have no power to be delivered. O that the Lord thy God would hear all the words of Rabsakeh, whom the king of Assiria his master hath sent to rail on the living God, & to rebuke him with words, which the Lord thy God hath herd. Wherefore life up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. When the servants of king Ezechias were come to Isai: Isaia said to them. So shall you say to your master. Thus saith the Lord: be not afraid of the words thou herdest, with which the young men of the king of Assiria have railed on me. ☞ For I will send him a blast that he shall hear tidings, 〈◊〉 ●ii. e 〈◊〉 ●●i. d and so return to his own land: And I will overthrow him with the sword, even in his own land. And Rabsakeh went back again & found the king of Assiria fight against Lobnah● for he had herd, that he was departed from Lachis. And he heard tidings of Theraka king of the black Moors, that he was come out to fight against him. And thereupon he departed and sent messengers unto Ezechias, saying. Thus say to Ezechias king of juda, Let not thy God carry the out of the way, in whom thou so trustest, saying: jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, thou haste heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, how they have utterly destroyed them, And how then shouldest thou escape? hath the gods of the heathen delivered them which mine ancestors have destroyed: as Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasa●? where is the king of Hemath, the king of Arphad the king of the city of Sepharuaim, & the king of Ana, and the king of Auah? When Ezechias had received the lettres of the hand of the messengers and had read them: he went into the house of the Lord, & laid them abroad before the Lord. And Ezechias prayed before the Lord & said: Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the Cherubes, thou art God alone over all the kingdoms of the earth, and thou hast made both heaven and earth. Lord, bow thine ears and hear: Open Lord thine eyen and see: & hear the words of Sennacherib which hath sent to rail on the living God. Certes oh Lord, the kings of Assiria have destroyed nations and their lands, and have set fire on their gods. For they were no gods, ☜ but the work of the hands of man: even wood and stone. And therefore they destroyed them. Now therefore (Lord our God) save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know, that thou Lord art God alone. And Isai the son of Amoz sent to Ezechias saying: Thus says the Lord God of Israel, the thing that thou hast prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assiria, I have herd, This is the thing that the Lord saith of him: He hath despised thee, O virgin daughter of Zion: He hath shaken his head at thee, thou daughter of jerusalem: Zacha ii b Math. xxii d. whom hast thou railed on, and whom hast thou reviled? Against whom hast thou lifted up thy voice and haste elevate thine eyes so high? Even against the holy of Israel. By the hand of thy messengers thou hast railed on the Lord and said/ with the multitude of my charettes I am come up to the height of the mountains even along by the sides of Libanon, & have cut of the high Cedar trees, and the lusty fir trees thereof, even to the wood of Carmel that belongeth thereto. I have digged & drunk strange waters, and have dried up with the soles of my feet poles enclosed. But hast thou not heard how I have ordained such a thing a great while a go, and have prepared it from the beginning? And now I bring it forth, and it shallbe to destroy, and to bring strong cities, in to rude heaps of stones. And the enhabitauntes of them shall be of little power, and faint hearted and confounded. Psal xxxvi a They shallbe like the grass of the field, and green herbs, and as the hay on the tops of the houses which wethereth or it come to any height. I wot where thou dwell jest, and thy coming out, and going in know I to, and how thou settest up, thy bristelles against me. And because thou settest up thy brist●lles against me, ☞ and that thy raging is come up to mine ears: therefore I will put a ring in thy nose and a bit in thy lips, and will bring the back again the same way thou camest. And this shall be a sign unto thee: eat this year of the fruits of the seed that fell out, and the next year, that waxeth of itself. And the third year sow you and reap, plant vineyards and eat the fruits thereof. For the house of juda that is escaped and left, shall yet again take rooting downward, and bear fruit upward. For out of jerusalem shall go a remnant, & a number that shall escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of Above xvii c Hosts shall bring this thing to pass. Wherefore thus saith the Lord over the king of Assyria: he shall not enter into this city, nor shoot one a row into it, nor come before with shield nor cast any bank against it: but shall go back again the way he came, and shall not come at his city, saith the Lord. For I will defend this city and save it. For mine own sake & for David my servants sake. Tob i d Eccle. xlviii g Esa. xxxviii a i Mach vii f ii Mac viii e The self same night the Angel of the Lord went out and smote in the host of the Assyrians an hundred four score & five thousand. And when they were risen early in the morning: behold, they were all deed corpses. And so Sennacherib king of Assiria avoided and departed and went again, and dwelled at Ninive. And as he was in his devotion kneeling in the house of Nisroch his God, Aoramelech and Sarasar smote him with 〈◊〉 sword. And they escaped into the land of Ararat, & Asarhadon his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Ezechias is sick and receiveth the sign of his health by the dial of Achaz. He receiveth rewards of Berodach, and is reproved of Isai because he showed him the treasure. He dieth and Manasses his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XX. two Par. xxxii f. Esa. xxxviii a ABout that time Ezechias was sick unto the death. And the Prophet Isai son of Amoz came to him and said to him. Thus saith the Lord: put thine household in an order, for thou shalt die and not live. And Ezechias turned his face to the brickwall and besought the Lord saying: O Lord, ☞ remember yet how I have walked before the truly, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight, and wept a great pace. And Isai was scarce go out into the middle of the city, but that the word of the Lord came to him, saying: turn again and tell Ezechias the leader of my people. Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father. I have heard thy prayer and se●● thy tears. Behold I will hease thee, and this day three days thou shalt go up into the house of the Lord. And I will lenghten thy days yet fifteen years, and will deliver both the and this city out of the hand of the king of Assiria, and will defend this city for mine own sake, and for David my servants sake. And Isai said: bring a lump of figs. And they brought and put it on the sore, and he recovered. Then said Ezechias to Isai: What is the sign, that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day? And Isai said: this sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back again ten degrees? And Ezechias said: It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees. Therefore I will not that: but let the shadow go backward ten degrees. And Isai the Prophet called to the Lord, and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward by which it had go down, in the dial of Achaz. 〈…〉 At this same season Berodach Baladan the son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and presents unto Ezechias, 〈…〉 for he herd that Ezechias was sick. And Ezechias hearkened unto them and showed them all that was in the spicery house, and his silver and gold and odours and precious oyntementes and his armoury and all that was found in his treasure: there was nothing in his house or in all his realm, that he showed them not. Then came Isai the Prophet unto king Ezechias and said to him: What say these men and from whence come they to thee? And Ezechias said: they be come from a far country, even from Babylon. And he said: what have they seen in thy house? And Ezechias said: all that is in my house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasure that I have not showed them. And Isai said to Ezechias: Hear the word of the Lord. Behold the day shall come, that all that is in thine house and that thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried to Babylon, and nothing shall be left saith the Lord. 〈…〉 And of thy son that proceeded out of thee, which thou begatest, shall there be carried away, and shallbe made chamberlains in the palace of the king of Babylon. And Ezechias said to Isai: welcome be the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken: so that pear and truth be kept in my days. The rest of the deeds of Ezechias, and all his power, and how he made a pole and a conduit and brought the water into the city, are written in the book of Chronicles of kings of juba. And Ezechias laid him to rest with his fathers, and Manasses his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Wicked Manasies restoreth again the Idols, and a●ter dieth, in whose stead Amon his son succeedeth, which is killed of his own servants▪ After him reigneth faithful josias. CAPI. XXI. MAnasses was twelve years old when he began to reign and reigned fyf●ye and five years in jerusalem: 〈…〉 〈…〉 his moers' name was Haphzibah. And he did that displeased the Lord, even after the abominations of the heathen which the Lord threw out before the children of Israel. And he went and built the hyllaulters again, which Ezechias his father had destroyed. And he rered up altars to Baal and made groves, as did Achab king of Israel. And he bowed himself unto all the host of heaven and served them. And he built altars in the very house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said: 〈◊〉 vii b. in jerusalem I will put my name, And he built alteres unto all the host of heaven, even in two courts of the house of the Lord And he offered his son in fire, and observed dismal days, and used witchcraft and maintained workers with spirits, and tellers of fortunes: and wrought moche wickedness in the sight of the Lord to anger him. And he put an Image of a grove that he had made, even in the very temple of which the Lord had said to David and to Solomon his son, 〈◊〉 viii b in this house and in jerusalem which I have choose out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever. Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers: so that they will be diligent to do all I have commanded them, and all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. ☞ But they herkened not: for Manasses had led them out of the way, to do more wickedly than did the Panyms which the Lord destroyed before the face of the children of Israel. And the Lord spoke by his servants the Prophets' saying: because Manasses king of juda hath done such abominations, and hath wrought wickedly above all that the Amorites which were before him did: & hath made juda sin also with his idols: therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel. 〈◊〉 xix a Behold, I will bring such evil upon jerusalem and juda, that the ears of all the hear it, shall tyngle at it. And I will stretch over jerusalem the squaring line of Samaria and the plometh of the house of Achab. And I will wipe out jerusalem, as a man would wipe a dish, and when he hath wiped it turneth it upsetdowne. And though I leave a remnant of mine inheritance, yet I will deliver them into the hands of them that hate them, and they shall be rob and spoiled of all their enemies: even because they have done wickedly and have angered me sithence the time their fathers came out of egypt unto this day. And moreover Manasses shed innocent blood exceeding abundantly, ☞ in so much that he replenished jerusalem in all corners, beside his sin wherewith he made juda sin and to do evil in the sight of the Lord. The rest of the acts of Manasses and all he did and his sin that he sinned, are written in the book of Chronicles of kings of juda. And Manasses laid him to sleep with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, 〈◊〉 xxxiii. d even in the garden of Oza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead. Amon Amon. was xxij years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in jerusalem. His mother's name was Mesalemeth the daughter of Harvey of jathbah. And he did that displeased the Lord as his father Manasses did. He walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the Idols that his father served, and bowed himself to them. And he forsook the Lord God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the Lord. And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew him in his own house. But the people of the land slew all that conspired against king Amon, and made josias his son king in his room. The rest of the acts of Amon which he did are written in the Chronicle of the kings of juda And they buried him in his sepulchre in the garden of Oza, and josias his son reigned in his stead. ¶ After josias heard of the book of the law that was found in the temple, he sendeth to Oldah the prophetess for council. CAP. XXII. IOsias was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned xxxj two. Paralip xxxiiii a josias. years in jerusalem. His mother's name was Idida the daughter of Adaiah of Bezecath. And he did that seemed right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of David his father and bowed neither to the right hand ne to the left. And the xviij two. Pa. xxxiiii b year of his reign king josias sent Saphan the son of Azalia, the son of Mesulam the scribe to the house of the Lord saying: go to Helkia the high preaste, and let him sum the silver that is brought into the house of the Lord, iiii. Reg. xii b. which the keepers of the doors have gathered of the people, and let them deliver it into the hands of the work man that have the oversight of the house of the Lord, which shall give it to them that work upon the house of the Lord, to repair the decayed places thereof, even unto carpenters and masons, and for to buy timber and free stone to repair the house. How be it let no reckoning be made with them of the money that is delivered into their hands, but let them do it of their conscience. two Par. xxxiiii And Helkia the high priest said to Saphan the scribe. ☜ I have found the book of the law in the temple of the Lord, and Helkia gave the book to Saphan, and he read it. And then Saphan the scribe went to the king and brought him word again, and said: thy servants powered out the silver that was found in the temple, and have delivered it unto the workman that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. Furthermore Saphan the scribe showed the king saying: Helkia the priest hath delivered me here a book. And Saphan read it before the king. And the king as soon as he had heard the words of the book of the law, he rent his clotheses, and commanded Helkia the priest & Ahikam the son of Saphan and Achobor the son of Michaia/ and Saphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the kings, saying: go you and seek of the Lord for me and the people, jeremy. xx●. a and for all juda, concerning the words of this book that is found. For it is a great wrath of the Lord that is kendled upon us that our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, ☞ to do in all points as it is written therein. And Helkia the high priest and Abikam Achobor, Saphan, Asahia went unto Olda the Prophetess, wife of Selum the son of Tekuah, Oldah. 〈…〉 the son of Hataham keeper of the robes/ which Prophetess dwelt in jerusalem in the second ward, and communed with her. And she said to them: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel. Tell the man that sent you to me/ thus saith the Lord: Behold I will bring evil upon this place, and on the dwellers therein: even all the words of the book which the king of juda hath red/ because they have forsaken me, & have burnt offerings unto other Gods, to anger me with all the φ That is, with their Images. works of their hands. Therefore is my wrath kendled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of juda, which s●nte you to inquire of the Lord/ so shall you say: thus saith the Lord God of Israel/ as touching the words which thou herdest. Because thine heart did melt, and thou mekedest thyself before me the Lord, when thou herdest what I spoke against this place, and the inhabitants of the same/ how that it should be destroyed and made a cursed: & tarest thy clotheses and weptest before me: of that also I have herd saith the Lord. And therefore/ loo, I will receive the unto thy fathers, and will fet the unto thy grave in peax/ thine eyes shall see none of the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again. ¶ josias readeth Deuteronomium before the people He putteth down the Idols, after he had killed the priests thereof. He keepeth passover. He was killed in Magedo, & his son Iehoa●z reigneth in his stead: after he was taken his son Ichoakim was made king. CAPI. XXIII. THen the king sent and gathered unto him all the elders of juda and of jerusalem, two. Pa. xxxiiii f and the king went up in to the house of the Lord, and all the men of juda and all thinhabitants of jerusalem with him/ and the priests and the Prophets and all the people bol●e small and great. And he red in hearing of them, all the words of the book of the testament, which was ●ounde in the house of the Lord. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, that they should walk after the Lord, and keep ●is commandments and his wicnesses, and ●is ordinances with a● their hearts, and all their souls/ and make good the words of the said appointment that were written in the foresaid book. 〈…〉 And all the people consented to the appointment. Then the king commanded Helkia the high Priest and the lower Preestes and the keepers of the door, to bring out of the lords temple, all the vessels made for Baal, 〈…〉 and for the grove and for all the host of heaven. And he burnt them without jerusalem in the fields of Cedron, and carried the ashes of them in to Bethel. And he put down the religious persons, which the king of juda had set to burn offerings in the hill altars in the cities of juda round about jerusalem, and also them that burned sacrifices unto Baal, to the son and to the moon, and to the planets/ and to all the host of heaven. And he brought out the grove from the temple of the Lord without jerusalem, unto the brook Cedron/ and burnt it at the brook Cedron/ and stamped it to powder, and casse the dust thereof upon the graves of the people of the country. And he broke down the buggery places that were in the house of the Lord, in which the women wove corteyns for the grove. And he brought all the priests out of the cities of juda, and defaced the hillaulteres where the priests did burn sacrifice from Gabaa to Bersabe. And he broke down the hillaulters of the Gates, that were in the entry of the Gate of josua the governor of the city, which were on the left hand of the Gate of the city. Nevertheless the priests of the hyllaulters might not come at the altar of the Lord in jerusalem, save only they did eat of the sweet breed among their brethren. And he destroyed Topheth also which is in the valley of the children of Hennom, I● because no man should offer his son or his daughter in fire to Moloch: he put down the horses that the kings of Israel had given to the son at the entering of the house of the Lord in the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain which was of Paruatim, and burned the charettes of the son with fire. And the altars that were on the top of the parlour of Achaz which the kings of juda had made, and the aultares which Manasses had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord, 〈…〉 the king broke down, and ran thence and cast the dust of them in to the brook Cedron. And the hylaulters that were before jerusalem on the right hand of the mount Mashich, 〈…〉 which Savil ●mon king of Israel built to Astaroth the abomination of the Zidons and to Chamos the abomination of the Moabites/ and to M●●c●o● the abomination of the children of ammon/ the king destroyed and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and filled the places w●th the bones o● men. Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, 〈…〉 the hill aulder t●●de by Ie●ob●●m th● son of Nabat which made Israel sin: both the aultare and also the hill he broke down and burned the hill and stamped it to powder, and burned the grove. And as josias turned himself, he espied the graves that were in the mount, and sent and fet the bones out of the graves and burned them upon the aultare and polluted it according to the word of the Lord that the man of God had proclaimed, 〈◊〉 ●iii. e. which openly had denounced the same things. Then the king said: What means yonder grave stone that I see? And the men of the city told him, it is the Sepulchre of the man of God, which came from juda and openly denounced the self same things that thou haste done to the aultare of Bethel. And he said let him be: see that no man move his bones. And so his bones escaped, with the bones of a Prophet, that came out of Samaria. And thereto all the houses of the hylaulters of the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made, to anger the Lord with: josias put out of the way, and did to them with all points as he did in Bethel. And he sacrificed all the priests of the hylaultars that were there even upon the aultares, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to jerusalem. And the king commanded all the people saying: 〈◊〉 twenty-five. a 〈◊〉 i a keep the feast of passouer unto the Lord your God, as it is written in the book of this testament. For there was no passouer held like that, from the days of the judges that judged Israel, and thorough out all the days of the kings of Israel and of juda. And in the xviij year of king josias, was this passouer held to the Lord in jerusalem. Moreover workers with spirits, soothsayers, images of witchcraft, idols and all other abominations that were espied in the land of juda and in jerusalem, josias put out of the way, to make good the words of the law, which were written in the book the Helkia the preaste found in the house of the Lord: Like unto him was there no king afore him, ☞ that turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and all his might, according to all the law of Moses, neither after him arose there any such. Notwithstanding the Lord turned not himself from his fierce and great wrath, wherewith he was angry against juda upon all the provocations that Manasses provoked him. But the Lord said: I will put juda in like manner out of my sight, as I have done Israel, and will cast of, this city jerusalem, which I have choose, and the house of which I have said, my name shallbe there. The rest of the deeds of josias, and all he did, are written in the book of the Chronicles of kings of juda. * 〈◊〉 ●xv d In his days Pharaoh Necoa, king of egypt, went against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates. And king josias went against him, and was slain of him at Magedo when he had seen him. And his servants carried him deed from Magedo & brought him to jerusalem, & buried him in his own Sepulchre. And the people of the land took joachaz the son of josias, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's room. And joachaz was three and twenty years old, when he began to reign, and reigned three months in jerusalem. His mothers' name was Hamital, the daughter of jeremia of Lobnah. And he did that displeased the Lord, in all things as his fathers had done. And Pharaoh Necoa put him in bonds at Reblah, in the land of Hemath, in the time of his reign in jerusalem, and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talentes of silver and a talent of gold. And Pharaoh Necoa made Eliakim, the son of josias, king, in the room of josias his father, and turned his name to joakim, and took joachaz away, jeremy xxii which when he came to egypt/ died there. And joakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh: how be it he taxed the land, to give the money at the commandment of Pharaoh, and as every man was set at, so he required the silver and the gold of the people of the land, to give Pharaoh Necoa. joakim was five and twenty years old, when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in jerusalem. His mother was named Zebda the daughter of Phadaia of Rama. And he did that was evil in the sight of the Lord/ like in all things as did his fathers. ¶ joakim dieth, and after him succeadeth joacin. jerusalem is besyeged of the Babylonians. joacin yieldeth himself to the king of Babylon. And in his room came Mathaniah, which was called Zedekias. CAPI. XXIIII. IN his days came Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon, and joakim become his servant three years, and then turned and rebelled against him. And the Lord sent upon him men of war out of Caldeye, out of Syria, out of the Moabites, and from the children of Ammon: and sent them into juda, to destroy it, according to the fayenge of the Lord which he spoke by his servants the Prophets. Only at the bidding of the Lord happened it so to juda, to put them out of his sight, iiii. Re. xxiii f for the sin of Manasses according to all he did: ☜ and for the innocent blood that he shed and filled jerusalem with innocent blood, which the Lord would not forgive. The rest of the deeds of joakim and all he did, jere xxxvi ●. are written in the Chronicles of kings of juda. And joakim laid him to sleep with his fathers, and joacin his son reigned in his stead. But the King of egypt, came now no more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river Euphrates, all that pertained to the king of egypt. joacin was eighteen years old, when he began to reign, and reigned in jerusalem three months. His mother's name was Nehustha the daughter of Elnathan of jerusalem. And he did that displeased the Lord in all points as his father did. * Daniel i a In his time came the servants of Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon, to jerusalem and the city was besieged. And Nabuchodonozor came to the city as his servants were yet besieging of it. * Hester ii a. And joacin the king of juda came out to the king of Babylon, with his mother, his servants, his Lords and his chamberlains. And the king of Babylon took him, in the eight year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasure of the house of the Lord, and the treasure of the kings house, and broke all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made, in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had said. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the Lords and all the men of might, to the number of ten thousand into captivity and all crafts men and joiners, none remaining save the poor people of the land. And he carried away joacin to Babylon, and the kings mother, and the kings wives, and his chambrelaynes, and the mighty of the land carried he away from jerusalem to Babylon. And all the men of activity to the number of seven thousand, and craftsmen & joiners a thousand, all strong and apt for war, did the king of Babylon bring to Babylon to devil. * two. Par. xxvi b jerem xxv a And the king of Babylon made Machaniah his father's brother, king in his stead, and changed his name and called him Zedekia. Zedekia was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamital/ the daughter of jeremia, of Lobnah. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, in all points like to joakim. For through the wrath of the Lord it so chanced to jerusalem and juda, until he had cast them out of his sight. And the said Zedekia rebelled against the king of Babylon. ¶ By the rebelling of Zedekia is the town of jerusalem beseaged of Nabuchodonozor. The town and the temple are both burnie. The sons of Zedekia are slain before his eyes, and after are his eyes put out. juda is brought to Babylon, and after is joacin exalted. CAPI. XXV. Wherefore in the ninth year of his reign, jerem xxix a. and iii a the tenth day of the tenth month came Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon with all his power to jerusalem: and pitched against the town and made engines against it on every side. And the city continued besyeged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekias. And the ninth day of the fourth month of that year, there was so great hungre in the city, that there was no sustenance for the people of the land. And the city was broken up: wherefore all the men of Arms fled by night, by a way thorough a gate, between two walls hard on the kings garden: the Caldeys dying about the city. Then the king went straight toward the wilderness. And the host of the Caldeyes followed after him, and took him in the wilderness of jericho, all his army being scattered away from him. When they had taken him, they brought him to Nabuchodonozor the king of Babylon to Reblah, which impeched him of treason. And they slew the sons of Zedekias before his eyen, and put out the eyen of Zedekias, and fettered him, and carried him to Babylon. In the seventh day of the fifth month which was in the nineteenth year of king Nebuchodonozor king of Babylon, came Nabusaradan servant of the king of Babylon, & chief captain unto jerusalem: and burned the house of the Lord, and the kings house and all the houses of jerusalem, and all great houses with fire. And all the host of the Caldeyes that were with the chief captain: broke down the walls of jerusalem round about. And the rest of the people that were left in the city, and them that were fled to the king of Babylon, 〈…〉 and the rest of the comen people, Nabusaradan the chief captain carried away, and left of the poor of the land to dress the wines, and to till the ground. And the pyllers of brass that were in the house of the Lord and the botomes, and the brazen see that was in the house of the Lord, the Caldeyes broke, and carried the brass of them to Babylon. And the laver, shovels, dressing knives, ladelles, and the mynistring vessels of brass, they carried away. And the fyrepannes, and basins that were either of gold or silver, took the chief Marshal away with the two pyllers & the see of brass, and the bottoms which Solomon had made in the house of the Lord. The brass of all these vessels was without weight. The height of the one pillar, was xviij cubytes, and the heed thereon was brass, and three cubits long with a wreath and pommegranetes round about upon the heed, all of brass. And of the same fashion was the second pillar with a wretch. And the chief captain took Saraiah the chief preaste, and Zophoniah the highest priest save one, and three keepers of the door. And out of the city he took a certain chamberlain that had the oversight of the men of war, and five men that were ever in the kings presence, which were found in the city, and Sopher the captain of the boast the taught the people of the land the feats war and three score men of the people of the land that were found in the city also. And Nabusaradan the chief captain took them & brought them to the king of Babylon to Reblah. And the king of Babylon smote them & slay them at Reblah in the land of Hemath. And so juda was carried away out of their land. 〈◊〉 xi. ● And over the people that remained in the land of juda, which Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon left, he set Godoliah the son of Ahikam the son of Saphan. And when all the captains of the men of war and the men heard that the king of Babylon had made Godoliah governor: there came to Godoliah to Mazphah: Ishmael the son of Nathaniah and johanan the son of Kareah & Saraiah the son of Thanehumeth the Netophathite and jezoniah the son of Maachati and their men. And Godoliah swore to them, and to their men, and said to them: fear not you the servants of the Caldeyes. But dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon and you shallbe in good state. But it chanced the seventh month after, that Ishmael the son of Nathaniah the son of Elisama of the kings blood came, and ten men with him, and smote Godoliah that he died: and so did he the jews & the Caldeyes that were with him at Mazphah. Whereupon all the people both small and great and the Captains of the men of war arose, and went to egypt: for they were afraid of the Caldeyes. Notwithstanding yet the thirty and seventh year, after joacin king of juda was carried away, the twenty and seventh day of the twelft month, did Euilmerodach king of Babylon life up the heed of joacin king of juda out of the prison house, and spoke kindly to him, and set his seat above the seat of all the kings that were with him in Babylon, and changed his prison garments. And he did ever eat bread before him all the days of his life. And a continual portion was assigned him of the king, from day to day as long as he lived. ¶ The end of the fourth book of the kings, which after the Hebrews is the second. THE CHRONICLES OF THE KINGS OF JUDA, THE first BOOK. ¶ A brief rehearsal of the hole Pedigrewe of Adam, unto the sons of Esau and jacob. CAPI. I ADam, Seth, Enos Kainan, Mahalchel, Jared: Hanoch, Mathusaleh, Lamech: No Sem, Cham, and japheth. The sons of japheth: were Gomer Magog, Madai, javan Thubal, Mosoch, and and Thiras. The sons of Gomer were: Ascanez, Ipheth and Togormah. The sons of javan: Elisah, Tharsisah, Cethim and Dodanim. The sons of Cham, Cus, Mizraim, Phut and Canaan. The sons of Cus: Saba, Hevilah, Sabatha, Remah, and Sabatha●a. The sons of Remah: Saba, and Dadan. And Cus begat Nemrod: which Nemrod began to wax mighty upon the earth. And Mizraim begat Ludim, Anamin, Laabim, Nephthuim, Phecrusim and Challum: of which came the Philistines, and the Chaphtherites. And Canaan, begat Zidon his elder son, & Heth, jebusi, Amori, Gergesi, Hevi, Aram, Sini, Aruadi, Zamari, and H●mathi. The sons of Sem: Elam, Assur, Arphacsad, Lud, Aram, Vz, Hul, Gether, and Mosoch. And Arphacsad begat Salah, and Salah begat Eber. And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Phaleg, because in his days the land was divided. And his brother's name was jektan. jektan begat Elimodah, Saleph, Hazermoth, and jacah: Haduram, Vsal, and Deklah: Ebal Abimael, and Saba: Ophir, Hevila, and jobab. All these were the sons of jektan. Sem, Arphacsad, Salah: Eber, Phaleg, Rau: Serug, Nahor, Thareh: Abram otherwise called Abraham. The sons of Abraham Isaac and Ishmael. And these are their broude: the eldest son of Ishmael was Nabaioth, than Kedar, Adbeel and Mabsam: Masma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, and Thema: jatur Naphis, and Kedmah. These are the sons of Ishmael. The sons of Keturah Abraham's concubine: she bore Zamram, jeksan, Madan, Madian, jesbok, & Suah. The sons of jeksan: Saba and Dadan. The sons of Madian: Ephah, Epher, Henoch, Abida and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah. Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac Esau and Israel. The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Ravel, jehus, jaalom and Koreh. The sons of Eliphaz: Theman, Omer, Zep●n, Gaatham, Ken, Themna and Amalek. The sons of Ravel: Nahath, Zarah, Samah, and Mesah. The sons of Seir: Lotan, Sobal, Zebeon, Anah, Dison, Ezer and Disan. The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam, and Thamna was Lotans' sister. The sons of Sobal: Aliah, Manahath, Ebal, Sephi, and Onan. The sons of Zebeon: Alah and Anah. The sons of Anah: Dison. The sons of Dison: Hamaran, Esebon, jethran and Charan. The sons of Ezer: Balaan, Saavan and jakan. The sons of Disan: Vz, and Aram. These are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned among the children of Israel Bale the son of Beor, and the name of his city was Denahabath. And when Bale was deed, jobab the son of Zareh of Bozrah reigned in his stead. And after the death of jobab, Husam of the land of Themani reigned in his room, and after the death of Husam, Hadad, the son of Badad which be the Madianites in the fields of Moab, reigned in his room, and the name of his city was Auich. And after the death of Hadad, Semlah of Marakah reigned in his stead. And after the death of Semlah Saul of Rohobot● upon Euphrates reigned in his place. And after the death of Saul, Baal Hanan the son of Achob or reigned in his room. And after the death of Baal Hanan, Hadad reigned in his place, and the name of his city was Pha●●, & his wives name was Mehetabeel the daughter of Matred the daughter of Mesahab. But after the death of Hadad, there were Dukes in Edom. Duke Thamna, Duke A●●ah, Duke jetheth: Duke Oholbama, Duke Elah, Duke Phinon, Duke Kenaz, Duke Theman, Duke Mabzar: Duke Magdiel & Duke Iram. These were the Dukes of Edom. ¶ The Pedigrewe of juda unto Isai the father of David. CAPI. II THese be the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, juda, Isachar and Zabulon: Dan, joseph, BenIamin, 〈…〉 Nephthali, Gad and Asser. The sons of juda: Er, Onan, and Selah. These three were born him of the daughter of Sua the Cananitesse. But Ere the elder son of juda was evil in the sight of the Lord, and therefore he slew him. And Thamar his daughter in law bore him Pharez and Zarah: so that all the sons of juda were five. The sons of Pharez Hezron and Hamul. The sons of Zarah: * 〈…〉 Zamri, Ethan, Heman, Chalchal, & Dara: five in al. The sons of Carmi: * 〈…〉 Achar that troubleb Israel, which transgressed in unlawful things. The sons of Ethan: Azari●. The sons of Hezron that were born him: jerhameel, Ram and Calubai. And Ram begat Aminadab: and Aminadab begat Nahazon a ruler among the children of juda. And Nahazon begat Salma: and Salma bega● Booz: and Booz begat Obed: and Obed begat Isai. And Isai begat his elder son Eliab, and Abinadab, the second, and ●er wife ●●h. Samaa the third, Nathanael the fourth, Radai the fift, Ozem the sixth, and David the seventh Whose sisters were Zaruia and Abigail. The sons of Zaruiah: were Abisai, joab, and Azahel, three. And Abigail bore Amaza, the father of which Amaza was Jether an Ismaelite. And Caleb the son of Hezron begat Asubah a woman and jeroth whose sons are these: jaser, Sobab, and Ardon. But Asubah died, and Caleb took Ephratha which bore him Hur. And Her begat Vri, and Vri begat Bezeleel. And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Galaad, and was when he took her, three score year old. And she bore him Segub. And Segub begat jair which had xxiij cities in the land of Galaad. And he overcame the Gessurites and the Aramites, and took the towns of jair from them, and Kenath with the towns that longed to the same, even three score towns. All these were the sons of Machir the father of Galaad. And after the death of Hezrom at Caleb in Ephrata, Abia, his wife bore him Ashur, the father of Thekua. And the sons of jerhameel the elder son of Hezron were, Ram, the eldest and Buna, Oram, Ozem and Ahaiah. And jerhameell had yet an other wife named Atarah, which was the mother of Onan, and the sons of Ram, the eldest son of jerhameell were, Maaz. jamin and Akar. The sons of Onan were, Samai and jada. The sons of Samai: Nadab and Abisur. And the wife of Abisur was called Abihahil which bore him Ahaban and Molid. The sons of Nadab: Saled and Appoim. But Saled died without children. The son of Appaim was jesei. The son of jesei was Sesan. And the son of Sesan was Oholai. And the sons of jada the brother of Samai were jethur and jonathan. But jethur died without children. The sons of jonathan were Phaleth and Ziza. These were the sons of jarhameel. Sesan had no sons but only daughters. And Sesan had a servant that was an Egyptian named jeraha to whom he gave his daughter to wife, and she bore him Athai. And Athai begat Nathan. And Nathan begat Zabad. And Zabad begat Ophlal. Ophlal begat Obed. Obed begat jehu, jehu begat Azariah, Azariah begat Helez, Helez begat Eleasah, Eleasah begat Sisamai, Sisamai begat Selum, Selum begat jecamiah, jecamiah begat Elisama. The sons of Caleb the brother of jerhameel were Mesa his elder son which was the father of Ziph: and the sons of Maresa the father of Hebron. The sons Hebron were Coreh, Taphuah Rekem and Sama, Sama begat Raham the father of jerakaan And Sekem begat Samai. The son of Samai was Maon. And Maon was the father of Bethzur. And Ephah a concubine of Calebs' bore Haran, Mosa and Gazez: And Haran begat Gazez. The sonnis of jahadai were Regem, jothan, Gelam, Phalet, Ephah and Saaph. And Maachah an other concubine of Calebs' bore Sabor Thahanah. And she bore also Saaph the father of Maomanah, & Sue the father of Machbe & the father of Gabaa. And Caleb had a daughter called Acsah. These were the sons of Caleb the son of Her the elder son of Ephrata: sobal the father of Kariath jarim, and Salma, the father of Bethlehem: and Hareph the father of Beth Geder. And Sobal the father of Kariath jarim had sons even the half kindred of Menuah. The kynredes of Kariath jarim were the jethrites, the Puthites, the Semathites & the Maserites. And of them came the Zarathites & the Esthaosites: The sons of Salma, Bethlehem and Netophathi that were the glory of the house of joab, and half the Manathites & of the Zaraites. And so were the kindreds of the writers that dwelled at Jabes the Tirathites, the Simeathites & Surhath●tes which are the Kenites, that came of Hemath the father of Beth Rechab. ¶ the genealogy of David in Hebron in and jerusalem. CAP. III THese are the sons of David which were born him in to Hebron: the elder Amnon of Ahinoam the jezrahelitesse. The two Daniel by Abigail the Carmelitesse. The three Absalon the son of Maacah daughter of Tholmai king of Gesur. The, iiij Adoniah the son of Hagith. The u Saphatiah by Abital. The vi jethraan by Eglah his wife These vi were born him in Hebron where he reigned seven years and six months. And in jerusalem he reigned xxxiij year. And these were born him in jerusalem: Samua, Sobab, Nathan, and Solomon: these four of the daughter of * Otherwise Bethsabe. Bath Sua & the daughter of Amiel. Then jebahar * Otherwise Elisua. Elisama, Elphalet, Nogeh, Nepheg, japhia, Elisama, Eliada, and Eliphelet: nine in numbered. These are all the sons of David, beside the sonnis of his concubines and Thamar their sister. Salomon'S son was Roboam, whose son was Abiah: and Asa was his son, and josaphat his son: whose son was joram: and his son was Ohoziah, and joas was son to him. And his son was Amaziah, and his son was Azariah, and his son was jotham. And Achaz was his son, and Ezechias was son to him, and Manasses was his son. And Amon was his Son, And josias was son to him. And the sons of josias were, the Elder son johanan, the second joakim, the third Zedekiah, Math. i b and the fourth Selum. The sons of joakim were jeconiah his son, whose son was Zedekiah. The sons of jeconiah the Prisoner were Salathiel, Melchiram, Phadaiah, Senazer, jecamiah: Hosama and Nadabiah. The sons of Phadaiah were Zorobabel & Semei. The sons of Zorobabel, Mosolam, Ananiah and Salumith their sister, and Hasubah, Ohel, Barachiah, Hasadiah, josab Hesed, five in number. The sons of Ananiah: Phaltiah and jesaiah, whose son was Raphiah, and his son Arnan, and his son was Obdiah, and his son Sechaniah. The son of Sechaniah was Semaiah. And the sons of Semaiah were Hatus, jegal, Bariah, Naariah, Sephat, and Hesa, six. And the sons of Naariah, were Elioenai, Ezechias, and Azticam, three. And the sons of Elioenai, were Hodaiah, Eliasib, Pheleiah, Akub, johanan, Dalaiah, and Anani, seven. ¶ The genealogy of the sons of juda, and Simeon. CAPI. FOUR THe sons of juda: Pharez, Hezron, Carmi, Gen. xxxviii g and xlvi b Her, and Sobal. And Reaiah, the son of Sobal begat jahath. And jahath begat Ahimai and Laad, which are the kynredes of the Zareathites. And of these came the father of Etam, jezrael, jesema, & jedebos, with their sister called Zalelphuni: And Phanuel father of Gedor: And Eser the father of Husah. These are the sons of Her the elder son of Ephrata father to Bethlehem. And Ashur the father of Thekua had two wives: Halaah and Naarah. And Naarah bore him Ahusam, Hepher, Themani and Hahastari. These were the sons of Naarah And the sons of Halaah were Zareth, Izo at and Ethnan. And Coz begat Anub and Zobebah, and the kynredes of Ahathel the son of Harum. But jeabes was nobler than his brethren. And his mother called his name jeabes, saying: Because I bore him with sorrow. And jeabes called on the God of Israel, saying: If thou shalt bless me, and enlarge my borders, and shalt let thine hand be with me and keep me from evil that it vex me not, thou shalt deal bountyfullye with me. And God sent him his desire. Calub the brother of Suah begat Mahir, who was the father of Esthon. And Esthon begat Beth, Rapha, and Phaseh, and Thehenah the father of the city of Nahas which are the men of Rechah. The sons of Kenas Othniel and Saraiah. And the sons of Othniel were Hathath. And Maonothi begat Ophrah. And Saraiah begat joab the father of them of the valley of craftsmen, so called because they were craftsmen. And the sons of Caleb the son of jephoneh, were Hiru, Ela, and Naem. And the son of Ela was Kenas. And the sons of jehaleleel were Ziph and Ziphah, and Thiria, and Asarael. And the sons of Ezra: were Jether, Mered, Epher, jalon, Thahar, Mariam, and Samai, and jesbah the father of Esthamoa. And his wife judiah bore Jared the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socob, and Icuthiel the father of Zonoah. And these were the sons of Bethiah the daughter of Pharaoh which Mered took. The sons of the wife of Hodia, the sister of Nahan, the father of Kella● were Hagarmi, and Esthamoa the Ma●ch●thite. The sons of Simon were Amnon and Rinah, Benhanan, and Thilon. And the sons of jesi were Zoheth and Benzoheth. 〈…〉 The sons of Selah the son of juda were Ere the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Maresah, and the kynredes of the households of them that wrought buysse in the house of Asbea. And jokim and the men of Cozebah, and joas and Saraph, which were inhabited in Moab, but returned to Lehem, and to Debarim Aikim. These were potters and dwelt among trees and hedges, and were in the kings works, and dwelled even there. The sons of Simeon: Namuel, 〈…〉 jamin, jarib, Zorah, and Saul, whose son was Selum, and the son of him was Mabsam, and his son was Masma. And the son of Masma was Hamuel, and his son was Zachur, and the son of him was Semei. Semei had sixteen sons and six daughters. But his brethren had not many children, neither were the kynreddes of them like to the children of juda in multitude. And they dwelled at Bersabe, Moladah, and at Hazar Sual, at Balaah, Ezem, Tholad, Bathuel, Hormah and at Zikeleg: at Bethmarcaboth, Hazar Susim, Bethberei and Saarim. These were their cities until the reign of David. And their villages were Etam, Ain, Remon, Tochen and Asan, five towns and all their villages that were round about the said cities unto Baal. This is the habitation of them and these Pedigrewe. And Mosobab, jemlech, josah the son of Amasias: and joel and jehu the son of josabiah, the son of Saraiah, the son of Asiel: and Elioenai. jakobah, Isohaiah: Asaiah, Adiel, Isimiel, and Banaiah: Ziza the son of Sephei, the son of Alon, the son of Idaiah, the son of Zemri, the son of Samaiah. These are such as came by name, heads of their kynreddes. And the ancient households of them spread in multitude. And they went as far as Gador, even unto the eastside of the valley, to seek pasture for their cattles. And they found fat pasture and good, and a wide land, both quiet and fruitful: for they of Ham dwelt there before. And these now afore written by name went in the days of Ezechias king of juda, and smote the tents of them, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelled in their rooms: because there was pasture there for the●● sheep. And besides this there went of the said children of Simeon five hundred men: Phaalthiath, Naariah, Raphiah, and Oziel, the sons of jesi being their heads: And smote the rest of the Amalekytes, that were escaped, and they dwelled therein unto this day. ¶ The genealogy of Reuben and Gad and of the half tribe of Manasses. CAPI. V THe sons of Reuben the elder son of Israel: for he was the elder. 〈◊〉 ●●ix. a. 〈◊〉 vi. b. 〈◊〉 xxvi a But because he defiled his father's bed, his birth right was given unto the sons of joseph the son of Israel/ and so he is not reckoned unto the birth right. For unto juda which was mighty among his brethren, was given the principality before him. But the birth right was given joseph. 〈◊〉 xlvi. ● 〈◊〉 vi c 〈◊〉 xxvi. a The sons then of Reuben, the elder son of Israel: were Henoch: Phalu, Hezrom, & Carmi. The sons of joel: Samaiah, and his son Gog, and his son Semei, and his son Micah, and the son of him was Reaiah, and his son was Baal, and Beerah was his son. 〈◊〉 xv. f Which Beerah Thiglath, Phalneser, king of Assira carried away: for he was a great Lord among the Rubenytes. But unto his brethren in their kindreds/ when they are reckoned after their birth/ were jeiel, and Zachariah the chief heeds. And Bala the son of Azan the son of Sema, the son of joel, dwelt in Aroer and so forth unto Nebo, 〈◊〉 nineteeen c and Baalmaon. And Eastward he enhabyted until the wilderness/ even upon the river Euphrates/ for their cattle was moche in the land of Galaad. 〈◊〉 xiii. a And in the days of Saul, they warred with the Hagarites, which were overthrown by their hands. And they dwelt in their tents thorough out all the Eastlande of Galaad. And the children of Gad dwelt over against them in the land of Basan/ even unto Selcah. And in Basan, joel was the cheyfest and Sapham the next, than jaanai and Saphat. And their brethren in the ancient households of them, were Michael, Mosolam, Seba, jorai, joacan, Zia, Eber and Senen. These were the children of Abihail the son of Huri the son of jeroah Galaad the son of Michael, the son of jesisai the son of jehado the son of Buz. Ahi was the son of Abdiel the son of Guni, the heed of an ancient household among them. And they dwelled in Galaad & in Basan and her towns, and in all the suburbs of Saron/ even unto the end of their borders. And they were all reckoned by kynredes in the days of jotham king of juda/ and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel. The sons of Reuben, of Gad, & of half the tribe of Manasses, even of fighting men able to hear shield and sword, and shot with bow/ & taught to make wars, were four & forty thousand, seven hundred, and three score that went out to battle. And they fought with the Hagarites, and with jecur, Naphas and Nodab. And they were holp against them, & the Hagarites were delivered in to their hands, with all that were with the Hagarites. For they cried to God in the battle, ☜ & he herd them/ because they trusted to him. And they took of their cattle fifty thousand camels, and two hundred and fifty thousand sheep, and two thousand asses/ and of the people an hundred thousand: for there fallen many deed because the war was of God. And they dwelled there in their steeds, until the time that they were carried away. And the children of half the tribe of Manasses dwelt in the land, josu xiii d from Basan unto Baal Harmon and Samir, and unto mount Hermon/ and they were many. And these were the heads of the ancient households of them: Epher, jesi, Eliel, Azriel, jeremiah, Hodaiah, jehadiel, men of great power/ men of name/ and heads of the ancient households of them. But when they had transgressed against the God of their father's/ & had go a hooring after the gods of the people of the land/ which God destroyed before them/ God stirred up the spirit of Phul, king of Assiria, iiii. Reg. xu b and the spirit of Thiglath Phalneser king of Assiria/ and carried away the Rubenites, the Gaddites, and the half tribe of Manasses/ & brought them unto Helah, Habor, Hara, and to the river Gozan/ where they remain unto this day. ¶ The pedigree of the sons of Levi. CAPI VI THe sons of Levi: Gerson, Cahath, and Merari. Gene. xlvi b. The sons of Cahath Amram, Izachar, Hebron, and Oziel. ☜ The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, & Marian. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Eleazar begat Phinehes. Phinehes begat Abisue. Abisue begat Boki. Boki begat Ozi. Ozi begat Zarahia. Zarahia begat Meraioth. Meraioth begat Amariah. Amariah begat Ahitob. Ahitob begat Zadoc. Zadoc begat Ahimaaz. Ahimaaz begat Azariah. Azariah begat johanan. johanan begat Azariah which ministered in the temple that Solomon built in jerusalem. Azariah begat Amariah. Amariah begat Ahitob. Ahitob begat Zadoc. two. Pat xxvi ● Zadoc begat Selum. Selum begat Helkiah. Helkiah begat Azariah. Azariah begat Saraiah. Saraiah begat jozedec, which when the Lord carried away juda and jerusalem by the hand of Nabuchodonozor, went with them. * Exodi vi c The sons of Levi are these: Gersom, Cahath, and Merari. And these be the names of the sons of Gersom: Lobni and Semei. And the sons of Cahath, were Amram. Izachar, Hebron, and Oziel. The sons of Merari: Moho●i. and Musi. These are the kynreddes of Levi concerning their ancient fathers. The sons of Gersom: was Lobni, and his son Iaha●h, and his son Zamah, and his son joah, and his son Ado, and his son Zerah, and his son jeathrai. The sons of Cahath: Aminadab and his son Careb, and his son Assir, and his son Elcanah, and his son Abiasaph, and his son Asirs/ and Thahath was his son/ and Vryel his son/ and Oziah his son/ & Saul was his son. The sons of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth, and Elcanah. The sons of Elcanah: Zophat, whose son was Nahath, and his son Eliab, and jeroham his son, and Elcanah his son/ and Samuel the son of him. And the sons of Samuel: the elder Vasni, and then Abiah. The sons of Merari: Moholi, & his son Lobni/ and his son Semei/ and his son Ozah and his son Samaa/ and his son Hagiah/ and his son Asaiah. These be they which David set for to sing in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of witness with singing, until Solomon had built the temple of the Lord in jerusalem. And then they waited on their offices/ according to the order of them. These are they that waited with their children of the sons of Cahath: Heman a singer which was the son of joel the son of Samuel. The son of Elcanah, the son of jeroham, the son of Eliel: the son of Thoah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elcanab, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elcanah, the son of joel, the son of Azariab, the son of Zophoniah: the son of Thahath, the son of Asir, the son of Abiasaph, the son of Coreh: the son of Izachar, the son of Cahath: the son of Levi: the son of Israel. And his brother Asaph stood on his right hand, which was the son of Barachias/ the son of Samaa: the son of Michael, the son of Baasaiah/ the son of Melchiah/ the son of Athani/ the son of Zarah/ the son of Adaiah: the son of Ethan/ the son of Zamah/ the son of Semei: the son of jabath/ the son of Gerson/ the son of Levi. And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Etham the son of Chusi, the son of Abdi, the son of Maloch: the son of Hasabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Helkiah: the son of Amazi, the son of Boni, the son of Summer: the son of Moholi, the son of Musi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. Their brethren the levites were appointed unto all manner service of the tabernacle of the house of God. But Aaron and his sons burned upon the altar of burntofferinges, and on the altar of incense & were appointed unto all that was to do in the place most holy/ & to make an appointment for Israel in all points, according as Moses the servant of God had commanded. These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar, whose sons was Phinehes, & his son Abisue: and his son Boki/ and the son of him Ozi: and his son Zatahia: and the son of him Meraioth, and his son of Amariah, and the son of him Achitob/ and Zadoc his son, and Ahimaaz his son. And these are the dwelling places of them in their towns and coostes: I mean of the sons of Aaron of the kindred of the Caathites/ for so their lot fallen. They gave unto them Hebron in the land of juda with the suburbs round about it. But the country and villages thereunto belonging, they gave to Caleb the son of jephoneh. And to the sons of Aaron, they gave the enfraunchesed cities/ Hebron, and Lobna with their suburbs: ☜ and jathir and Ethemoa with their suburbs: & Hilen with their subuthes/ & Dabir with her suburbs/ and Asan with her suburbs, & Beth seems with her suburbs. And out of the tribe of BenIamin Gabee & her suburbs/ Alemath with her suburbs/ Anathoth with her suburbs: so that all their cities amongs their kinredes, were thirteen. And unto the sons of Cahath 〈◊〉 rest of the tribe, were cities given out of ●he half tribe of Manasses by lot, ten cities. And unto the sons of Gersom among their kynredes were given out of the tribe of Izachar/ and out of the tribe of Asser, & out of the tribe of Nephthali: and out of the tribe of Manasses in Basan thirteen cities. And unto the sons of Merari were given by lot among their kynredes out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zabulon twelve cities. And the children of Israel gave the Levites such cities with their suburbs/ and that by lot, out of the tribe of the children of juda/ 〈◊〉 of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of BenIamin, even the said cities that are rehearsed by name. Concerning the sons of Cahath, the cities of their costs were of the tribe of Ephraim. * 〈…〉 In which tribe they gave unto them the cities of refuge: Sichem in mount Ephraim with he suburbs, and Gazer with her suburbs, jecmaam with her suburbs, Bethhoron with her suburbs/ Aialon with her suburbs/ and Geth Remon with her suburbs. And out of the half tribe of Manasses, Aner with her suburbs, and Baalam with her suburbs among the kynredes of the remnant of the sons of Cahath. And unto the sons of Gerson were given out of the kindred of the half tribe of Manasses/ Golan in Basan, with her suburbs/ and Astaroth with her suburbs. And out of the tribe of Izachar/ Kedes with her suburbs/ Daberath with her suburbs/ Ramoth with her suburbs & Anem with her suburbs. And out of Asser, Masal with her subuthes. Abdom with her suburbs/ Hukok with her suburbs, and Rohob with her suburbs. And out of the tribe of Nephthali/ Kedes in Galilea with her suburbs Hamon with her suburbs, and Kuriathiatim with her suburbs. And unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zabulon, Remono with her suburbs, and Thabor with her suburbs. And on the other side jordan by jericho, even on the East side of jordan were given them out of the tribe of Reuben: Bozor in the wilderness with her suburbs jahezah with her suburbs, Kademoth with her suburbs, Mephath with her suburbs. And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Galaad with her suburbs, Mahanaim with her suburbs, Hesebon with her suburbs, and jezer with her suburbs. ¶ The pedigree of Isacar. BenIamin, Nephthali, Manasses, Ephraim, and Asser. CAPI. VII. THe sons of Isacar: Thola, Phuah, jasub and Samrom, four. The sons of Thola: Ozi, Rephatah, jetiel, jathamai, jebsam and Samuel, which were heads in the ancient households of Thola, and men of might among their kindreds/ the number of them in the days of David, were two and twenty thousand, and six hundred. The sons of Ozi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, joel, jesiah/ five heed men in all. And among them in their kynredes and ancient households, six and thirty thousand men prepared to war. For they had many wives and sons. And of their brethren among all the kynredes of Isacar, were reckoned of men of war, four score and seven thousand in all. 〈…〉 The sons of BenIamin: Bale, Bochor and jadiel, three. The sons of Bale: Esbon, Ozi, Oziel, jerimoth and Vri/ five heads, ancient houses, and men or might, and were in number, two and twenty thousand, & four and thirty. The sons of Bochor: Zamirah, joas, Eliezer, Elieonai, Amri, jerimoth, Abiah, Anathoth, and Alamath. All these are the children of Bochor, and were reckoned in their kinredes, with the heeds of the ancient households of them that were men of power, twenty thousand and two hundred. The sons of jediael: Balahan. The sons of Balahan: jeus/ Beniamin/ Ahud, & Canaanah/ Zetham Tharsis, and Ahisahar. All these are the sons of jediael, & ancient heeds, and men of might, xvij. thousand and two hundred that went out to battle. And Suphim and Huphim were the children of Ir. And the Husites were the children of Aher. The sons of Nephthali: jahaziel, Guni, jezer & Selum/ the children of Balahah. The sons of Manasses: Azriel which Aramiah his concubine bore/ she bore also Machir the father of Galaad. 〈◊〉 ●i. ●. 〈◊〉 v●. d 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 And Machir gave to Huphim and Suphim wives. And the name of his sister was Maacah/ and the name of an other son was Zalphahad. And Zalphahad had daughters. And Maacah wife of Machir, bore a son and called his name Phar●●●nd the name of his brother was Zares/ and 〈◊〉 ●●●nes were Vlam and Rekem. The sons o● V●●●● 〈◊〉 Badan. These are the sons of Galaad the son of Machir, the son of Manasses. And his sister Melcath ba●e I●shud/ Abieser, and Moholah. And the sons of Semida: were Ahaian, Sech●m, Lekechi, and Aniam. The sons of Ephraim: Suthalah, whose son was Bared, and Thahath his son/ and his son Eladah, and Thahath his son/ and Sabad his son, and Suthelah his son/ and Eser and Elead. And the men of Geth that were born in the land slew them, because they were come down to take away their cattle. And Ep●●●im their father mourned many a day, and his brethren came to comfort him. And he say with his wife, which conceived & bore him a son/ and he called the name of him Bariah, because it went evil with his household. And his daughter was Sarah which built Bethhoron the neither, and also the upper, and Ozan Sarah. And Raphah was his son: whose son was Reseph, with his brother Thaleh, whose son was Thahan, & his son Laadam, and his son Amihud, and his son Elisama, and his son Nun, & his son josua. And their possession and habitation was Bethel, and the towns that appertained thereto, and unto the East of Naeran/ and on the west side of Gazer, with the towns thereof/ and Sichem with the towns of the same/ & Adaiah with her towns/ and a long by the borders of the children of Manasses/ Bethsean with her towns, Thaanach with her towns, Magedo with her towns, & Dod with her towns. In those dwelled the children of joseph the son of Israel. The sons of Aser: jomnah, jesuah, Gene. xlvi d. Isuai, Bariah and Serah their sister. The sons of Bariah: Teber and Melchiel which was the father of Barsaith. And Heber begat japhlet, summer, Hotham and Sua their sister. The sons of japhlet: Phisah, Banahal, and Asavath. These are the children of japhlet. The sons of Summer: Ahi, Rohagah, jahubah and Eram. And the sons of his brother Helem: were Zophah, jemna, Seles, and Amal. The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Sual, Bari, jamrah, Bozor, Hod, Sama, Sissa, jethran, and Beera. The sons of Jether: jephoneh, Phasaph, and Ara the sons of Ola: Areh, Haniel, and Rezia. And these were the children of Asser and heeds of ancient houses & pure people, and men of might, & the heed of Lords. And when they were numbered in array to battle, they were in number six & twenty thousand men. ¶ An other genealogy of the s●●●es of BenIamin. CAPI. VIII. BEnIamin begat Bale his elder son, Asoal the second, Genesi xlvi b i Para vii b. Aharah the third, Nobah the fourth, and Raphaph the fift. And the sons of Bale: were Adar, Gera, Abihud, Abisua. Naaman, Ahohah, Gera, Saphuphan, and Huran. And these are the sons of Ahud, ancient heeds among thinhabitants of Gabaa, which carried them to Manahath: Naaman, Ahiah, and Gera, which Gera carried them away, and begat Oza and Ahihud. And he begat Saharaim in the country of Moab, after he had sent them away/ Husim and Barah was his wives. And he begat of Hodes his wife jobab, Zebia, Mosa, Malcham, jeus, Sachiah and Marma. These are his sons, being ancient heads. And of Husim he begat Ahithob and Elphaal. The sons of Elphaal: were Eber, Misaam, and Samad which built Ono, Lod, and the towns longing thereto: and Barah and Sama, which were ancient heeds among the inhabiters of Aialon/ and they drove out away the inhabiters of Geth. And Haio, Sesac, jerimoth, Sabadiah, Arod, Edar, Michael, jespha, and joha, the sons of Bariah: Zabadiah, Mosolam, Hezeki, Heber, Isamari, jesliah, jobab, the sons of Elphaal. And jakim, Zecri, Sabdi, Elianai, Zelethai, Eliel, Adaiah, Batatah, Zamareth the sons of Semei. And jesphan, Eber, Eliel, Abdon, Zecri, Hanan, Hananian, Atian, Anthothiah, jephdaiah, and Phanuel, are the sons of Sesac. And Samsati, Sohoriah, Otholiah, jersiah, Eliah, and Zechri, are the sons of jeroham. These were ancient heeds in their kynredes, and dwelt in jerusalem. And at Gabaon dwelleth φ After the greek, Some read, Abigabaon i Parali ix f. the father of Gabaon, whose wife was called Maacah. And his elder son was Abdon, than Zur, Cis, Baal, Nadab, Gedur, Ahaio, and Zachir. And Makeloth begat Samaah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in jerusalem over against them. And Ne'er begat Cis, and Cis Saul, i Regum ix a and xiiii g i Parali ten e and Saul begat jonathan, Melchisua, Abinadab and Isbaal. And the sons of jonathan was Meribbaal, and Meribbaal begat Micah. And the sons of Micah were Phithon, Melech, Tharea and Achaz. And Achaz begat joadah. And joadah begat Elmoth, Asmoth and Zamri. And Zamri begat Moz●. And Moza begat Banah, whose son was Raphah/ and his son was Elasah, and his son Azel. And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Esricam, Bochru, Ishmael, Sariah, Obdiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. And the sons of Asek his brother, were Vlam his elder, and jeus the second, and Eliphelet the third. And the sons of Vlam were mighty men and bowmen, and habde many sons, and sons sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are the sons of BenIamin. ¶ Of the priests, Levites, and of their offices. CAPI. IX. ANd all Israel were numbered by kynredes: and lo, they be written in the book of the kings of Israel. And juda were carried away to Babylon for their offences. And the old inhabiters that dwelt in their own possessions and cities were Israel, the priests, Levites and Mathinetites. But in jerusalem dwelt of the children of juda, of the children of BenIamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasses. Othai the son of Amthud the son of Amil the son of Omirai of the son of Boni * 〈…〉 of the children of Pharez the son of juda. And of Siloni, Asiah the elder, and his sons. And of the sons of Zarah, jevel with their brethren six hundred and four score and ten. And of the sons of BenIamin: i 〈…〉 Sal● the son of Mosolam, the son of Hoduiah, the son of Hasnuah/ and jobaniah the son of jeroham. And Elah the son of Ozi, the son of Mochori. And Mosolam the son of Saphatiah the son of Ravel, the son of jebaniah with other their brethren in their kindreds/ nine hundred fifty and six. And all these were honourable heeds in the ancient households of them. And of the priests: jedaiah, jehoiarib and jacin: i 〈…〉 Azariah the son of Helkiah the son of Mosolam/ the son of Zadoc/ the son of Maraioth the son of Achitob the chyefest in the house of God. And Adaiah the son of jerohan, the son of Phashor the son of Melchiah/ and Maasi the son of Adiel, the son of jehezrah, the son of Mosolam, the son of Mosolamoth, the son of Emer, with other their brethren, heads in the ancient households of them, a thousand, seven hundred & threescore active men in the work of the service of the house of God. And of the Levites: Semeiah the son of Hasub, the son of Esticam, the son of Hasabiah of the sons of Merari. And Bachakar the carpenter, and Galal. And Mathaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zecri, the son of Asaph. Obdiah the son of Semeiah, the son of Galal, the son of Iduthun. And Barachiah the son of Aza, the son of Elcanah that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites. The porters were Selum, Achub, Talmon, and Ahiman, with their brethren, Selum being the chief. For unto that time they had watched at the kings gate Eastward, in the tents of the children of Levi by companies. And Selum the son of Coreh, the son of Abiasaph, the son of Coreh with his brethren the Corehites in the house of their fathers had their business and office to keep the door of the tabernacle for their fathers in the host of the Lord kept the entering. And Phinehes the son of Eleazar was ruler over them before the Lord which was with him. And Zacharias the son of Moselamiah kept the door of the tabernacle of witness. All these were chossen men to keep the tresholdes, two hundred and twelve, and were numbered in their villages. And them did David and Samuel the Sear ordain in their fidelity. And their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the Lord, and of the house of the tabernacle to keep them. In four quarters were the keepers: toward the east, West, north, and south/ and their brethren that were in the country came in their weeks as their course came about with them. For the Levites were committed to these four principal porters upon their credence. And they had the oversight of the vestryes, and treasures of the house of God, and lay all night round about the house of God: because the keeping thereof pertained to them, and to open it every morning. And certain of them had the rule of the ministering vessels, and brought them in and out by tale. And of them were certain appointed to oversee the vessels, and all holy ornaments, and of the flower, wine, oil, frankincense and sweet odours. But certain of the sons of the priests were set to make sweet savours. And Mathathiah one of the levites/ the elder son of Selum: the Corathite, had the oversight of the things that were baken in the frying pan. And other of their brethren the sons of Cahath had the over sight of the shewebreed, to prepare against all Sabothes. These are the syngers, ancient heeds among the Levites, divided by chambers: for they had to do both day and night. These were the ancient among the Levites in their generations. And these dwelled at jerusalem. And in Gabaon dwelt jevell the 〈…〉 father of Gabaon, whose wife was called Maacah. And his elder son was Abdon, than Zur, Cis, Baal, Ne'er and Nadab: Gedor, Ahio, Zachariah and Makeloth. And Makeloth begat Semaan. And they also dwelt with their brethren at jerusalem, even hard by them. And Ne'er begat Cis, and * 〈…〉 Cis Saul/ and Saul begat jonathan, Melchisua, Abinadab and Esbaal/ and the son of jonathan, was Meribbaal. And Meribbaal begat Micah, & the sons of Micah, were Phiton, Melech and Thaharea. And Achaz begat jaarah. And jaarah begat Alamath, Asmoth, Zamri/ & Zamri begat Moza. And Moza begat Baana, whose son was Raphaia, and his son was Eleasah, and his son Azel. And Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Ezricam, Bochru, Ishmael, Sariah, Obdiah and Hanan. These are the sons of Azel. ¶ The battle of Saul against the Pihl●stines: in which he dieth and his sons also. CAPI. X. 〈…〉 ANd the Philistines fought against Israel/ and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines, and were overthrown and slain in mount Gelboe. And the Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and slew jonathas, Abinadab, and Melchisua the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul/ in so much that the shoters met him/ and he was wounded of the shoters. Then said Saul to his weapon bearer Iud. ix g i Regum xxxi ● draw thy sword and thrust me thorough therewith, that these uncircumcised come not and do me shame. And his weapon bearer would not, but feared exceedingly. Whereupon Saul caught a sword and fallen upon it. And when his harnesbearer saw that Saul was deed, he fallen on a sword also and died. And thus Saul and his three sons, and all his house died together. And when all the men that dwelt in the valleys saw how they fled/ and that Saul and his sons were deed, they forsook their cities and ran away/ and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. On the morrow when the Philistines came to stryppe the deed bodies, they found Saul and his sons overthrown in mount Gelboe. And when they had strypt him, they took his heed and his harness and sent them into the land of the Philistines round about to show tidings unto their gods and to the people. And they put his harness in the houses of their gods. But his heed they hanged in the house of Dagon. And when all they of Jabes in Galaad heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, all the men of war arose and fet away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons and brought them to Jabes, and buried the bones of them under an oak in Jabes, and fasted seven days. Thus Saul died for his trespass that he trespassed against the Lord, in that he kept not the word of the Lord, and in that he asked counsel of a woman that wrought with a spirit, and asked not of the Lord. ☜ And therefore the Lord killed him, and turned the kingdom unto David the fonne of Isai. ¶ After the death of Saul is David anointed in Hebron. The jebusites rebel against David, from which he taketh the Tower of Zion. His men are numbered. CAPI. XI. THen all Israel assembled to David unto Hebron and said: se, two. Reg. u ● we be thy bones and thy flesh. And moreover in time past when Saul was king, thou leddest Israel out and in, and the Lord thy God said unto thee: thou shalt lead my people Israel, and shalt be captain over my people Israel. And when all the elders of Israel were come to the king of Hebron, David made a covenant with them there, before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Samuel. David also and all Israel went to jerusalem, which is jebus: for there dwelt the jebusites the inhabitants of the land. And the inhabitants of jebus said to David, thou comest not here. Nevertheless David won the castle of Zion, which is called the city of David. Then said David: who so ever smite the jebusites first, shall be the principal captain and a lord. And joab the son of Zaruiah went first up, and was therefore the chief captain. And because David dwelt in the castle, it was called the city of David. And be built the city on every side from Milo round about. But joab repaired the rest of the city. And David prospered and waxed great, and the Lord of hosts was with him. two. Reg. xxiii a These are the principal men of power that clave to David in his kingdom with all Israel, to make him king upon Israel according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke to Israel. And this is the number of the mighty men which David had: Isabaam the son of Hachamoni the chief of thirty, he lift up his spear against three hundred, & slay them at one tyme. After him Eleazar the son of Dodo his uncle an Ahothite, which was one of the three myghtyest, he was with David at Phasdamin where the Philistines were gathered to battle. In which place was a parcel of ground full of barley, and the people fled for fear of the Philistines. And they stepped forth in the mids of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines. And the Lord gave a great victory. And the three of the thirty chief, went to a rock to David at the cave Odollam, when the host of the Philistines had prtched in the valley of Raphaim. And David was in an hold. And there was a garrison of the Philistines at Bethlehem the same tyme. And David longed and said. two. Reg. xxiii c O, that one would give me of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is in the gate for to drink. And these three brake thorough the host of the Philistines, and drew of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that was in the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink of it, but offered it to the Lord, and said: God forbid it me that I should do this thing, to drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy (for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it) and therefore he would not drink it. This did the three mightiest. And Abisai the brother of joab was captain of the three/ and he lift up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three. And he was moche more noble than any of the three, & was their captain, but was not like to any of the three in acts. Banaiah, the son of joiada the son of a strong man that had done great deeds, & was of Cabzeel: he slay two strong lions of Moab, and went down and slew a lion in a pit in time of snow and he slew an Egyptian, whose stature was five cubits long, and in his hand had a spear like a weavers beam. And the other went to him with a waster, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptians hand, and slew him with his spear. Such things did Banaiah the son of joiada, and had a name with the three myghtyest, and was the moo●●● glorious of thirty: but attained not unto the three. And David made him of his secret counsel. And these were the best men of war of the host: Asael the brother of joab, and Elhan●● the son of Dodo of Bethlehem. Samoth the Haroryte, Helez the Phalonite: Ira the son of Aches the Thekuite, Abieser the Anathothi●● Sobacai the Husathite, Ilai the Ahobite: Maharai the Nethophathite, and Heled the son of Baanah the Nethophathite: Ithai the son of Rebai of Gabaah that pertaineth to the children of BenIamin: Banaiah the Pharathonite: Haurai of the river of Gaas and Abiel the Arbathite: Azmoth the Bahatumite, Elahaba the Saalbonite. The sons of Hassem the Gezonite, jonathan the son of Sagah, and Haratite: Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Vr. Hepher the Mecharathite, Ahiah the Phalonite: Hezro the Carmelite, and Naari the son of Azbai: joel the brother of Nathan: Mibahar the son of Gari: Zelec an Ammonite and Naharai a Berothite the bearer of the harness of joab the son of Zaruiah: Ira the Jethrite, and Gared a Jethrite, Urias the Hittite, Zabad the son of Oholui: Adina the son of Siza a Rubenite, and an heed among the Rubenites, and thirty about him: Han●● the son of Maacah, and jonaphat a Mathenite: Ozeah an Ascharothite: Sama & Iai●● the sons of Hothan an Aroerite: jedial the son of Zamri and joha, his brother Th●●ites: Eliel a Mahumite. And jeribai and josoiah the sons of Elnaem and jethmah a Moabite. Eliel and Obed, and jasiel of Masobaiah. ¶ What they were that went with David when he fled from Saul. CAPI. XII. ANd these following came to David to Zikeleg while he yet kept himself close for fear of Saul the son of Ci●: and they were of the men that succoured the battle, weaponed with bows, and could handle stones, arrows and bow, as well with the left hand as with the right, and were of saul's brethren, even of the tribe of BenIamin. The chyefest were Ahiezer and joas the sons of Samaah a Gabaonite, and jaziel a Phalite, the sons of Azmoth. Baracah and jehu of Anathoth/ & Isamaiah a Gabaonite as mighty as any of thirty, and more mighty. And jeremiah, jehaziel, johanan and josabad of Gedor, Eleusai, jerimoth, Baaliah, Samariah and Saphatiah: Haraphites, Elcanah, jesiah, Azrael, joezer, joseboam of Karchim. And joelah, and Zabadiah the sons of jeroham of Gedor. Also certain of the Gaddites fled unto David, when he kept an hold in the wilderness, men of might, and men apt for want and could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions/ and they were also as swift as the roes of the mountains: Ezer the first, Obdiah the second, Eliab the third, Masmannah the fourth, jeremiah the fift, Ethi the sixt, Eliel the seventh, johanam the eight, Elsabad the ninth. jeremiah the tenth, and Macahbanai the eleventh. These were of the sons of Gad, and were captains over men of war, the small over an hundred, and the great over a thousand. These are they that went over jordan in the first month, when he had filled over all his bank/ and they put to flight them of the valley, both of the east side and also the west. And there came of the children of BenIamin and juda, to the hold of David. And David went out to them, and answered and said to them: If you be come peasablye unto me, to help me, mine heart shall be together with you. But if you come to beguile me, and to be mine adversary, sith there is no wickedness in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon and rekuke it. And the spirit came upon Amasai a captain over thirty/ and he said/ thine are we David, and on thy side thou son of Isai: 〈◊〉 ●ii. d. peax be with thee, and peax with thine helpers/ for thy God helpeth the. Then David received them, & made them heeds of companies of men of war. And there fallen of Manasses to David when he went with the Philistines against Saul, to battle, 〈◊〉 ix. a. but holp them not. For the lords of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying: he will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heeds. And as he went to Zikeleg, there fallen to him of Manasseh: Ednah, jozabad, jediel, Michael of jozabad, Elihu, and Zalthai, heeds of the thousands of Manasses. And they holp David against those rovers. For they were all mighty men, and captains in war. And there came one or other to David day by day, to help him: until it was a great host, like the host of God. And this is the number of the heeds prepared to battle, that came to David to Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord. The children of juda that bore shield and spear, were six thousand and eight hundred well furnysshed to war. Of the children of Simeon, men of might to war, seven thousand, and one hundred. And of the children of Levi, were four thousand and six hundred. And joiada was the chief of them of Aaron, and with him three thousand and seven hundred. And Zadock a young man of great power, had his father's household with captains two and twenty. And of the children of BenIamin the brethren of Saul, were three thousand. And a great part of them did yet follow the house of Saul. And of the children of Ephraim, were twenty thousand, & eight hundred, men of might, and named men in the households of their fathers. And of the half tribe of Manasses xviij thousand, which were appointed by name to go to make David king. And of the children of Isacar, which were men that had understanding in the right time to know what Israel aught to do. The heeds of them were two hundred, and all their brethren at their will. And of Zabulon that went out with the host, and proceeded in array to battle with all manner of weapons of war/ thirty thousand that kept in array with one accord. And of Nephthali a thousand captains/ and with them with shield and spear seven and thirty thousand. And of Dan prepared to battle, were eight and twenty thousand and six hundred. And of Asser that went out with the host to make battle, forty thousand. And of the other side jordan, of the Rubenites, Gaddites, and of the half tribe of Manasses, with all manner of habilimentes of war an hundred & twenty thousand. All these being men of war, able to order the array, came to Hebron with pure heart, to make David king upon all Israel. And more over, all the rest of Israel was of one accord to make David kyyge. And there they were with David three days eating and drinking: for their brethren prepared for them. Moreover they that were nigh to them: as Isacar, Zabulon and Nephthali, brought breed on asses, camels, mules, and oxen, and meat: flower, figs, reasynges, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep abundantly. For there was mirth in Israel. ¶ The ark is brought again from Kariath jarim to jerusalem. Oza diet h. CAPI. XIII. ANd David counseyled with the grand captains, and petye captains, and with all the lords/ and said unto all the congregation of Israel: if it seem you good and also to be of the Lord our God, let us take and send unto the remnant of our brethren thorough out all the land of Israel, and to the priests and Levites with them in their cities and suburbs, and gather them together to us, and let us bring again the ark of God to us: for we regarded it not in the days of Saul. And all the congregation was content so to do/ for the thing seemed good in the eyes of all the people. And David gathered all Israel together from φ That is Nilus. Sthor in Egypt unto Hemath, to bring the ark of the Lord from Katiath jarim. And David went up and all Israel to Baalah, and so to Kariath jarim that is in juda, to fet thence the ark of the God and Lord that sitteth on the Cherubes, where his name is called on. And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Aminadab. And Oza and Ahio drove the cart. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, with singing, haps, Psalteryes, tymbrelles, and trumpets. And when they came on the threshing floor of Chidon, Oza put forth his hand to hold the ark/ for the oxen stumbled. And the Lord was wroth with Oza and smote him, because he put his hand to the ark. And there he died before God. And David was heavy/ because the Lord had rend in pieces Oza, and called the said place φ That is, the division of Oza. Perez unto this day. And David was so afraid of God that day, that he said, how shall I bring the ark of God home to me? And so David brought not the ark home to him to the city of David: But turned it in to the house of Obed Edom a Gethite. And the ark of God was with Obed Edom in his house, three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed Edom and all that he had. ¶ Hiram sendeth wood and workmen to David. David begetteth children, after he had taken him wives. He hath two vyctoryes of the Philistines. CAPI. XIIII. THen Hiram king of tire sent messengers to David, two. Regum u b. and timber of Cedar trees with masons and carpenters, to build him an house. Whereby David perceived that the Lord had prepared him to be king upon Israel, in that his kingdom was lift up on high, because of his people Israel. And David took yet more wives at jerusalem and begat more sons & daughters. And these are the names of his children which he had born him at Jerusalem: Samua, Sobab, Nathan, and Solomon: jebhat, El●●ua, and Eliphalet: Noga, Nepheg, and japhtah, Elisama, Ba●tada, and Eliphelet. And when it was known among the Philistines, that David was anointed king upon all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. And the Philistines came & praunsed in the valley of Raphaim. And David asked God, saying: shall I go against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them in to mine hands? And the Lord said to him: go, for I will deliver them into thine hands. And when they were come as far as φ Some read, the play●e or valley. Baal Pharazim, David bet them there. And David said: God hath divided mine enemies with mine hand as a man would divide water. And therefore they called the name of the said place Baal Pharazim. And they left their gods there, ☞ which David had to be burned with fire. And the Philistines came again and ran abroad in the valley. Then David asked God: And God said to him go not after them, but turn away from them, and come upon them straight from the peer trees. And when thou hearest a sound of one that go in tops of the pear trees, then go out to battle: for God will go out before the to smite the host of the Philistines. And David did as God commanded him. And they smote the host of the Philistines all the way from Gabaon to Gazer, and the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord made all nations tear him. ¶ The Levites bring again the ark of the covenant of the Lord. David dancing before it is despised of his wife michol, the daughter of Saul. CAPI. XU. ANd David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it● tent. And then David said, the ark of God ought not to be carried but of the Levites. For them hath the Lord choose to bear the ark of the Lord and to minister to him for ever. And therefore David gathered all Israel to jerusalem, to fetch the ark of the Lord unto the place, which he had ordained for it. And David brought together the children of Aaron and the Levites. Of the sons of Cahath: Vriel the chief, and of his brethren an hundred and twenty. And of the children of Merati: Asaiah the chief, and of his brethren two hundred and twenty. And of the sons of Gerson joel the chief, and of his brethren an hundred and thirty. And of the children of Elizaphan: Semeiah the chief, and of his brethren two hundred. And of the sons of Hebron Eliel the chief, and of his brethren four score. And of the sons of Oziel, Aminadab the chief, and of his brethren an hundred and twelve. And David called to Zadock and Abiathar the priests, and to the Levites Vr●●, Asaiah joel, Semeiah, Eliel, and Aminadab: and said unto them: you are the principal heeds of the Levites, sanctitye therefore yourselves and your brethren, and bring the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place the I have prepared for it. For because you were not there at the first time, the Lord our God hath divided us, for that we sought him not as the fashion aught to be. ☜ And the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves, to fet the ark of the Lord God of Israel. And the children of the Levites, bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with slaves as Moses commanded, according to the word of the Lord, And David spoke to the chief heeds of the Levites, that they should appoint of their brethren to sing with instruments of music Psalteryes, haps, 〈…〉 and Symbales that sounded, and to sing on high with joyfulness, And the Levites appointed Heman the son of joel: and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Batachiah. And of the sons of Merari their brethren Ethan the son of Cusaiahu. And with them their brethren the second degree: Zachariah, Ben, jaaziel, Semiramoth, jahiel, uni, Eliab, Banaiah, Maasiah, Mathathiah, Eliphelehu, Machantah, Obed Edom, and jatel, porters. Heman, Asah, and Ethan sang with symbales of brass to make sound. And Zachariah, Oziel, Semiramoth, jehiel, any, Eliab, Maasaiah, and ●anaiah sang with psalteries on an 〈…〉 Almoth. And Mathathiah, Eliphelehu, Makeniah, Obed Edom, jeiel, and Ozaziah sang with haps, and eight above to courage withal. And Conaniah the chief of the Levites was master of the song, and taught to sing/ for he was a man of understanding. And Barachias and Elcana kept the door of the ark. And Sacaniah, josaphat, Nathanael, Amasai, Zachariah, Banaiah, and Eliezer priests, were blowers with trumpets before the ark of God. And Obed-Edom and jahiah were keepers of the door of the ark. 〈◊〉 vi c And David and the elders of Israel, and the Captains over thousands went to fet the ark of the appointment of the Lord out of the house of Obed Edom with gladness. And when God had holp the Levites that bore the ark of the appointment of the Lord, they offered seven oxen and seven rams. And David had on him an albe of bisse, and so had the Levites that bore the ark, and so had the syngers, and Conaniah the ruler of the song and of the syngers. And David had moreover upon him an Ephod of linen. And all Israel brought the ark of the Lords covenant with shouting and with blowing of horns, and with trumpets and symbales that sounded, and with psalteries and haps. 〈…〉 And as the ark of the appointment of the Lord came in to the city of David, Michol the daughter of Saul looked out at a window: and when she saw king David dancing and playing, she despised him in her heart. ¶ After the ark was brought, David ordaineth Asaph and his brethren to minister before the Lord And he praiseth the Lord God of Israel. CAPI. XVI. WHen they had brought in the ark of God, they set it in the tent, that David had pitched for it. And they brought burned sacrifice and peaxofferynges before God. And when David had made an end of offering of burntofferinges and of peaxofferinges, he blessed the people with the name of the Lord And he dealt to all Israel both man and woman a cracknel of breed, a piece of flesh, & a mess of sops. And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the Lord, and to repeat, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel/ that is to weet: Asaph the chief, and next to him Zachariah, then jetel. Semitamoth, jehiel, Mathathiah, Eliab, Banaiah, Obed Edom, and jeiel with psalteryes and haps. But Asaph with sounding symbales and Banaiah & jahaziel priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. In that time David did apppoynte chyefly to thank the Lord, Asaph and his brethren. 〈…〉 Thank the Lord, call on his name, make his acts be known among the people. Sing unto him and play unto him, and record all his wonderful deeds. Praise his holy name, And let the hearts of them that seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength: seek his presence alway. Remember his m●ruayles which he did, and his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth: The sect of Israel are his servants: the children of jacob are his choose. He is the Lord our God: & in all lands are his judgements. Think on his appointment ever, & on the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Of his covenant to Abraham, and of his oath to Isaac: which he sit before jacob for a decree, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, saying: to the I will give the land of Canaan, to be the portion of your inheritance. When you were a small company in number, even but a few, and thereto strangers therein. And they went from people to people, and from one kingdom to an other nation. He suffered no man to do them wrong: But rebuked kings for their sakes. touch not mine anointed, nor do my Prophets any harm. Psal 95 a Sing unto the Lord all the earth, and show from day to day his victories. Tell among the Heathen of his glory: and among all nations of his wonderful deeds. For great is the Lord, and to be praised exceedingly: and terrible is he above all gods. For all the gods of the heathen are idols: ☜ but the Lord made heaven. Praise & honour are in his presence: strength and gladness are in his place. Ascribe to the Lord, oh you kynredes of people: ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. give honour unto the lords name: bring presents and come before him, and bow to the Lord in holy apparel. All the earth fear him, he stablished the earth that it can not move. The heaven rejoice, and the earth be glad/ and let men tell among the nations, that the Lord is a king. Let the see sound and his fullness, and let the fields rejoice and all that are therein. Let the trees of the would ring at the presence of the Lord: for he cometh to judge the earth. Thank the Lord for he is good, & his mercy lasteth ever/ and say: save us (oh God our saviour) and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may thank thy holy name, and praise the with praise that becometh the. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever & ever, and all nations shall say Amen/ so praising the Lord. And he left there before the ark of the lords covenant, Asaph and his brethren, to minististre before the ark evermore day by day. And Obed Edom with his brethren three score and eight/ and Obed Edom the son of Ibuthum and Ozah to be porters. And Zadock the priest with is brethren the priests did he set before the tabernacle of the Lord at the hill altar of Gabaon, to offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord upon the burntoffering altar perpetually at morning and evening: according to all that is written in the law of the Lord which he commanded Israel. Erdoi xxix g Nu. xxviii a And with them H●man and Iduthum, and other that were choose and ●●●ined by name, to thank the Lord th●● his mercy lasteth ever. And with the said Heman and Iduthum were trumpets and sounding symbales, and instruments of the melody of God. And the sons of Iduthum were porters. And then all the people departed every man to his house, and David returned to look to his household. ¶ David is forbidden to buyde an house unto the Lord. christ is promised under the figure of Solomon. CAPI. XVII. ANd as David dwelt in his house, he said to Nathan the Prophet: loo, I devil in an house of Cedar tree: two. Regum vii a and the ark of the lords covenant dwelleth under skins. And Nathan said to David: do all that is in thine heart, for God is with the. But the same night the word of God came to Nathan, saying: go and tell David my servant, thus saith the Lord: thou shalt not build me an house to devil in. For I have dwelled in no house sithence I brought out the children of Israel unto this day: but I have go from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to an other. Neither in any place where so ever I have walked thorough out all Israel, spoke I ever one word to any of the judges of Israel which I commanded to feed my people, saying: why build you not me an house of Cedar tree? Now therefore thus say unto my servant David: thus saith the Lord of hosts: I took the out of the pasture where thou keptest sheep, that thou shouldest be capitain over my people Israel. And I have been with the in all that thou tookest in hand, and have wedded out all thine enemies out of thy sight, & have made the a name like the name of the greatest men of the earth. And I would ordain a place for my people Israel, and will m●ke it fast/ and they shall dwelt under it, and shall move no more. Neither shall the children of wickedness vex them any more, as at the beginning, and sithence the time I commanded judges to be over my people Israel/ and will bring under all thine enemies, (for I told the that the Lord will build the an house.) But when thy days be ex●pyred that thou must go after thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons, and will settle his kingdom. He shall build me an house, & I will stablish his fear for ever. ☞ I will be his father, and he shall be my son, and I will not put my mercy away from him, as I did from him that was before the. But I will set him in mine house, and in my kingdom for ever, & his seat shall be sure for ever. W●●n Nathan had told David according to all these words, and to all this vision, king David went and face him before the Lord, and sa●d: what am I, O Lord God, and what is mine household, that thou hast promoted me thus far. And yet this s●med little in thine eyes, O God. But that thou shouldest speak of thy servants house for a great while to come: an● h●st looked upon me as upon a man of high degree, O Lord God. What can David desire more of thee, wherein thou shouldest make thy servant more glorious? Thou knowest thy servant: And Lord for thy servants sake, even according to thine own heart, thou haste done all this magnificence, to show all bounteousness Lord, there is none like thee, nor any God save thou: according to all that we have herd with our ears. Moore over what nation on the earth is like thy people Israel? which God went and redeemed to be his own people, and to make the a name of excellency and terryblenesse, with casting out nations before thy people for ever, and thou Lord, art become their God. And now (Lord) the thing thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and his house, be it true for ever, and do as thou hast said. And thy name continued and wax great for ever/ that it be said: the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel is God in Israel, and the house of David thy servant be stable before the. For thou Lord hast told thy servant that thou wilt build him an house. And therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before the. And now Lord, thou art the very God, and haste promised this goodness unto thy servant. Now therefore go to, and bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue before the for ever. For what thou blessest, O Lord, that is blessed for ever. ¶ The battles of David against the Philistines. CAPI. XVIII. AFter this, David beaten the Philistines, and subdued them/ and took Geth and the towns thereunto pertaining, 〈…〉 out of the hands of the Philistines. And he beat the Moabytes, and the Moabytes become David's servants, and paid him tribute. And David beat Hadadezer king of Zobah unto Hemath, as he went to bring his dominion unto the river Euphrates. And David took from him a thousand charettes, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and broke all the charettes, save that he reserved of them an hundred. Then came the Syrians of Damascus to help Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slay of the Syrians, two and twenty thousand: and put garrisons in Syria Damascus: And the Syrians become David's servants, and brought him tribute. For the Lord help David in all that he went about. And David took the shyldes of gold that were on the the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to jerusalem. And from Thebabath & Chun, cities of Hadadezer, brought David exceeding moche brass, Wherewith Solomon afterward made the brazen see and the pyllers and the vessels of brass. And when φ 〈…〉 Thou king of Hemath heard how David had beaten all the host of Hadadezer king of Zobah, he sent Haduram his son to king David, to ask his peax, and to praise him, because he had fought with Hadadezer and beaten him, (for Thou had war with Hadadezer) and sent all manner of jewels of gold silver and brass with him. And king David dedicated them also unto the Lord with the silver and gold that he brought from all nations/ from the Edomites, from the Moabites, from the children of Ammon, from the Philistines, and from the Amalekites. And Abisai the son of Zaruiah slew of the Edomites in the salt valley xviij thousand, and put a garrison in Edom. and all Edom become David's servants/ for the Lord kept David in all that he took in hand. And David reigned over all Israel, and did right and equity unto all his people. And joab the son of Zaruiah was over the host, and josaphat the son of Ahilud recorder, and Zadock the son of Achitob, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests, and Susa was scribe/ and Banaiah the son joiada was over the Cerethites and the Phelethites, and the elder sons of David waited at the kings hand. 〈…〉 ¶ Hannon king of the sons of Ammon doth great injury to the servants of David. CAPI. XIX. AFter this, it chanced that Nahas king of the children of Ammon died/ & his son made king in his stead. 〈…〉 Then said David: I will show kindness unto Hannon the son of Nahas, because his father dealt kindly with me. And thereupon David sent messengers to comfort him over the death of his father. And when the servants of David were come in to the land of the childrenn of Ammon to Hannon to comfort him, the lords of the children of Ammon said to Hannon: thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father in thy sight, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? Nay, but it is to search and overthrow and to espy out the land, that his servants be come unto the. Whereupon Hannon took David's servants and shaved them, & cut of their coats hard by their buttocks, and sent them away. Then they departed, and sent David word how they were served and the king sent to meet them (for the men were exceedingly ashamed) and said: tarry at jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. And when the children of Ammon perceived they had done injury unto David: Hannon and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talentes of silver to hire them charettes and horsemen out of φ 〈…〉 Mesopotamia and out of Syria Maacab and out of Zobah. And they hired two and thirty thousand charettes, and the king of Maacah and his people, which came & pytched before Midba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and merched out to battle. And as soon as David heard of it, he sent joab with all the host of strong men. And the children of Ammon came out and put them in array to battle before the gate of the city. And the kings that were come, kept them by themselves in the field. When joab see that the front of the battle was before him and after, he chose out of all the youth of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he delivered unto Abisai his brother, that they should put themselves in array against the children of Ammon, and said: If the Syrians be to strong for me, succour me/ and if the children of Ammon be to good for thee, I will help the. Pluck up thine heart, and let us play the men for our people's sake, and for the city of our God, ☜ and the Lord do what seemeth him best. And joab and the people that were with him drew nigh to the Syrians to fight, and they fled before him. And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they ran away likewise from Abisai his brother, and got them in to the city. And joab came to jerusalem. Also when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse of Israel, they sent messengers, and set out the Syrians that are beyond the river with Sophach the capitain of the host of Hadadezer before them. Which when it was told David, he assembled all Israel, and went over jordan, and set upon them. And David put himself in array against the Syrians, and they fought with him. But the Syrians fled before Israel, and David destroyed of the Syrians seven thousand charettes, and stew forty thousand footmen, and killed Sophach captain of the host. When the servants of Hadadezer see that they were put to the worse of Israel, they made peax with David, and served him. Neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more. ¶ The three most victorious battayls of David. CAPI. XX. IN the year following about the time that kings go out a warfare, joab carried out the army of the host and destroyed the country of the children of Ammon, two. Regum xi a. and went and besieged Rabah and destroyed it: But David bode at jerusalem while joab smote Rabah and destroyed it: two. Regum xii g. And David took their kings crown from his heed, and found therein the weight of a talon of gold, & there were precious stones in it. And it was set on David's heed. He brought out also the spoil of the city, which was exceeding moche. And he brought forth the people that were in it, and tamed them with saws and harrows of iron and with brakes, and so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And then David and all the people came again to jerusalem. two. Regum xxi d After that, there arose war at Gazer with the Philistines, at which time Sobocai the Husathite slay Saphai that was of the children of * Gen. xiiii a. Raphaim, and they were subdued. And there was battle again with the Philistines/ and Elhanan the son of jair slew Lahemithe brother of Goliath the Gethite. whose spear was like a beam of a weaver. And there chanced yet again war at Geth, where was a man of a very long stature, with xxiiij fingers & toes, six on every hand, and six on every foot, and was the son of Haraphah & defied Israel. And jonathan the son of Samaa David's brother, slew him. These were born of Haraphah at Geth, and were overthrown by the hand of David, and of his servants. ¶ The people are punished with pestilence, because David caused them to be numbered: so that there died three score and ten thousand men. CAPI. XXI. ANd Satan stood up against Israel, and persuaded David to number Israel. And David said to joab and the rulers of the people/ go you and number Israel from Bersabe to Dan, ☞ & bring it to me, that I may know the number of them. And joab answered: the Lord make thy people an hundred times so many more as they be. But my lord king, are they not all my lords servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why should my lord be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the kings words prevailed against joab. And joab took his way & went thorough out all Israel, and came to jerusalem and gave the number of the count of the people unto David. And all Israel were in number a thousand thousands, & an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and juda was four hundred and three score and ten thousand men that drew sword. But the Levites and B●nIamin he counted not among them. For the kings deed seemed abominable to joab. And the Lord was displeased with this thing, and smote Israel. Then said David to God: I have sinned exceedingly in doing this thing. Nevertheless yet do away the wickedness of thy servant, for I have done above measure folysshly. And the Lord spoke unto Gad David's fear of vysyons, saying: go and tell David saying: ☞ Thus saith the Lord: I give the the choice of three things: chose the one of them, that I may do unto the. And Gad came to David, and said unto him: Thus saith the Lord: Choose thee, either three years famysshement, or three months to be consumed of thine adversaries, the sword of thy enemies overtaking thee: or else the sword of the Lord three days and pestilence in the land, the angel of the Lord destroying thorough out all the costs of Israel. And now advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me. And David said to Gad, I am in exceeding streyghtes. But let me fall in to the hands of the Lord/ for passing great is his mercy, and let me not fall in to the hands of men. And the Lord sent pestilence upon all Israel, so that there were overthrown of Israel three score and ten thousand men. And God sent the angel to jerusalem to destroy it. And as he was about to destroy, the Lord beheld, and had compassion on the wretchedness, and said to the angel that destroyed, it is enough, now cease thine hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the jebusite. And David life up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and heaven with a drawn sword in his hand, stretched out toward jerusalem. ☜ Then fell David and the elders of Israel clothed in sack upon their faces. And David said unto God: Is it not I that commanded to number the people? And I am he that have sinned and done evil in deed. But what have these sheep done? let thine hand therefore, O Lord God, be on me and on my father's house, and not on thy people to destroy them. And the angel commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go and rear up an altar unto the Lord in the thresshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. And David went at the saying of Gad, which spoke in the name of the Lord. And Ornan turned about, and saw the angel, and his four sons with him, and hid themselves: for Ornan was threshing where. And David came to Ornan. And when Ornan looked and saw David, he went out of the threshing floor and bowed himself to David, with his face to the ground. And David said to Ornan: give me the place of the threshing floor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord. Let me have it for as much money as it is worth, that the plague may cease from the people. And Ornan said to David: take it to thee/ and let my Lord king do what seemeth good in his eyes. See, I give the oxen for a burned sacrifice, and the threshing sleades for wood, and where for meat offering: I give it all. But king David said to Ornan: not so/ but I will buy it for as much money as it is worth. I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, and offer burned offerings without cost. And so David gave to Ornan for the place sycles of gold six hundred by weight. And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burned offerings and peaxofferynges/ and called unto the Lord, and he heed him from heaven in fire upon the altar of burntoffering. And the Lord commanded the angel to put up his sword again in to the sheathe of it. At that time when David saw that the Lord had herd him in the thresshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he used to of●●e there. For the tabernacle of the Lord which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burned offering, were at that season in the hill at Gabaon. And David could not go before it to seek God, because he was afeard of the sword of the angel of the Lord And David said: This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the burntoffering altar for Israel. ¶ David willeth his son Solomon to build the temple of the Lord: which thing he himself was forbidden to do. CAPI. XXII. ANd David commanded to gather the strangers that were in the land of Israel, and set hewers to hew stone, to build the house of God. And David prepared plenty of iron for nails to the doors of the gates, and to join with all, and abundance of brass without weight, and of Cedar trees without number. For the Zidons & they of Tire brought moche Cedar wood to David. For David thus thought, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be built for the Lord, must exceed in greatness, that it may be spoken of and praised in all lands. I will therefore make ordinance for it. And so David made great provision before his death. And he called Solomon his son and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel: And David said to Solomon: 〈◊〉 seven. b 〈◊〉 u a my son, I had in mine heart to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God. But the word of the Lord came to me saying: ☞ thou hast shed moche blood, and haste made many battles. Thou shalt not build an house for my name, for as much as thou hast shed so moche blood to the earth in my sight. Behold a son shallbe born thee, which shallbe a man of rest, for I will give him rest from all his enemies roundabout. And his name shallbe 〈◊〉 ●che 〈◊〉 in●on, ●le. Solomon: for I will sand rest and peax upon Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name, & he shallbe my son, and I will be his father, and will stablish the seat of his kingdom upon Israel for ever. Now my son, the Lord be with thee, that thou mayst prosper & build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath said of the. And the Lord give the wisdom and understanding, and make the governor of Israel, and to keep the law of the Lord thy God. For then thou shalt prosper: If thou shalt be diligent to do the ordinances and laws which the Lord charged Moses with, to deliver to Israel. Pluck up thine heart and be strong, dread not nor be discouraged. Behold in mine adversity I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talentes of gold, and a thousand thousand talentes of silver, and as for brass & iron it can not be numbered, it is so moche. And I have prepared timber and stone, & thou shalt provide more thereto. Moreover thou haste workmen enough and masons and carpenters to work in stone and timber, and all manner of wise men for whatsoever work it be. And of gold silver, brass and iron there is no numbered. Arise therefore and set upon it, & the Lord shallbe with the. And David commanded all the Lords of Israel, to help Solomon his son saying, Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given thinhabitants of the land into mine hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and before his people. Now therefore set your hearts and your souls, to seek the Lord your God. And arise & build you the temple of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God into the house so built for the name of the Lord. ¶ David being old ordaineth Solomon king. He causeth the Levites to be numbered, and assigneth them to their offices. CAP. XXIII. ANd when David was old and stricken in years, iii Reg. i ● he made Solomon his son king over Israel. And then he gathered together all the Lords of Israel with the priests and the Levites. And the Levites were numbered from xxx year and above, and the tale of them in men polle by polle was xxxviij thousand. Of which xxiiij thousand were let to further the work of the house of the Lord. And six thousand were officers & judges. Four thousand were porters & four thousand praised the Lord with such instruments as David had made to praise with. And David put an order among the children of Levi: Gerson, Cahath and Merari: Of the Gersonites was Laadan & Semei. The sons of Laadan: the chief was jehiel, & then Zethan and joel, three. The sons of Semei Salomith, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the ancient heads of Laadan. And the sons of Semei were also jahath, Zinah, jaus and Batiah: these four were the sons of Semei. And jahath was the chief, Zinah the second. But jaus and Bariah had not many sons, and therefore they were reckoned for one ancient household. The sons of Cahath: Amram, Isachar, Hebron and Vziel, four. Exo vi c an● i Parali vi a The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. And Aaron was appointed to consecrated in the place most holy with his sons for ever: and to burn the of fringes before the Lord, and to minister, and to bless in his name for ever. And the children of Moses the man of God, were named with the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses: Gerson and Eliezer. And of the sons of Gerson: Sabael was the chief. The sons of Eliezer: Rohabiah the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons: But the sons of Rohabiah were very many. And of the sons of Isachar: Salomi, the chief. The sons of Hebron: jeriahu the first, Amariah the second jahaziel the third and jeemaam the fourth. The sons of Vziel: Micah the first and jesiah the second. The sons of Merati: Mahali: and Musi. The sons of Mahali: Eleazar and Cis. And Eleazar died and had no sons, but daughters only, and their brethren the sons of Cis took them. The sons of Musi: Mahali, Eder, and Jerimuth, three. These are the children or Levi in the households of their fathers the ancient heads, viewed and numbered by name & poll by polle from twenty year and above, to work in the service of the house of the Lord. For David said the Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, and they shall devil in jerusalem for ever. Moreover the Levites shall now no more bear the tadernacle and all the vessels that pertained to the service thereof. But at the last commandment of David, the Levites were numbered from twenty year and above, to wait at the hands of the sons of Aaron in the service of the house of the Lord, and to have the oversight of the courts, and of the store houses, and of the puryfyenge of all holy things, and of the work of the things that served for the house of God, as the show bread, the fine flower, the meatoff●inges, the flawnes of sweet bread, and of the things baken in the frying pan, or broiled on the grydyron, and on all manner measures and cyse, & to wait every morning to thank & praise the Lord, and likewise at even. And to wait on every offering of burnt-sacrifices unto the Lord, the Sabbothes and first days of the months, and other feastful days by number and custom, was their office ever before the Lord. And that they should wait on the tabernacle of witness and on the holy place, and on the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the Lord. ¶ David assygneth their effyce to the sons of Aaron. CAPI. XXIIII. THe division of the sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. * Leuiti xvi a. But Nadab & Abihu died before their father and had no children. And Eleazar and Ithamar were the priests. And David ordered them on this manner: Zadock of the sons of Eleazar and Achimelek of the sons of Ithamar to be in office by course. And there were more mighty heads found of the sons of Eleazar then of the sons of Ithamar. And he divided them into xvi heads of ancient households of the sons of Eleazar, and eight of the sons of Ithamar. And he put them in order by lot, one with an other to be rulers in the sanctuary & Lords before God as well of the sons of Ithamar as of the sons of Eleazar. And Semeiah the son of Nathaneel the Scribe of the Levites written them before the king and the Lords, and before Zadock the priest and Achimelek the son of Abiathar, and before the ancient heads of the pre●stes and of the Levites: one principal household for Eleazar, and one for Ithamar. And the first lot fallen to jehotarib. The two to jedatah. The three to Hatim The four to Scorim. The u to Melchiab. The uj to Miamin. The vij to Hakes. The eight to Abiah. The ix to jesua. The ten to Secaniah. The xj. to Eli●sib. The twelve to jakim. The xiij to Hupha●. The xiiij to Isbaab. The xu to Belgah. The xuj to Emer The xvij to Hezir. The xviij to Haphz●z. The xix to Pathahaiah. The twenty to jehesekiel. The xxi to jacin. The xxij to Gamul. The xxiij to Delaiahu. The xxiiij to Maasiahu. This is the order of them in their offices, to come into the house of the Lord according to their manner under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel commanded. The rest of the sons of Levi: of the sons of Amram, Subael. Of the sons of Subael jehediahu. Of the sons of Rohabiah the first jesiah. Of the Izaharites, Salemoth Of the sons of Salemoth, jahath. And the sons of Hebron were jetiahu the first, Amariah the two jahaziel the three jekameam the four Of the sons of Vsiel, Micah. Of the sons of Micha, Samir. The brother of Micah was jesiah. Of the sons of jesiah, Zachariah. The sons of Merari, were Mahali, & Musi. The sons of jaaziahu, Beno. The sons of Merari by jahaziahu, Beno, Sohem, Zacur and Ebri. Maheli had Eleazar which had no sons. The sons of Kiss: jerahemel. The sons of Musi: Mahali, Eder and jermoth. These are of the children of Levi, in the households of their fathers. And these cast lots next to their brethren the sons of Aaron, before David the king and Zadoc and Achimelec and the ancient heads and priests of the Levites: as well the youngest brother as an ancient head. ¶ The syngers are appointed with their places, and lots. CAPI. XXV. ANd David and the Captains of the host appointed out to do service, the sons of Asaph of Heman and Iduthun, which should prophesy with haps, Psalteries and Symbales. And the multitude of them were men to do service in their offices. The sons of Asaph: Zaur, joseph, Nathaniah, Aserealah, to wait on Asaph which prophesied by the king. The sons of Iduthun: Godoliah, Zuri, Isaiah, Hasabiah and Mathathiah, Sem●● six, at the hands of their father's Iduthun, with haps: which Iduthun prophesied for to thank and praise the Lord. The sons of Heman: Bokiahu, Mathaniah, Vziel, Zubuel, jerimoch, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah Gedalthi, Romanthi, Ezer, jesbokasah, Malotht, Hothir and Mahazioth. All these were the sons of Heman the kings Sear of vysions with the word of God, to life up the horn. God gave to Heman xiiij sons and three daughters. All these were at the hand of their father to sing in the house of the Lord with Symbales, Psalteries and Haroes', in the service of the house of God. And at the hand of the king was Asaph, Iduthun and Heman: But the multitude of them were with their brethren that were cunning in the song of the Lord. And the number of all that taught were two hundred four score and eight. And they cast lots indifferently, how they should wait as well the small as the great, as well the learned as the unlearned. And the first lot of Asaph fallen to joseph. The second to Godoliahen with his brethren and sons, twelve personnes. The third fallen to Zacur with his sons and brethren which were twelve personnes. The fourth to Izari with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The fift to Nathaniah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The sixth to Bokiahu with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The seventh to Isarelah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes, The eight to Isaiah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The ix to Mathaniah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The tenth to Semei with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The eleventh to Azarael with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The twelfth to Hasabiah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The thirteen to Subuel with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The fourteen to Mathathiah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The fifteen to jermoth with his sons & brethren twelve personnes. The sixteen to hananiah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The seventeen to jesbokasah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The eighteen to Hanani with his son and brethren twelve personnes. The nineteen to Malothi with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The twenty to Eliathah with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The xxi to Hothir with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The xxij to Gedalthi with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The twenty-three. to Mahazioth with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. The xxiiij to Romanthi Ezer with his sons and brethren twelve personnes. ¶ The porters of the temple are ordained every man to the gate which he should keep. CAPI. XXVI. THe division of the porters among the Corehites: Meselemiah the son of Koreh of the children of Asaph. And the sons of Meselemiah were these: Zachariah the elder/ jadiel the second, Zabadiah the third/ jathaniel the fourth/ Elam the fift/ johanan the sixth/ Elidenai the vij And Obed Edom had sons Semeiah the elder/ josabad the second/ joah the third/ Sacar the fourth/ Nathanael the fift/ Ami●i the sixth/ Isachar the seventh/ and Polathai the eight/ for God had blessed him. And unto Semeiah his son, were sons born that ruled in the house or their father/ for they were men of might. The sons of Semeiah: Othni, Raphael, Obed and Elzabad, and his brethren men o● activity, Elihu and Samachiah. All these were of the children of Obed Edom, which with their brethren and their children, active men, and of strength to do service, 〈◊〉 three score and two of Obed Edom. And Mese●●ah had sons and brethren, & active men eighteen. And Hosah of the children of Merari had sons. Sēri the chief, yet he was not the elder, but his father made him the chyefest. Helkiah the second. Tabeliah the third/ and Zachariah the fourth: so that all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen. Unto these was divided the office of the portershyp, as unto heeds over the men that waited with their brethren, and ministered in the house of the Lord. And they cast lots, the small as well as the great in the households of their fathers, from gate to gate. And the East lot fallen to Selemeiah. And for Zachariah his son a wise counseylloure, they cast lots/ and his lot came out toward the north. And Obed Edom's lot fallen to the south. And to his sons fallen φ Some read the house of Asuphim. the counsel houses. And to Suphim and Hosah fallen the West with the gate Salecheth, where the way goeth upward, the one way being fast by the other. In the East kept six Levites: in the North four a day, and in the South four a day, & in every counsel house two, & φ Some read in Parbar. in the watch houses on the high way westward four: two in a house. These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Koreh, and the sons of Merani. And of the Levites Ahiah had the oversight of the treasure of the house of God/ and of the treasure of the offered things. As concerning the sons of Laadan which were Gersonites: Laadan had ancient fathers. Laadan the Gersonite had jehieli. The sons of jehieli: Zethan and joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord. Among the Amramites, Izaharites, Hebronites, and Ozielites, was Subuel the son of Gerson, the son of Moses, a ruler over the treasure. And of his brethren the sons of Eliezer, was Rahabiah, whose son was Isaiah, and his son was joram, and his son Zechri, and his son was Selomith, which Selomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicate gifts, which David the king and the anncyente heeds of the Captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host had dedicated of the spoil won in battle, to maintain the house, of the Lord: and over all that. Samuel the Sear, and Saul the son of Cis, and Abner the son of Ne'er, and joab the son of Zarniah had dedicated. All that was dedicated, was under the hand of Selomith, and of his brethren. Of the Izaharites, Conaniah and his sons were in businesses, without forth made officers and judges over Israel. And of the Hebronites: Hasabiah and his brethren, men of activity a thousand and seven hundred were officers in Israel on this side jordan westward, in all affairs of the Lord and service of the king. And jediah was the chyefest among the kynredes and fathers of the Hebronites. And in the forty year of the reign of David, they were sought for. And there were found of them men of prowess at jezer in Galaad. And his brethren were in men of prowess, two thousonde and seven hundred ancient heeds, which king David made rulers over the Rubenites, Gaddi●es, and half the tribe of Manasses, in all matters concerning God bussynesses of the king, ¶ Of the princes and rulers that ministered unto the king. CAPI. XXVII. TO speak of the children of Israel: in the number of them were ancient heeds and captains of thousands and hundreds, and officers that served the king in all thing according to the companies that came in, or went out, month by month thorough out all the months of the year. And every company had four and twenty thousand. Over the first company in the first month, was jasoboam the son of Zabdiel. And in his number were four and twenty thousand. And the chyefest of all the captains in the host of the first month was of the children of Pharez. Over the company of the second month, Dodai and Aho●ite, and in his host was Makeloth a ruler. And in his company were four and twenty thousand. The chief capitain of the third host in the third month, was Banaiah the son of joiada the priest. And in his host four & twenty thousand. This is the same Banaias that was mighty among thirty and above thirty. And in his part was Amizabad his son. The fourth captain in the fourth month was Asael the brother of joab, and Zabadiah his son after him. And in his host four and twenty thousand. The fift captain in the fift month was Samahut the jezeahite, and in hib host xxiiij thousand. The sixt captain in the sixt month was Ira the son of Aches a The●uite: and in his host four and twenty thousand. The seventh captain in the seventh month was Helei the Phalonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his host four and twenty thousand. The eight captain in the eight month was Sobocai an Husathite of the kin of Sarah: and in his host four and twenty thousand. The ninth captain in the ninth month: was Abiezer an Anathorhite of the sons of Iemini● and in his host xxiiij thousand. The tenth captain in the tenth month, was Mahari the Netophathire of the Za●●●●● and in the host four and twenty th●●sa●de. The eleventh month was Banai●● 〈…〉 of the children of Ephra●● 〈…〉 ●o●●e four and twenty thous●●● 〈…〉 captain in the twelve mo●●●● 〈…〉 as H●l●a●●h●●●opha●●te of Otho●● 〈◊〉 in his host xxiiii thous●nde. And the 〈…〉 the tribes of Israel were these: 〈…〉 ●he Ru●enites, was E●●ezer the son of Ze●●●●●nge the Simeonites, was Saphatiah the son of Maacah. Among the Levites: Hasabiah the son of Kamuel. Among the Haromites: Zadock. In juda: Eli● of the brethren of David. In Isachar: Amri the son of Michael. In Zabulon: jesmaiah the son of Abdiah. In Nephthalie: jerimoth the son of Aziel. Among the children of Ephraim: Hosea the son of Oziah. In the half tribe of Manasses: joel the son of Phadaiah. Of the half tribe of Manasses in Galaad: jado the son of Zachariah. In BenIamin: jasiel the son of Abner. In Dan: Azariel the son of jeroham: These are the Lords in the tribes of Israel. But David took not the number of them under twenty year: for the Lord said he would increase Israel like unto the stars of the sky. And joab the son of Zaruiah began to number/ & though he finisshed it not, yet there fell wrath for that upon Israel. And therefore the number was not put in the Chronicles of king David. Over the kings treasure was Azmoth the son of Adiel. And over the treasure of the fields, in the cities, villages, and castles, was jonathan, the son of Oziah. And over the workmen in the fields that tilled the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub. And the oversight of the vineyards had Semelah the Remathite. Over the winecellers was Sabdi the Saphonite. And over the olive trees and mulberry trees that was in the valleys, was Baal Hanan the Gadarite. And over the treasure of oil was joas. And over the oxen that fed in Saron was Setari the Saronite. And over the oxen in the valleys, was Saphat the son of Adlai. And over the camels Vbil the Ilma●lite. And over the asses was johadiah the Merothite. And over the sheep was jazis the Hagarite. All these were the rulers of the substance of king David. And jonathan David's brother's son, a man of counsel, a man that taught wisdom, & a writer/ he and jehiel the son of Hachamoni waited on the kings sons. And Achitophel was of the kings counsel. And Husar the Arachite was the kings companion. And next to Achitophel was jotada the son of Banaiah, and Abiathar. And the captain of the kings wars was joab. ¶ Because David was forbidden to build the Temple, he exhorteth Solomon and the people to perform it. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd David gathered together all the lords of Israel: the lords of the tribes, the lords of the companies that ministered to the king by course/ the lords over the thousands and over the hundreds and the lords over all the goods and cattle of the king and of his sons, with the chamberlains warryours, and all valiant men unto jerusalem. And king David stood upon his feet and said. Hear me my brethren and my people: I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and a foot stolen for our God, and had made ready to build. But God said to me: thou shalt not build an house for my name/ because thou art a man of war and hast shed blood. Moreover the Lord God of Israel chose me of all the house of my father, to be king over Israel for ever/ for he chose juda to be a captain: and in the house of juda the house of my father, & of the sons of my father he had a lust to me, to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons (he hath choose Solomon my son, to sit in the sear of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said unto me: Solomon thy son shall build my house and my courts/ 〈◊〉 ●●ii c for I have choose him to be my son/ and I will be his father, and will stablish his reign for ever, if he will harden himself to do my commandments/ and my laws, as it goeth this day. And now I say unto you before all Israel the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God: keep & seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may enjoy a good land, and inherit your children after you for ever. And thou Solomon my son know God thy father, and serve him with a pure heart and lust of soul. ☞ For the Lord searcheth all hearts, 〈…〉 and understandeth all the imaginations of thoughts. ☞ If thou shalt seek him, he will be found of thee: But if thou forsake him, he will cast the of for ever. Take heed now, for the Lord hath choose the to build an house of thy sanctuary. Be strong and do it. And David gave Solomon his son the pattern of the porch and of the houses that belonged thereto/ and of the store houses, upper chambers, inner parloures, and of the house of the mercy seat: and the example of that was in his mind, both in the courts of the house of the Lord, and of the treasure houses round about, for the treasures of the house of God, and for the treasure of the dedicate gifts/ and of the companies of the priests and Levites that waited by course, and of all workmanship that should serve for the house of the Lord, and for all vessels that should serve in the house of the Lord. And appointed him what weight of gold should serve for things of gold thorough out all vessels, for what so ever use it served: And what weight of silver should suffice for all manner vessels of silver, for what so ever purpose they served. And the weight of the golden candelstyckes, & of their lamps of gold/ the weight for every candlestick, and for their lamps. And for the candelstyckes of silver by weight/ both for the candlestick, and also for her lamps, according to do office of every candlestick. And the weight of gold for the tables of show breed, table by table: and likewise silver for the tables of silver. And for flesh hokes, basins, and drinking pots of pure gold. And for cups of gold by weight, cup by cup. And for cups of silver by weight, cup by cup. And for the altar of incense of tried gold by weight. And the similitude of the seat of the Cherubes that stretched out their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord. All (saith he) was given me by writing of the hand of the Lord, which made me understand all the workmanship of the pattern. And David said to Solomon his son: harden thyself and be strong, and do it/ fear not, nor let thine heart dyscourage the. For the Lord God my God is with thee, and shall not leave the nor forsake thee, until thou haste finished all the work that must serve for the house of the Lord. Behold, the Preestes and levites divided in companies, to do all manner service that pertaineth to the house of God/ and beside that, thou haste with the for all manner of workmanship, all that are willing and wise for any manner of service. And the lords and all the people are at thy commandment in all things. ¶ The offerings of David and of the princes for the building of the temple. David dieth and Solomon his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XXIX. ANd David the king said unto all the congregation: God hath specially choose Solomon my son, which is yet young and tender, and the work is great, for the house is not for man, but for the Lord God. Moreover I have prepared with all my might for the house of God: gold for things of gold, and silver for things of silver, brass for things of brass/ iron for things of iron/ and wood for things of wood: and onykes stones/ φ Some red Carbuncle or another precious stone called Stibion. set stones/ and of other gay stones/ and all manner precious stones/ and of marble great abundance. And yet because I have lust to the house of my God: I have several gold and silver, which I give to the house of my God above all I have prepared for the holy house: even three thousand talentes of gold, of Ophir, and seven thousand talentes of silver tried: to syle the walls of the house with gold where it be cometh, and with silver where silver is meet, and for all manner of work by the hands of artifycers. And let me see who is willing also to fill his hand for the Lord this day. And the ancient lords, & the lords of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and hundreds, and the lords over the substance of the king, were willing/ and gave for the service of the house of God, five thousand talentes of gold, and ten thousand pieces of gold caynes/ and ten thousand talentes of silver, and xviij thousand talentes of brass/ and an hundred thousand talentes of iron. And they that had precious stones, gave them for the treasure of the house of the Lord, unto the hand of jeheliel the Gersonite. And the people rejoiced that they were so willing: for with a pure heart they were willing unto the Lord, And thereto David the king rejoiced with great gladness. And David blessed the Lord before all the congregation and said: Blessed art thou Lord God of Israel our father, for ever & ever. Thine (O Lord) is greatness, power glory, victory, and praise: for all that is in heaven and in earth is thine and thine is the kingdom (O Lord) and thou art lift up an heed above all. Rychese and honour come of thee, and thou design'st over all and in thy hand is power and strength, and in thine hand it is to make great & to give strength unto all. And Now our God, we thank thee, ☞ and praise thy glorious name. For what am I? and what is my people? that we should obtain strength to be so willing? But all is of thee, and of that we received of thine hand we have given the. For we be but strangers before the and tenants, as were all our fathers. Our days on the earth is but a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this heap that we have prepared to build the an house for thy holy name, cometh of thine hand, and is all thine. I wot my God, that thou provest the heart and hast pleasure in plainness. And in plainness of mine heart I have willingly given all this. And now I see thy people which are here in gladness to offer willingly to the. O Lord God of Abraham/ jaac and of Israel our father's/ keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people/ and prepare their hearts unto the. And give unto Solomon my son/ a pure heart to keep my commandments/ thy testimonies and thine ordinances/ and to do all/ & to build the house which I intended. And David said to all the congregation: bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their father's/ and stowped and bowed themselves unto the Lord and to the King. And they offered offerings unto the Lord And on the morrow after the said day/ they offered in burned offerings unto the Lord a thousand oxen/ a thousand rams and a thousand lambs with their drink offerings. And they slew plenteously thorowoute all Israel, and did eat and drink before the Lord the same day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto the Lord to be ruler, and Zadocke to be the priest. 〈…〉 And so Solomon sat on the seat of the Lord and was king for David his father, and prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. And all the Lords and men of power, and all the sons of King David submytted themselves under king Solomon. And the Lord magnified Solomon on high in the sight of all Israel, and gave him so glorious a Kingdom as none of all that were kings before in Israel had. Now David the son of Isai was king over all Israel. And the space he reigned over Israel was forty year: 〈…〉 seven year in Hebron and xxxiij year in jerusalem. And he died in a good age: old, rich and glorious: And Solomon his son reigned in his stead. The acts of David the king both first and last, are written in the books of Samuel the sear and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the sear of visyons, with all his kingdom and power & times that went over him & over all the kingdoms of the earth. ¶ The end of the first book of chronicles of kings of juda, called Paralipomenon. ¶ THE CHRONYCLES OF THE KINGS OF JUDA, THE second BOOK, THE first CHAPTER. ¶ The offering of Solomon in the hyllaulter at Gabaon, where he receiveth an answer of God what wisdom should be given him with the numbered of his charettes and horsemen. CAPI. I ANd Solomon the son of David waxed strong in his kingdom and the Lord his God was with him & advanced him on high. ●e●● iii a And Solomon comuned with all Israel, the captains over thousands & hundreds the judges and all other lords and ancient heads thorough out all Israel. And so Solomon and all the congregation with him went to the hillaulter of Gabaon: for there was the tabernacle of the witness of God, 〈◊〉 xxxvi. 〈…〉 which Moses the servant of the Lord made in the wilderness. But the ark of God had David brought from Ka●iath jarim, in to the place he had prepared for it. Where he had pytched a tent for it even at jerusalem. Moreover the brazen altar that Bezeleel the son of Vri, the son of Hurhad made, was at Gabaon also, before the tabernacle of the Lord. And Solomon and the congregation went to visit it. And Solomon offered there before the Lord upon the brazen aultare that was by the tabernacle of witness, ☞ a thousand burned sacrifices. And the same night God appeared unto Solomon and said to him: ask what shall I give the. And Solomon said unto God: thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and haste made me king in his stead 〈◊〉 ●ii. a & now Lord God let thy promise unto David my father be true For thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Wherefore give me wisdom and knowledge how to behave myself unto this people: ●viii. b 〈◊〉 ix. b for who is able to judge this people that is so great? Then God said to Solomon, because thou hadst this in thy heart, and didst not ask treasure and richesse, honour and the lives of thine enemies, neither yet long life: but hast asked wisdom and knowledge, to judge my people, over which I have made the king: wisdom and knowledge shallbe given thee, & I will give the treasure, richesse, and glory also, that among the kings before the or after thee, none was or shallbe like thee. And so Solomon came from the hylaulter that was at Gabaon to jerusalem from the tabernacle of witness and reigned at Jerusalem. 〈…〉 And Solomon gathered charettes & horsemen: so that he had a thousand and four hundred charettes, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he bestowed in the chariot cities and about the king at jerusalem. And the king made silver and gold at jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and Cedar trees as plenty as the mulberry trees that grow in the valleys. two. Regum ten d. And the horses which Solomon had, were brought him out of egypt from Keva. The kings merchants fet them out at Keva at a price. They came and brought out of egypt a chariot for six hundred sycles, and an horse for an hundred and thirty. And so brought they to all the kings of the hittites and to the kings of Syria thorough the hands of the said merchants. ¶ Solomon sendeth to Hiram the king of Tyrfor wood and workmen. CAP. II ANd Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, & an house for his kingdom: and told out threskore and ten thousand men to bear burdens and four score thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them. three Regum u a. And Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tire saying: As thou didst deal with David my father and didst send him Cedar wood, to build him an house to devil in, even so deal with me now: that I may build an house for the name of the Lord my God, to consecrated it to him to burn sweet odours and to set shewbred before him perpetually, & for burnt-sacrifice morning and evening, & on the Saboth days, and the first day of every new moon, and in the solemn feasts of the Lord our God, so to continue ever in Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods: So that who can be able to build him an house: when that heaven, ☜ neither heaven above all heavens is able to receive him, what am I then that I should build him an house? nay, but to burn sacrifice before him: send me now therefore a cunning man to work in gold, silver, brass, iron, scarlet, cremosyn, and jacinct colour, and that can skill to grave, to be with the cunning men that are with me in juda and jerusalem, which David my father did prepare. And send me also Cedar trees, fir trees and * Some red Coral or brasil. Algume trees out of Libanon. For I wot well thy servants can skill to hew timber in Liban●●. And loo, my men shallbe with thine, that they may prepare me timber enough. For the house which I build is great and wonderful. And behold, I sent for thy servants the cutters and hewers of timber twenty thousand quarters of where, and twenty thousand quarters of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. And Hiram king of Tire answered in writing and sent to Solomon: because the Lord loveth his people, he hath made the king over them. And Hiram said moreover: blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which hath made both heaven and earth, that he hath given David the king a wise son that hath discretion and understanding, to build an house for the Lord, and an other for his kingdom. And now I have sent a wise man and a man of understanding called Hiram Abi, & is the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan (how be it his father was a Titian) and he can skill to work in gold, silver, brass, iron, stone, timber, scarlet, hyacinth, bylie, and cremosin: and grave all manner of gravinge, and to find all manner soot work that shallbe set before him, with thy cunning men, & with the cunning men of my Lord David thy father. And now the wheat, barley, oil and wine which my Lord hath said, let him send his servants. And we will cut wood out of Lybane, as much as thou shalt need and will bring it to the in ships, by see to port jabo: and thence thou mayst carry them to jerusalem. And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the time his father David had numbered them. And they were found an hundred and liij thousand and six hundred. And he set lxx thousand of them to bear burdens, and lxxx thousand to hue in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to encourage and to set the people a work. ¶ The temple of the Lord an the porch are builded with other things thereto belonging. CAPI. III THen Solomon began to build the house of the Lord, three Regum vi a at jerusalem, in mount Moriah, which was showed David his father when he prepared a place in the thressinge flower of Ornan the jebusite. And he began to build the second day of the second month, the fourth year of his reign. And this is the foundation of Solomon in building the house of God. The length was three score cubits after the old cubit, & the breadth xx. And the porch at the end was as large as the house breadth twenty cubytes: & the height was an hundred and twenty cubytes. And he overlaid it on the inner side with pure gold. And the great house he syled with fir tree, and gainsaid it thorough with good gold, & graved thereto palm-trees & chains foldinge in with lynckes. And he paned the house with preciou●e marble goodly. And it was gold of Phar●●aim. And he gainsaid the house: both beams, posts, walls and doors with gold, and graved Cherubes upon the walls. And he made the hou●e most holy, whose length was twenty cubytes like to the breadth of the house, and the bredeh thereof was also twenty cubytes. And he gainsaid it with the 〈◊〉 gol●●hat drew to the some of six hundred c●●●tes, he made also nails of gold, & the weight of every nail of gold weighed fifty sycles. And he gainsaid the upper chambers with gold. And he made in the house most holy two * 〈…〉 Cherubes of Image work, and gilded them with gold. And the wings of the Cherubes were twenty cubytes long. The one wing was five cubytes and touched the wall of the house, and the other wing was likewise u cubytes and touched the wing of the other Cherub. And the one wing of the other Cherub was five cubytes, and touched the brickwall of the house, and the other wing was five cubytes also, and reached to the wing of the other Cherub. So that the wings of the said Cherubes reached twenty cubits. And they stood on their feet and looked inwards. And he made a fore hanging of hyacinth colour, of scarlet, cremosyne and bice: and caused Cherubes to be bourdered thereon. And he made before the house two pyllers of xxxv cubytes long. And the head that was above on the top of one of them was u cubytes. And he made such chains as was in the quere, & put them on the heeds of the pyllers, and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains. And he rered up the pyllers before the temple: one on the right-hand and an other on the left, and called the right jachin and the left Boaz. ¶ The altar of brass, the see, the vessels to wash with, the candelstyckes. etc. CAPI. FOUR ANd he made an altar of brass twenty cubytes long and twenty cubytes broad and ten cubytes high 〈…〉 And he cast a brazen see of ten cubytes from brim to brim, and round in compass and five cubytes high: and a live of thirty cubytes might have compassed it roundaboute. And the likeness of oxen did compass it roundabout under it: that is to weet, two rows of oxen cast which when it was cast did compass that see which was ten cubytes wide, roundeabout. And it stood also upon. x●j. oxen: of which three looked North, three West, three South, and three East, and the see upon them above an high, and the hinder parts of them inward. And the thickest of it was an handebreede, and the brim like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lylyes. And it received & held the thousand baths. And he made ten laver: and put five on the right-hand and five on the left, to wash with. And in them they thrust the flesh of the burnt-offerings. But the see was for the priests, to wash in. And he made ten candelstyckes of gold in their fashions, and put them in the temple: five on the ryghtehande and five on the left. And he made also ten tables, and put them in the temple: five on the ryghtsyde and five on the left. And he made an hundred basins of gold. And he made the court of the priests, and the great court and doors to it: and gainsaid the doors of them, with brass. And he set the see in the ryghtsyde of the east end, toward the south. And Hiram made pots, shovels and basins. And Hiram fynisshed the work he made for king Solomon unto the temple of God: The two pyllers with their scalps of the two heeds that were on the tops of the pyllers and the two wreaths to cover the two scalps of the heeds that were on the tops of the pyllers: and four hundred pomegranates for the two wreaths, two rows of pomegranates for every wreath, to cover the two scalps of the heeds that were on the pyllers. And he made bottoms, and laver upon the bottoms and the see with twelve oxen under it. And thereto pots, shovels, flesh hokes, and all their vessels did Hiram Abi make for king Solomon for the house of the Lord, of bright brass. In the plain of jordan did the king cast them, in the thick earth, between Socoth and Zaredatha. And made of all these vessels so mighty great abundance, that the weight of brass could not be reckoned. And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained to the house of God: the golden altar and the tables with the shewbred upon them the candelstickes with their lamps to burn after the manner before the quere, and that of pure gold, and the flowers and the lamps, & the snoffers were gold, and that perfect gold: and the dressing knives, basins, spoons and censers of pure gold. And the inner doors of the place most holy, and the doors of the temple, were gold. And thus was all the work that Solomon made for the house of the Lord finished. And when the work that Solomon made in the house of the Lord was fynisshed: then Solomon brought in the gifts dedicate by David his father, the silver and the gold and all the jewels, and put them among the treasure of the house of God. ¶ After the store houses and the ark were put in the temple, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. CAPI. V THen Solomon gathered the elders of Israel together and all the heeds of the tribes and ancient Lords among the children of Israel, 〈…〉 g 〈…〉 unto jerusalem: to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord forth of the city of David which is Zion. And all the men of Israel resorted unto the king in the feast of the seventh month. And when all the elders of Israel were come, the Levites took up the ark, and the priests and the Levites brought away the ark and the tabernacle of witness, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle. And king Solomon and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, offered sheep and oxen, so many that they could not be told or numbered for multitude. And the priests brought the ark of the apoyntement of the Lord unto his place in the quere of the temple and place most holy: even under the wings of the Cherubes, that the Cherubes stretched out their wings over the place of the ark and covered the ark and her staves above on high. And the staves of the ark, were so long, that they were seen a little before the quere, but not far without. And there it remaineth unto this day. Moreover there was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, which the Lord had written to the children of Israel, after their coming forth from egypt. And when the priests were come out of the holy place (for all the priests that were found there sanctified themselves and did not as yet at that time wait by course) But the Levites every one of them that were under Asaph, Heman and Iduthun, and among their children & brethren, were arrayed in bice and sang with Simbales, Psalteries & haps standing east from the altar, and with them an hundred & twenty priests blowing trumpets. And the trumpet blowers and the singers so agreed, that if seemed but one voice in praising and thanking the Lord. And as the voice of the trumpets, symbales and instruments of melody arose, * Psal .cv. a. & as they praised the Lord, that he was good and that his mercy lasteth ever, ☜ the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud: so that the priests could not endure to minister by reason of the cloud. For the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. ¶ The words of Solomon to the people, and the prayer he made to God. CAPI. VI THen Solomon said: The Lord hath spoken, that he will dwell in darkness. iii Reg. viii b And I have built an habitation for the and a place to devil in for ever. And the king turned his face and blessed the hole congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said: blessed be the Lord God of Israel which spoke with his mouth to my father David & hath fulfilled it with his hands, for God said: sithence the time I brought my people out of the land of egypt, I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there, neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel. But now I have choose jerusalem to have my name there, and have choose David to be over my people Israel. two. Regum vii a iii Reg. viii b i Para xxii b And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel: But the Lord said to David my father: for as much as it was in thine heart, to build an house for my name, thou didst well that thou hadst it in thine heart. Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house, but thy son which shall issue out of thy loins, he shall build an house for my name. And the Lord hath made good his saying that he hath spoken. For I arose in the room of David my father, and sat on the seat of Israel, as the Lord promised, & have built an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And therein I have put the ark wherein the covenant of the Lord made with the children of Israel, is. And he stepped forth before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and stretched out his hands, for Solomon had made a brazen pulpit of five cubytes long and u cubytes broad, and three of height, and had set it in the mids of the great court, upon the he slept and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and stretched out his hands to heaven and said: Lord God of Israel there is no God like the either in heaven or in earth, ☞ which keepest covenant and showest mercy unto thy servants, two. Marha ii b that walk before the with all their hearts. Which hast kept with David my father that thou promysedest him: thou saidest it with thy mouth and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is to see this day. Now Lord God of Israel keep with thy servant David my father, that thou promysedest him saying: three Regum ii a and ix b two. Para vii d thou shalt not be without one or other in my sight that shall sit upon the seat of Israel, upon this condition yet, if thy children will take heed to their ways to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me. Now Lord God of Israel let thy saying be true, which thou saidest unto thy servant David. How be it in very deed, can God dwelwith man on earth? ☞ Behold, neither heaven or heaven above all heavens is able to contain thee: how should the house then which I have built for the do it? But turn to the prayer of thy servant and to his supplication (O Lord my God) to hearken unto the voice and prayer which thy servant maketh before the. That thine eyes be open over this house day and night, and over the place of which thou haste said, that thou wouldest put thy name there: to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth at this place: hearken therefore unto the prayers of thy servant and of thy people Israel, which they pray in this place. But hear thou it out of thy dwelling place heaven: and when thou hearest it be merciful. iii Reg. viii d If a man sin against his neighbour, & an adjuration be laid to his charge, to adjure him with all, and the adjuration come before thine altar in this house: then hear thou from heaven, and work & judge thy servants, that thou reward the evil, and bring his way upon his heed, and justify the righteous, and give him according to his rightwiseness. Likewise if thy people Israel be put to the worse before their enemies, because they have sinned against thee: Yet if they turn & confess thy name, and make intercession and pray before the in this house: them heat thou from heaven and be merciful unto the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers. If heaven be shut up, that there be no rain, because they have sinned against thee: yet if they pray at this place and confess thy name and turn from their sins at thy scourging: then hear thou from heaven and be merciful unto the sin of thy servants and of thy people Israel, that thou show them a good way to walk in, and send rain upon thy land which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. If there chance darthe in the land, pestilence, drought, or myldewe, grasshoppers or caterpillars, or that their enemies besyege them in the cities of their own land, or what so ever plague or sickness it be. Then all the supplications and prayers that shallbe made of all men among all thy people Israel, which shall know every man his own sore and his own grief, and shall stretch out their hands toward this house: thou shalt hear from heaven thy dwelling place, and shalt be merciful, and give every man according unto all his way, even as thou shalt know every man's heart: for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of Adam: that they may fear the and walk in thy ways as long as they live upon the earth, which thou gavest to our fathers. Moreover a stranger which is not of thy people Israel, if he come from a far land for thy great names sake & thy mighty hand and stretched out arm, and so come and pray at this house: thou shalt hear him from heaven thy dwelling place, and shalt do according to all that the stranger calleth to the for: that all the nations of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel: and that it may be known that this house which I have built, is called after thy name. When thy people shall go out to war against their enemies the way that thou shalt send them: If they pray to the the way toward this city which thou hast choose, and house which I have built for thy name: then hear from heaven, their supplication and prayer, and help them in their right. If they shall sin against thee (as there is no man but that he shall sin) and thou be angry with them and deliver them to their enemies, ☜ and they lead them away captive unto a land far or near, yet if their hearts come to them again in the land, where they be in captivity, and turn and pray unto the in the land where they be in captivity, saying we have sinned and have done evil and wickedly, and turn again to thee, with all the● hearts, & all their souls, in the land of their captivity where they be kept in bondage, and so pray toward their land which thou gavest unto their fathers, and city which thou hast choose, and to this house which I have built for thy name: Then hear from heaven thy dwelling place, their supplication & prayers, and judge their cause, and be merciful unto thy people, though they have sinned against the. So now my God let thine eyes be open and thine ears attended unto the prayers made in this place. And now therefore arise Lord God in thy resting place: both thou and the ark of thy strength, and let thy priests put on victory and thy saints rejoice in goodness And Lord God turn not away the face of thine anointed: But remember the mercies promised to David thy servant. ¶ The fire consumeth the sacrifice. The Lord appeareth to Solomon the second rhyme. CAPI. VII. WHen Solomon had made an end of praying, there came down fire from heaven and consumed the burntoffring and the sacrifices. And the glory of the Lord filled the house: that the priests could not go into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord. And all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, ☞ and the glory of the Lord upon the house, and stooped with their faces to the earth upon the pavement and bowed themselves, and confessed unto the Lord, that he was good, and that h●● mercy lasted ever. And the king and all the people offered offerings before the Lord, So that king Solomon offered xxij thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. And so the king and all the people hallowed the house of God. And the priests waited on their offices and the Levites with instruments of music of the Lord which king David made to confess unto the Lord that his mercy lasteth ever, when David gave praise thorough their hands. And the priests blue trumpets fast by them: and all Israel stood. Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the Lord: for there he offered burntofferinges and the fat of the peaxofferinges, because the brazen altar which Solomon had made, was not able to receive the burnt-offerings and the meateoffringes and the fat. And Solomon kept a feast the same season of seven days, and all Israel with him, an exceeding great congregation, even from He math unto the river of egypt. And the eight day they made a gathering. For they kept the hallowing of the altar seven days and the feast seven days. And the xxiij day of the seventh month, he let the people depart into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lord had showed to David, to Solomon and to Israel his people. 〈…〉 And so Solomon finished the house of the Lord, and the kings house, and all that came in his heart, to make in the house of the Lord and in his own house, and the prosperously. ☞ And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and say●e to him: I have he●de thy petition and have choose this place for myself, to be an house of sacrifice. Moreover if I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the grasshoppers to devour the land or if I send pestilence among my people: yet if my people that are named after my name, shall humble themselves and make intercession and seek my presence, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and be merciful to their sins, and will heal their land. Furthermore mine eyes shall be open and mine eats attended unto the prayers made in this place. And finally I have choose & sanctified this house, that my name be there for ever, and mine eyes & mine heart shallbe there perpetually. And if thou shalt walk before me as David thy father walked, to do according to all that I have commanded, and shalt keep mine ordinances and my laws: then I will stablish the seat of thy kingdom, according to the covenant I made with David thy father saying: three Regum ii a and ix b two. Paral vi c Thou shalt have ever one or other that shall rule in Israel. But if you turn away and forsake mine ordinances and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods and bow yourselves to them: then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them, and will cast this house which I have sanctified for my name out of my sight, and will make a proverb and a tale of it among all nations. And this house that is so high, shall be a wonder to all that passeth thereby, that they shall say: Why hath the Lord dealt on this fashion with this land and with this house? And it shall be answered them, because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers which brought them out of the land of egypt, and clave to other gods, and bowed to them and served them: even therefore brought he on them all this evil. ¶ The cities that Solomon builded after the house of God was finished. CAPI. VIII. AFter twenty years when Solomon had built the house of the Lord. three Regum ix d. and his own house: he built the cities that Hiram gave him, and put certain of the children of Israel in them. And Solomon went to Hemath Zobah and strengthened it. And he built Thadmor in the wilderness and all the store cities which he built in Hemath. And he built Bethhoron the upper and Bethhoron the neither, and made them strong cities with walls, gates and bars. And Baalath and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities and the cities of horsemen. & all that Solomon had lust to build in jerusalem and Libanon, and thorowoute all the land of his dominion. And all the people that were left of the hittites, Amorites. Pheresites, Hevites and jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel: even the children of them. which were left after them in the land, and were not consumed of the children of Israel, did Solomon make tributaries unto this day. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen in his work: but they were men of war and rulers and great Lords with him, and captains over his charettes and horsemen. And king Salomons officers that oversaw and ruled the people, were two hundred and fifty. ☞ And Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David into the house that he had made for her. For he said: my wife shall not devil in the house of David king of Israel, for it is holy, because the ark of the Lord came into it. And from thenceforthe Solomon offered burnt-offerings unto the Lord on the aultare of the Lord which he had built before the porch to offer day by day according to the commandment of Moses, and in the sabbotes and newmones, and the three solemn feasts of the year, the feast of sweet bread, the feast of weeks and the feast of booths. And Solomon assigned the priests every man to his office as David his father had ordered them, and the Levites unto their office, for to praise and minister before the priests day by day, and the porters by course at every gate. For so had David the man of God commanded. And the commandment of the king unto the priests and the Levites concerning what so ever 'cause it was, and concerning the treasures, was not disobeyed. And all the work of Solomon went well forward even from the day of the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid: till he had finished it, that the house of the Lord was perfect. And then went king Solomon to Azion Gaber, and to Eloth and to the seas side in the land of Edom. And Hiram sent him by the hand of his servants, ships & servants that could skill of the see: Whichewent with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and brought thence four hundred and fifty talentes of gold, and brought it to king Solomon. ¶ The communication of Solomon with the queen of Saba, and the gifts that the one gave the other. The death of Solomon: after whom succeedeth Roboam. CAPI. IX. ANd the queen of Saba heard of the fame of Solomon and came to prove him with ryddelles at jerusalem, i Regum ten a Math. xii d Luc xi d with a very great company, and with camels that bore sweet odours and plenty of gold and precious stone. And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon soiled her all her questions, that there was nothing hid from Solomon, which he told her not. And when the queen of Saba had seen the wisdom of Solomon and the house that he had built, and the meat of his table and the sitting of his servants, and the standing of his waiters, and their apparel, and his buttelars with their apparel, and his parlour out of which he went into the house of the Lord, she was so astonied that there was no more heart in her. And then she said to the king: the saying which I heard in mine own land, of thine acts and of thy wisdom, is truth. But I believed not the words of them, until I came and mine eyes had seen it. And lo, the one half of thy wisdom was not told me: thou excedest the fame that I heard, happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants which stand before the alway and hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God which had lust to thee, to make thee, king on his seat, unto the Lord thy God. Because thy God loved Israel, to make them continue ever, therefore made he the king over them to do right and equity. And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talentes of gold, and of sweet odours exceeding great abundance with precious stones, that there was no such sweet odours as the queen of Saba gave king Solomon. And moreover the servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon which brought gold from Ophir, brought also * 〈…〉 Algume wood and precious stones. And the king made of the Algume would steyares in the house of the Lord and in the kings palace, & haps and psalteries for singers. And there was no such wood seen before in the land of juda. And king Solomon gave to the queen of Saba all her desire that she asked above that she brought unto the king. And so she turned and went away to her own land with her servants. The some of gold that came to Solomon year by year, was six hundred lxvi talentes of gold, besides that which chapmen and merchants brought, and all the kings of Arabia, and Dukes of countries brought gold and silver to Solomon. And king Solomon made two hundred bokelars of gold uj hundred sycles of beaten gold to a bokelar: and three hundred shyldes of beaten gold, three hundred sycles of gold to a shield, and he put them in the house of the forest of Libanon. And the king made a great seat of ivory and gainsaid it with pure gold. And there were six steps to the seat with a footstool of gold fastened to the seat: and pomelies on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the pomelles. And twelve Lions stood on the one side and on the other, upon six steps, that there was no such in any kingdom. And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Libanon, were pure gold, & as for silver, it was counted nothing worth in the days of Solomon. For the kings ships went * 〈…〉 to Tharsis with the servants of Hiram every three year one's. And the ships of Tharsis brought gold, silver, the teeth of elephants apes and peacocks. And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in richesse and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present in vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, swente odours, horses and mules, year by year. And Solomon had four thousand maungers of horses and charettes for them, and twelve thousand horsemen. And he bestowed them in the chariot cities, and with the king at jerusalem. And he reigned over all the kings from Euphrates, unto the land of the Philistines, and so to the borders of Egypt. 〈◊〉 x. d. ●●i. d And the king made silver in jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and Cedar trees as plenteous as the mulberye trees that grow in the valleys. And Solomon had horses brought him out of Egypt, and out of all lands. ●●xi. g The rest of the acts of king Solomon both first and last, are written in the book of Nathan the Prophet, and in the prophesy of Ahiah the Sylonite, and in the vysyons of jadi the fear of visyons against Jeroboam the son of Nabat. And when Solomon had reigned in jerusalem upon all Israel forty years, he laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father, and Roboam his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The foolishness of Roboam, and the division of his realm. CAPI. X. 〈◊〉. a. ANd Roboam went to Sichem: for to Sichem were all Israel come to make him king. And when Jeroboam the son of Nabat being in Egypt heard it (for he was fled for fear of Solomon the king) he returned out of egypt. And they sent and called him. And so Jeroboam and all Israel came and communed with Roboam and said. Thy father made us a grievous yoke: but remit thou somewhat of the grievous service of thy father, and of his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve the. And he said to them: come again after three days to me. And the people departed. And king Roboam counseled with the elders that stood before Solomon his father, while he lived, and said: What counsel give you me, to answer this people again? And they told him saying: if thou shalt be kind to this people and please them/ and shalt speak loving words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he left the counsel which the elders gave him, and take counsel with the young men that were nursed up with him, and had stand in his presence, and said to them: What advise give you, that I may answer this people which have communed with me, saying: Abate somewhat of the yoke which thy father did ●ut upon us. And the young men that were nursed up with him, talked with him, saying: thus answer the people that spoke to thee, saying. Thy father made our yoke heavy: But make thou our yoke somewhat lighter. Thus wise answer them: My little finger shall be mightier than my father's loins. three Regum xii ● For where my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more thereto/ & where my father chastised you with whips, I will chastise you with Scorpions. Now when Jeroboam and all Israel were come the third day, as the king bad, saying: come again to me the third day: The king answered them cruelly: for king Roboam left the counsel of the aged men, & answered them after the advise of the young men, saying: If my father have made your yoke grievous, I will add thereto/ and where my father chastised you with whips, I will chastise you with scorpions. And so the king hearkened not unto the people/ for the turning away was of God, ☜ that the Lord might make good his saying which he spoke by the hand of Ahiah the Silonite to Jeroboam the son of Nabat. And when all Israel see that the king would not hear them, the people answered the king saying: what part have we with David, or inheritance with the son of Isai? let every man of Israel go to his tent. iii Reg. xii d And now David see to thine own house. And thereupon all Israel get them to their tents/ so that Roboam reigned over no more of the children of Israel then dwelt in the cities of juda. Then king Roboam sent to them Haduram that was over the tribute, and the children of Israel stoned him with stones that he died. But king Roboam made speed and got him up to his chariot to i'll to jerusalem. And so Israel departed from the house of David unto this day. ¶ Roboam is forbidden to fight against Jeroboam. He hath eighteen wives and three score concubines: and by them eight and twenty sons and three score daughteres. CAPI. XI. ANd when Roboam was come to Jerusalem, three Regum xii ● he gathered of the house of David and BenIamin to the number of nine score thousand choice men of war to fight with Israel/ for to bring the kingdom again to Roboam. But the word of the Lord came to Semeiah the man of God, saying: speak unto Roboam the son of Solomon king of juda, and to all Israel that are in juda, and to BenIamin, and say: thus saith the Lord. Go not nor fight with your brethren: but return every man to his house/ for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam. And Roboam dwelt in jerusalem & built strong cities in juda: as Bethlehem, Etam, and Thekua: Bethzur, Socho, and Odollam: Geth, Maresah and Ziph: Adurahim, Lachis and Asecah: Zarah, Aialon, & Hebron. Which were the strong cities of juda, & BenIamin. And when he had repaired such strong cities, he put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil, and of wine. And he ordained in all cities shyldes and spears, and made them exceeding strong. And so juda and BenIamin were under him. And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coostes. In so much that the Levites left their suburbs and possessions and came to juda and jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them out from ministering unto the Lord. three Regum xii g And he ordained him priests of hyllaulters, both to field devils, and also to the calves which he had made. And after them there came of all the tribes of Israel (such as their hearts moved them to seek the Lord God of Israel) to jerusalem to offer unto the Lord God of their fathers, & so they strengthened the kingdom of juda, and made Roboam the son of Solomon mighty three year long/ for three year they walked in the way of David and Solomon. And Roboam took him Mahalath the daughter of jerimoth the son of David to wife/ And Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Isai, which bore him children: jeus, Samariah & Zaham. And after her, he took Maacah the daughter of Absalon, which bore him Abiak, Ethai, Ziza and Salumith. But Roboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalon above all his other wives & concubines/ for he took eighteen his wives, & three score concubines, and begat three score daughters, and eight and twenty sons. And Roboam made Abiah the son of Maacah the chief ruler among his brethren, for to make him king. And he played a wise part, and scattered of all his children thorough out all the countries of juda and BenIamin in every strong city. And he gave them abundance of victual, and asked many wives. ¶ Sesac king of Egypt robbeth the temple of the Lord. Roboam dieth, and Abiah his son succeedeth him. CAPI. XII. ANd when Roboam had stablished the kingdom and made it strong he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. iii Reg. xiiii g Wherefore the fift year of king Roboam, Sesac the king of egypt came up against jerusalem (because they had trespassed against the Lord) with twelve hundred charettes, and threescore thousand horsemen. And the people were without number that came with him forth of egypt, with them of Libya/ and the φ Some read Teoglo●ite●. Succhites, and the blackemores. And they took the strong cities that were in juda, and came to jerusalem. Then came Sem●iah the Prophet to Roboam, and to the lords of juda that were gathered to jerusalem for fear of Sesac, & said to them: ☞ thus saith the Lord: You have left me, and therefore will I leave you also in the hands of Sesac. Whereupon the lords of Israel and the king humbled themselves & said: the Lord is righteous. And when the Lord saw that they submitted themselves, 〈…〉 the word of the Lord came to Semeiah, saying: they meek themselves, and therefore I will not destroy them. But I will deliver them somewhat, and my wrath shall not fall upon jerusalem. Nevertheless they shall be his servants, to know what difference is between my service and the service of the kingdoms of other lands. So Sesac king of egypt came to jerusalem, & took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the kings house, and shortly he took all. And he took also the shyldes of gold which Solomon made. In stead of which king Roboam made shyldes of brass, and put them in the keeping of the captains of his guard, which waited to the gate of the kings house. And as oft as the king went to the house of the Lord, the guard went and fet them, and brought them again unto the guard chamber. And so because he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, and destroyed not all together. And moreover there were many good things yet in juda. So king Roboam waxed mighty in jerusalem and reigned. And Roboam was one and forty years old when he was made king, and he reigned seventeen years in jerusalem the city which the Lord had choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. His mother's name was Naamah, and Ammonite. 〈…〉 And he did evil, for he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. The acts of Roboam first and last, are written in the sayings of Semeiah the Prophet, and of Ado the sear of vysyons, so moche as they record his genealogy, and the perpetual war that was between Roboam and Jeroboam during their life. And Roboam laid him to sleep with his fathers, & was buried in the ●●tye of David, and Abia his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The victory of Abia against Jeroboam. CAPI. XIII. The eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abia to reign over juda, and he reigned three years in jerusalem. 〈…〉 His mother's name was Michaiah, the daughter of Vriel of Gabaah. And there was wa●● between Abia and Jeroboam. And Abia made a battle with an host of fighting men, of four hundred thousand choose men. And Jeroboam put in array to fight against him, with eight hundred thousand pycte men and strong. And Abia stood up upon Zemaraim an hill in mount Ephraim. and said: Hear me thou Jeroboam and all Israel. Becometh it 〈◊〉 you to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom of Israel to David for ever: even to him and to his sons, with a 〈…〉 salted covenant? But Jeroboam the son of Nabat, the servant of Solomon, the son of David rebelled against the Lord. And there gathered to him lewd men and unthrifts, and prevailed against Roboam the son of Solomon: for Roboam was young and tender hearted, and not strong enough for them. And now you think to prevail against the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, because you be a great multitude, and have with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. And have you not cast out the priests of the Lord the sons of Aaron, and the Levites/ and have made you priests like the nations of other lands: even who so ever cometh and consecrateth his hand with an ox, and seven rams, the same is made priest to them that are no gods. But with us is the Lord our God whom we have not forsaken/ and the priests of the sons of Aaron ministering unto the Lord/ and the Levites in office burning unto the Lord every morning and every even burned offerings, & sweet incense: and the shewebreed put in order upon a pure table: and the candle stick of gold, with the lamps of the same, to be light every even. For we keep the watch of the Lord our God: But you have forsaken him. Moreover, behold, God is with us in the forward, and his priests and the toring trumpets to cry alarm against you. You children of Israel fight not with the Lord God of your fathers: for it will not prosper with you. But for all that, Jeroboam sent men privily about to come behind upon them: and so they were before juda, and the layers in wait were behind them. And when juda turned and saw the battle behind and before, they cried unto the Lord, and the priests blue the trumpets, and the men of juda gave a shout. And as the men of juda shouted, God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abia and juda. And the children of Israel fled before juda/ and the Lord delivered them in to the hands of juda. And Abia and his people slew a great slaughter of them: so that there were stricken down of Israel, five hundred thousand choose men. And so the children of Israel were brought under at that time/ and the children of juda prevailed, because they leaned unto the Lord God of their fathers. And Abia followed after Jeroboam, and wan certain cities from him: Bethel, with towns belonging thereto/ and jesanah with the towns that longed thereto/ and Ephron with her towns. And Jeroboam recovered not strength again in the days of Abia. At last the Lord plagued him that he died. And Abia waxed mighty, and took him fourteen wives, and begat two and twenty sons, and sixteen daughters. The rest of the acts of Abia, and his ways and doings, are written in the history of the Prophet Ado. And when Abia was laid to sleep with his fathers, they buried him in the city of David. And Asa his son reigned in his stead, In whose days the land was quiet ten years. ¶ Abia dieth, after whom succedeh Asa. CAPI. XIIII. ANd Asa did that was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, three Regum xu b Asa. and took away the altars of strangers, & the hyllaulters, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and commanded juda to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do according to the law and commandment. And he put away out of all the cities of juda, the hylaulters and the idols: for the kingdom was quiet before him. And he built strong cities in juda, because the land was in rest, & he had no war in those years. For the Lord had given him rest. And therefore he said to juda: let us build these cities, and compass them with walls and towers, gates and bars, while we have the land quiet. For we have sought the Lord our God: and because we have sought him, he hath given us rest on every side. And so they built and prospered. And Asa had an army that bore shield and spear, out of juda three hundred thousand/ and out of BenIamin that bore shield and drew bows, two hundred and four score thousand, and were all strong men. And there came out against them Zarah the Morian, with an host of ten hundred thousand, and three hundred charettes, and came as far as Maresa. And Asa went out to him, and they put in array to battle in the valley of Zephaiah beside Maresa. i Regum xiiii And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said: ☜ Lord it is all one with thee, to help them that have no power, with few or with many: help us O Lord our God for we trust to thee, and in thine name we be come against this multitude. Thou art the Lord our God, let not man prevail against the. And the Lord smote the black Moors before Asa and juda, that they fled. And Asa and the people that was with him, pursued them as far as Gerar. And the black Moors were over thrown, that there remained none alive of them, but were destroyed of the Lord, and of his host/ they carried also a mighty great prey. And they smote all the cities round about Gerar. For the fear of the Lord came upon them. And they rob all the cities, for there was exceeding moche to be rob in them. Furthermore they smote the tents of the cattle, and carried away plenty of sheep, and camels, and so returned to jerusalem. ¶ King Asa by the monition of the Proph●t Aza●●● after he had put down the Idols, sacryfyeth to the Lord. He depriveth his mother of her dominion. CAPI. XU. ANd the spirit of God came on Azatia the son of Obed. And he went out against Asa, and said to him: hear me Asa and all juda and BenIamin. ☞ The Lord is with you while you be with him/ and if you shall seek him, he will be found of you: but if you shall for sake him, he will forsake you. There will come many days in Israel, ☞ in which there shall be no true God nor priest that teacheth, nor any law. And in their tribulation they shall turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and shall seek him, and he shall be found of them. And in those days there shall be no peax to them that go out and in. But great vexation on every side upon the inhabitoures of all lands. For one nation shall destroy an other, and one city an other: for God will vex them with all adversity. But pluck you up your hearts, and let not your hands faint, for your works shall be rewarded. When Asa heard those words and the Prophesy of Azaria the son of Obed the Prophet, he took courage & put away the abominations out of all the land of. juda and BenIamin, and out of the cities which he wan in mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the Lord that was before the porch of the Lord. And he gathered all juda and BenIamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim, Manasses, and Simeon. For there fallen many to him out of Israel, when they saw that God was with him. And they assembled at jerusalem the third month of the fifteen year of the reign of Asa. And they offered unto the Lord the same time of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen, and seven thousand sheep. Then they made a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers, with all their hearts, and all their souls: so that all that sought not the Lord God of Israel, should die for it whether he were small or great, man or woman. And they swore unto the Lord with a loud voice and shouting, and with trumpets and horns. And all juda rejoiced in the oath, for they had sworn with all their hearts, and sought him with all their lust, and he was found of them. And the Lord gave them rest round about. ☞ Furthermore king Asa put Maacah his mother out of authority, because she had made an idol in a grove: and broke down her idol, and stamped it and burnt it by the brook Cedron. But they put not the hyllaulters out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was pure all his life. And he brought in to the house of God the dedicated gifts which he and his father had dedicated, in gold, silver, and other jewels. And there was no more war unto the five and thirty year of the reign of Asa. ¶ Asa, for fear of Baasa king of Israel, maketh a covenant with Benhadad king of Syria. CAPI. XVI. IN the six and thirty year of the reign of Asa, came Baasa king of Israel against juda, and built Ramah, to the intent he would let none that pertained to Asa king of juda have passage in and out. Whereupon Asa fet silver and gold forth of the treasures of the house of the Lord, and of the kings house, and sent it to Benhadad king of Sina that dwelled at Damascus, and said. There is a league between me and thee, and so was between my father and thine, wherefore I have sent the silver and gold, that thou go and break thine appointment with Baasa king of Israel, that he may departed from me. And Benhadad granted unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his army against the cities of Israel. And they beaten Aion, Dan, Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Nephthali. But when Baasa heard this, he left building of Ramah, and let his work cease. And then Asa the king took all juda, and carried away stones and timber of Ramah, wherewith Baasa was a building: and he built therewith Gaba● and Mazphah. At that same time Hanani the sear, 〈…〉 came to Asa king of juda, and said to him: because thou trustest in the king of Syria, and trustest not in the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of he king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. 〈…〉 Were not the black Moors and they of Libya a great host, with exceeding many charettes and horsemen? And yet because thou trustedest in the Lord, he delivered them in to thine hands. 〈…〉 For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, to strength the hearts of them that are hole with him. Herein thou haste done foolishly/ and therefore from henceforth thou shalt have war. ☜ Whereupon Asa was wroth with the Sear, and put him in prison, for he was displeased with him because of that. Moreover Asa oppressed certain of the people the same season. The deeds of Asa both first and last, are written in the book of the kings of juda and Israel. And the nine and thirty year of his reign, Asa fallen sick of his feet, and that his disease exceded. And beside this in his sickness he asked no counsel of the Lord, but of physicians. And at the last Asa fallen on sleep with his fathers, and died when he had reigned one and forty year. And they buried him in his own sepulchre which he had made in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which he had filled with sweet odours of divers kinds, made by the craft of the potecaryes'. And they did exceeding great cost about burying of him. ¶ josaphat succeedeth after Asa, which causeth the fear of the Lord to be renewed among the people. CAPI. XVII. ANd josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and mightyer than Israel. And he put soldiers in all the strong cities of juda, & set rulers both in the land of juda, and also in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had won. And the Lord was with josaphat, because he walked in the old ways of his father David, and sought not Baal's: But sought the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand, and all juda brought him presents, that he become exceeding rich and glorious. And his heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord, and he put down yet more of the hyllaulters and groves out of juda. In the third year of his reign he sent of his Lords: ☞ Benhail, Abdiah, Zachariah, Nathanael, and Michaah to teach in the cities of juda: and with them Semeiah, Nathaniah, Zabadiah, Asahel, Semiramoth, jonathan, Adoniah, Thobiah, and Thobodoniah Levites: and with them Elisama and joram priests. And they taught in juda, and had the book of the law with them, and went about thorough out all the cities of juda and taught the people. And the fear of the Lord fallen upon all the kyngedomes of the lands that were round about juda, that they dared not war with josaphar. And the Philistines brought josaphat gifts and tribute silver. And thereto the Arabians brought him of sheep, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats. And so josaphat prospered and grew up on high. And he built in juda castles and store cities, and had great substance in the cities of juda, and fighting men and men of might in jerusalem. And this is the order in the houses of their fathers of the captains over thousands in juda: Ednah the captain, and with him of fighting men, three hundred thousand. And next to him johanan a captain, and with him two hundred and four score thousand. And by his side Amazias the son of Zechri willing unto the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men. And of the children of BenIamin, Eliada was a man of might, and had with him armed with bows and shyldes, two hundred thousand. And by his side josabad, with whom were an hundred and four score thousand furnysshed for war. These waited on the king, besides those which the king had put in strong cities thorough out all juda. ¶ After Achab had asked counsel of the four hundred Prophets, he putteth Micheas in prison. He dieth with the shoot of an arrow. CAPI. XVIII. ANd josaphat become very rich & glorious/ and joined alliance with Achab. ●●ria And after certain years he went down to Achab to Samaria. And Achab slew sheep and oxen plenteously for him, and for the people that came with him, and entreated him to go up unto Ramoth in Galaad. And Achab king of Israel said to josaphat king of judas will't thou go with me to Ramoth in Galaad? And he answered him, I will be as thou, & my people shall be as thine, and we will be with the in the wars. And josaphat said unto the king of Israel: ask I pray thee, the word of the Lord And the king of Israel gathered together of the prophets four hundred men, and said unto them: shall we go to Ramoth in Galaad to fight, or shall I cease? And they said, go: the Lord shall deliver it in to the kings hand. And josaphat said: Is there yet here never a Prophet more of the Lord, that we might ask of him? And the king of Israel said to josaphat: there is yet one, to ask the Lord by him: But I hate him, for he never prophesieth me good, but alway evil, one Micheas the son of jemla. And josaphat said: let not the king say so. Then the king of Israel called one of his chambrelaynes, and said: fetch hither quickly Micheas the son of jemla. And the king of Israel, and josaphat king of juda, sat either of them on his seat in their apparel, in a threshing floor beside the gate of Samaria, and all the Prophets prophesying before them. And one Sedechias the son of Chanana made him horns of iron, and said, thus saith the Lorde● with these thou shalt push Syria, until thou haste brought them to nought. And all the Prophets prophesied even so, saying: go up to Ramoth in Galaad and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it in to the hand of the king. And the messenger that went to call Micheas, spoke to him, saying: behold the words of the Prophets are pleasant to the king with one assent, let thy words I pray thee, be like one of there's, and speak that which is pleasant. And Micheas said: as truly as the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said to him: Micheas, shall we go to Ramoth in Galaad to fight, or shall I be in rest? And he answered: go you and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it in to your hands. But the king said to him: how often times shall I adjure the that thou say nothing but truth to me in the name of the Lord. Then he said: I see all Israel scattered in the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said: these have no master, let them return every man to his house in peax. Then said the king of Israel to josaphat: did I not tell the that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? And he answered: therefore hear you the word of the Lord. ☜ I saw the Lord sit upon his seat, and all the company of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said: who shall deceive Achab king of Israel, that he may go and be overthrown at Ramoth in Galaad. And while one said thus. & an other that, there came out a spirit and stood before the Lord and said: I will deceive him. And the Lord said to him, how? And he said I will go out, and will be a dying spirit in the mouths of all the Prophets. And the Lord said thou shalt deceive him, and shalt prevail, go out and do even so. And now behold the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these thy Prophets, and yet the Lord hath spoken evil against the. And Sedechias the son of Canana went and smote Micheas upon the cheek, and said: by what way went the spirit of the Lord from me, to speak in thee? And Micheas said: thou shalt see the day when thou shalt run from chamber to chamber for to hide thyself. Then said the king of Israel: take you Micheas, and deliver him to Amon the governor of the city, and to joas the kings son, and say/ thus saith the king: put this fellow in prison, & feed him with breed of sorrow, and water of trouble, till I come again in peax. And Micheas said: if thou come again in peax, then hath not the Lord spoken in me. And Micheas said moreover: hearken you people every one of you. And so the king of Israel and josaphat the king of juda went up to Ramoth in Galaad. Then said the king of Israel to josaphat: I will change my clotheses and get me to battle, but see thou have thine own apparel upon the. And the king of Israel changed himself, and they went to battle. But the king of Syria commanded the captains of his charettes, saying: see you fight not against small or great, save against the king of Israel only. And when the captains of the charettes saw josaphat, they had thought he had been the king of Israel, and therefore compassed him, to fight. But josaphat cried out, and the Lord holp him, and God turned them away from him. For when the captains of the charettes perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from him. And a certain man drew his bow at adventure, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of his habergyne. And he said to the chariot man, turn thine hand and carry me out of the host, for I am hurt. And the battle was sore that day. How be it the king of Israel continued standing in his chariot against the Syrians until even. And about the son going down, he died. ¶ After josaphat was rebuked by the Prophet jehu, he called again the people to the honouring of the Lord God. CAPI. XIX. THen josaphat king of juda returned to his house safe and sound to Jerusalem. And jehu jehu the son of Hanani the fear, went out against him, and said to king josaphat: oughtest thou to help the wicked, and to love them that hate the Lord? For this cause is the wrath of the Lord upon the. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou haste put away the consecrated groves out of the land, and haste prepared thine heart to seek God. And as josaphat dwelt at jerusalem, he went again among the people from Bersabe to mount Ephraim, and brought them again unto the Lord God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land, thorough out all the strong cities of juda, city by city/ and said to the judges: take heed what you do, for you be not judges in the law of man, but of God, which is with you in the words of the law. Wherefore let the fear of the Lord be with you, and take heed and do it. For there is no unrighteousness in the Lord our God 〈…〉 nor regarding of personnes, nor taking of rewards. Moreover in jerusalem did josaphat appoint certain of the Levites of the priests, and of the ancient heads of Israel, over the customs of the Lord, and causes of strife. Which done, they returned to jerusalem. And be charged them, saying: do even so in the fear of the Lord, with truth and pure heart. And what so ever come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities/ between blood and blood, law, commandment, ordinances and customs: see you warn them that they trespass not against the Lord, ●e●● wrath come upon you, and on your brethren. Thus do, and you shall not offend. And see here Amatiah the Priest, which is head over you in all matters of the Lord, and Zabadiah the son of Ishmael, a ruler in the house of juda, he is over all causes concerning the king, with officers of the Levites before you. Take courage to you, and go upon it, and the Lord shall be with the good. ¶ The marvelous victory that the Lord gave josaphat king of juda against the Moabites, and the children of Amenon, and them of Seir. CAPI. XX. AFter this came the children of Moab, & the children of Ammon, and with them a company of the Ammonites against josaphat to battle. And there came the cold josaphat, saying: there cometh a great multitude against the from the other side the set out of Syria. And see, they be in Hasason Id●mar, which is Engadi. Then josaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed fasting thorough out all juda. And juda gathered themselves together to ask counsel of the Lord. Furthermore there came ou● of all the cities of juda to seek the Lord And ●●saphat stood in the assemble of juda and jerusalem in the house of the Lord before thert●● court, and said: Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven, and design'st not thou over all the kingdoms of the Panymes? And in thine hand is power and might, so that no man can stand before thee? Art not thou our God, which didst cast out thinhabitauntes of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? And they dwelt therein, and have built for the a temple therein unto thy name, & said: when evil cometh upon us, ●●al vi e as the sword of judgement, pestilence, or hunger: then if we stand before this house and before thee (for thy name is in this house) and shall cry unto the in our tribulation, thou shalt hear and help. And now behold, the children of Ammon and Moab, 〈◊〉 two. f. and mount Seir, by which thou wouldest not let Israel pass, what time they came forth of egypt: but they departed from them, & destroyed them not. And now mark how they reward us/ they come to cast us out of thy possession which thou haste given us. O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have not so great puissance that we can make resistance against this great company that cometh against us. Neither wot we what to do, but our eyes be unto the. And as all juda stood before the Lord with their yonglynges, ☞ their wives and their children: the spirit of the Lord came upon jahaziel the son of Zacharias, 〈…〉 the son of Banaia, the son of jerel, the son of Mathaniah a Levite of the sons of Asaph, even as he was in the mids of the company. And he said: hearken all juda, and the inhabitors of jerusalem, and also king josaphat. Thus saith the Lord unto you, be not afeard or faint hearted because of this great multitude. For the war is not yours, but Gods. And to morrow you shall go down to them: see, they come up at Ziz, and you shall meet them in the top of the brook of the wilderness of jeruel. For it shall not be you that shall fight in this quarrel: ☞ but stand forth only, and behold the help of the Lord, which is with you: fear not, nor let your hearts fail, O you of juda and of jerusalem. To morrow march forward to them: for the Lord is with you. And josaphat bowed himself with his face to the city, and all juda and the enhabitours of jerusalem fallen before the Lord, and worshipped him. And the Levites and the children of the Cahathites and of the Corabites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high. And so they arose early in the morning and got them out unto the wilderness of Thekua. And when they went out josaphat stood and said: hear me juda, and you inhabitors of jerusalem. ☞ believe in the Lord your God, and so shall you continued: and believe his Prophets, and so shall you prosper. And he gave the people counsel, and set the singers of the Lord, and them that praised in holy apparel, to go out before the army, and to say praise the Lord, for his mercy lasteth ever. And what time they began to laud and praise, than the Lord set their enemies upon their own selves as many as were come to fight against juda, even the children of Ammon and Moab & mount Seir, for the children of Ammon and Moab arose against the inhabitors of mount Seir, to destroy them utterly, and to wipe them away. And when they had made an end of the inhabitoures of Seir, than they holp to destroy each other. And when juda came to Mazphah in the wilderness, they looked to the multitude. And behold, they were deed carcasses fallen to the earth, and none escaped. And josaphat and his people went to stripe and spoil the deed, & found among them abundance of goods and raiment and of pleasant jewels, and caught from them more than they could carry away: so that they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so moche. And the forth day they assembled in the valley of blessing, for there they blessed the Lord. And therefore they called the name of the said place the valley of blessing unto this day. And so all the men of juda and jerusalem returned, & josaphat among the thickest of them, for to go again to jerusalem with gladness, for the Lord had made them to rejoice of their enemies. And they came to jerusalem with psalteries & haps and trumpets, even unto the house of the Lord, & the fear of God fell in the kingdoms of all lands, when they had herd that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. And so the realm of josaphat was in tranquillity: for his God had given him rest on every side. So josaphat reigned upon juda, and was xxxv. years old when he began to reign, and reigned xxv year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Asuba the daughter of Silhi. And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and bowed not thence, but did that was pleasant in the sight of the Lord. How be it they put not down the hylaulters, neither did the people yet prepare their hearts unto the God of their fathers. The rest of the acts of josaphat first and last are written in the works of jehu the son of Hanam, which noted them in the book of the kings of Israel. After this josaphat king of juda joined himself with Ochoziah king of Israel, which was a wicked door. And he coupled himself with him to make ships to go to Tharsis. And they made the ships in Azion Gaber. And Eliezer the son of Dodanah of Maresa prophesied against josaphat, saying: because thou hast joined thyself with Ochoziah, the Lord hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken that they were not able to go to Tharsis. ¶ josaphat dieth & joram succeadeth him, which putteth to death his brethren/ and is oppressed of the Philistines/ and dieth of the flix. CAPI. XXI. IOsaphat laid him to rest with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and joram his son reigned in his room, which joram had other brethren sons of josaphat: Azariah, jehiel, Zacharias, Azariah, Michael, and Sephatiah. All these were the sons of josaphat king of juda. And their father gave them many great gifts in silver, gold, and other precious things, with strong cities in juda: but the kingdom he gave to joram because he was the elder. When joram was promoted upon the kingdom of his father and settled, he slay all his other brethren with the sword, and divers of the lords of Israel also. iiij. Re. xviij d joram was two and thirty ye●● old when he began to reign, & reigned eight years in jerusalem. And he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Achab (for a daughter of Achab was his wife) and he wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord. How be it the Lord would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. In his days the Edomites rebelled because they would not be under the hand of juda, & made them a king. And joram went forth with his lords and all his charettes with him and rose by night and laid on the Edomytes. Which compassed him in, and the Captains of his charettes. And so Edom departed from the subjection of juda unto this day. that same time also did Lobnah depart from being under his power, because he left the Lord God of his fathers. Moreover he made hyllaulters in the mountains of juda, and caused thinhabitants of jerusalem to commit adultery, and he thrust juda out of the way. The lettres of Elias And there came a writing to him from Elias the Prophet of this tenor. Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father: because thou walkedest not in the ways of josaphat thy father, and in the ways of Asa king of juda, but walkedest in the ways of the kings of Israel, and hast made juda & the dwellers of jerusalem go a horing, like to the horing of the house of Achab, & hast thereto slain thy brethren that were thy father's house, which were better than thou: Behold, the Lord will smite the with a mighty plague in thy folk, in thy children, in thy wives, and in thy goods. And thou shalt have moche disease thorough infirmity in the bowels, till thy bowels fall out by reason of thy sickness day by day. And the Lord stirred up against joram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabians that border on the black Moors: Which came against juda and all to care the land, and carried away all the substance that was found in the kings house/ and moreover his sons and his wives, so that there was not one son left him, save Ioa●haz his youngest son. And after all this, the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. And in process of time, even about the end of two years his guftes fallen out by reason of his sickness: and so he died of evil diseases. But they made him no bonefyre like the bonefyres of his fathers. When he began to reign, he was xxxij year old, and reigned in Jerusalem eight year. And he walked not pleasantly, and they buried him in the city of David: but not in the sepulchre of the kings. ¶ Oheziah reigneth in the room of joram/ jehu 〈…〉 I●rael kysseth Ohoziah. Athaliah putteth 〈…〉 all the kings lineage only joas escapeth. CAPI. XXII. ANd the inhabitoures of jerusalem made Ochoziah his youngest son king in his stead. 〈…〉 For the men of war that came with the Arabians in the host, had slain all his elder sons. And so Ochoziah the son of joram king of juda was made king. Two and forty year old was he, when he began to reign, and reigned one year in jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah the daughter of Amii. And he walked also in the ways of the house of Achab/ for his mother was his counsellor for to do evil. Wherefore he did that displeased the Lord, like to the house of Achab, for they were his counsellors after the death of his father, to his destruction, and he also walked after their counsel. And joram son of Achab king of Israel went to fight with Hazael king of Sitia at Ramoth in Galaad/ and they of Ramoth wounded him. Wherefore he returned to be healed in jozrael of the wounds which were given him at Ramoth, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Ochoziah the son of joram king of juda, went down to see joram the son of Achab at jezrael, because he was diseased. For it was thrust in to Ochoziah of God to go to joram, and that when he was come, he should go out with joram, against jehu the son of Namsi, whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Achab. And as jehu was executing justice upon the house of Achab: He found the lords of juda, and the sons of the brethren of Ocheziah, that waited on Ochoziah, and he slew them. And he sought Ochoziah, & they caught him where he was hide in Samaria, & brought him to jehu. And when they had slain him, they buried him: because (said they) he was the son of josaphat which sought the Lord with all his heart. And there was none of the house of Ochoziah that could obtain to be king. 〈…〉 For Athaliah the mother of Ochoziah, when she saw her son was deed, arose and slew all the seed of the kingdom of the house of juda. But josabeth the daughter of the king took joas the son of Ochoziah, and stole him from among the kings sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a sleeping chamber. And so josabeth the daughter of king joram and wife of joiada the Priest (because she was the sister of Ochoziah) hid him from Athaliah that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God, six year. And Athaliah reigned over the land. ¶ joas the son of Ochoziah is made king. Athaliah is put to death. CAPI. XXIII. IN the seventh year joiada took heart, and made a bond with the capitains of hundreds, Azariah the son of jeroham. 〈…〉 Ishmael the son of johanan, Az●riah the son of Obed, Maasiah the son of Adaiah, and Elisaphat the son of Zechri. And they went about in juda and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of juda, and the ancient heads of Israel, and came to jerusalem. And all the congregation made a bond with the king in the house of God. And joiada said to them: Behold, the kings son must reign over the children of David, as the Lord hath said. This is it therefore that you shall do. The third part of you priests and Levites which come in the Saboth day, shall keep the doors, and an other third part shall be in the kings house, and an other third part shall be in the gate of the foundation, and all the people shall be in the 〈…〉 courts of the house of the Lord. And there shall none come in to the house of the Lord, save the priests and the Levites that minister. They shall go in, for they are holy. and all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord. And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man his weapon in his hand: and what so ever other man come in to the house of the Lord, he shall die for it, and they shall be with the king, as he cometh in, as as he goeth out. And the Levites and all juda did in all things as joiada the priest commanded, and took every man his men: both them that came in, and them that went out the Saboth day: for joiada the priest did let none of the companies depart. And joiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears and shyldes, and bouklers that pertained to king David, and were in the house of God. And he set all the people and every man his weapon in his hand, from the right corner of the house to the left corner of the house, along by the altar, and the house round about the king. And they brought out the kings son, and put on him the crown and the 〈◊〉, ●●e 〈◊〉 ●●d. 〈…〉 testimony, and made him king. And joiada and his sons anointed him and said: God save the king. When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she went among the people into the house of the Lord. And when she saw the king stand at his pillar in the entering, and the lords and trumpets about the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing with trumpets, and the syngers with instruments of music teaching to praise: She rent her clotheses and cried: treason treason. And joiada the Priest went out with the captains of hundreds that were appointed to govern the host, and said to them: have her out without the array, and who so ever followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the Priest said: slay her not in the house of the Lord. And they laid hands on her/ and when she was come out to the entering of the horsegate in the kings house, they slay her there. 〈…〉 And joiada made a bond between him and all the people and the king to be the lords people. And all the people went to the house of Baal and destroyed it, & broke the altars and images, and slew Mathan the Priest of Baal afore the altars. And joiada put the offices of the house of the Lord in the hands of the Preestes, the Levites which David had divided in companies for the house of the Lord, to offer burned offerings unto the Lord, as is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and singing, as it was ordained by David. And he see porters unto the gates of the house of the Lord, the not unclean person in any point should enter in. And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles and the governors of the people and all the folk of the land, and brought the king down out of the house of the Lord, and they went thorough he high gate in the kings house, and set the king upon the seat of the kingdom. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in tranquillity, but they slew Athalia with the sword. ¶ joas during the life of joiada keepeth the law, but after his death he regardeth 〈◊〉 or. He killeth Zacharias the Prophet. joas is killed of his own servants, after whom reigneth Amazias. CAPI. XXIIII. IOas was seven year old when he began to reign, and reigned forty years in jerusalem. His mother's name was Zebia of Bersabe. iiij. Regum xj d And joas did that pleased the Lord all the days of jolada the Priest. And joiada gave him two wives, and he begat sons and daughters. It chanced after that, that joas was minded to mend the house of the Lord. Whereupon he gathered together the Preestes & the Levites, and said to them: * go out thorough the cities of juda, and gather of all Israel silver to strength the house of your God, year by year, and see you haste the thing: how be it the Levites were slack. Then the king called joiada that was the chyefest, and said to him: Why requyrest thou not of the levites to bring in, out of juda and jerusalem, the sum appointed by Moses the servant of the Lord, and by the congregation of, Israel, for the tabernacle of witness. For wicked Athaliah and her children had broken the house of God, and had bestowed all the dedicat gifts of the house of the Lord, about Baal's. Wherefore at the kings commandment they made a coffer, and set it at the gate of the house of the Lord: and made proclamation thorough juda and jerusalem to bring in to the Lord the Exod. xxx b. taxation of Moses the servant of God, which he set upon Israel in the wilderness. And the Lords and all the people rejoiced, and brought in and caste in to the coffer, until it was full. And when the time came that the chest should be brought in by the hands of the Levites at thappointment of the king. when they saw that there was moche money: then came the kings scribe, and one appointed by the chief Priest, and powered out that was in the coffer, and took it and carried it to his place again, and thus they did day by day, and gathered moche money. And the king and joiada gave it to workmen that wrought upon the house of the Lord, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the Lord, and artifycers in iron and brass, to repair the lords house. And the workmen wrought, and the work prospered thorough their hands: and they made the house of God as it ought to be, and strengthened it. And when they had finisshed it, they brought the rest of the money to the king and joiada, and therewith were made vessels for the house of the Lord: that is to say vessels to minister withal, and to serve for burnt-offerings, as ladels and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt-offerings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of joiada. And joiada waxed old and full of years, and died. An hundred and thirty year old was he when he died. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and on God, and on his house. After the doth of joiada came the lords of juda and made obeisance to the king. And then he hearkened unto them. And so they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, & served groves & images. And then came there wrath upon juda and jerusalem for this their trespass. Notwithstanding God sent Prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord. And they testified unto them. But they would not hear. Zachariah. And the spirit of God came upon Zachariah the son of joiada the priest, and he stepped up above the people, and said to them. Thus saith God: why break you the commandments of the Lord? you shall therefore not prosper, but as you have forsaken him, so shall he forsake you. Math. xxiii d Whereupon they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones, at commandment of the king, even in the court of the house of the Lord. And joas the king remembered not the kindness which joiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said: the Lord see & require a reckoning. And when the year was out, the host of the Syrians came against him: and they came to juda and jerusalem, and destroyed all the lords of the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king to Damascus. And though the army of Syria came with a small company of men, yet the Lord delivered a very great host in to their hands, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers, and thereto they served joas according to his deserts. And as soon as they were departed from him, though they left him in great diseases, yet his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the children of joiada the Priest, and slew him on his bed. And when he was deed, they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings. And these are they that conspired against him: Zabad the son of Samaath an Ammonite, and josabad the son of Sammath a Moabite, and his sons. And the sum of the tax that came to him, and the foundation of the house of God, are written in the book of kings. And Amazias his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Amazias overcometh the Edomites. And joas king of Israel overcometh and killeth Amazias. CAPI. XXV. AMazias was five and twenty year old when he began to reign, 〈…〉 and reigned nine and twenty year in jerusalem. His mother's name was joiadan of jerusalem. And he did that pleased the Lord, but not with the hole heart. And as soon as he was settled in the kingdom, he slew them the killed the king his father. But he slew not their children, according to that is written in the law in the book of Moses, to whom the Lord commanded, saying: 〈…〉 the fathers shall not die for the children's causes, nor the children for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin. And Amazias assembled juda together and made captains over thousands, & over hundred in the houses of their fathers thorough out all juda and BenIamin. And he numbered them from twenty year and above, and found them three hundred thousand young lusty men able to go to battle, and that could handle spear and shield. And he hired thereto an hundred thousand fighting men out of Israel, for an hundred talentes of silver. But there came a man of God to him and said: King, let not the army of Israel go with thee, for the Lord is not with Israel neither with any of the house of Ephraim. Or else if thou needs wilt, then go and do it, and make thyself strong to battle: and thou shalt see, that God shall make the fall before thine enemies. For God hath power to help or to cast down. And Amazias said again to the man of God, what shall we do then for the hundred talentes which I have given unto the host of Israel? And the man of God said: the Lord is able to give the moche more than that. Then Amazias severed the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again. Wherefore they were exceeding wroth with juda, and returned home in great anger. And Amazias took heart, and carried out his host, and went to Saltdale. 〈…〉 Where he slew of the children of Seir ten thousand. And other ten thousand the children of juda took alive, and carried them unto the top of a rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all to burst: but the men of the army which Amazias had turned back and would not let go with his people to battle, ran upon the cities of juda from Samaria unto Bethhoron, and slew three thousand of them and won moche spoil. And it chanced, after that Amazias was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, and had brought the gods of the children of Seir, he set them up to be his gods, and bowed himself before them, & burned incense unto them. Wherefore the Lord was wroth with Amazias, and sent to him a Prophet, & said to him: why seekest thou the gods of the people which were not able to deliver their own people out of thine hands? And as the Prophet spoke to him, he said to the Prophet: have men made the of the kings counsel? cease, least thou be beaten. And the Prophet ceased and said: I am sure that God hath taken counsel to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and obeyest not my counsel. Then Amazias king of juda took advise, and sent to joas the son of joachaz the son of jehu king of Israel, and said: come and let us see either other. And joas king of Israel, sent again to Amazias king of juda saying: a thistle in Libanon sent, to a Cedar tree of Libanon, saying: 〈◊〉 xiiii c give thy daughter to my son to wife. But there came the wild beasts of Libanon, and trod down the thystel. Thou thinkest: lo, I have beaten the Edomites, therefore thine heart ariseth to glorify thyself. Now abide at home: what needeth the to provoke to evil, that thou perish and juda with thee? But Amazias rested not: for it came of God, even to deliver them in to the hands of their enemies, and that because they had sought the gods of the Edomites. And joas king of Israel came up: and they saw either other, both he and Amazias king of juda at Bethsames in juda. And juda was put to the worse before Israel, and fled every man to his tent. And joas king of Israel took Amazias king of juda the son of joas, the son of Ohozian at Bethsames: and brought him to jerusalem, and tare the brickwall of jerusalem, from the gate of Ephraim, unto the corner gate, four hundred cubytes long. And he took all the gold and silver and all the jewels that were found in the house of God with Obed Edom, and the treasure of the kings house and hostages, and returned to Samaria. And Amazias the son of joas king of juda lived after the death of joas son of joachaz king of Israel fifteen years. The rest of the acts of Amazias first and last, are written in the book of kings of juda and Israel. And after the time that Amazias did turn away from the Lord, they conspired treason against him in jerusalem: and he fled to Lachis, whither they sent after him and slay him there, and brought him up with horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of juda. ¶ After the death of Amazias reigneth Oziah whitherstricken with the leper, and joatham reigneth in his room. CAPI. XXVI. THen all the people of juda took Oziah which was sixteen year old, iiii. Re. xiiii ● and made him king in the room of his father Amazias. And he built Eloth and brought it again to juda, after the king was laid to rest with his fathers. Sixteen year old was Oziah when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty year in jerusalem. His mother's name was jecaliah of jerusalem. And he did that pleased the Lord in all points, as did his father Amazias. And he sought God while Zachariah the teacher to see God lived: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. And he went to battle against the Philistines, and broke down the walls of Geth and the walls of jabneh, and the walls of Asdod/ and built cities about Asdod, and among the Philistines. And God holp him against the Philistines, and against the Arabiens that dwelt in Gurbaal, and against the Meunites. And the Ammonites gave tribute to Oziah, and his name spread abroad even to Egypt: for he played the man, and exceeded. Moreover Oziah built towers in jerusalem over the corner gate, and over the valley gate, and over other corners, and made than strong. And he built towers in the wilderness, and digged many wells. For he had moche cattle, both in the valley, and also in the plain, and plowmen and vine dressers in the mountains and in Charmel, for he loved husbandry. And Oziah had an host of fighting men that went out to war in the army, and were told and numbered by jeiel the scribe, & Maasiah an office, under the hand of Hananiah one of the kings lords. And the hole number of the ancient heads of the men of might, were two thousand and six hundred, and under the hands of them was the army of the host, three hundred and seven thousand, and five hundred that made war with might and strength, to help the king against his enemies. And Oziah provided them thorough out all the host, shyldes, spears, helmetes, habergynnes, bows, and slynges for stones. And he made engines in jerusalem by the craft of artifycers, to be on the towers and corners, to shoot arrows and great stones with. And his name spread far abroad/ for he was wonderslye holp, until he was become mighty. And in his greatness his heart arose, that he was marred, and transgressed against the Lord his God. For he went in to the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. ☜ But Azarias the priest went in after him with four score priests of the Lord that were bold men. And they stepped to Oziah the king, and said to him: it pertaineth not to the Oziah to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the children of Aaron that are consecrated for to burn incense. Come out of the sanctuary, for thou hast trespassed, and it shall be no worship to the before the Lord God. And Oziah was wroth & had incense in his hand to offer, and in his indignation against the Priest, iiii. Reg. xu a. the lepry sprang in his forehead before the Preestes in the house of the Lord, even beside the incense altar. And Azarias the chief Priest with all the other Preestes looked upon him: and behold, he was a leper in his forehead, and they drove him thence. And thereto he was rain to go out, because the Lord had plagued him. And Oziah the king continued a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelled in an house at liberty: how be it he was cast out of the house of the Lord. And joatham his son had the governance of the kings house, & judged the people of the land. The rest of the acts of Oziah both first and last, did Isaias the Prophet, the son of Amos write. And when Oziah was laid to rest with his fathers, they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial of the kings. For they said: he is a leper. And joatham his son reigned in his stead. ¶ joatham reigneth and overcometh the Ammorites. Achaz his son reigneth after him. CAPI. XXVII. IOatham was five and twenty year old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem. His mother's name was jerusah the daughter of Zadoc. And he did that pleased the Lord in all points as did his father Oziah: save, that he came not to the temple of the Lord, and that the people did yet corrupt themselves. He built the high gate of the temple of the Lord, and on the wall Ophel he built moche. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of juda, and in the wood country he built castles and towers. And he fought with the king of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gau● him the same year an hundred talentes of silver, and ten thousand quarters or wheat, and as much barley. So moche also did the children of Ammon give him the second year, and the third to. And joatham become mighty, because he directed his way before the Lord his God. The rest of the acts of joatham and all his wars and his ways are written in the book of kings of Israel and juda. He was five and twenty year old, when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem. And when joatham was laid to rest with his fathers, they buried him in the city of David: and Achaz his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The wickedness of Achaz king of juda. After him reigneth Ezechias. CAPI. XXVIII. AChaz was twenty year old when he began to reign, 〈…〉 and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem. And he did not that pleased the Lord, as did his father David: but walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made thereto Baal's of metal. And he offered incense in the valley of the children of Hennon, and burnt his children in fire after the abomination of the nations which the Lord threw out before the children of Israel. And he offered burned incense in hylaulters, and on mountains, and under every green tree. Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him in to the hand of the king of the Syrians: which beaten him, and carried away a great multitude of his captive in to Damascon. And further, he was delivered in to the hand of the king of Israel, which slew of his a mighty slaughter. For Phakeh the son Romeliah flew in juda an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, and all fighting men: and that because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. And Zechri a mighty man in mount Ephraim slew Maasiah the kings son, and Alricam the lord steward of household, and Elcanah that was next to the king. And the children of Israel took prisoners of their brethren two hundred thousand wives, sons and daughters, and thereto carried away moche spoil of them, and brought it to Samaria. But there was a Prophet of the Lords named Obed, 〈…〉 which went out to the h●ste that came to Samaria, and said to them: lo, because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with juda, he delivered them in to your hands. And you have slain them with cruelty that reacheth up to heaven. And now you purpose to keep under the children of juda and jerusalem, and to make them bondmen and bondewomen. What other thing do you (you unhappy) then offend the Lord your God? But now hear me, and deliver the prisoners again which you have taken of your brethren, for the great wrath of the Lord is upon you. And certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim: as Azarias the son of johanan, Barachiah the son of Mesimeloth, jehezekiah the son of Selum, and Amasa the son of Hadalai stood up against them that came from war, and said unto them: it shall not bring in the captives hither. For where we have offended the Lord already, you intend to add more to our sins and trespass. For our trespass is great already, and there is fierce wrath upon Israel. Whereupon the men of arms left the captives and the spoil before the lords and all the congregation. And there arose certain appointed thereto by name, and took the prisoners and clothed all that were naked among them, of the spoil, and arrayed them and shoed them, and gave them to eat and to drink, & anointed them, & carried all that were feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to jericho the city of Palm trees fast by their brethren: and then returned to Samaria again. And at that same time king Achaz sent unto the kings of Assur to have help. And the Edomites came yet again and slew of juda and carried away some captives. And the Philistines invaded the cities in the low country and the south of juda: And took Bethsames, Aialon, Gaderoth, and Socoh: with the towns belonging thereto, and Thimna with the towns of the same. And Gimso with her towns, and dwelt therein. For the Lord brought juda low, because of Achaz king of juda, which made juda naked and transgressed against the Lord. And Thiglath palneser king of Assur came upon him and besieged him, but prevailed not against him. For Achaz took away out of the house of the Lord and out of the kings house and out of the lords houses and gave unto the king of Assur, though it holp him not. And thereto in the very time of his tribulation did king Achaz trespass yet more against the Lord. For he offered unto the Gods of them of Damascus which bet him and said because the gods of the Siriens help them therefore will I offer to them, that they may help me also. But they were his destruction & the destruction of all Israel. And Achaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God & brake them, & shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and made him altars in all corners of jerusalem. And in all the cities of juda city by city he made hylaulters to burn incense unto other gods, and angered the Lord God of his fathers. The rest of his acts and all his ways both first and last are written in the book of kings of juda and Israel. And when Achaz was laid to rest with his fathers they buried him in the city of jerusalem: but brought him not unto the sepulchres of the kings of juda. And Ezechias his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Ezechias restoreth unto the temple of the Lord all the things that had not been regarded of his predecessoures. CAPI. XXIX. 〈◊〉 xviii. a EZechias began to reign when he was xxv year old, and reigned xxix year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abia the daughter of Zachary. And he did that was right in the sight of the Lord in all points, as did David his father. He opened the doors of the house of the Lord in the first year and first month of his reign, and repaired them. And he brought in the priests and the Levites and gathered them together into the east street: and said unto them. Hear me you Levites: purify yourselves and hallow the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and bring out the filthiness out of the holy place. For our fathers have trespassed and done wickedly in the eyes of the Lord our God: and have forsaken him, and turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord and turned to their backs. And beside that they have shut up the doors of the porch and quenched the lamps and have neither burned incense nor offered burntofferinges in the holy place unto the God of Israel. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord fallen on juda and jerusalem: and he scattered them & made them so thin that men hiss at it, even as you see with your eyes. For lo, our fathers were overthrown with the sword, and our sons, our daughters and our wives were carried away prisoners for the same. Now have I in my heart to strike a covenant with the Lord God of Israel: that his wrath may cease. Now therefore my sons be not negligent: for the Lord hath choose you to stand before him, and to minister and burn offerings to him. Then the Levites arose: Mahath the son of Amasai and joel the son of Asariah being of the children of the Cahathites: and the sons of Merari, Kiss the son of Abdi, and Asariah the son of jalaleel: and of the Gersonites, joah the son of Simma and Eden the son of joah: and of the sons of Elizaphan, Simri and jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph, Zachariah and Mathaniah: & of the sons of Heman, jehiel and Semei: & of the sons of jeduthun, Semaiah and Oziel. And they gathered their brethren and purified themselves, and then went at commandment of the king by the word of the Lord for to cleanse the house of the Lord. And the priests went into the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness they found in the temple of the Lord, and in the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it & carried it out into the broken Cedron. They began the first day of the first month to purify, and came the eight day to the porch of the Lord: so that they had purged the house of the Lord in eight days and the xuj day of the first month they made an end. And then they went in to Ezechias the king and said: we have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt-offerings, with all his vessels, and the shewbreed table with all his apparel: and thereto all the vessels which king Achaz did cast a side when he reigned and transgressed, them we have repaired and sanctified: and see, they are before the altar of the Lord. And Ezechias the king rose early and gathered the Lords of the city and went up to the house of the Lord. And there were brought seven oxen, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven kyddes to be a synneoffring for the kingdom, for the sanctuary and for juda. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of the Lord. And they slew the oxen: and the priests received the blood and sprynkled it on the aultare: and they slay the rams and sprinkled the blood upon the aultare: and they slew the lambs and sprinkled the blood upon the aultare. And then they brought forth the kyddes of the synneoffringe before the king and the congregation which put their hands upon them. And the priests slay them and offered the blood of them upon the aultare, to make satisfaction for all Israel: for the king said: that the burnt-offering and the synneoffringe should serve for all Israel. And they set the Levites in the house of the Lord with Symbales. Psalteries and haps according to the commandment of David and of Gad the kings seat of visions and of Nathan the prophet. For so was the commandment of the Lord thorough the hand of his prophets. And so the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with trumpets. And Ezechias commanded to offer the burnt-offering upon the altar. And when the burntofferinge began, the song of the Lord began, and the trumpets with the instruments of David king of Israel. And all the congregation bowed themselves, and the syngers sang, and the trumpets blue, and continued until the burntofferinge was finished. And when they had made an end of the burntoffringe, the king and all that were with him kneeled down, and bowed themselves, & gave praise and thanks. And Ezechias the king & the lords bade the Levites to praise the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the Sear of vysions. And the Levites praised that they rejoiced again, and the other stooped and bowed themselves. And Ezechias answered and said: now that you have filled your hands to the Lord go to and bring in the sacrifices and thankoffringes into the house of the Lord. And the congregation brought in the sacrifices & thankoffringes, and all that were willing brought burnt-offerings. And the number of the burnt-offerings which the congregation brought in was seventy oxen, and an hundred rams & two hundred lambs: and all for burnt-offerings to the Lord. And beside that they dedicated six hundred oxen, and three thousand sheep. But the priests were to few, and were not able to fleye all the burnt-offerings. Wherefore their brethren the Levites holp them till the work was ended, and until the priests were sanctified. For the Levites were purer hearted to sanctify themselves then the priests. And thereto the burnt-offerings were many with the fat of the peaxofferinges and the drynkeoffringes that belonged to the burntofferinges. And so the service pertaining to the house of the Lord went forward. And Ezechias rejoiced, and all the people, that God had made the folk so ready: for the thing was suddenly done. ¶ Ezechias renueth the feast of passover. CAPI. XXX. ANd Ezechias sent to all Israel and juda: and thereto written letters to Ephraim and Manasses, that they should come to the house of the Lord at jerusalem, to offer passover unto the Lord God of Israel. And the king held a counsel with his lords and all the congregation at Jerusalem to keep the feast of passouer in the second month. For they could not keep it at that time for there were not priests enough sanctified, neither was the people gathered together to jerusalem. And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. And they decreed it should be proclaimed thorough out all Israel from Bersabe to Dan, that they should come and hold the feast of passouer unto the Lord God of Israel at jerusalem: for they had not often done it, as it is written how they should. And the messengers went with letters of the hand of the king and of his lords thorough out all Israel and juda, at the commandment of the king which said: children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and so will he turn to the remnant of you that are escaped out of the hands of the king of Assur. And be you not like your fathers and your brethren which trespassed against the Lord of your fathers, ☜ which therefore gave them up that they are wasted as you see. Wherefore be not stiffnecked like unto your fathers, but yield your selves unto the Lord, and come to his holy place which he hath sanctified for ever, and serve the Lord your God, that his wrath may turn from you. For if you turn unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion in the presence of them that hold them captive, that they may come again unto this land: for the Lord your God is full of mercy and compassion, & will not turn his face from you, if you turn again to him. And the posts went from city to city thorough out the land of Ephraim and Manasses and even unto Zabulon. But they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. Nevertheless yet divers of Asser, Manasses and of Zabulon meakened themselves and came to jerusalem. And thereto the hand of God was in juda, to make them of one accord to do the commandment of the king and the captains, which was according to the word of the Lord. And so there assembled to jerusalem moche people and a mighty great congregation, to hold the feast of sweet bread in the second month. And they arose and put away the altars that were in jerusalem. And all the incense they did away and cast them into the broken Cedron. And they slew passover the fourteen day of the second month. And the priests and Levites sanctified themselves for shame, and brought in the burntofferinges into the house of the Lord. And they stood in their standing after their manner according to the law of Moses the man of God. And the priests sprynkled the blood receiving it of the hands of the Levites. And because there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: and therefore did the Levites slay passover for all that were not clean to sanctify them to the Lord. There was very much people out of Ephraim, Manasses, Isachar & Zabulon that were not clean, and therefore did eat passover otherwise then writing specifieth. But Ezechias prayed for them and said: the good Lord be merciful to all that set their hearts to seek the God that is the Lord God of their fathers, though they do it not according to the cleanness of the holy place. And the Lord herd Ezechias and healed the people. And so the children of Israel that were found at jerusalem held the feast of sweet bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day with loud instruments. And Ezechias spoke heartily unto the Levites that had good understanding of the Lord. And they did eat that feast seven days long and offered peaxoffringes & thanked the Lord God of their fathers. And the hole assemble took counsel to keep seven days more: & they held those seven days with gladness. For Ezechias king of juda gave for heaveoffringes to the congregation a thousand oxen and seven thousand sheep. And the Lords gave to the congregation for heaveoffringes a thousand oxen and ten thousand sheep. And the priests sanctified themselves, that they were enough. And all the congregation of juda with the priests and Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel and the strangers, both that came out of the land of Israel and that dwelled in juda, rejoiced: and there was great joy in jerusalem. For from the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel it happened not so in jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites arose & blessed the people, and their voice was herd, and their prayer went up unto his holy dwelling place heaven. ¶ After Ezechias had called again the people unto the way of the Lord he ordaineth the priests, unto whom he commandeth to give tithes. CAPI. XXXI. ANd when they had fynisshed all this: all Israel that were found in the cities of juda, went out and broke the Images and cut down the groves, and all to broke the hylaultares and the other aultares thorough out all juda and BenIamin, Ephraim and Manasses, till they had made an end of them. And afterward all the children of Israel returned every man to his possession in their own cities. And Ezechias set the priests and the Levites in their order to wait by course, every man according to his office whither priest or Levite: for the burntofferinges and peaxoffringes, and to minister and to thank & to pray in the gates of the lodge of the Lord. And the king gave a portion of his substance for burnt-offerings at morning and even, and for burnt-offerings on the Sabbath days and new moans, and other solemn feasts, according Nu. xxviii b. as it is written in the law of the Lord And he bade the people that dwelt in jerusalem to give the part of the priests & Levites, that they might be maintained in the law of the Lord. And as soon as the word came abroad, the children of Israel brought abundance of first fruits of corn, wine, oil, and honey, and of all manner of fruits of the field: and the tithes of all manner of things brought they in plenteously. And the children of Israel and juda the dwelled in the cities of juda, they also brought in the tithes of oxen and sheep, and tithes of dedicated things which were dedicated to the Lord their God, and put them on heaps. In the third month they began to say the heaps and fynisshed them the seventh. And when Ezechias and the lords came & saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and his people Israel. And Ezechias questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azarias the chief priest of the house of Zadoe answered him & said: sithence they began to bring the heveofferinges into the house of the Lord, we have eaten & had enough, and yet let abundance, for the Lord hath blessed his people and thereof is this heap left. And Ezechias bade dress up the store houses about the house of the Lord. And so they did, and carried in the heaveofferinges and the tithes and the dedicar gifts, even of fidelity. Over which Chonaniah the Levite hand the rule with Semei his brother next to ●im. And jehiel, Asaria●, Nahath, Asael, ●erimoth, josabad, Eliel, jesmachiah, Maha●h and Bananiah, were overseers ordained, by Chonaniah and Semei his brother, a●●he appointment of Ezechias the king, and ●zarias the ruler of the house of God. And Chore the son of jemma th● Leui●t porter of the East door had the oversight of the frewiloffringes of God, to give heaveoffringes unto the Lord, and was our things most holy. And under him were Eden, Miniamin, jesua, Semeiah, Amariah and ●●●●chiah in the cities of the priests of their fidelity, to give to their brethren their portions, as well to the small as to the great. And to the males also that were reckoned from three year & above among all that went into the house of the Lord day by day, to do service & to wait by course. And to the priests that were reckoned in the households of their fathers from twenty year & above, to wait when their courses came. And to them that were reckoned thorough out all their babes, wives, sons & daughters thorough out all the congregation. For to the fidelity of them did men commit their sanctified gifts. And thereto among the children of Aaron the priests were men named by name in the fields of the suburbs of all their cities, city by city, for to give portions to all the males of the priests and to all that were reckoned among the Levites. And on this manner did Ezechias thorough out all juda, & did that was good, right & truth, before the Lord ●is God. And in all the works that he began in the service of the house of Go●, to seek his God after the law and commandment, he did with all his heart and prospered. ¶ Sennacherib● which should have besieged Jerusalem is stricken of the Angel, Ezechias dieth after whom succeedeth Monasses. CAPI. XXXII AFter these deeds and truth, Sennacherib king of Assur came and entered into juda and pitched against the strong cities and thought to draw them to him. iiij. Re. xviij c But when Ezechias saw that Sennacherib was come & that he purposed to fight against jerusalem: he took counsel with his captains and men of might, to stop the water of the fountains that were without the city: and they were content to help him. And so there gathered moche people together and stoup all the wells and the broken that ran thorough the mids of the land, entending that the kings of Assur should not find moche water, when they came. And he went to justly and built up the brickwall where it was broken, and made towers above upon, & yet an other wall without, and repaired Melo the city of David, and made many darts and shields. And he set Captains of war over the people & gathered them together into the large street of the gate of the city and spoke gently to them, saying. Pluck up your hearts and be strong: Be not afraid or in any wise discouraged for dread of the king of Assur, and of the great multitude that is with him: iiij. Reg. uj c for there is one greater with us then with him. ☞ With him is an arm of flesh: but with us is the Lord our God for to help us and to fight our battles. And the people were well couraged with the words of Ezechias king of juda. After that, Sennacherib king of Assur sent of his servants to jerusalem (he himself dying before Lachis and all his kingdom with him) unto Ezec●ias king of juda and unto all juda that were at jerusalem, saying. Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assur: iiij. Re. xviij c where in do you trust O you that are besyeged in jerusalem? Ezechias deceiveth you, to deliver you to death, hunger, and thrust, saying: the Lord our God shall rid us out of the hand of the king of Assure. Is it not that Ezechias that put down his hill aultares and his other aultares, and commanded juda & jerusalem saying: before one altar you shall bow yourselves and upon that offer also? Moreover have you not heed what I and my fathers have done unto the people of all lands? were the gods of the people of other lands able to save their lands out of my hand? which of all the gods of those nations that my fathers destroyed was it, that could deliver his people out mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand? Wherefore now let not Ezechias deceive you either persuade you on this fashion, nor yet believe him. For as no God among so many nations and kingdoms, was able to tydde his people out of mine hand & the hands of my fathers: even so much less shall your God keep you out of mine hand. And yet more did his servants speak against the Lord God and against his servant Ezechias. Furthermore he written a letter to rail on the Lord God of Israel and spoke therein saying: as the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people cut of mine hand, no more shall the God of Ezechias deliver his people out of mine hand. And they cried with a loud voice in the jews speech unto the people of jerusalem, that were on the walls, to feat them and to dismay them, that they might have taken the city. And they spoke against the God of jerusalem, as against the gods of the nations of the earth, which are the works of the hands of men. But Ezechias the king and the Prophet Isai son of Amoz prayed concerning that thing and cried up to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel and destroyed all the men of war and the Lords and Captains of the host of the king of Assur, that he turned his face with shame toward his own land. And when he was come into the house of his God, he was there overthrown with the sword even by them that issued out of his bowels. And so the Lord saved Ezechias and the inhabiters at jerusalem out of the hands of Sennacherib king of Assur and of all other, and mayntened them on all sides, In so much that many brought presents unto the Lord to jerusalem and precious gifts to Ezechias king of juda: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thence forth. 〈…〉 In those days Ezechias was sick unto the death and besought the Lord: which answered him and showed him a wonderful miracle: But Ezechias did not according to the courtesy showed him, for his heart arose: & therefore came there wrath upon him and upon juda and jerusalem. Notwithstanding Ezechias mekened himself for the arising of his here both he and the inhabiters of jerusalem. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord fell not upon them in the days of Ezechias. And Ezechias had exceeding much richesse and honour. And he gathered him treasure of silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all manner pleasant jewels: and made store houses for the fruits of corn, wy●● and oil: and stables for all manner beasts, & folds for sheep. And made him towns because he had cattle of sheep & oxen great abundance For God had given him substance exceeding moche. And the said Ezechias stopped the upper watersprynges of Ethon & brought them down to the West side of the city of David And Ezechias prospered in all his works. But when the Ambassadors of the lords of Babylon were sent to him, to inquire of the won●re that chanced in the land. God left him: to tempt him that all that was in his heart might be known. The rest of the deeds of Ezechias and his goodness are written in the vision of Isai the Prophet the son of Amoz in the book of the kings of juda and Israel. And then Ezechias laid him to rest with his fathers, and they buried him in the highest sepulchre of the sons of David: and juda and the inhabitants of jerusalem bid him worship at his death. And Manasses his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Manasses is taken prisoner/ and after destroyeth the Idols. He dieth after him succeadeth Amon. Amon was killed of his own people, and josiah his son reigneth for him. CAP. XXXIII. MAnasses was twelve year old when he was made king, 〈…〉 and reigned .lv. year in jerusalem. And he did wickedly in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the Panyms which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. For he went and built again the hylaulters which Ezechias his father had broken down. And he rered up altars unto Baal's, and made groves, & bowed himself unto all the host of heaven and served them. And he built altars in the house of the Lord: Of which the Lord had said 〈…〉 in jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he made altars unto all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord And he burned his children in fire in the valley of the sons of Hennon. And he observed dismal days and occupied witchcraft and sorsery, and mayntened workers with spirits & fears of fortunes: and wrought moche evil in the sight of the Lord, to anger him with. And he put the ke●ued Image of an Idol which he had made, in the house of God. Of which house God said to David and to Solomon his son, in this house here in jerusalem which I have choose out of all the tribes, 〈…〉 I will put my name for ever, & no more bring the seat of Israel forth of the land which I have ordained for your fathers, In case they shallbe diligent to do all I have commanded by Moses in all the law ordinauntes and manners. But Manasses made juda & the inhabiters of jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the Heythen which the Lord destroyed before the children of Israel. And when the Lord spoke to Manasses and to his people, they attended not to him. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the Captains of the host of the king of Assur, which took Manasses in an hold and bond him with chains and carried him to Babylon And when he was in tribulation he be sought the Lord his God, and humbled ●im self exceedingly before the God of his fathers, and made intercession to him: and he was entreated of him and heard his prayer and brought him again to jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasses knew how that the Lord was the very God. After that, he built a wall without the city of David on the west side of Gihen in the broken and so forth to s●●hgate and round about Ophel and brought it up of a very great height, and put Captains of war in all the strong cities of juda. And he took away strange gods and the Idol out of the house of God, and all the aultares that he had built in the mount of the house of God and in jerusalem, and cast th●m ●●te of the city. And he made an altar unto the Lord and sacrificed thereon peaxoffringes and thank offerings, and charged juda to serve the Lord God of Israel. Nevertheless the people bid offer still in the hyllaultares, how be it unto the Lord their God only. The rest of the acts of Manasses and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the fears of vysions that spoke to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, are written among the deeds of the kings of Israel. And his prayer and how that he was herd, and all his sin and trespass, and the places where he made hyllaulters and set up groves & kerued Images before he was mekened, are written among the deeds of the sears of visions. And when Manasses was laid to rest with his fathers, they buried him in his own house and Amon Amon. his son reigned in his room. Amon was xxij years old, when he began to reign, and reigned two year in jerusalem. And he did that displeased the Lord like unto Manasses his father, for Amon sacrificed to all the kerued Images which Manasses his father made, and served them, and me●ened not himself before the Lord, as Manasses his father had mekened himself: But Amon trespassed greatly. Wherefore his own servants conspired against him and slay him in his own house. And the people of the land slay all that had conspired against king Amon. And thereto the people of the land made josias his son king in his room. ¶ josias destroyeth the Idols and restoreth the temple in which is found the book of the law. He sendeth to Holdah the prophetess for couns●ll. CAP. XXXIIII. IOsias was made king when he was eight year old, josias four Re. xxi a. and he reigned in jerusalem xxxj years. And he did that pleased the Lord, & walked in the ways of David his father bowing neither to the right-hand ne to the left. In so much that the eight year of his reign, when he was yet a lad, he began to seek after the God of David his father. And in the. x●●. year he began to purge juda and jerusalem of hyllaulters, groves, kerued Images, & Images of metal: so that they broke down the altars of Baal's even in his presence, and the Idols that were upon them, he called to be destroyed. And the groves, ☜ kerued Images, & Images of metal he broke and made dust of them, and strawed it upon the gr●ues of them that had offered to them. And he burned the bones of the priests upon the altars. ●nd cleansed juda and jerusalem. And even so did he in the cities of Manasses, Ephraim, Simeon and of Nephthali. And in the wyldernesses of them roundeabout he plucked a sondre the aultares and the groves and did beat them and stamp them to powder, and be down the idols throughout all the land of Israel: and then returned to jerusalem. In the xviij year of his reign when he had purged the land and the temple, he sent Saphan the son of Azalia, and Maasiah the governor of the city, and joah the son of joachaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. And when they came to Helkiah the high preaste, men delivered them the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the enteryes had gathered of the hands of Manasses and Ephraim and of all that yet remained in Israel and of all juda and BenIamin and of the enhabiters of jerusalem. And they put it in the hands of the worckmen that had the oversight of the house of the Lord, which gave it to the labourers that wrought on the house of the Lord, to repair and mend it, and to masons and carpenters to buy hewed stone and timber, for to make couples & beams for the houses which the kings of juda had destroyed: And the men wrought in the work faithfully. And the overseers of them to courage them were jahath and Obadiah Levites of the children of Merari: and Secharia and Mesulam of the children of the Cahathites, and as many other of the Levites as could skill of instruments of Music. And over the bearers of burdens and over all that wrought, in what so ever workmanship it were, were there scribes, officers and porters of the Levites. The book of the law is found. And as they brought out the money that was brought into the house, Helkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. And Helkiah answered and said to Saphan the scribe: I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord, & gave the book to Saphan. And Saphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word again, saying: all that was committed to thy servants, that do they. And they have powered out the money that was found in the house of the Lord and have delivered into the hands of the overseers of the workmen. And then Saphan the scribe showed the king, saying: Helkias the priest hath given me a book, and he read it before the king. ☞ And when the king had herd the words of the law, he tare his clotheses, and commanded Helkiah and Ahikam the son of Saphan and Abadon the son of Micah and the said Saphan the scribe and Asaia a servant of the kings, saying: go and inquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israel and juda, concerning the words of the book that is found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is f●llen upon us, b●cause our fathers kept not the word of the Lord, ☞ to do after all that is wri ten in this book. And Helkias with them t●at pertained to the king went to Holdah a prophetess wife of S●luin the son of Thekohath the son of Halarah keeper of the war drop (which prophecisse dwelled in jerusalem in the second ward) and they communed so with her. And she said unto them: thus saith the Lord God of Israel, tell you the man that sent you to me: even thus saith the Lord: lo, I will bring evil upon this place and upon the enhabiters thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of juda, because they have forsaken me and have offered unto other Gods to anger me with all manner works of their hands, therefore is my wrath set on fire against this place and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of juda which sent you to inquire of the Lord, so shall you say unto him: thus saith the Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast herd. Because thine heart did melt and thou didst meek thyself before God, ☜ when thou herdest his words against this place and against the enhabiters thereof: and humbledst thyself before me, and carest thy clotheses and wepest before me, that have I herd also saith the Lord Behold I will take the to thy fathers & thou shalt be put in thy grave in peax, & thine eyes shall not see all the mischief that I will bring upon this place and upon the inhabiters of the same. 〈…〉 And they brought the king word again. Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of juda and jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of juda and the inhabiters of jerusalem and the priests and Levites and all the people great and small: and read all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the Lord. And the king stood at his standing and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord and to keep his commaundmentes, his witnesses and his statutes which all his heart and with all his soul and to fulfil the words of the appointment written in the said book. And he made to come forth all that were found in jerusalem and BenIamin, and the inhabiters of jerusalem promised to keep the covenant of the God which was the God of their fathers. And josias put away all manner abominations out of all lands that pertained to the children of Israel, and brought all that were found in Israel to serve the Lord their God. And they turned not a side from the Lord God of their fathers as long as he lived. ¶ josias holdeth passover. He fighteth against the king of egypt/ and dieth. The people bewail him. CAPI. XXXV. ANd josias held the feast of passover unto the Lord in jerusalem, 〈…〉 and they slew passover in the xiiij day of the first month. And he set the priests in their offices and aided them in the service of the house of the Lord. And he said to the Levites that taught thorough out all Israel and were sanctified unto the Lord: put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build, you need not to bear it upon your shoulders. Wherefore now serve the Lord your God and his people Israel. And prepare yourselves by your ancient households and companies, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and the writing of Solomon his son. And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the ancient households of your brethren the children of the people, and after the division of the ancient households of the Levites, & kill passouer, sanctify and prepare your brethren that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. And josias gave to the common people in lambs and kyddes, for pass over offerings only, unto all that were present thirty thousand by tale, and three thousand oxen, even of the kings substance. And his Lords gave willingly both unto the people and unto the priests and unto the Levites. Helkias, Zacharias & jehiel rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for pass over offerings two thousand and two hundred lambs and kyddes, and three hundred oxen. And Conania with Semeia and Nathaneel his brethren, and Hasabiah and jaiel and josabad, Lords of the Levites, gave unto the Levites, five thousand pass over offerings, & five hundred oxen. And so the service went forward: and the priests stood in their places, and the Levites in their companies at the kings commandment. And they offered passover: and the priests sprynkled the blood receayving it of the Levites, and the Levites strypte the beasts, And they fet away the burnt-offerings, to give them unto the comen people as they were divided by ancient houses, for to offer unto the Lord, as is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen to. And they dressed the passover with fire as the manner was. But the other hallowed dedicat beasts they so in pots, caulderns and pans and deled them quickly among all the common people. And afterward they made ready for themselves and for the priests and for the children of Aaron, which were busied in offering burnt-offerings and the fat until night. And therefore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests the sons of Aaron. And the singers the children of Asaph stood in their standing according to the commandment of David and Asaph, Heman & Iduthun the kings sear of visions: and the porters waited at every gate, and might not depart from their service: But their brethren the Levites prepared for them. And so all the service of the Lord went forward the said day, in offering passouer of burntofferinges upon the aultare of the Lord, according to the commandment of king josias. And so the children of Israel that could be found/ offered passover the same time and kept the feast of sweet bre● vij days. And there was no passouer like to that kept in Israel from the time of Samuel the Prophet: neither did any of the kings of Israel bold such a passouer feast as did josias and the priests & Levites and all juda, and asmuch of Israel as could be had, and the inhabiters of jerusalem. And this passover was held in the xviij. year of the reign of josias. After all this, iiii. Re. xxiii f when josias had finished the temple, Necho king of egypt came up to fight against Carcamis upon Euphrates, and josias went out against him. And the other sent messengers to him, saying: what have I to do with the thou king of juda? I came not against the now at this time, but against an house with whom I have war, & God bade me haste. Leave therefore and meddle not with God which is with me, lest he destroy the. Nevertheless josias turned not his face from him, but made him ready to fight with him, & herkened not unto the words of Necho out of the mouth of God. And when he was come to fight in the valley of Magedo, the shoters shot against the king josias. And the king said to his servants: carry me away, for I am sore hurt. And his servants had him out of that chariot & put him in an other, and brought him to jerusalem where he died and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers. And all juda and jerusalem mourned for josias. And jeremy lamented josias, and all singing men and singing women speak of josias to this day, zacha xii d and made it an ordinance in Israel: and they be written in lamentations. The rest of the acts of josias & his goodness in following the writing of the law, & his deeds first and last are written in the book of the kings of Israel and juda. ¶ After josias reigned joachaz, joakim, joacin, Sedekias, in whose time all the people were carried away to Babylon and were brought again the lxx. year after, by king Cyrus. CAP. XXXVI. ANd the people of the land took joachaz the son of josias & made him king after his father in jerusalem. joachaz four Re xxiii. f And joachaz was xxiij year old when he began to reign, & reigned three months in Jerusalem. For the king of Egypt put him down at jerusalem & ransomed the land in an hundred talentes of silver & a talon of gold. And the king of egypt made Eliakim Eliakim. his brother king upon juda & jerusalem, & turned his name unto joakim, but joachaz his brother Necho took & carried him to egypt. joakim was xxv year old when he began to reign, & reigned xj year in Jerusalem: & he did the displeased the Lord his God. Against him came Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon & bound him in fellers to carry him to Babylon. Moreover the king Nabuchodonozor carried of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon & put them in his temple at Babylon. The rest of the acts of joakim & his abominations, & that was laid to his charge, are written in the book of the kings of Israel: & joacin joacin. his son reigned in his stead. joacin was eight year old when he began to reign, and reigned three months and ten days in jerusalem/ and did the displeased the Lord. And when the year was out, king Nabuchodonozor sent and fet him to Babylon with the goodly vessels of the house of the Lord, and made Sedekias his brother king over juda and jerusalem. And Sedekias was xxj year old when he began to reign, and reigned a xj year in jerusalem. And he did that displeased the Lord his God, and humbled not himself before jeremy the Prophet at the mouth of the Lord And thereto he rebelled against Nabuchodonozor which had received an oath of him by god and was to stiffnecked and to hard hearted to turn unto the Lord God of Israel. Furthermore all the rulers of the priests with the people trespassed a pace after all manner of abominations of the Panyms & polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, sending them by times: for he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God and d●spysed their words and misused his Prophets, until the wrath of the Lord so arose against his people that it was passed remedy. And so he brought upon them the king of Caldey & slay their young men with the sword in their holy temple, and neither spared young man nor maiden, neither old man, neither so moche as him that stowped for age: But gave all into his hand. And all the vessels of the house of God both great and small, and the trea●ures of the house of God, and the treasures of the king & his Lords he carried to Babylon every whit. And they burned the house of God and broke down the walls of jerusalem, and burned all the palaces thereof with fire, with all the goodly stuff thereof, and marred it. And he carried away them that had escaped the sword, to Babylon, where they were servants to him and his children, until the kingdom of Persia began to rule, to fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of jeremy, until the land had her pleasure of her Sabbothes: for as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath until she had fulfilled lxx years. 〈…〉 And the first year of Cyrus' king of Persia to finish the word of the Lord by the mouth of jeremy, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus' king of Persia that he made a Proclamation thorough out all his kingdom, and set it up in writing, saying: Thus saith Cyrus' king of Persia, ☜ all the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven hath given me, which hath charged me to build him an house in jerusalem that is in the land of juda. Wherefore who so ever is among you of all his people, the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. ¶ The end of the second book of the Chronycles of the kings of juda. THE first BOOK OF ESDRAS THE PROPHET. ¶ Cyrus sendeth again the people that was in captivity, and restored them their holy vessels: And commandeth them to build again the temple. CAPI. I IN the first year of Cyrus' king of Persia (that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of jeremy might be fulfilled) the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus' king of Persia, that he caused it be proclaimed thorough out all his empire, yea and by writing also, saying: Thus saith Cyrus the king of Persia: The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms in the land and hath commanded me to build him an house at jerusalem in juda. 〈◊〉 xliiii. d Who so ever now among you is of his people, the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up to jerusalem in juda, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel. He is the God that is at jerusalem. And who so ever remaineth yet in any manner of place (where he is a stranger) let the men of his place, help him with silver and gold, with good and cattle, beside that which they willingly offer, for the house of God at jerusalem. Then got up the principal fathers of juda and BenIamin, and the priests and Levites, and all they whose spirit God had raised to go up, and to build the house of the Lord at jerusalem. And all they that were about them, strengthened their hand with vessels of silver and gold, with good and cattles and jewels, beside that which they gave of their free-will. And king Cyrus brought forth of the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nabuchodonozor had taken our of jerusalem, and put in the house of his God. But Cyrus the king of Persia brought them forth by Mithridates the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sesbazar the prince of juda. And this is the numbered of them: thirty basins of gold and a thousand basins of silver, and nine and twenty knives, thirty cups of gold, and of other silver cups four hundred and ten. and of other vessels a thousand. So that all the vessels both of gold and silver, were five thousand and four hundred. Sesbazar brought them all up, with them that came up out of the captivity of Babylon unto jerusalem. ¶ The number of them that returned from captivity. CAPI. II THese are the children of the land that went up out of the captivity (whom Nabuchodonozor the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon) and came again unto jerusalem and in to juda, every one unto his city, and came with Zorobabel jesua, Nehemiah, Saraiah, Raelaiah, Mardochai, Belsan, Mesphar, Begavat, Rehum, and Baanah. This is now the numbered of the men of the people of Israel: The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred, and lxxij The children of Saphatiah three hundred and two and seventy: the children of Arath; seven hundred and lxxu The children of Pahath Moab among the children of jesua joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve: the children of Elam, a thousand, two hundred and four and f●fty: the children of Zethua, nine hundred, and five and forty: the children of Sacai, seven hundred and three score: the children of Bani, six hundred and xlij The children of Bebai, six hundred and xxiij The children of Asgad, a thousand two hundred and xxij The children of Adonicam, six hundred, and lxvi The children of Beguai, two thousand and luj The children of Adin, four hundred and liiij The children of Ater of Ezechias, eight and ninety: the children of Bezai, three hundred and three and twenty: The children of jorath, an hundred and twelve: the children of Hasum, two hundred and three and twenty: The children of Gebar, five and ninety: the children of Bethlehem, an hundred and three and twenty: the men of Netopha six and thirty: the men of Anathoch, an hundred and eight and twenty: the children of Asmaveth, two and forty: the children of Kariath jarim, Cephirah and Beeroth seven hundred and three and forty: the children of Ramah and Gabaah six hundred and xxj The men of Machmas, an hundred and two and twenty: the men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred and three and twenty: the children of Nebo, two and fifty: the children of Magbis, an hundred and six and fifty: the children of the other Elam a thousand, two hundred and four and thirty: the children of Harim, three hundred and twenty: the children of Lodhadid and Ono, seven hundred & five and twenty: The children of jericho, three hundred and five and forty: the children of Senaah, three thousand, six hundred, and thirty. The priests. The children of jedaiah of the house of jesua, nine hundred and three & seventy: the children of Emer, a thousand & two and fifty: The children of Phashur, a thousand and two hundred, & seven & forty: The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. The Levites. The children of jesua and Cadmiel of the children of Hodaviah, four and seventy. The singers, The children of Asaph, an hundred, and eight and twenty. The children of the dorekepers. The children of Selum, the children of Ater, The children of Talmon, the children of Akub, the children of Hatita, and the children of Sobai: all together an hundred and nine and thirty. The Nethinims, the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, The children of Tababaoth, the children of Cetos, the children of Sieha, the children of Phadon, the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Acub, the children of Hagab, the children of Samlai, the children of Hanan, the children of Gadel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, the children of Razin, the children of Necuba, the children of Gasan, the children of Vsa, the children of Phasseah, the children of Bessai, the children of Asena, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephussim, the children of Bacbuc, the children of Hacupha, the children of Harhur, the children Bezeluth, the children of Mahira, the children of Harsa, the children of Barcom, the children of Sisara, the children of Thamah, the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. The children of Salomons servants, the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth the children of Pharuda, the children of jaalah, the children of Darcon, the children of Gebeli, the children of Saphatiah, the children of Ha●till, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami. All the Nechinims and the children of Salomons servants were all together, three hundred and ninety and two. And these went up also, Thelmelah, Thel, Harsa, Cherub, Addon & Emer. But they could not show their father's house nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. The children of Dalaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Necoda, six hundred and two and fifty. And of the children of the priests. The children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakoz, the children of Berzilai, which took one of the daughters of Berzilai the Galaadice to wife, and was counted among the same names: these sought the register of their birth, & found none, therefore were they put from the preasthode. And Hathirsatha said unto them, that they should not rare of the most holy, till there rose up a priest with the Exod. xxviii c light and perfectness. The hole congregation as one man, was two and forty thousand, three hundred and three score: beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred singing men and women, seven hundred and six and thirty horses, two hundred and five and forty Mules, four hundred and five and thirty Camels, and vi thousand, seven hundred and twenty Ass●s. And certain of the chief fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord at jerusalem, they offered willingly unto the house of God, that it should be see in his place, and gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work three score and one thousand drams, and five thousand pound of silver, and an hundred priests garments. So the priests and the Levites, and certain of the people, and the syngers, and the porters, and the Nethinims dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities. ¶ After the foundation of the temple once renewed, they sacrifyse unto the Lord. CAP. III WHen the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were now in their cities, 〈…〉 the people cloustred together as one man, unto jerusalem. And jesua the son of josedec arose and his brethren the priests, & Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burntofferinges thereon, as is written in the law of Moses the man of God and the altar they did set upon his sockettes (for there was a fearfulness among them because of the nations and lands) and offered burntofferinges thereon unto the Lord in the morning and at even. 〈…〉 And held the feast of Tabernacles (as is written) and offered burned sacrifices daily in order, according to the custom, day by day. afterward the daily burnt-offerings also, and of the new Moans & of all the feast days of the Lord that were hallowed, and all manner of free-will offerings, which they did of their own motion unto the Lord. Upon the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burned sacrifices unto the Lord. But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid. Nevertheless they gave money unto the masons and carpenters, and meat and drink and oil unto them of Zidon and of Tire, to bring them Ce●re timber from Libanus by see unto * 〈…〉 joppa, according to the commandment of Cyrus' king of Persia. In the s●conde year of their coming unto the house of God at jerusalem and the second month, 〈…〉 began Zorobabel son of Salachiel, and jesua son of josedec, and the rest of their brethren the priests and Levites and all that were come out of captivity unto jerusalem, and appointed the Levites from twenty year old and above, to oversee the works of the house of the Lord. And jesua stood with his sons and brethren, and Cadmiel with his sons, and the children of juda, to further the workmen of the house of God, namely the children of Henadad, with their children, and their brethren the Levites. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their array, with trumpets. And the Levites the children of Asaph with Cymbales, to praise the Lord 〈…〉 after the manner of David king of Israel. And they sang together, giving praises and thanks unto the Lord, that he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever upon Israel. And all the people shouted loud in praising the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. Many also of the old Preastes and Levites and ancient fathers, which had seen the first house: when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice. And many shouted with joy, so that the noise gave a great sound, in so much that the people could not perceive the joyful sound for the noise of the weeping among the people: for the people shouted with a loud cry, so that the noise was herd far of. ¶ The building of the temple is hindered. CAPI. FOUR But when the adversaries of juda and BenIamin heard, that the children of captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel, 〈…〉 they came to Zorobabel and to the principal fathers, and said to them: We will build with you: for we seek the Lord your God as you do. And we have done sacrifice unto him, sithence that Asor Hadon king of Assur brought us up hither. But Zorababel and jesua and the other ancient fathers of Israel answered them: It belongeth not to you, but to us to build the house unto our God: for we ourselves will build alone unto the Lord our God of Israel, as Cyrus' king of Persia hath commanded us. 〈◊〉 i a Then the folk of the land hindered the people of juda, & made them afraid to build and hired counselours against them and hindered their devise, as long as Cyrus' king of Persia lived, till the reign of Darius' king of Persia. And when Asuerus was made king, in the beginning of his reign they written unto him a complaint against them of juda and jerusalem. Also in the time of Artaxerxes, written Bisellam, Mithridates, Tabeel, and the other of their conspiracy unto Artaxerxes king of Persia. But the scripture of the letter, was written in the Syrians speech, and was read in the language of the Syrians. Rehum the chancellor, and Samsai the scribe, written also an Epistle from jerusalem, to Artaxerxes the king, of this tenor. We Rehum the chancellor, and Samsai the scribe, 〈…〉 and other of the counsel of Dina, of Arphasath, of Tarplat, of Persia, of Arach of Babylon, of Susan, of Deha, and of Elan, and other of the people, whom the great and noble Asenaphar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and other on this side the water, and in Ceneeths. (This is the sum of the letter that they sent unto king Artaxerxes). Thy servants the men on this side the water and in Cenceth to king Artaxerxes greetings. Be it known unto the king, that the jews are come up from the to us unto jerusalem a city seditious and froward, and build the same, and lay the foundation of the walls thereof, and repair them. Know now therefore, O king, that if this city be builded and the walls made up again, they shall not give tribute, tolle, ne yearly custom and so even unto the kings shall this hurt redound. But now sith we all are thereby, which destroyed the temple, we will no longer see the kings dishonour. Therefore we have sent out, and caused the king to be certified thereof: that search may be made in the Chronycles of thy progenitors, and so shalt thou find in the same Chronycles, and perceive, that this city is seditious and noisome unto kings and lands, and that they cause others also to rebel of old, and for the same cause was this city destroyed. Therefore we certify the king, that if this city be builded, & the walls thereof made up, thou shalt keep nothing on this side the water by reason of it. Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum Chancellor, and Samsai the Scribe, & to the other of their counsel that dwelled in Samaria, and unto the other beyond the water. Peax and salutation. The kings answer. The letters which you sent us, have been openly read before me, and I have commanded to make search: and it is found, that this city of old hath made insurrection against kings, and how that sedition and rebellion hath been committed therein. There have been mighty kings also at jerusalem, which have reigned over all that is beyond the water, and tolle, tribute and yearly custom was given them. Do you now after this commandment, forbid the same men, that the city be not builded, till I have given commandment. See now you be not negligent here in, lest the king have harm by means of it. When king Artaxerxes letters were read before Rehum the chancellor and Samsai the Scribe and their counsel, they went up in all haste to jerusalem unto the jews, and forbade them with violence and power. Then ceased the work of the house of God at jerusalem, The work ceaseth and continued so till the second year of Darius' king of Persia. ¶ By the exhortation of Aggeus and Zachary the temple is re-edified. CAP. V. THe Prophets, Aggeus and Zachary the son of Ado, iii Esdr. vi ● prophesied unto the jews that were in juda and jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel. Then got up Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and jesua the son of josedec, and began to build the house of God at jerusalem, and with them the Prophets of God which helped them. At the same time came to them Thathanai the captain on this side the water, and Stharbuzanai, and their fellows, and said thus unto them: Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up the walls thereof? Then told we them the names of the men, that made this building. But upon the Elders of the jews came the eye of their God, so that they could not 'cause them to cease, till the matter was brought afore Darius, and till they had answered by letters thereunto. This is the copy of the letters that Thathanai captain on this side the water, and Stharbuzanai, and their adherentes of Apharsach (which were on this side the water) sent unto king Darius. The words they sent unto him were these: Unto Darius the king All peax. Be it known to the king, that we came into jewri to the house of the great God which is builded with rough stone, and beams are laid in the walls, and the work goeth fast forth, and prospereth in their hands. We asked therefore the elders, and said unto them: Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up the walls thereof? We asked their names also, that we might certify thee, and have written the names of the men that were their rulers. But they answered us these words, and said: We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded many years ago, iij. Reg. uj a ii Para three a. which a great king of Israel builded and set up. And after our fathers had severed the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them over into the hand of Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon the Chaldee, iiij. Re. xxiiij and xxv which overthrew this house, and carried the people away unto Babylon. But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, i Esdra i a. the same king Cyrus commanded to build this house of God, for the vessels of gold and silver in the house of God, which Nabuchodonozor took out of the temple at jerusalem, and brought them into the temple at Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple at Babylon, i Esd● i d. and delivered them unto Sasbazar by name, whom he made captain, and said unto him. Take these vessels, go thy way and bring them unto the temple at jerusalem, & let the house of God be builded in his place. Then came the same Sasbazar and laid the foundation of the house of God at jerusalem. Sithence that time hath it been in building, and as yet is not finished. Now therefore if it like the king, let search be made in the kings treasure house at Babylon, whether it was king Cyrus' commandment, that the house of God at jerusalem should be builded: and send us the kings pleasure in this behalf. ¶ At commandment of Darius, when the temple was builded and dedicate, the children of Israel keep the feast of unleavened bread. CAPI. VI THen commanded king Darius, search to be made in the Library of the kings books, iij. Esdr. vi c which lay at Babylon. So at Egbathanis in a castle that lieth in the land of the Medes, was found a book, and in it was a record written after this manner: In the first year of king Cyrus, commanded king Cyrus to build the house of God at jerusalem, in the place where the sacrifice is made and to say a foundation of three score cubits high, and three score cubytes broad, and three walls of rough stones, and one brickwall of timber, and the expenses should be given of the kings house. And the gold and silver vessels of the house of God (which Nabuchodonozor took out of the temple at jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon) should be restored again, that they may be brought unto the temple at jerusalem to their place into the house of God. Now therefore thou Thathanai captain beyond the water, & Scharbuzanai, ☜ & your fellows which are beyond the water, get you away from them. Let them work in the house of God, that the captain of the jews and their elders may build the house of God in his place. I have commanded also, what shall be done to the Elders of juda for the building of the house of God, that there shall diligently be taken of the kings goods, even of the revenues beyond the water, and given unto the men, and that they be not hindered. That if they have need of calves, lambs, or goats, for burned offering unto the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine and oil, after the custom of the priests at jerusalem be it given them daily that no complaint be made herein. And let them offer sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the kings life, and for his children. This commandment have I given. And what man so ever altereth these words, there shall a beam be taken from his house, and set up, & he shallbe hanged thereon, and his house shall be forfeited for the deed. Yea the God that hath made his name to devil there, destroy all Realms & people, that put to their hand to altar and break down the house of God at jerusalem. I Darius have commanded, that this be diligently done. Then Thathanai, the captain beyond the water, and Stharbuzanai with their fellows (to whom king Darius had sent) did their devour. And the elders of the jews builded, and they prospered thorough the prophesying of Aggeus the prophet and Zachary the son of Ado: and builded, and set up the work, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and after the commandment of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes kings of Persia. And they were in fynisshing the house unto the third day of the month Adar, that was in the sixte year of the reign of king Darius. And the children of Israel, the priests, 〈…〉 the Levites, and the other children of captivity held the dedication of the house of God with joy, and offered at the dedication of the house of God, an hundred calves, two hundred lambs, four hundred goats: and for the sin offering for all Israel twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, and set the priests in their courses, and the Levites in their offices to minister unto God which is at jerusalem, as is written in the book of Moses. And the children of captivity held passover, upon the fourteenth day, 〈…〉 of the first month: for the priests and Levites had purified themselves, so that they were all clean as one man, and offered Passeover for all the children of captivity, and for their brethren the Preestes, and for themselves. And the children of Israel, which were returned out of captivity, and all such as bad severed themselves from the filthiness of the Panymes in the land to seek the Lord God of Israel, ate and held the feast of unleavened breed seven dayed with joy: for the Lord had made them glad, and turned the heart of the king of Assur unto them, so that their hands were strengthened in the work of the house of God, which is the God of Israel. ¶ By commandment of Artaxerxes/ Esdras taketh the children of Israel/ and returns to jerusalem. CAPI. VII. AFter these things in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, there went up from Babylon, Esdras the son of Saraiah, 〈…〉 the son of Asariah, the son of Helkia, the son of Selum, the son of Zadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amariah, the son of Asaria, the son of Maraioth, the son of Zaraiah, the son of Ozi, the son of Boki, the son of Abisua, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar. the son of Aaron the chief Priest. 〈◊〉 xx. ●. This Esdras was a quick scribe in the law of Moses. which the Lord God of Israel did give. And the king gave him all he required, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him. So went up certain of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and of the Levites, of the syngers, of the porters, and of the Nethinims unto jerusalem, in the seventh year of king Artaxerxes. And they came to jerusalem in the fifth month, that is the seventh year of the king. For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon: and on the first day of the fifth month came he to jerusalem according to the good hand of God upon him. For Esdras prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and do teach the precept and judgement in Israel. This is the copy of the letter that king Artaxerxes gave unto Esdras the Priest, the scribe, which was a teacher in the words of the Lord, and of his statutes over Israel. Unto Esdras the priest and scribe in the law of the God of heaven peax and greeting. I have commanded that all they of the people of Israel, and of the priests and Levites in my realm, which are minded to go up to jerusalem, that they go with thee, being sent of the king and of the seven Lords of the counsel, to visit juda and jerusalem, according to the law of God, which is in thy hand: and that thou take with thee, silver and gold, which the king and the Lords of his counsel have given of their good will unto the God of Israel (whose habitation is at jerusalem) and all the silver and gold thou canst find in all the country of Babylon: with that also that the people and Preestes give of their good will unto the house of God at jerusalem. Take thou the same and buy diligently with it, calves, lambs, goats, and sacrifices, and drynckeofferynges, to be offered upon the aultare of the house of your God at jerusalem. And look what it liketh the and thy brethren, to do with the rest of the money, that do after the will of your God. And the vessels that are given the for the ministration in the house of thy God, those deliver thou before God at jerusalem. And what so ever thing more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which is necessary for the to spend, let the same be given out of the kings chamber. I king Artaxerxes have decreed and commanded to all the keepers of our treasure beyond the water, that look who so ever Esdras the Priest and scribe in the law of the God of heaven requireth of you, that you fulfil the same diligently, until an hundred talentes of silver, until an hundred quarters of wheat, and till an hundred Batthes of wine, and till an hundred Batthes of oil, and salt without measure. What so ever belongeth to the rites of the God of heaven, let the same be done with diligence for the house of the God of heaven, that there come no wrath of, upon the kings realm and his children. And known be it unto you, that you shall have no authority to require taxes and custom and yearly rents upon any of the Preestes, Levites, syngers, porters. Nethinims, and ministers in the house of this God. But thou Esdras (after the wisdom of the God that is in thy hand) set thou judges and presidents to judge all the people that is beyond jordan, even all such as know the law of thy God: and them that know it not, those see that you teach. And who so ever will not diligently fulfil the law of thy God, and the kings law, shall have his judgement for the deed, whether it be unto death or to be banished or to be condemned in goods, or to be put in prison. iii Esd. viij c Praised be the Lord God of your fathers, which so hath inspired the kings heart to garnish the house of God at jerusalem & and hath inclined his mercy unto me in the presence of the king and his counsellors, and before all the kings high estates. And I was comforted (according to the hand of the Lord my God over me) and so gathered I the heads of Israel together, that they might go up with me. ¶ The number of them that returned to jerusalem with Esdras. CAP. VIII. THese are the heads of their fathers that were named, two. E●dr eight ● which went by with me from Babylon, what time as king Artaxerxes reigned. Of the children of Phinees, Gersom: Of the children of Ithamar, Daniel: of the children of David, Hatus: of the children of Zecaniah, of the children of Pharos, Zacharye, and with him were numbered an hundred and fifty men: of the children of Pahath, Moab, Elioenai, the son of Zarakiah, and with him two hundred men: of the children of Zechaniah the son of jahasiel, and with him three hundred men: of the children of Adin A-bed, the son of jonathan, & with him fifty men: of the children of Elam Esaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy men: of the children of Saphatia, Zabadiah the son of Michael, and with him lxxx men. Of the children of joab, Obadiah the son of jehiel, and with him two hundred & eighteen men: of the children of Selomith the son of josphiah, and with him an hundred & three men. Of the children of Bebai, Zacharye the son of Bebai, and with him eight & twenty men. Of the children of Asgad, johanan the son of Hakatan, and with him an hundred and ten men. Of the last children of Adonicam, and these were their names: Eliphelet, jehiel and Samaiah, and with them three score men. Of the children of Begui, Vthai and Zabud, and with them seventy men. And I gathered them together by the water that runneth toward Ahava, and there abode we three days. And when I looked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. Then sent I Elieser, Ariel, Semeiah, Elnathan, jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zachary and Mosoilam the rulers/ and joiarib and Elnathan the teachers, and those sent I unto Edo the chiefest at Casphia, that they should fetch us ministers for the house of our God, and I told them what they should say unto Edo, and to his brethren the Nethinims at Casphia. And (according to the good hand of our God upon us) they brought us a wise man from the children of Moholi the son of Levi, the son of Israel, I mean Sarabia with his sons and brethren eighteen. And Hasabia, and with him Isaiah of the children of Merati, with his brethren and their sons, twenty. And of the Nethinims, whom David and the Princes gave to minister unto the Levites, two hundred and twenty, all named by name. A fasting proclaimed. And even there at the water beside Ahava, caused I a fasting to be proclaimed, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and our children, and all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king, soldiers and horsemen, and to help us against the enemy in the way. For we had said unto the king: The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him in goodness, and his violence and wrath upon all them that forsake him. So we fasted, and sought this at our God, and he heard us. Then I took out twelve of the chief priests, Sarabia, and Hasabia, & ten of their brethren with them, and weighed them there the silver and gold, and vessels for the offering unto the house of our God, which the king and the lords of his counsel and princes, and all Israel that were at hand, had given to the offering: and there weighed I them under their hand, six hundred and fifty talentes of silver, and in silver vessel an hundred talentes, and in gold an hundred talentes, twenty cups of gold of a thousand drams, and two costly ornaments of good brass, as clear as gold, and said unto them: You are holy unto the Lord, therefore are the vessels holy also, ☜ and so is the silver and gold that is given of a good will unto the Lord God of your fathers: Watch you therefore and keep it, till you weigh it down before the chief Preestes and Levites, and ancient fathers of Israel at jerusalem in the thesaury of the house of the Lord. Then took the Preestes and Levites the weighed silver and gold and vessel, to bring it to jerusalem unto the house of our God. So we marched forward, from the water of Ahava, on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and delivered us from the hand of the enemy and liars in await by the way. And we came to jerusalem, and abode there three days. But on the fourth day was the silver and gold, and vessel weighed in the house of our God under the hand of Meromoth the son of Vria the Priest, and with him Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with him josabad the son of jesua, and Noadia the son of Benoi the Levites, according to the number and weight of every one. And the weight was all written at the same tyme. And the children of the captivity, which were come out of prison, offered burnt-offerings unto the God of Israel: twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams: seventy and seven lambs, and twelve goats for a sin-offering, all to the burntoffering of the Lord. And thy delivered the kings commission unto the kings officers, and to the captains on this side the water. And they advanced the people, and the house of God. ¶ Esoras complaineth on the people, that had turned themselves from God, and entermaryed with the gentiles. CAPI. IX. WHen all this was performed, the rulers came to me, and said: the people of Israel and the Preestes and Levites are not severed from the nations in the lands as touching their abominations, namely of the Canaanites, hittites, Pheresites, jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. 〈…〉 For they have taken their daughters, and their sons/ and have mixed the holy seed with the nations of the lands: and moreover the hand of the princes and rulers hath been principal in this trespass. * When I heard this. I tare my clotheses and my raiment, and plucte of the here of my heed and of my beard, and sat mourning. Then resorted unto me all such as feared the word of the Lord God of Israel, because of the great transgression. And I sat mourning till the evening sacrifice. And about the evening sacrifice, I rose up fro my heaviness, and rent my clotheses and my raiment, and fallen upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said. My God, I am ashamed, and dare not lift up mine eyes unto the my God: for our wyckednesses are grown over our heed, & our trespasses are waxen great unto the heaven: Sithence the time our fathers, have we been in great trespass unto this day, 〈◊〉 viii. d and because of our wickedness have we and our kings been given up in to the hand of the kings of the nations in to the sword, in to bondage, in to spoil, and in to confusion of face, as it is come to pass this day. But now a little and sudden graciousness is come from the Lord our God, so that some of us are escaped, that he may give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may light our eyes, and give us a little life in our bondage. For we are bondmen, and our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath inclined mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, that he should give us life, & advance the house of our God, and build up the desolate places thereof, and to give us an hedge in juda and jerusalem. And now, O our God: what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, which thou haste commanded by thy servants the Prophets, and said: The land unto which you go to possess, 〈◊〉 vii a is unclean thorough the filthiness of the people of the lands, by their abominations wherewith they have filled it with uncleanness on every side. Therefore you shall not give your daughters to their sons, and their daughters shall you not take unto your sons, and seek not their peax and wealth for ever, that you may be strong and enjoy the good in the land, and that you and your children may have the inheritance of it for evermore. And after all this that is come upon us, because of our evil deeds and great trespass thou our God hast spared our wyckednesses, and hast given us a deliverance as it is come to pass this day. And nevertheless we have turned back, and have let go thy commandments, to make contract with the people of these abominations. wilt thou then be wroth with us, till we be utterly consumed, so that nothing remain, and till there be no deliverance? O Lord God of Israel thou art righteous/ for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day. Behold in thy presence are we in our trespass, for because of it there is no standing before the. ¶ The people repent them/ and put away their strange wives. CAPI. X. While Esdras prayed after this manner, and knowledged, 〈…〉 wept, and lay before the house of God, there resorted unto him out of Israel a very great number of men and women, & children: for the people wept very sore. And Sechanias the son of jehiel one of the children of Elam, answered & said unto Esdras: We have trespassed against the Lord our God, in that we have taken strange wives of all the people of the land. Now there is hope yet in Israel concerning this, therefore let us make a covenant now with our God, to put away all the wives, & such as are born of them, according to the counsel of the Lord, and of them that fear the commandment of our God, that we may do according to the law. Get the up therefore, for the matter belongeth unto the. We will be with thee, be of good comfort and do it. iii Esdr. ix ● Then rose Esdras, and took an oath of the rulers, Preestes and Levites, and of all Israel, that they should do according to this word: and they swore. And Esdras stood up before the house of God, and went in to the chamber of johanan the son of Eliasib. And when he came thither, he ate no breed, nor drank water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been in captivity. And they caused a proclamation be made the ●owe out juda and jerusalem, unto all the children which had been in captivity, that they should resort unto jerusalem: And that who so ever came not within three days, according to the determination of the rulers and elders, all his substance should be forfeit, and he to be put out of the congregation of the captive. Then all the men of juda and BenIamin assembled unto jerusalem in three days, that is on the twenty day of the nyneth month: and all the people sat in the street before the house of God, and trembled because of their sins, and for the rain. And Esdras the priest stood up and said unto them: * Deut. vii a judicum iii ● You have transgressed, in that you have taken strange wives, to make the trespass of Israel yet more: confess now therefore unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure, and sever yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. Then answered all the assemble, and said with a loud voice: Let it be done as thou hast said. But the people are many, and it is a rainy wether, and they can not stand here without, neither is this a work of one day or two, for we are many that have offended in this transgression. Let us appoint our rulers therefore in all the congregation, that all they which have taken strange wives in our cities, may come at the time appointed, and the elders of every city, and their judges with them, till the wrath of our God be turned away from us for this offence. Then were appointed jonathan the son of Asahel, and jahasia, the son of Thekua over this matter: And Mosollam and Sabathat the Levite holp them. And the children of the captivity, did even so. And Esdra the Priest, and the ancient heads thorough the house of their fathers, and all that were now rehearsed by name, severed themselves, and sat them down on the first day of the tenth month to examine this matter. And in the first day of the first month they made an end concerning all the men that had taken strange wives. And among the children of the Preestes there were men found that had taken strange wives, namely among the children of jesua the son of joseder and of his brethren, Maasiah, Eliezer, jarib and Godoliah. And they gave their hands there upon, that they would put away their wives: and for their offering to give a ram for their trespass. Among the children of Emer, Hanani, and Zabadiah. Among the children of Harim, Maasiah, Eltah, Semeiah, jehiel. and Osias. Among the children of Phashur, Elieonai, Maasia, Ishmael, Nathanael, josabed and Elasa. Among the Levites, josabed, Semei and Kelaia, which same is Kalithah, Pathahiah, juda and Eleazar. Among the singers: Eliasib. Among the porters: Selum, Telem and Vri. Of Israel. Among the children of Pharos: Remiah, jesiah, Melchia, Miamin, Eleazar, Melchia, and Banaiah. Among the children of Elam, Mathania, Zacharye, jehiel, Abd●, jerimoth and Elia. Among the children of Zethua, Elioenai, Eliasib, Mathania, jerimoth, Zabad and Aziza. Among the children of Bebai, johanan, Hanania, Zabal and Athalai. Among the children of Beoni: Mosolam Maluch, Adaia, jasub, Saal and jerunoth. Among the children of Pahath Moab, Edna, Calal, Banatah, Maasia, Mathaniah, Bezeleel, Benui, and Manasses. Among the children of Harim, Eliezer, jesiah, Melchiah, Semeiah, Simeon, BenIamin, Malluch and Samarias'. Among the children Hasem, Matha●●s, Mathatha, Zabed, Eliphelet, jeremis, Manasse and Semei. Among the children of Bani, Madai, Amram, Huel, Baneah, Cheluhi, Badaia, Vania, Maremoth, Eliasib, Machania, Mathanat, jaasan, Ba●i, Benui, Sem●ia, Salamia, Nathan, Abaia, Machnadabat, Sasai, Sarai, Asarael, Selemitahu, Samaria, Selum, Amariah, and joseph. Among the children of Nebo, jaiel, Mathathiah, Zabed, Zabina, jedai, joel and Banaiah. All these had taken strange wives. And among the same wives there were some that had born children. ¶ The end of the first book of Esdras. THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAS, otherwise CALLED THE second BOOK OF ESDRAS. ¶ Nehemy butteler to king Artaxerxes, prayeth to God for the people. CAPI. I THese are the acts of Nehemie the son of Hachalia. It fortuned in the month Casleu, in the twenty year, that I was in the castle at Susan: and Hanani one of my brethren came with certain men of juda, and I asked them how the jews did that were delivered and escaped from the captivity, and how it went at jerusalem. And they said unto me: The remnant of the captivity are there in the land in great misfortune and rebuke. 〈…〉 The walls of jerusalem are broken down, and the gates thereof are brent with fire. When I heard these words, I sat me down and wept, and mourned three days, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, and said: O Lord God of heaven, thou great and terrible God, 〈…〉 thou that keepest covenant and mercy for them that love thee, and observe thy commandments: Let thine cares hearken, and thine eyes be open, that thou mayst hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray now before thee, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and knowledge the sins of the children of Israel, which we have committed against the. And I and my father's house have sinned also. We have been corrupt unto thee, in that we have not kept the commandments, statutes and laws, which thou commaundedst thy servant Moses. Yet call to remembrance the word that thou commaundedst thy servant Moses, and saidest: If you transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations. But if you turn unto me, and keep my commandments and do them: though you were cast out unto the uttermost part of heaven, yet will I gather you thence, and bring you even unto the place that I have choose for my name, to dwell there. They are thy servants, and thy people, whom thou haste delivered thorough thy great power, and strong hand. O Lord, let thine ears hearken to the prayer of thy servant, and the prayer of thy servants, whose desire is to fear thy name, and let thy servant prosper this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man: for I was the kings butler. ¶ After Nehemy had obtained lettres of Artar●●●es, he cometh to jerusalem, and builded the walls. CAP. II IN the month of Nisan, in the twenty year of king Artaxerxes, when the wive stood before him, I took up the wine and gave it unto the king, and I was heavy in his presence. Then said the king unto me: why lookest thou so sadly? Thou art not sick, this is not without cause, but there is somewhat not well in thine heart. And I was sore afraid & said unto the king: God save the kings life for ever: should I not look sadly? the city of my father's burial lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire. Then said the king unto me: what is thy request? then made I my prayer to the God of heaven, and said unto the king: if it please the king, and if thy servant be favoured in thy sight: I beseech the send me in to juda, unto the city of my father's burial, that I may build it. And the king said unto me, and also the queen that sat by him: how long shall thy journey continued, & when will't thou come again? And it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a time, and said unto the king: if it please the king, let him give me letters to the captains beyond the water, that they may convey me over, till I come in to juda: and letters unto Asaph keeper of the kings would, that he may give me wood for beams to the gates of the temple, for the towers of the house, for the walls of the city, and for the house that I shall enter in to. And the king gave me according to the good hand of God upon me. And when I came to the captains beyond the water, I delivered them the kings letters. And the king had sent captains and horsemen with me. But when Sanabalat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant of the Ammonites heard this, it grieved them sore, that there was come a man which sought the wealth of the children of Israel. And when I came to jerusalem, and had been there three days, I got me up in the night season, and a few men with me: for I told no man what God had given me in mine heart to do at jerusalem, and there was not one beast with me, save that I road upon. And I road by night unto valley gate before the dragon well, and to the dung gate, & considered the walls of jerusalem that were broken down, and the gates thereof consumed with the fire. And I went over unto the well gate, and to the kings condite, and there was no room for my beast, that it could go under me. Then went I on in the night by the broken side, and considered the brickwall, and turned back and came home again to valley gate. And the rulers knew not wither I went, or what I did, for hither to had I not told the jews and the priests, the counsellors and the rulers, & the other that laboured in the work. And I said unto them: you see the misery that we are in, how jerusalem lieth waste, & how the gates thereof are brent with fire, come let us build up the walls of jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. And I told them of the good hand of my God, which was upon me: and the kings words that he had spoken unto me. And they said: then let us arise & build: and their hands were strengthened to good. But when Sanabalat the Horonite, and Tobias the servant of the Ammonites, and Gesem the Arabian heard this, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us and said: what is this that you do? Will you fall away again from the king? Then answered I them, and said: the God of heaven it is that causeth us to prosper: and we be his servants Let us arise and build. As for you, ☞ you have no portion nor right nor remembrance in jerusalem. ¶ The number of them that builded the walls. CAPI. III ANd Eliasib the high priest got him up with his brethren the priests, and builded the shepegate. They repaired it, & set up the doors of it: even unto the tower Meah repaired they it, namely unto the jere xxxi g Zacha xiiii c tower of Hananeel. next unto him builded the men of jericho. And beside him builded Sachur the son of Am●●. But the fyshgate did the children of Asanah build, they covered it, and set on the doors locks and bars of it. next unto him builded Marimoth the son of Vriah the son of Hakoz. next unto him builded Mosolam the son of Barachiah the son of Mesesabeel. Next unto him builded Zadoc the son of Baana. Next unto him builded they of Thekua. But their great men put not their necks to the service of their Lord. The oldegate builded joiada the son of Paseah, and Mosolam the son of Besodiah they covered it, and set on the doors, locks, and bars. next unto them builded Malatiah of Gabaon, and jadon of Merano, men of Gabaon, and of Mazpha for the seat of the captain on this side the water. next unto him builded Vs●el the son of Harhaiah the goldsmith. next unto him builded Hananiah the Apotecarys' son, and they repaired jerusalem unto the broad brickwall. next unto him builded Raphaiah the son of Hurthe ruler of the half quarter of Jerusalem. Next unto him builded jedaiah the son of Haremaph over against his house. Next unto him builded Hatus the son of Hasaboniah. But Melchia the son of Harim, and Hasub the son of Pahath Moab builded the other piece, and the tower beside the furnace. next unto him builded Selum the son of Halohes the ruler of the half quarter of jerusalem, and his daughters. The valley gate builded Hanun, and the citizens of Zanoah. They builded it, and set on the doors, locks and bars, and a thousand cubits on the wall, unto dung gate. But dongegate builded Melchiah the son of Rechab the ruler of the fourth part of the vineyards: he builded it, and set on the doors, locks and harres thereof. But the wellgate builded Selum the son of Cholhasab, the ruler of the fourth part of Masphah. He builded it, and covered it, and set on the doors, lo●kes, and bars, and the brickwall unto the pole of Siloah by the kings garden, unto sleppes the go down from the city of David. After him builded Nehemias the son of Asbok, the ruler of the half quarter of Bethzu●, until the other side over against the sepulchres of David, and the pole Asuia, and unto the house of the mighty. After him builded the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him builded Hasabiah the ruler of the half quarter of Keilah in his quarter. After him builded their brethren, Bavai the son of Hanadad, the ruler of the half quarter of Keilah. After him builded Ezer the son of josua the ruler of Masphah, the other piece hard over against the harness corner. After him builded Baruch the son of Zabai the other piece worshypfully & costly, from the corner unto the door of the house of Eliasib the high priest. After him builded Marimuth the son of Vriah the son of Hacoes the other piece, from the door of the house of Eliasib, even as long as the house of Eliasib extended. After him builded the priests, the men of the country. After him builded BenIamin and Hasub out against their house. After them Asariah the son of Maasiah the son of Ananiah next unto his house. After him builded Benut the son of Henadad, the other peace from the house of Asariah, unto the turning, and unto the corner. After him builded Phalel the son of Vsai over against the corner and the high tower, which lieth out over from the kings house, beside the court of the prison. After him Phadaiah the son of Pharos (as for the Nethinims they dwelt in Ophel, unto the water gate, toward the East where the tower lieth out.) After him builded they of Thekua the other piece over against the great tower that lieth outward, and unto the brickwall of 〈…〉 Ophel. But from horse gate forth builded the priests, every one over against his house. After them builded Zadok the son of Emer over against his house. After him builded Semeiah the son of Sechaniah keeper of Eastgate. After him builded Hananiah son of Selemiah, & Hanun son of Zalaph the sixt, the other piece. After him builded Mosolam the son of Barachiah over against his tresaurie. After him builded Melchiah the goldsmiths son, until the house of the Nethinims, and of the merchants over against the counsel gate, & to the parlour in the corner. And between the parlour of the corner unto sheep gate builded the goldsmiths and the merchants. ¶ The building of jerusalem is hindered and let, but the jews build it being ready harneysed: jest their enemies should invade them. CAPI. FOUR WHen Sanabalat heard that we builded the brickwall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the jews, and said before his brethren and the host of Samaria what do the weak jews? shall they he thus suffered? shall they offer? shall they perform it in one day? shall they make the stones hole again that are brought to dust and brent? And Tobias the Ammonite beside him said: let them build on, if a fox go up he shall break down their stony brickwall. Hear O thou our God how we are despised, turn their shame upon their own heed, that thou mayst give them over in to despising in the land of their captivity. Cover not their wickedness, and put not out their sin from thy presence: for they have provoked the builders. Yet builded we the wall, and joined it hole together unto the half heygthe. And the people were well minded to labour. But when Sanabalat and Tobias, and the Arabians, and Ammonites, and Asdodites heard that the walls of jerusalem were made up, and that they had begun to stop up the gaps, they were very wroth, and conspired all together to come and fight against jerusalem, and to make an hindrance therein. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God and set watchmen upon the wall day and night over against them. And juda said: the strength of the bearers is to feeble, and there is to much dust, we are not able to build up the brickwall. And our adversaries thought: they shall not know neither see, till we come in the mids among them, and slay them, and hinder the work. But when the jews the dwelt beside them came out of all the places where they dwelt about us, and told us as good as ten times/ then set I the people after their kynredes with their swords, ☜ spears and bows beneath in the low places behind the brickwall, and looked, and got me up, and said unto the chief men and rulers, and to the other people: be not you afraid of them, 〈◊〉 i b. 〈◊〉 think upon the great Lord, which ought to be feared, and fight for your brethren, sons, daughters, wives, and houses. Nevertheless when our enemies heard that we had gotten word of it, God brought their counsel to naught, and we turned all again to the brickwall every one unto his labour. And from that time forth it came to pass, that the half part of the young men did the labour, and the other half part held the spears, shyldes, bows, and breastplates: and the rulers stood behind all the house of juda, which builded on the wall, and bore burdens from those that jaded them. With one hand did they the work, ☞ and with the other held they their weapon. And every one that builded, had his sword gird by his side, and so builded they/ and the trompetters stood beside me. And I said unto the principal men and rulers, and to the other people: the work is great and large, and we are divided upon the wall one far from an other. Look in what place now you hear the noise of the trumpet, resort you thither unto us. 〈…〉 Our God shall fight for us, and we will be labouring in the work. And the half part of them held the spears from the morning spring, till the stertes came forth. And at the same time said I unto the people: every one abide with his servant at jerusalem, that in the night season, we may give attendance to the watch, and to labour on the day tyme. Surely I and my brethren and my servants, and the men of the watch behind me, we put never of our clotheses, so much as to wash ourselves. ¶ The people are vexed with hunger. Nehemias forbiddeth usury. He requireth not the living of a captain. CAPI. V ANd there arose a great complaint of the people and of their wives against their brethren the jews. And there were some that said: our sons and our daughters are to many, let us take corn for them and eat, that we may live. Some said: let us set our lands, vineyards and houses to pledge, and take up corn in the dearth. But some said: let us borrow money of the kings tribute for our lands and vineyards. Now are our brethren's bodies as our own bodies, and their children as our children: else should we subdue our sons and daughters unto bondage, and some of our daughters are subdued already, and no strength is there in our hands, and other men shall have our lands and vineyards. But when I heard their complaint and such words, it displeased me sore, and I revolved so in my mind, that I rebuked the heads & rulers, and said unto them: duty xxiii g will you require usury one of an other? ☜ And I brought a great congregation against them, usury. and said unto them: we (after our ability) have bought our brethren the jews, which were sold unto the Panimes. And will you cell your brethren, whom you have bought unto us? Then held they their peace, and could find nothing to answer. And I said: It is not good that you do. ☜ Ought you not to walk in the fear of God, because of the rebuke of the Heythen our enemies? I and my brethren, and my servants have lent them money and corn: but as for usury, let us leave it. Therefore this same day, see you restore them their lands again, their vineyards, oil gardens, and houses, yea, the hundred part of the money, of the corn, wine, and oil, that you have won of them. Then said they: we will restore them again, and will equyre nothing of them, and will do as thou hast spoken. And I called the priests, & took an oath of them, that they should do so. And I shaken my lap and said: God shake out every man after the same manner from his house and labour, that maintaineth not this word: even thus be he shaken out, and void. And all the congregation said, Amen: and praised the Lord. And the people did so. And from the time that it was committed unto me to be a capitain in the land of juda, namely from the twentieth year unto the two and thi●tyeth year of king Artaxerxes (that is twelve year) I and my brethren did not eat such sustenance as was given to a captain. ☞ For the old captains that were before me, had been chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them breed and wine, and forty sickles of silver: yea and their servants had oppressed the people. But so did not I, and that because of the fear of God. I laboured also in the work upon the wall, and bought no land. And all my servants came thither together unto the work Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the jews and rulers, which came unto me from the Panyms that are about us, and there was prepared me daily an ox, and six choose sheep and birds, and ever ones in ten days a great quantity of wine. Yet required not I the living of a captain, for the bondage was grievous unto the people. two. Esdra vi d and xiii b Think upon me God unto the best, according to all that I have done for this people. ¶ The building is yet again hindered and left. CAPI. VI ANd when Sanabalat, Tobiah, and Gesem the Arabian, and the other of our enemies herd that I had builded the brickwall, and that there were no moo breaks therein (how be it at the same time I had not hanged the doors upon the gates) Sanabalat and Gesem sent unto me, saying: come and let us meet together in the villages upon the plain of the city Ono. Nevertheless they thought to do me evil. Notwithstanding I sent messengers unto them, saying: I have a great business to do, I can not come down. The work should stand still if I were slack and came down to you. How be it they sent unto me as good as four times after the same manner. And I gave the same answer. Then sent Sanabalat his servant unto me the fifth time, with an open letter in his hands, wherein was written: it was told the Heythen, and Gesem hath said it, that thou and the jews think to rebel: for the which cause thou buyldest the wall, and wilt be their king in these matters, and hast ordained the Prophets to preach of the at jerusalem, and to say he is king of juda. Now shall this come to the kings ears: come now therefore, & let us take her counsel together. Nevertheless I sent unto him, saying: there is no such thing done as thou sayest: thou haste feigned it out of thine own heart. For they were all minded to make us afraid, and thought: they shall withdraw their hands from the work, that they shall not labour. How be it I strengthened my hand the more. And I came unto the house of Semeiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, and he had shut himself within, and said: let us come together in to the house of God, even in to the mids of the temple, and shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee, yea even in the night will they come to put the to death. But I said: should any such man as I flee? Who is that being as I am, that will go in to the temple to save his life? I will not go in. For I perceived the God had not sent him: Yet spoke he prophesy upon me, nevertheless Tobias & Sanabalat had hired him for money. Therefore took he the money, that through fear I should so do, and sin: that they might have an evil reaporte of me, to blaspheme me. My God think thou upon Tobias and Sanabalat, according unto these their works, & of the prophet Noadiah, and of the other prophets, that would have put me in fear. And the wall was finysshed on the five and twenty day of the month Elul, in two and fifty days. And when all our enemies heard thereof, all the Heythen that were about us, were afraid and their courage failed them: for they perceived that this work came of God. And at the same time were there many of the chytfe of juda, whose letters went unto Tobias, & from Tobias unto them (for there were many in juda that were sworn unto him: for he was the son in law of Sechaniah, the son of Arah/ and his son johanan had the daughter of Mosolam the son of Barachiah, and they spoke good of him before me and told him my words) and Tobias sent letters, to put me in fear. ¶ After the brickwall once builded the watch is appointed. They that returned from the captivity are numbered. CAPI. VII. WHen we had builded the brickwall I hanged on the doors, and the porters, syngers, & Levites were appointed. And I commanded my brother Hanani and Hananiah the ruler of the palace at jerusalem (for he was a faithful man, and feared God more than did many other,) And I said unto them: let not the gates of jerusalem be opened till the son be hot. And while they are yet standing in the watch the doors shall be shut and barred. And there were certain citizens of jerusalem appointed to be watchmen, every one in his watch, and about his house. And the city, was large of room and great, but the people were few therein, & the houses were not builded. And my God did put in my heart that I gathered together the principal men, and the people to number them, and I found a register of the number of them, which came up afore out of the captivity: and found written therein: i 〈◊〉 these are the sons of the land that went up from the captivity of the carrying away (whom Nabuchodonozor the king of Babylon had brought away) and came again to jerusalem and juda, every one unto his city, which came with Zorobabel: jesua, Nehemias, Asariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mardochee, Belsan, Mesparath, Beguat, Nahum, and Baanah. This is the number of the men of the people of Israel. The children of Pharos were two thousand, an hundred and two and seventy: the children of Saphatiah, three hundred and two and seventy: the children of Arah, six hundred and two and fifty, the children of Pahath Moab, among the children of jesua and joab, two thousand, eight hundred and eighteen: the children of Elam, a thousand, two hundred and four and fifty: the children of Zathua, eight hundred and five and forty, the children of Zachai, seven hundred and three score: the children of Banu, six hundred and eight and forty: the children of Bebai, six hundred and eight and twenty: the children of Asgad, two thousand, three hundred and two and twenty: the children of Adonicam, six hundred and three score and seven: the children of Begoai, two thousand and three score and seven: the children of Adin, six hundred and five and fifty: the children of Ater, of Ezechias, eight and ninety. The children of Hasom, three hundred and eight and twenty: the children of Bezai, three hundred and four and twenty: the children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve: the children of Gabaon, five and ninety: the men of Bethlehem and Nethophah, an hundred four score and eight: the men of Anathoth, an hundred and eight and twenty: the men of Beth Asmoth, two and forty: the men of Kariath jarim, Cephirah and Beeroth, seven hundred and three and forty: the men of Rama and Gaba, six hundred and one and twenty: the men of Machmas, an hundred and two and twenty: the men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred and three and twenty: the men of Nebo, an hundred and two and fifty: the children of the other Elam, a thousand, two hundred and four and fifty: the children of Harim, three hundred and twenty: the children of jericho, three hundred and five and forty: the children of Lodhadid and Ono, seven hundred and one and twenty: the children of Senaah, three thousand, nine hundred and thirty. The priests. The children of jadaiah of the house of jesua, nine hundred seventy and three: the children of Emer, a thousand and two and fifty: the children of Pashur a thousand, two hundred and seven and forty: the children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. The Levites. The children of jesua of Cadmiel among the children of Hoduah four and seventy. The syngers. The children of Asaph, an hundred and eight and forty. The porters: The children of Selum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon/ the children of Acub, the children of Hatita, the children of Sobai, all together an hundred and eight and thirty. The Nethinims. The children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tebahoth, the children of Ceros, the children of Sia, the children of Phadon, the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, the children of Hanan, the children of Gidel, the children of Gaher, the children of Raaia, the children of Razin, the children of Necoda, the children of Gesem, the children of Vsa, the children of Phaseah, the children of Besai, the children of Meunim: the children of Nephusasim, the children of Bachuc, the children of Hacupha, the children of Harhur, the children of Bazlith, the children of Mahida, the children of Harsa, the children of Bercos, the children of Sissera, the children of Thamah, the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. The children of Salomons servants: The children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Pherida, the children of jaala, the children of Darcon, the children of Gidel, the children of Saphatiah, the children of Hatil, the children of Pochereth of Zabaim, the children of Amon. All the Nethiaims & the children of Salomons servants were three hundred, ninety and two. And these went up also of Thel Mela, Thel Harsa, Cherub, Adonis and Emer: but they could not show their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. The children of Dalaiah, the children of Tobia, and the children of Necoda, six hundred and two and forty. And of the Preestes the children of Habaiah: the children of Hacoes, the children of Bersilal, which took one of the daughters of Bersilai the Galaadyte to wife, and was named after their name. These sought the register of their pedigree, & when they found it not, they were put from the priesthood. And Hathirsatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy, till there came up a Priest with the light and perfectness, The hole congregation as one man, was two and forty thousand, three hundred and three score, beside their servants and maids, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred and seven and forty singing men and women, seven hundred and six and thirty horses, two hundred and five and forty mules, four hundred and five and thirty camels: six thousand, seven hundred and twenty asses. And certain of the ancient fathers gave unto the work. Hath it saith a gave to the treasure a thousand drams, fifty basins, five hundred and thirty preestes garments. And some of the chief fathers gave unto the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams, two thousand and two hundred pound of silver. And the other people gave twenty thousand drams, and two thousand pound of silver, and three score and seven priests garments. And the Preestes and Levites, the porters, the syngers, and the other of the people and the Netinims, and all Israel dwelt in their cities. ¶ Esdras gathereth the people and readeth to them the law. They keep the feast of tabernacles. CAPI. VIII. WHen the seven month drew nigh, and the children of Israel were in their cities, two. Esdr. iii a iii Esdr. ●x. e all the people gathered together, as one man, upon the street before the water gate, and said unto Esdras the scribe, that he should fetch the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord commanded to Israel. duty xxxi c iiii. Re. xxiii a And Esdras the Priest brought the law before the congregation, both of men and women, and of all that could understand it, upon the first day of the seventh month, The book of the law is read to the people. and red therein in the street that is before water gate (from the morning until the noon day) before men and women, and such as could understand it: and the ears of all the people were inclined unto the book of the law. And Esdras the scribe stood upon an high pulpit of wood, which they had made for the preaching, and beside him stood Mathathiah, Sema, Anamah, Vriah, Helkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand: and on his left hand stood Phadatah, Misael, Meschiah, Hasum, Hasebadanah, Zacharye and Mosolam. And Esdras opened the book before all the people, for he stood above all the people. And when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Esdras praised the Lord the great God. And all the people answered: Amen, Amen/ with their hands up, and bowed them selves, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. And jesua, Baani, Serabiah, jamin, Acuba, Sebathai, Hodaiah, Maasiah, Celita, Azariah, josabed, Hanan, Phalaiah, and the Levites caused the people to give heed unto the law, and the people stood in their place. And they read in the book of the law of God distinctly and plainly, so that men understood the thing that was red. And Nehemias (which is Hathirsatha) and Esdras the priest and the scribe, and the Levites that caused the people to take heed, said unto all the people: this day is holy unto the Lord your God: be not you sorry therefore, and weep not. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Therefore said he unto them: go your way, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet/ and send part unto them also that have not prepared themselves, for this day is holy unto our Lord, be not you sorry therefore: for the joy of the Lord is your strength. And the Levites stylled the people, and said: hold your peace, for the day is holy/ vex not you yourselves. And all the people went their way to eat and drink, and send part unto other, and to make great mirth, because they had understand the words that were declared unto them. And on the next day assembled the chief fathers among all the people and the Preestes and Levites, unto Esdras the scribe, that he should teach them the words of the law. And they found written in the law Levitis xxii f how the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should devil in booths in the feast of the seventh month. And so they caused it be declared and proclaimed, in all their cities, and at jerusalem, saying: go up unto the mount and fetch olive branches, Pine branches, Myrt branches, Palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. And the people went up and fet, and made them booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God. and in the street by water gate, and in the street by the gate Ephraim. And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity, made booths, and dwelt therein: for sithence the time of josua the son of Nun unto this day, had not the children of Israel done so, and there was very great gladness. And every day from the first day unto the last, red he in the book of the law of God. And seven days held they the feast, and on the eight day they made a gathering, according to the manner. ¶ The people repent and forsake their strange wives. Esdras reciteth the benefits of God and the sins of the people. CAPI. IX. IN the four and twenty day of this month, came the children of Israel together with 〈…〉 tasting and sack clotheses, and earth upon them, and separated the seed of Israel from all the strange children, and stood and knowledged their sins, and the wyckednesses of their fathers, and stood up in their place, and red in the book of the law of the Lord their God four times on the day, and they knowledged, and worshipped the Lord their God four times on the day. And the Levites stood on high, namely jesua, Bani, Cadmiel, Sabaniah, Buni, Sar●diah, Bani and Chanani, and cried loud unto the Lord their God. And the Levites, jesua, Cadmiel, Bani, Hasabniah, Serebiah, Hodiah, Sebaniah, Phachahiah, said: stand up, praise the Lord your God for ever: and let thanks be given unto the name of thy glory, which excels all thanksgiving and praise. Lord, thou alone hast made heaven, and the heaven of all heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is therein, the see and all that is therein: thou givest life unto all, and the host of heaven bow themselves unto the. Thou art the Lord God, that haste choose Abram, and broughtest him out of 〈…〉 Vr in Chaldea, 〈…〉 and called'st him Abraham, and foundest his heart faithful before thee, 〈…〉 and madest a covenant with him to give unto his seed the land of the Canaanites, hittites, Amorites, Pheresites, jebusites, and Gergesites, and hast made good thy words: for thou art righteous, 〈…〉 and hast considered the misery of our fathers in egypt, and heard their complaint by the read s●e/ and showed lok●●s and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they were presumptuous and cruel against them, and so madest thou the name as it is this day. And the red see didst thou divide insunder before them, so that they went thorough the mids of the see dry shoed: and their persecutors threwest thou in to the deep as a stone, in the mighty waters, and leddest them on the day time in a cloudy pillar, and on the night season in a pillar of fire, to show them light in the way that they went. 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 ●iiii. b Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest unto them from heaven, and gavest them right judgements, true laws, good commandments and statutes, and declaredst unto them thy holy Saboth, and commaundedst them precepts, ordinances, and laws, by Moses thy servant: and 〈◊〉 xvi b gavest them breed from heaven when they were hungry, and 〈◊〉 ix b. broughtest forth water for them out of the rock when they were thirsty: and promysedst them that they should go in and take possession of the land, over which thou hadst lift up thine hand for to give them. But our fathers were proud and hardnecked, so that they followed not thy commandments, and refused to hear, and were not mindful of the wonders that thou didst for them: but become sturdy and headye, in so much that they turned back to their bondage in their disobedience. But thou my God forgavest, and waste gracious, merciful, patient, and of great goodness, and forsokest them not. 〈◊〉 xxxii a And though they made a molten calf, (and said: this is thy God that brought the out of the land of egypt) and did great blasphemies, yet forsokest thou them not in the wilderness, according to thy great mercy. 〈◊〉. x●i. d And the cloudy pillar departed not from them on the day time to lead them the way, neither the pillar of fire in the night season, to show them light in the way that they went. And thou gavest them thy good spirit to inform them, 〈◊〉 xvi b. and withheldest not thy Manna from their mouth, 〈…〉. b. and gavest them water when they were thirsty. Forty years long madest thou provision for them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing 〈…〉 their clotheses waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. And thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and partedst them according to their portions, so that they possessed 〈…〉 the land of Sehon king of Hesebon, and the land of Og the king of Basan. And their children multiplyedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them in to the land whereof thou hadst spoken unto their fathers, that they should go in to it, and have it in possession. And the children went in, and possessed the land, 〈…〉 and thou subduedst before them the inhabiters of the land, even the Canaanites, and gavest them in to their hand, and their kings and the people of the land, that they might do with them what they would. And they wan their strong cities, and a fat land, and took possession of houses that were full of all manner goods, wells digged out, vineyards, oil gardens, and many fruitful trees: and they are and were filled, and become fat, and lived in wealth thorough thy great goodness. Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy Prophets (which exhorted them so earnestly that they should convert unto thee) and did great blasphemies. Therefore gavest thou them over in to the hand of their enemies that vexed them. And in the time of their trouble they cried unto thee, and thou herdest them from heaven, and thorough thy great mercy, thou gavest them saviours, which helped them out of the hand of their enemies. But when they came to rest, they turned back again to do evil before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them. So they converted, & cried unto thee, and thou herdest them from heaven, and many times hast thou delivered them according to thy great mercy, and testifiedst unto them, that they should turn again unto thy law. Notwithstanding they were proud, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned in thy laws, ( * Leu xviii a Roma ten a. Galat. iii b Ezechi twenty b. which a man should do, and live in them) and turned the shoulder away, and were stiffnecked, & would not hear. And many years didst thou forbear them, and didst witness unto them thorough thy spirit, even by the office of thy Prophets, and yet would they not hear. Therefore gavest thou them in to the hand of the nations in the lands. But for thy great mercies sake, thou hast not utterly consumed them, neither forsaken them: for thou art a gracious and merciful God. * two. Esdr. i b and iiii c Daniel ix a Now our God, thou great God, mighty and dreadful, thou that keepest covenant and mercy, regard not a little all the travail that hath happened unto us, and our kings, princes, priests, prophets, father's/ and all thy people, from the time of the kings of Assur, unto this day. Thou art righteous in all that thou hast brought upon us: for thou hast done right. As for us, we have been ungodly, and our kings, princes, Preestes and fathers have not done after thy law, nor regarded thy commandments, and thy earnest exhortations, wherewith thou haste exhorted them, and have not served the in their kingdom, and in thy great goods that thou gavest them, and in the large and plenteous land which thou gavest them, and have not converted from their wicked works. Behold, therefore are we in bondage this day: even in the land that thou gavest unto our fathers, to enjoy the fruits and goods thereof/ behold, there are we bondmen. And great is the increase of it unto the kings, whom thou haste set over us because of our sins, and they have dominion over our bodies and cattles, and we are in great trouble. Upon all this therefore we make a sure covenant, and write it, and let our princes, Levites and priests seal it. ¶ The names of them that sealed the covenaun between God and the people. CAPI. X. THese fealers were: Nehemias (that is) Hathirsatha the son of Hachaliah and Zedekiah, Saraiah, Asariah, jeremy, Phashur, Amariah, Malchiah, Hatus, Sebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Merimoth, Obadiah, Daniel, jenthon, Baruch, Mosolam, Abiah, Miamin, Maasiah, Belgal, and Semeiah: these were priests. The Levites were: jesua the son of Azariah, Benui among the children of Henadad, and Cadmiel. And their brethren: Sechaniah, Hodiah, Celita, Phaliah, Hanan, Micha, Rohob, Hasabiah, Sachur, Serebiah, Sabaniah, Hodiah, Bani and Baninu. The heeds of the people were: Phares, Pahath Moab, Elam, Zathua, Bani, Boni, Asgad, Bebat, Adoniah, Begoai, Adin, Ater, Ezechias, Asur, Hodiah, Hasum, Bezai, Hariph Anathoth Nebat, Magphias, Mosolam, Hesir, Mesesabel, Zadoc, jaddua, Phalatia, Hanan, Anatah, Hosea, Hananiah, Hasub, Halohes, Phalcha, Sobek, Rehum, Hasebnah, Maasiah, Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim and Baanah. And the other people, the Preestes, Levites, porters, syngers, Nethinims, and all they that had severed themselves from the people in the lands unto the law of God, with their wives, sons, and daughters/ as many as could understand it, and their lords that had rule of them, received it for their brethren. josu xxiiii e. f two. Para xv c And they came to swear, and to bind themselves with an oath to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, that they would keep and do according unto all the commandments, judgements and statutes of the Lord our God: Deutr vii a and that we would not give our daughters unto the people in the land, neither take their daughters for our sons. And if the people of the land brought ware on the Saboth, two. Esdr. xiii c & all manner of vytayles to cell, that we would not take it of them on the Saboth and on the holy days. Leviti xxv a. Deuter xu a. And that we would let the seventh year be free concerning all manner of charge. And we decreed a statute upon our selves, to give yearly the third part of a sycle to the ministration in the house of our God, namely to the shewbreed, to the daily meateoffring, to the daily burntoffering of the Sabothes, of the new moans and feast days, and to the things that were sanctified, and to the sins offerings, to reconcile Israel withal, and to all the business in the house of our God. And we cast the lot among the priests, Levites, and the people, for offering of the would be brought in to the house of our God from year to year, after the houses of our fathers, that it might be brent at times appointed, upon the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law: and yearly to bring the firstborn of our land, and the firstborn of our fruits of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord: and the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law: and the firstborn of our oxen and of our sheep, that we should bring all this to the hour of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: and that we should bring the firstborn of our meats, and of our drinks, and the fruits of all manner trees, of wine also and of oil, unto the priests to the chests of the house of our God. And the tithes of our land unto the Levites, that the Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our ministration. And the Priest the son of Aaron shall with the Levites have also of the tithes of the Levites, so that the Levites shall bring up the tithes of their tithes unto the house of our God, to the chest in the treasure house. For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring up the first fruits of the corn, wine and oil unto the chests. And there shall be the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters and syngers, that we forsake not the house of our God. ¶ Who dwelled in jerusalem after it was builded, and with in the cities of I●da. CAP. XI. ANd the rulers of the people dwelt at jerusalem. But the other people cast lots therefore, so that among ten one part went to jerusalem in to the holy city to devil, and nine parts in the cities. And the people thanked all the men that were willing to devil at jerusalem. These are the heads of the land that dwelt in jerusalem, and in the cities of juda. And every one dwelled in his possession, and in their cities of Israel, the Preestes, Levites, the Nethinims, and the children of Salomons servants. And at jerusalem dwelled certain of the children of juda and of BenIamin. Of the children of juda: Athalah the son of Vsiah the son of Zacharye, the son of Amariah, the son of Saphatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Phares. And Maasiah the son of Baruch, the son of Chal Hose, the son Hasaia, the son of Adaia, the son of joiarib, the son of Zachary, the son of Siloni. All the children of Phares that dwelt at jerusalem, were four hundred the score and eight valiant men. These are the children of BenIamin: salu the son of Mesullam, the son of joeb, the son of Phadaia, the son of Colaiah, the son of Masiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Isaiah. And after him Abai, Selai, nine hundred and eight and twenty. And joel the son of Zechri had the oversight of them: & juda the son of Senuah over the second part of the city. ●●a ten b. Of the priests there dwelt: Idaia the son of jotarib, jachin, Saraiah the son of Helkia the son of Mosolam, the son of Zadoc, the son of Meraioth, the son of Achitob, was prince in the house of God, and his brethren that performed the work in the house: of whom there were eight hundred and two and twenty. And Adaiah the son of jeroham, the son of Plalaliel, the son of Amazi, the son of Zacharye, the son of Phashur, the son of Melchiah & his brethren, chief among the fathers: of whom there were two hundred and two and forty. And Amasai the son of Asarael the son of Ahasai the son of Mosolamoth, the son of Emer: & his brethren were valiant men of whom there were an hundred and xxviij And their overseer was Zabdiel the son of Hagdolim. Of the Levites: Semeiah the son of Hasub, 〈…〉 the son of Aserikam, the son of Hasabiah the son of Boni: and Sabathai and josabad of the chief of the Levites, in the outward business of the house of God. And Mathaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, which was the principal to begin the thanksgiving unto prayer. And Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Sammua, the son of Galal, the son of Iduthun. All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred lxxxiiij. 〈…〉 And the porters Acub and Talmon, & their brethren that kept the ports, were an hundred seventy & two. The rest of Israel, the priests and Levites, were in all the cities of juda, every one in his inheritance. And the Nethinims dwelled in Ophel: and Ziha & Gaspha belonged unto the Nethinims. The over seat of the Levites at Jerusalem, was Vsi the son of Baani, the son of Hasabia, the son of Mathania, the son of Micha. Of the children of Asaph there were singers about the ministry in the house of God: for it was the kings commandment concerning them, that the singers should deal faithfully every day as was according. And Pathaia the son of Mesesabel of the children of Zarah the son of juda next the king in all matters concerning the people and their villages, thorough out all their regions. And the children of juda that were without in the towns of their land, dwelt some at Kariath Arbe, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof: and at Cabzeel, and in the villages thereof and at jesua, Molada, Bethphalet, Hazersual, Bersabe and in their villages: and at Sikelag & Moconah, and in their villages: And at Entemon, Zarah, Jerimuth, Zonoah, Odollan and in their villages: At Lachis, and in the fields thereof: At Asekah, and in the villages thereof: and dwelled from Bersabe unto the valley of Hennom. The children of BenIamin of Gaba, dwelled at Machmas, Aia, Bethel and in their villages. And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, Hazor, Ramah, Gethaim, Hadid, Zeboim, Nabalath, Lod, Ono and in the carpenters valley. And certain of the Levites that had portions in juda, dwelled in BenIamin. ¶ The priests and Levites which came with Z●robabel to jerusalem are numbered: and the brickwall is dedicate. CAPI. XII. THese are the priests and Levites that went up with Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and with jesua: Saraiah, jeremy, Esdras, Amariah, Meluch, Hatus, Sechaniah, Rehum, Merimoth. Ado, Genthoi, Abiah, Miamin, Maadia, Belga, Semaiah, joiarib, Idaia, Salu, Amok, Helkia, and jadaiah. These were the heads among the priests and their brethren in the time of jesua. The Levites were these: jesua, Bennui, Cadmiel, Sarabiah, juda and Machamah over the office of thankesgyvinge, they & their brethren: Bacbukiah and uni and their brethren, were about them in the watches. jesua begat joakim. joakim begat Eliasib. Eliasib begat joiada. joiada begat jonathan. jonathan begat jadua. And in the time of joakim were these the chief fathers among the Preastes: under Saraiah, Maraiah, under jeremy, Hananiah: under Esdras Mosolam: under Amariah, joanan: under Milico, jonathan: under Sebaniah, joseph under Harim, Edna: under Maraioth, Helcai: under Adia, Zachary, under Genthon, Mosolam: under Abia, Zechri: under Miniamin and Moadia, Peltai: under Belga, Samua: under Semeiah, jonathan: under jofarib, Mathuai: under jadaiah, Vsi: under Selai, Kelai: under Amok, Eber: under Helkia, Hasabiah: under jadaiah, Nathanael. And in the time of Eliasib. joiada, johanan and jadua, were the chief fathers among the Levites, and the priests written under the reign of Darius the Persian. The children of Levi the principal fathers were written in the Chronycles, until the time of jonathan the son of Eliasib. And these were the chief among the Levites, Hasabiah, Serebiah & jesua the son of Cadmiel, and their brethren over against them, to give praise and thanks according as David the man of God had ordained it, one watch over against an other. Mathania, Balbukiah, Obadiah, Mosolam Talmon and Abub were porters in the watch at the thresholdes of the gates. These were in the time of joakim the son of jesua the son of josedec, and in the time of Nehemi as the captain and of the priest Esdras the scribe. And in the dedication of the brickwall at jerusalem, were the Levites sought out of all their places, that they might be brought to jerusalem, to keep the dedication and gladness, with thankesgyvynges, with singing with Cymbales, Psalteries and haps. And the children of the singles gathered themselves together from the plain country about jerusalem, and from the villages of Nethophathi, and from the house of Galgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Asmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages about jerusalem. And the priests and Levites purified themselves, and cleansed the people, the gates and the brickwall. And I caused the princes of juda to go up upon the brickwall, and appointed two great queers of thanksgiving, which went on the right hand of the brickwall toward the Dung gate, and after them went Hosaiah, and half of the princes of juda, and Asaria, Esdras, Mosolom, juda, BenIamin, Semeiah and jeremy: and certain of the priests children with trumpets, namely Zachary the son of jonathan, the son of Semeiah, the son of Mathaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zecur, the son of Asaph, and his brethren Semeiah, Asarael, Melalai, Galalai, Maat Nathanael and juda and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Esdras the scribe before them, toward the Welgate, and they went up over against them upon the steps of the city of David at the going up of the brickwall to the house of David, unto the Watergate eastward. The other queer of thanksgiving went over against them, and I after them, and the half part of the people upon the wall, toward Fornacegate upward, until the broad brickwall, and to the gate of Ephraim, and to Oldgate, and to the Fyshgate, and to the tower of Hananeel, & to the tower of Meah, until shepegate. And in the prysongate stood they still, and so stood the two queers of thanksgiving of the house of God, and I and the half of the rulers with me, and the priests, namely Eliakim, Maasiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zachary, Hananiah, with trumpets and Maasiah, Semeiah, Eleasar, Vrsi, johanan, Melchiah, Elam and Ser. And the singers sang loud, and jezraia was the overseer. And the same day were there great sacrifices offered, and they rejoiced: for God had given them great gladness, so that both the wives and children were joyful, and the mirth of jerusalem was heard far of. At the same time were men appointed over the treasure chests (wherein were the offerings, firstfrutes, & the tithes) that they should gather them out of the fields about the cities to deal them unto the priests and Levites, according to the law: for juda was glad of the priests, and Levites, that they stood and waited upon the office of their God, and the office of the cleansing. And the singers & porters stood after the commandment of David and of Solomon his son: for in the time of David and Asaph, were the chief singers founded, i Par. xxiiii a. and the songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. In the time of Zorobabel and Nehemias, did all Israel, give portions unto the singers and porters, every day his portion, and they gave things hallowed unto the Levites, and the Levites gave things that were sanctified, unto the children of Aaron. ¶ deuteronomy is red, and when they have heard it, they severed from them all strangers. etc. CAPI. XIII. ANd what time as the book of Moses was read in the ears of the people, there was found written therein, * 〈…〉 that the Ammonites and Moabites should never come into the congregation of God, because they met not the children of Israel with bread & water, and hired Balaam against them, 〈…〉 that he should curse them: nevertheless our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now when they heard the Law, they severed from Israel every one that had mixed himself therein. And before this had the preaste Eliasib delivered the chest of the house of our God unto his kinsman Tobiah: for he had made him a great chest and there had they afore time laid the offerings, frankincense, vessel, and the tithes of corn, wine and oil (according to the commandment given to the Levites, fingers and porters) and the first fruits of the priests. But in all this was not I at jerusalem: for in the two and thirtyeth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon, came I unto the king and after certain days I got licence of the king to come to jerusalem. And I got knowledge of the evil that Eliasib did unto Tobiah, in that he had made him a chest in the court of the house of God, and it grieved me sore, and I cast forth all the vessels of the house of Tobiah out of the chest, and commanded them to cleanse the chest. And thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, the sacrifice and the incense. And I perceived, that the portions of the Levites were not given them, for which cause the Levites and singers were fled, every one to his land for to work. Then reproved I the rulers, & said: Why forsake we the house of God? But I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all juda the tithes of corn, wine and oil unto the treasure. And we ordained to be treasurours over the treasure, even Selemiah the priest, & Zadoc the scribe, and of the Levites Phadaiah and under their hand Hanan the son of Zacur the son of Mathaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. Think upon me O my God herein, 〈…〉 and wipe not out my mercy, that I have showed on the house of my God, and on the officers thereof. At the same time saw I some treading wine presses on the Sabbath and bringing in clustres, and asses laden with wine, grapes figs, and bringing all manner of burdens unto jerusalem, upon the Sabbath day. And I rebuked them earnestly the same day that they sold the vytayles. There dwelled men of tire also therein, which brought fish and all manner of ware, and sold on the Saboth unto the children of juda and Jerusalem. Then reproved I the rulers in juda, & said unto them: what evil thing is this you do, & break the Saboth day? Did not our fathers even thus & our God brought all this plague upon us and upon this city? And you make the wrath more yet upon Israel, in that you break the Sabbath. And it fortuned, that when the gates of jerusalem were touched with the evening shadow on the Sabbath, I commanded to shut the gates, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Saboth: & some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day. Then remained the chapmen and merchants one's or twice over night with out jerusalem, with all manner of wares. Then reproved I them sore, and said unto them: why tarry you all night about the brickwall? If you do it once again, I will say hands upon you. from that time forth came they no more on the Saboth. And I said unto the Levites which were clean, that they should come and keep the gates, to hallow the Sabbath day. Think upon me (O my God) concerning this also, and spare me according to thy great mercy. And at the same time see I jews, that married wives of Asdod, Ammon and of Moab, and their children spoke half in the speech of Asdod, and could not speak in the jews language, but by the tongue might a man perceive every people. And I reproved them, and cursed them, and smote certain men of them and plucked them up, and took an oath of them by God: you shall not give your daughters unto their sons, neither shall you take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. three Regum iii b Did not Solomon the king of Israel sin therein? & yet among many Panymes was there no king like him, and he was dear unto his God, and God made him king over all Israel, and yet nevertheless strange women caused him to sin? And shall we then obey unto you, to do all this great evil, to halt before our God, and marry strange wives? And one of the children of joiada the son of Eliasib the high priest, had made a contract with Sanabalat the Heronite: but I chased him from me. O my God, think thou upon them that defile preasthode, and the law of the preasthode and of the Levites. Thus cleansed I them from all such as were strangers, and appointed the courses of the priests and Levites, every one to his office, and to offer the wood at times appointed, and the first fruits. Think thou upon me (O my God) for the best. ¶ The end of the book of Nehemias. THE BOOK OF ESTHER. ¶ King Asuerus, which is called Artaxerxes maketh a royal feast, whereunto the queen Vasthi will not come: for which cause she is divorced. CAPI. I IN the time of Asuerus which reigned from Ind unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty lands, what time as he sat on his seat royal in the castle of Susan in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and servants, namely unto the mighty men of Persia and Media, to the captains and rulers of his countries, that he might show the noble riches of his kingdom, and the glorious worship of his power, many days long, even an hundred and four score days. And when these days were ended, the king made a feast unto all the people that were in the castle of Susan, both unto great & small, seven days long in the court of the garden by the kings palace: where there hanged white, read and yellow clotheses, fastened with cords of linen and scarlet in silver rings, upon pylers of Marble stone. The benches were of gold and silver made upon a pavement of green, white, yellow and black Marble. And the drink was carried in vessels of gold, and there was ever change of vessel. And the kings wine was eyceding moche, according to the great power of the king. And no man was appointed what he should drink: for the king had commanded all the officers of his house, that every one should do as it liked him, And the queen Vasthi made a feast also for the women in the palace of Asuerus. And on the vij day when the king was pleasantly mety of the wine he commanded Mehuman, Bartha, Harbona, Bagatha, Abagatha, Zathar and Carcase the vij chamberlains, that did service in the presence of king Asuerus, to fetch the queen Vasthi with the crown regal, that he might show the people and princes her fairness: for she was beautiful. But the queen Vasthi would not come at the kings word by his chamberlains. Then was the king very wroth, and his indignation kindled in him, and he spoke to the wise men that had understanding in the ordinances of the land, for the kings matters must be handled before all such as have knowledge of the law and judgement: and the next unto him were, Carsena, Sethar, Admatha, Tharsis, Mares, Marsana and Mamucan, the seven princes of the Persians', and Medes, which saw the kings face, and were wont to sit first next him, What law should be execute upon the queen Vasthi, because she did not according to the word of the king by his chamberlains. Then said Mamucan before the king and the princes: the queen Vasthi hath not only hurt the king, but also all the princes and all the people in all the provinces of king Asuerus, for this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands before their eyen, and shall say: the king Asuerus commanded Vasthi the queen to come before him, but she would not. And by this example shall all the princes wives of Persie and Media set at nought the commandment of their husbands, when they hear of this deed of the queen, thus shall there arise despytefulnes and wrath enough. If it please the king, let there go forth a Proclamation from him, and let it be written according to the law of the Persians' and Medians (and not to be transgressed) that Vasthi come no more before king Asuerus, and let the king give the kingdom unto an other that is better than she. And that this writing of the king which shallbe made, be published thorough out all his empire which is great, that all wives may have their husbands in honour, both great & small. This pleased the king & the princes, & the king did according to the word of Mamucan. The 〈…〉 Then were letters sent forth into all the kings lands, into every land according to the writing thereof, and to entry people after their language, that every man should be Lord and chief in his own house. And this caused he to be divulged amongs all people. ¶ The queen put away, certain goodly young damoselles are searched out amongs whom Esther pleaseth the king, Mardocheus discloseth to the king those that would vetraye him. CAP. II THese things done when the displeasure of king Asuerus was allayed he thought upon Vasthi, what she had done, & what was concluded concerning her. Then said the kings servants: Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king, & let the king appoint overseers in all the lands of his empire, that they may bring together all fair young virgins unto the castle of Susan to the wemens lodging, under the hand of Hagel the kings chamberlain, that keepeth the women, and let him give them their apparel. And look which damosel pleaseth the king, let her be queen in Vasthis stead. This pleased the king and he did so. In the castle of Susan there was a jew, whose name was Mardocheus, the son of jair, the son of Semei, the son of Cis, the son of jemini, 〈…〉 which was carried away from jerusalem, when jekonias the king of juda was led away, whom Nabuchodonozor king of Babylon carried away) & he norysshed Hadasah, otherwise called Esther, his uncles daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, & she was a fair and beautiful damosel. And when her father and mother died, Mardocheus received her, as his own daughter. Now when the kings commandment was published, and according to it many damsels were brought together unto the castle of Susan under the hand of Hagei, Esther was taken also unto the kings house under the hand of Hagei the keeper of the women, and the damsel pleased him, and she found grace in his sight. And he caused her ointment to be given her, and her gifts, & gave her seven notable gentle women of the kings house, and arrayed both her & her gentyllwemen very richly in the house of the women. But Esther showed not her people nor her kindred: for Mardocheus had charged her, that she should not tell it. And Mardocheus walked every day before the court of the wemens' building, that he might know how Esther did, and what should become of her. And when the appointed time of every damsel came that she should come to the king Asuerus, after that she had been twelve months in the decking of the women (for their decking must have so moche time, namely uj months with Balm and Myrrh, and uj months with good spices, so were the women bewtyfyed) then went there one damsel unto the king, and what so ever she required that must be given her to go with her out of the wemens' building unto the kings palace. And when one came in the evening, the same went from him on the morrow into the second house of women, under the hand of Sasagas the kings chamberlain, which kept the concubines. And she must come unto the king no more, whiles it pleased the king and that he caused her to be called by name. Now when the time came of Esther the daughter of Abihail Mardocheus uncle (whom he had received as his own daughter) that she should come to the king, she desired nothing but what Hagei the kings chamberlain the keeper of the women said. And Esther found favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Asuerus into the house royal, in the tenth month which is called Tebeth, in the seven. year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she found grace and mercy in his sight before all the virgins: and he set: the queens crown upon her head, and made her queen in stead of Vasthi. And the king made a great feast unto all his princes and servants (which feast was because of Esther): & he gave rest to all the lands, and gave royal gifts according to a kings magnificence. And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mardocheus sat in the kings gate. And as yet had not Esther showed her kindred and her people, according as Mardocheus had bidden her: for Esther did after the word or Mardocheus, like as when he was her tutor. At the same time while Mardocheus sat in the kings gate, two of the kings chamberlains Bagathan & Thares which kept the door were wroth, & sought to say hands on the king Asuerus: whereof Mardocheus got knowledge, and told it unto queen Esther, and Esther certyfyed the king thereof in Mardocheus name. And when inquyrye was made, it was found so. And they were both hanged on tree: and it was written in the Chronycles, before the king. ¶ Haman obtained of the king that all jews should be put to de●th because Mardocheus had not given him worship, as other had. CAPI. III AFter this the king promoted Haman the son of Amadatha the Agagite, & set him high, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. And all the kings servants that were in the gate, bowed their knees, and did reverence unto Haman: for the king had so commanded. But Mardocheus bowed not the knee, and worshipped him not. Then the kings servants which were in the kings gate, said unto Mardocheus: why breakest thou the kings commandment? And when they spoke this daily unto him, and he obeyed them not, they told Haman, that they might see whether Mardocheus matters would endure: for he had told them that he was a jewe. And when Haman saw that Mardocheus bowed not the knee unto him, nor worshipped him, he was full of indignation and thought it to little to say hands only on Mardocheus: for they had showed him the nation of Mardocheus, but he sought to destroy all the jews the nation of Mardocheus, that were in the hole empire of Asuerus. In the i month (that is the month Nisan) in the twelve year of king Asuerus, they cast Pour (that is a lot) before Haman, on what day and what month this should be done: and there came out the xii month that is the month Abar. And Haman said unto king Asuerus: There is a people scattered abroad & disperpled from themselves among all people in the lands of thine empire, & their law is contrary unto all people, and they do not after the kings laws, neither is it the kings profit to suffer them after this manner. If it please the king, let him inacte, that they be destroyed, and so will I weigh down ten thousand talentes of silver, under the hands of the workmen, to be brought into the kings chamber. Then took the king his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Amadatha the Agagite the jews enemy And the king said unto Haman: Let the silver be given thee, and that people also, to do with all what pleaseth the. Then were the kings scribes called on the xiii. day of the first month, and there was written (according as Haman commanded) unto the kings princes and to the captives every where in the lands, and to the rulars of every people in the countries on every side, according to the writing of every nation, & after their language in the name of king Asuerus, and sealed with the kings ring. And the writings were sent by pursyvauntes into all the kings lands, to rote out: to kill & to destroy all jews, both young & old, children and women in one day, that is to wit upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar and to spoil their goods. This was the sum of the lettres, that there should be a commandment given in all lands, to be published unto all people, that they should be ready against the same day. And the pursuivants went in all the haste according to the kings commandment. And in the castle of Susan was the commandment devised. And the king and Haman sat and drank. But the city of Susan was disquieted. ¶ Mardocheus giveth the queen knowledge of the cruel decree of the king against the jews. CAPI. FOUR When Mardocheus perceived all that was done, he rend his clotheses, & put on sack cloth, and ashes, and went out into the mids of the city, and cried loud and lamentably, and came before the kings gate: for there might no man enter within the kings gate, that had sack cloth on. And in all lands and places, as far as the kings word & commandment extended, there was great lamentation among the jews and many fasted, wept, mourned, and lay in sack clotheses and in ashes. So Esthers damosels, & her chamberlains, came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly astonied. And she sent raiment, that Mardocheus should put them on, and lay the sack clot from him. But Mardocheus would not take them. Then called Esther Hathath one of the kings chamberlains (which stood before her) and gave him a commandment unto Mardocheus, that he might know what it were, and wherefore he did so. So Hathath went forth to Mardocheus unto the street of the city, which was before the kings gate. And Mardocheus told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of silver that Haman had promised to weigh down in the kings chamber because of the jews for to destroy them, and he gave him the copy of the commandment, that was devised at Susan to destroy them, that he might show it unto Esther, and to speak to her and charge her, that she should go in to the king, & make her prayer and supplication unto him for her people. And when Hathath came in, and told Esther the words of Mardocheus, Esther spoke unto Hathath, and commanded him to say unto Mardocheus: all the kings servants, and the people in the lands of the king know, that who so ever cometh within the court unto the king, whether it be man or woman, which is not called, the commandment is that the same shall die immediately whiles the king hold out the golden sceptre unto him, in token of clemency that he may live. As for me, I have not been called to come in to the king now this thirty days. And when Mardocheus was certyfyed of Esthers words, Mardocheus bade say again unto Esther: think not to save thine own life, while thou art in the kings house before all jews: for if thou holdeste thy peax at this time, then shall the jews have help and deliverance out of an other place, and thou and thy father's house shallbe destroyed. And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom, for this times sake? ☜ Esther bad, give Mardocheus this answer: go thou thy way, and gather together all the jews that are found at Susan, and fast you for me, that you eat not and drink not in three days, neither day nor night. I and my damoselles will fast likewise, and so will I go in to the king contrary to the commandment: if I perish, I perish. So Mardocheus went his way, and did all that Esther had commanded him. ¶ Esther entereth in to the king and biddeth him and Haman to a feast. Haman prepareth a galou●e for Mardocheus. CAPI. V ON the third day put Esther on her royal apparel, and stood in the court of the kings palace within, over against the kings lodging. And the king sat upon his royal seat in his palace over against the gate of the house. And when the king see Esther the queen standing in the court, she found grace in his sight. And the king held out the golden sceptre in his hand toward Esther. So Esther stepped forth, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her: What will't thou queen Esther? and what requirest thou? ask even the half of the empire, and it shallbe given the. Esther said: If it please the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet, that I have prepared. The king said: 'Cause Haman to make haste: that he may do as Esther hath said. Now when the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared, the king said unto Esther after he had largely drunk of the wine: Esther, what is thy petition? & it shallbe given the. And what requirest thou? If it be even the half of the empire, it shallbe done. Then answered Esther and said: my petition and desire is, if I have found grace 〈◊〉 the sight of the king, and if it please the king to give me my petition, and to fulfil my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and so will I do to morrow as the king hath said. Then went Haman forth the same day, joyful and merry in his mind. And when he saw Mardocheus in the kings gate, that be stood not up and kneeled before him, he was full of indignation at Mardocheus. Nevertheless he refrained himself: and when become home, he sent, and called for his friends and Zares his wife, and told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children all together, how the king had promoted him so greatly, and how that he was taken above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover: Yea & Esther the queen let no man come with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared except me, and to morrow am I bidden unto her also with the king. But in all this am I not satisfied as long as I see Mardocheus the jew sitting at the kings gate. Then said Zares his wife and all his friends unto him: Let them make a gallows of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king, that Mardocheus may be hanged there on, and so thou shalt go merely with the king unto the banquet. Haman was well content herewith, and caused a gallows to be made ready. ¶ The king turneth over the Chronycles and finds the fydelytye of Mardocheus: and then to the confusion of Haman, he commandeth Mardocheus to be had in honour. CAPI. VI THe same night could not the king step, and he commanded to bring the Chronicles and histories: ☞ which when they were read before the king they happened on the place where it was written, how Mardocheus had told, that the kings two chamberlains (which kept the thressholdes) sought to say hands on king Asuerus. And the king said: what worship and good have we done to Mardocheus therefore? Then said the kings servants that ministered unto him. There is nothing done for him. And the king said: Who is in the court? (for Haman was go into the court without before the kings house that he might speak unto the king to hung Mardocheus on the tree, that he had prepared for him.) And the kings servants said unto him: behold, Haman standeth in the court. The king said: let him come in. And when Haman came in, the king said unto him: what shall be done unto the man, whom the king would fain bring unto worship? But Haman thought in his heart: Whom should the king tis be glad to bring unto worship, but me? And Haman said unto the king: Let the man unto whom the king would be glad to do worship, be brought hither, that he may be arrayed with the royal garments which the king useth to wear: and the horse that the king rideth upon, and that the crown royal may be set upon his heed. And let this raiment and horse be delivered under the hand of one of the kings princes, that he may array the man withal (whom the king would fain honour) and carry him upon the horse thorough the street of the city, and 'cause it to be proclaimed before him: thus shall it be done to every man, whom the king would fain honour. The king said: make haste, and take as thou hast said, the raiment and the horse● & do even so with Mardocheus the jew that sitteth before the kings gate, & let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the raiment and the horse, and arrayed him, and brought him on horseback thorough the street of the city, and proclaimed before him: Even thus shall it be done unto every man whom the king is disposed to honour. And Mardocheus came again to the kings gate, but Haman got him home in all the haste mourning with bore head, and told Zares his wife & all his friends, every thing that had happened him. Then said his wise men of his counsel and Zares his wife unto him: If it be Mardocheus of the seed of the jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall thou canst do nothing unto him, but shalt fall before him. While they were yet talking with him, came the kings chamberlains, & caused Haman to make haste to come unto the banquet that Esther had prepared. ¶ The queen biddeth the king and Haman again, and prayeth for herself and her people. She accuseth Haman: and he is hanged on the galouse, which he had prepared for Mardocheus. CAPI. VII. ANd when the king and Haman came to the banquet that queen Esther had prepared, the king said unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine: what is thy petition queen Esther, that it may be given thee? And what requirest thou? Yea ask even half of the empire, and it shall be done. Esther the queen answered and said: If I have found grace in thy sight (O king) and if it please the king then grant me my life at my desire and my people for my petitions sake: for we are sold both I and my people to be destroyed, to be slain and to perish. And would God we were sold to be bondmen and bondwemen, than would I hold my tongue so should not the enemy be so high to the kings harm. The king Asuerus spoke and said unto queen Esther: Who is this? Or where is he that dare presume in his mind to do such a thing after that manner? Esther said: the enemy and adversary is this wicked Haman. Which thing when Haman herd he was exceadingly afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arose from the bancker and from the wine in his displeasure and went in to the palace garden. And Haman stood up, and besought queen Esther for his life: for he saw there was a mischief prepared for him of the king already. And when the king came again out of the palace garden into the parlour where they had eaten, Haman had laid him upon the bed that Esther sat upon. Then said the king, will he force the queen also beside me in the house? As soon as that word went out of the kings mouth, they covered Hamans' face. And Harbonah one of the chamberlains that stood before the king, said. Behold, there standeth a gallows in Hamans' house fifty cubytes high, which he had made for Mardocheus, that spoke good for the king. The king said: hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had made for Mardocheus. So was the kings wrath appeaced. ¶ After the death of Haman Mardocheus is promoted then are comfortable letters sent unto the jews. CAPI. VIII. THe same day did king Asuerus give the house of Haman the jews enemy unto queen Esther. And Mardocheus came before the king: for Esther told how he belonged unto her. And the king took the ring of his finger, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it Mardocheus. Moreover Esther set Mardocheus over the house of Haman. And she spoke yet more before the king, and fallen down at his feet, & besought him, that he would put away the malice of Haman the Agagite, and his most ungracious devices that he had imagined against the jews. And the king held out the golden sceptre unto Esther. Then rose Esther, & stood before the king, and said: if it please the king, and if I have found grace in his sight, and if he be convenient for the king, and if it be accepted in his sight then let it be written, that the letters of the device of Haman the son of Hamadatha the Agagite, may be called again: which letters he written, to destroy the jews in all the kings lands. For how can I see the evil that shall happen unto my people? and how can I look upon the destruction of my kin? Then said the king Asuerus unto queen Esther, and to Mardocheus the jew: Behold I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him have they hanged upon a tree, because he laid hand upon the jews. Write you now therefore for the jews, as it liketh you in the kings name, and seal it with the kings ring (for the wryttynges that were written in the kings name, & sealed with the kings ring, dared no man disannul.) Then were the kings scribes called at the same time in the third month, that is the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day. And it was written according as Mardocheus commanded unto the jews and to the princes, to the deputies and captains in the lands from Ind until Ethiopia, namely an hundred and seven and twenty lands, unto every one according to the writing thereof, unto every people after their speech, and to the jews according to their writing and language. And it was written in the king Asuerus name and sealed with the kings ring. And by swift messengers, sent he the wryttynges, wherein the king granted the jews (in what cities so ever they were) to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, and for to rote out, to slay, and to destroy all the power of the people and land that would trouble them, with children and women, and to spoil their good upon one day in all the lands of king Asuerus namely upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. The sum of the writing was, how there was a commandment given in all lands to be published unto all the people, that the jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. And the messaungers that bore the tidings went forth with all speed, according to the kings word: and the commandment was devised in the castle of Susan. And Mardocheus went out from the king in royal apparel of yellow & white & with a great crown of gold, arrayed with a garment of linen and purple, and the city of Susan rejoiced and was glad: but unto the jews there was come light and gladness & joy & worship. And in all lands and cities, in to what places soever the kings word and commandment reached, there was joy & mirth, prosperity and good days among the jews: in so much that many of the people in the land become of the jews belief, for the fear of the jews came upon them. ¶ At commandment of the king, the jews put their foos to death. The sons of Haman are hanged. The jews keep a feastful day in remembrance of their delivery. CAPI. XI. IN the twelve month (that is the month Adar) the thirteenth day, which, the kings word and commandment had appointed, that the enemies should have destroyed the jews, it turned contrary wise that the jews should subdue their enemies. There assembled the jews together in their cities within all the lands of king Asuerus, to lay hand on such as would have done them evil, & no man could withstand them: for the fear of them was come over all people. And all the rulers in the lands, and princes and deputies, and officers of the king promoted the jews: for the fear of Mardocheus came upon them. For Mardocheus was great in the kings house, and the reaporte of him was bruited in all lands, how he increased and grew. Thus the jews smote all their enemies with a sore slaughter, and slay and destroyed, and did after their will unto such as were their adversaries. And at the castle Susan the jews slew and destroyed five hundred men, and slew Pharsandatha, Delphon, Asphatha, Phoratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Pharmastha, Atisai, Aridai, Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman, the son of Amadatha the enemy of the jews: but on his goods they would take no botyes. At the same time was the king certified of the number of these that were slain at the castle Susan. And the king said unto queen Esther: The jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men at the castle of Susan, and the ten sons of Haman: What shall they do in the other lands of the king? What is thy request, that it may be given thee? and what requyrest thou more to be done? Esther said: If it please the king, let him suffer the jews to morrow also to do according unto this days commandment, that they hang Hamans ten sons upon the tree. And the king charged to do so, and the commandment was devised at Susan, and Hamans' ten sons were hanged. And the jews gathered themselves together at Susan, upon the fourteenth day of the month Adar, & slew three hundredth men at Susan, but their gods they would not spoil. Moreover the other jews in the kings lands, stood for their lives, and ga● rest from their enemies: and slay of their enemies lxxv. thousand, how be it they laid no hands on their goods. This was done on the xiij day of the month Adar, and on the xiiij day of the same month rested they, which day they ordained to be a day of feasting & gladness. But the jews at Susan were come together both on the xiij day and on the xiiij and on the xu day they rasted, and the same day ordained they to be a day of feasting & gladness. Therefore the jews that dwelled in the villages and unwalled towns, ordained the xiiij day of the month Adar, to be a day of feasting and gladness, and one sent gifts unto an other. And Mardocheus written all these acts, and sent the writings unto all the jews that were in all the lands of king Asuerus, both night and far, that they should yearly receive and hold the xiiij and xu day of the month Adar, as the days wherein the jews came to rest from their enemies, and as a month wherein their pain was turned to say, 〈…〉 and their sorrow into prosperity: that they should observe the same as days of wealth & gladness, ☞ and one to send gifts unto an other, and to distribute unto the poor. And the jews received all that they had begun to do, and that Mardocheus had written unto them: how that Haman the son of Hamadatha enemy to all the jews, had devised to destroy all the jews, & caused to cast Phur (that is Lot) for to put them in fear, & to bring them to nought: and how Hester went and spoke to the king, that thorough letters his wicked devise, which he imagined against the jews, might be turned upon his own heed, & how he and his sons were hanged on the tree. For which cause they called this day Phurim Phurim. after the name of Phur according to all the words of this writing: and what they themselves had sent, & what had happened unto them. And the jews set it up, and took it upon them and their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, that they would not miss to keep these two days yearly, according as they were written and appointed, how these days are not to be forgotten, but to be kept of children's children among all kynredes in all lands and cities. These are the days of Phurim that is to say of ●o●res, which are not to be overslipped among the jews, and the memorial of them aught not to perish from their seed. And queen Hester the daughter of Abihail and Mardocheus the jew written with all authority, to confirm this second writing of Phurim, and sent the letters unto all the jews in the c and xxvij lands of the empire of Asuerus, with friendly and faithful words to confirm these days of Phurim, in their time appointed, according as Mardocheus the jew and Esther the queen had ordained in that behalf: like as thee/ upon their soul & upon their seed had confirmed the acts of the Hester iiii c fastings and of her complaint. And Hester commanded to stablish these acts of this Phurim, and to write them in a book. ¶ The glory and nobleness of Asuerus: and authority of Mardocheus. CAPI. X. ANd the king Asuerus laid tribute upon the land, and upon the Isles of the see. But as touching all the acts of his power and authority, and the great worship of Mardocheus, which the king gave him, behold, it is written in the Chronycles of the kings of Media and Persia. For Mardocheus the jew was the second next unto king Asuerus, and great among the jews, and accepted among the multitude of his rethrens, as one that seeketh the wealth of his people, and speaketh the best for all his seed. ¶ The end of the book of Esther. THE BOOK OF JOB. ¶ job is plag●d of God by the loss of his goods and children. CAPI I IN the land of Hus, was a man called job: a perfect and upright man, such one as feared God, and eschewed evil. This man had seven sons, and three daughters. His substance was seven thousand sheep three thousand camels five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred Asses, and a very great household: so that he was one of the myghtyest men among all them of the east country. And his sons went and made banquets: one day in one house, and an other day in an other, and sent for them three sisters, to eat and drink with them. So when they had passed over the time of their banqueting round about, job sent for them, and cleansed them again, and got up early, and offered for every one a sacrifice. For job thought thus: peradventure my sons have done some offence, & have been unthankful to God in their hearts. And thus did job every day. Now upon a time, when the servants of God came & stood before the Lord, Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan: whence comest thou? Satan answered the Lord, and said: I have compassed the land and walked thorough it. Then said the Lord unto Satan: hast thou not considered my servant job, how that he is a perfect and upright man: such one as fears God, and es●●ueth evil, and that there is none like him in the land? Satan answered, and said unto the Lord: Doth job fear God for naught? hast ●●●u not preserved him, his house, and all his substance on every side? hast thou not blessed the works of his hands? Is not his possession increased in the land? But lay thine hand upon him a little, and touch one's all that he heart, and if he curse the not to thy face, I marvel. And the Lord said unto Satan: lo all that he hath, be in thy power: only upon himself see thou lay not thine hand. Then went Satan forth from the Lord. So upon a certain day when his sons and daughters were ea●●●ge, and drinking wine in their elder brothers house, there came a messenger unto job, and said: While the oxen were ploughing, and the Asses going in the p●sture beside them: the Sabees came in with force, and took them all away: yea they have slain thy servants with the sword, & I only have escaped, to tell the. And while he w●s yet speaking, there came an other, and said: The fire of God is fallen from heaven, it hath consumed, & brent up all thy sheep and servants: and I only 〈◊〉 my way, to bring the tidings In the mean season while he was yet speaking, th●●e came an other, and said: The g all de●●s m●●e three armies, and rushed upon thy camels, which they have carried away, yea & slain thy servants with the sword: and I only am got away, to bring tidings. While he was speaking, there came yet an other, and said: Thy sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their elder brothe●s house, and suddenly there came a mighty great wind out of the South, and smote the four corners of the house: which fallen upon thy children, so that they are deed: and I am got away alone, to bring tidings. Then job stood up, and rent his clotheses shaved his head, fallen down upon the ground, worshipped, and said: Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I turn thither again. The Lord gave, & the Lord hath taken away * 〈◊〉 and ●able● as 〈…〉 now blessed be the name of the Lord. In all these things, did job not offend, ne murmured foolishly against God. ¶ job is plagued with sore biles, and afterward is mocked of his wife. His friends visit him, and have compassion on him. CAPI. II IT happened also upon a time, that when the servants of God came and stood before the Lord, Satan came among them and stood before him. And the Lord said unto Satan: whence comest thou? Satan answered and said: I have circuyted the land and walked thorough it. Then said the Lord unto Satan: hast thou not considered my servant job, how that he is an innocent and virtuous man such one as fears God, and eschueth evil, and that there is none like him in the land? But thou movedest me against him, to punish him: yet is it in vain, for be continueth still in his godliness. Satan answered the Lord, & said: Skin for skin and all that ever a man hath, he will give for his life. But lay thine hand upon him, touch him once upon the bone and flesh, and then thou shalt see he shall curse the to thy face. Then said the Lord unto Satan: lo, he is in thy power, but spare his life. So went Satan forth from the Lord, and smote job with marvelous sore biles, from the sole of the face unto his crown: so that he sat upon the ground in the ashes, and scraped of the filth of his sores with a potsherd. Then said his wife unto him: Dost thou continued in thy perfectness? curse God and die. But job said unto her: Thou speakest like a foolish woman. saying we have received prosperity at the hand of God, wherefore should we not be content with adversity also? In all these things did not job sin with his lips. Now when Job'S friends heard of all the trouble, that happened unto him, there came three of them, every one from his own place: Eliphas the Thamanite, Baldad the Suhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they were agreed together to come to show their compassion upon him, and to comfort him. So when they life up their eyes a far of, they knew him not. Then they cried, and wept: then every one of them rend his clotheses, & sprynkled dust upon their heads in the air. They sat them down by him also upon the ground seven days and seven nights. Neither was there any of them that spoke one word unto him, for they saw that his pain was very great. ¶ The words of job, wherein he declareth that this present life is miserable: and the death of the righteous joyous and fortunable. CAPI. III 〈◊〉 xx. d AFter this job opened his mouth, and cursed his day, and said: lost be that day, wherein I was born: and the night in which it was said, there is a man child conceived. The same day be turned to dercknesse, and not regarded of God above, neither be shined upon with light: but be covered with dercknesse, and the shadow of death. Let the dim cloud fall upon it, and let it be wrapped in sorrow. Let the dark storm overcome that night, let it not be reckoned among the days of the year, ne counted in the months. despised be that night, and discommended: let them that curse the day, those I say that be ready to raise up 〈…〉 leviathan give it also their curse. Let the stars be dim thorough derckenesse of it. Let it look for light, but fe none, neither the rising up of the morning: because it shut not up the womb that bore me, ne hid these sorrows from mine eyen. Alas, why died I not in the matrice? why did not I perish, as soon as I came out of my mother's womb? Why set they me upon their knees? Why gave they me suck with their breasts? For now I should have lyen still I should have stepped, and been at rest: like as the kings and lords of the earth, which build themselves solitary places: or as the princes that have great substance of gold, & their houses full of silver. O that I utterly had no being, or were as a thing born out of time (that is put aside) either as young children, which never saw the light. There the wicked do cease from their tyranny, there such as are over-laboured be at rest: there are those let out free, which have been in prison, so that they hear no more the voice of the oppressor: There are small and great: the bond man, is free from his master. Wherefore is the light given him that is in wretchedness? and life them that have heavy hearts? Which long for death, if it come not: and search for it more than for treasure and would be exceeding glad, and rejoice if they found their grave. That should be joy to the man whose way is hid, which God keepeth back from him. For my sighs come before I eat, and my roaring fall out like flowing water. For the thing I feared, is come upon me: and the thing that I was afraid of, is happened unto me. Was I not happy? Had I not quietness? Was I not in rest? And now cometh indignation upon me. ¶ job is by Eliphas reproved of impatience and injustice, and of the presumption of his own righteousness. CAPI. FOUR THen answered Eliphas the Themanyte and said unto him: If we begin to comen with thee, peradventure thou will't be discontent, but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast been a teacher of many, and hast comforted the weary hands. Thy words have set up those that were fallen, thou hast refreshed the weak knees. But now that the plague is come upon thee, thou shrynkest away: now that it hath touched thyself, thou art faint hearted. Where is thy awe, thy steadfastness, thy patience, and the perfectness of thy ways? consider (I pray thee) who ever perished being an innocent? Or, when were the godly destroyed? As I have seen them that plough wickedness, and sow malycye reap the same. With the blast of God did they perish, and with the breath of his anger consumed they away. The roaring of the Lion, the voice of the Lioness, and the teeth of the lions whelps are broken. The Lion peryssheth, for lack of pray, and the lions whelps are scattered abroad. And unto me was the word hid, & mine care hath received a little thereof. In the fantasies and thoughts of the vysions of the night, when sleep cometh on men: fear came upon me and dread, and made my bones to shake. And when the wind passed by before my presence, it made the hears of my flesh stand up. He stood there and I knew not his face, an image there was before me, & there was stillness, so that I heard this voice. i Petri ii a. Shall man be more just than God? Or shall man be purer than his maker? Behold there is no trust to his servants, and in his angels hath he found crookedness. How moche more in them that devil in houses of clay, whose foundation is but earth: which shall be consumed by the moth. They shall be smitten from the morning unto the evening: they shall perish everlastingly, and no man think thereon. Is not their dignity taken away with them, they shall die & that ere they be ware. ¶ The end of a fool. The righteousness of God. The Lord chasteneth his, and delivereth them again. CAPI. V CAll me one else, if thou canst find any ye look about thee, upon any of the holy men. As for the foolish man, displeasure killeth him, and anger slayeth the ignorant. I have seen myself, when the foolish was deep rooted, that his beauty was suddenly destroyed, that his children were with our prosperity or health: that they were slain in the door, and no man to deliver them: that his harvest was eaten up of the hungry: that the weapened man had spoiled it, and that ye●hu●stye had drunk up his riches. ☞ It is not the earth that bringeth forth travail, neither cometh sorrow out of the ground: but it is man, that is born unto misery, like as the bird to flight. The power of God. But now will I speak of the Lord, & talk of God: which doth things, that are unsearchable, and marueles without number: which giveth rain upon the earth, and poureth water upon all things: which setter up them of low degree, and sendeth prosperity, to those that are in heaviness: Which destroyeth the thoughts of the wicked, so that they are not able to perform the things that they take in hand: which compaseth the wise in their own craftiness, and overthroweth the counsel of the wicked. In so much that they run into darkness by fair day, and grope about them at the none day, like as in the night. And so he delivereth the poor from the sword, from the mouth, and from the hand of the cruel, that the poor may have hope, & that the mouth of the oppressor may be stopped. Behold, happy is the man, whom God punyssheth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the almighty. For though he make a wound, he giveth a medicine again: though he smite, his hand maketh hole again. He delivereth the out of six troubles, so that in the seventh there can no harm touch the. In the midst of hunger he saveth the from death: and when it is war, from the power of the sword. He shall keep the from the scourge of the tongue, so that when trouble cometh, thou shalt not need to fear. In havoc and dearth thou shalt be merry, and shalt not be afraid of the beasts of the earth: But the stones in the land shall be confederate with thee, & the beasts of the field shall give the peax. Yea thou shalt know, that thy dwelling place shallbe in rest: thou shalt behold thy substance, and be no more punished for sin. Thou shalt see also, that thy seed shall increase and that thy progeny shallbe as the grass upon the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a fair age, like as the corn sheves are brought in to the barn in due season. Loo, this is the thing that we ourselves have proved by experience. Therefore now that thou hearest it, take better heed to thyself. ¶ job answereth, that his pain is more grievous than his ●aute, yet not withstanding he delighteth therein. CAP. VI IOb answered, and said: O that my misery were weighed, and my punishment laid in the balances: for than should it be heavier, than the sand of the see. This is the cause that my words are so sorrowful. For the arrows of the almighty are in me, whose indignation hath drunk up my spirit, and the terrible fears of God fight against me. Doth the wild ass roar when he hath grass? Or crieth the ox, when he hath fodder enough? That which is unsavoury, shall it be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg? The things that some time I might not away with, are now my meat for very sorrow. O that I might have my desire: O that God would grant me the thing, that I long for: That he would begin and smite me: that he would let his hand go, and hew me down. Then should I have some comfort: yea I would desire him in my pain, that he should not spare, for I will not be against the words of the holy one. What power have I to endure? Or, what is mine end, that my soul might be patient? Is my strength the strength of stones? Or, is my flesh made of brass? Is it not so that there is in me no help: and that my substance is taken from me? He that is in tribulation aught to be comforted of his neighbour: but the fear of the Lord is clean away: Mine own brethren pass over by me as the water broken, that hastily runneth thorough the valleys. But they that fear the door frost, the snow shall fall upon them. When their time cometh, they shall be destroyed and perish: and when they be set on fire, they shallbe removed out of their place for the paths that they go in, are crooked: they haste after vain things, and shall perish. consider the paths of Theman, & the ways of Saba, wherein they have put their trust, Confounded are they, that put any confidence in them: For when they came to obtain the things they looked for they were brought to confusion. Even so are you also come unto me: but now that you see my misery, you are afraid. Did I desire you, to come hither? Or, to give me any of your substance? To deliver me from the enemies hand, or to save me from the power of the mighty? Teach me and I will hold my tongue: and if I do err, show me wherein. Wherefore blame you then the words, that are well and truly spoken? which of you can reprove them? Saving only that you are subtle to check men's sayings, and can speak many words in the wind. You fall upon the fatherless, and go about to overthrow your own friend. Wherefore look not only upon me, but upon yourselves: whether I lie, or no. Turn into your own selves (I pray you) be indifferent judges, and consider mine ungyltynes: whether there be any unrighteousness in my tongue, or vain words in my mouth. ¶ job showeth that this life is but a battle, or warfare. CAPI. VII. A warfare is the life of man upon earth, and his days are like the days of an hired servant: For like as a bond servant desireth the shadow, and as an hireling would fain have an end of his work: even so have I laboured hole months long (but in vain) and many a careful night have I told. When I laid me down to sleep, I said: O when shall I arise? Again, I longed sore for the night. Thus am I replece with sorrows, till it be dark. My flesh is clothed with worms, filthiness and dust: my skin is withered and crompled together: my days pass over more hastily, than a weaver can weave out his web: and are go or I am aware. O remember, that my life is but a wind, and that mine eye shall no more see the pleasures thereof, and that none other man's eye shall see me any more. For if thou fasten thine eyes upon me, I come to naught, like as a cloud is consumed and vanisshed away: even so he that goeth down to hell, cometh no more up, ne turneth again in to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. Therefore I will not spare my mouth, but will speak in the trouble of my spirit, in the bitterness of my mind will I talk. Am I a see or a Whale fish, that thou keepest me see in prison? When I say: my bed shall comfort me: I shall have some refreshing by talking by myself vp●n my couch: Then troublest thou me with dreams, and makest me so afraid thorough visyons, that my life wisheth rather to be strangled, and my bones to be deed. I can see no remedy, I shall live no more: O spare me then, for my days are but vain. What is man, that thou haste him in such regard, and settest so much by him? Thou takest diligent care for him, and suddenly dost thou try him. Why goest thou not fro me, ne lettest me alone, so long till I swallow down my spittle? I have offended, what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why hast thou made me to stand in thy way, and am so heavy a burden unto myself? Why dost thou not forgive me my sin? Wherefore takest thou not away my wickedness? Behold, now must I sleep in the dust: and if thou seekest me to morrow in the morning, I shall be go. ¶ job is reprehended and noted to have deserved his pain. A descryp●ion of hypocrisy. CAPI. VIII. THen answered Baldad the Suhite, and said: How long wilt thou talk of such things? how long shall thy mouth speak so proud words? Doth God pervert the thing that as lawful? Or doth the almighty destroy the thing that is right? When thy sons sinned against him, did not he punish them for their wickedness? If thou wouldest now resort unto God by times and make thine humble prayer to the almighty: if thou wouldest live a pure and a godly life: should he not walk up unto the forthwith, and give thee, the beauty of righteousness again? In so moche, that wherein so ever thou hadst a little afore, thou shouldest now have a great abundance. inquire of them that have been before thee, search diligently among thy forefathers. Psal cxliii a. (For we are but of yesterday, and we know not, that our days upon earth are but a very shadow.) They shall show thee, they shall tell thee, yea they shall gladly confess the same. May a rush be green without moisture? may the grass grow without water? Not, (but or ever it be shot forth, and or ever it be gathered) it withereth, before any other herb. Even so goeth it with all them that forget God, Hypocrysye. and even thus also shall the hypocrites hope come to naught. His confidence shall be destroyed, for he trusteth in a spiders web. ☜ He leaneth him upon his house, but he shall not stand: he holdeth him fast by it, yet shall he not endure. Oft time a thing doth flourish, and men think that it may abide the sun shining: it shouteth forth branches in his garden, it taketh many roots, in so much that it is like an house of stones. But if it be taken out of his place, every man denieth it, saying: I know the not: Lo, thus is it with him that rejoiceth in his own doings: and again other grow out of the earth. Behold, God will not cast away an upright man, neither will he help the ungodly. Thy mouth shall he fill with laughing, and thy lips with gladness. They that hate thee, shall be confounded, and the dwellynges of the ungodly shall come to nought. ¶ job declareth the benefits of God, and how man's righteousness is nothing. CAP. IX. IOb answered and said: Certes I know it is so of a truth, that a man compared unto God, can not be justified. ☜ If he will argue with him, he shall not be ha●●le to answer him, one among a thousand. He is wise of heart, and mighty in strength. Who ever prospered, that took part against him? He translateth the mountains, or ever they be a ware, and overthroweth them in his wrath. He removeth the earth one of her place, and her pylers, he all to spaketh. He commanded the son, and it riseth not: he closeth up the sierres, as it were under a signet. He himself alone spreadeth out the heavens, and goeth upon the waves of the see. He maketh the veins of heaven, the Orion's, the seven stars, and the secret places of the south. He doth great things, such as are unsearchable, yea and wonders without number. If he came by me, I might not look upon him: if he went his way, I should not perceive it. If he be hasty to take any thing away, who shall make him restore it again? Who shall say unto him: what dost thou? He is God, whose wrath no man can withstand: but the proudest of all must stoop under him? How should I then answer him? or what words should I find out against hunt Yea, though I be righteous, yet will I not give him one word again, but meekly submit myself to my judge. All be it that I call upon him, and he hear me, yet am I not sure that he hath heard my voice: he shall trouble me so with the tempest, and wound me out of measure without cause. He shall not let my spirit be in rest, but filleth me with bitterness. If men will speak of strength, he is the strongest of all, if men will speak of righteousness, ☞ who dare be my record? If I will justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me: If I will put forth myself for a perfect man, he shall prove me a wicked doer: For that I should be an innocent, my conscience knoweth it not/ yea I myself am weary of my life. This one thing will I say: He destroyeth both the righteous and ungodly. And though he slay suddenly with the scourge, yet laugheth he at the punishment of the innocent. As for the world, he giveth it over in to the power of the wicked, such as the rulers be, whereof all lands are full. Is it not so? where is there any but he is such one? My days have been more swift than a pursuivant: they are go suddenly, and have seen no good thing. They are passed away, as the ships that are good under sail, and as the Eagle that hasteth to her pray. When I am purposed to forget my complaynynges, to change my countenance, and to comfort myself: then am I afraid of all my works, for I know thou favourest not an evil doer. If I be then a wicked one, why have I laboured in vain? Though I washed myself with snow water, and made mine hands never so clean, yet shouldest thou dip me in the mire, and mine own clotheses should defile me. For he that I must give answer unto, and with whom I go to law, is not a man as I am. Neither is there any dayesmen to reprove both the parts, or to say his hand between us. Let him take his rod away fro me, yea let him make me no more afraid of him, and then shall I answer him without fear. For as long as I am in such fearfulness, I can make no answer. And why? it grieveth my soul to live. ¶ job is weary of his life, and setteth out his frailty before God. He desireth time to repent. A description of death. CAPI. X. Nevertheless, now will I put forth my words: I will speak out of the very heaviness of my soul, and will say unto God: Ah do not condemn me, but show me the cause why thou judgest me on this manner? thinkest thou it well done to oppress me, to cast me of (being a work of thy hands) and to maintain the counsel of the ungodly? Haste thou fleshly eyen, or dost thou look as man looketh? Are thy days as the days of man, and thy years as man's years, that thou makest such inquiry for my wickedness, and searchest out my sin? where as thou knowest I am no wicked person/ and that there is no man able to rescue me out of thine hand? Thine hands have made me, and fashioned me all together round about, will't thou then destroy me suddenly? O remember (I beseech thee) that thou madest me of the mould of earth, and shalt bring me to earth again. Hast thou not mylked me like milk, and pressed like cheese? Thou haste covered me with skin and flesh, and joined me together with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life, and done me good: and the diligent heed that thou takest upon me, hath preserved my spirit. Though thou hydest these things in thine heart: yet am I sure that thou remember'st them all. Wherefore didst thou keep me, when I sinned, and haste not cleansed me fro mine offence? If I do wickedly, woe is me therefore: If I be righteous, yet dare I not lift up my heed: so full am I of confusion, and see mine own misery. Thou huntest me out, oppressed with heaviness, as it were a Lion, and troublest me beyond all measure. Thou bryngest fresh witnesses against me, thy wrath inceasest thou upon me: full many are the plagues that I am in. Wherefore hast thou brought me out of my mother's womb? O that I had perished, and the no eye had seen me. If they had carried me to my grave, as soon as I was born, then should I be now, as though I had never been. Shall not my short life come soon to an end? O hold the fro me, let me alone, that I may ease myself a little afore I go thither, whence I shall not return. Namely to that land or darkness and shadow of death: yea in to the dark cloudy land and deadly shadow, where as is no order, but terrible fear continually abideth. ¶ job is unjustly reproved of Sophar. God is not reprovable. He is merciful to the repentant. CAPI. XI. THen answered Sophar the Naamathite and said: should not he that maketh many words be answered? Should he that babbleth moche be commended therein? Should men give ear unto the only? Thou will't laugh other men to scorn, & shall no body mock the again? Will't thou say unto God: the thing that I take in hand is perfect, and I am clean in thy sight? O that God would speak, and open his lips against thee, that he might show the out of his secret wisdom, how many fold his law is: then shouldst thou know that God had forgotten thee, because of thy sins. wilt thou find out God with thy seeking? wilt thou attain to the perfectness of the almighty? He is higher than heaven, what wilt thou do? deeper than the hell, how wilt thou then know him? His length exceedeth the length of the earth, and his breadth the breadth of the see. Though he turn all things up set down, close them in, or thrust them together, who dare check him therefore? For it is he that knoweth the vanity of men: he seethe their wickedness also, should he not then consider it? A vain body vaunteth himself, and the son of man is like a wild asses tool. If thou hadst now a right heart, and lyftedst up thine hands toward him: if thou wouldest put away the wickedness which thou haste in hand, so that no ungodliness dwelt in thy house: then mightest thou lift up thy face without shame, then shouldest thou be sure, and have no need to fear. Then shouldest thou forget thy misery, and think no more of it then of the waters that run by. Then should thy life be as clear as the noon day, and spring forth as the morning. Then mightest thou have comfort in the hope that thou hast: and sleep quietly when thou art laid in. Then shouldst thou take thy rest, and no man to make the afraid, yea many one should set moche by the. But the eyes of the ungodly shall be consumed, and not escape: their hope shall be misery and sorrow of mind. ¶ job in showing his patience declareth the might and power of God. CAPI. XII. SO job answered and said: Now undoubtedly I see you are only men, and shall wisdom die with you? But I have understanding as well as you, and am no less than you. Yea who knoweth not these things? Thus he the calleth upon God, 〈◊〉 xiii● a and whom God heareth, is mocked of his neighbour: the godly and gylties man is laughed to scorn. Godliness is the lamp despised in the hearts of the rich, and is set for them to stumble upon. The houses of robbers are in wealth and prosperity, and they that maliciously meddle against God, devil without care: yea God giveth all things richly with his hand. For ask the cattles, and they shall inform thee: the toules of the air, and they shall tell thee: Speak to the earth, and it shall show thee: Or to the fishes of the see, and they shall certify the. Who is he that knoweth not that the hand of the Lord made all these? 〈◊〉 three a. 〈…〉 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all men? Have not the ears pleasure in hearing, 〈…〉 and the mouth in tasting the thing that it eateth? Among old personnes there is wisdom, and among the aged is understanding. Yea with God is wisdom and strength, it is be that hath counsel and foreknowledge. If he break down a thing, who can set it up again? If he shut a thing, Isaiah xxii d. Apoca iii b Isaiah l a who will open it? If he withhold the waters they dry up: If he let them go, they destroy the earth. With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the disceyver and him that is deceived. He carrieth away the wise men, ☜ as it were a spoil and bringeth the judges out of their wits: He loseth the bands of kings, and gyrdeth their loins with a band. He leadeth away the priests in to captivity, and turneth the mighty up set down. He taketh the troth out of the mouth, two. Par. xviii c Ezech. xiiii b. and disappoynteth the aged of their wisdom. He poureth our confusion upon princes, and comforteth them that have been oppressed. Look what lieth hid in darkness, he declareth it openly: Luc xii a and the very shadow of death bringeth he to light. He both increaseth the people, and destroyeth them: He maketh them to multiply, and driveth them away. He changeth the heart of the princes and kings of the earth, and disappoynteth them: so that they go wandering out of the way, and grope in the dark without light, staggering to and fro like drunken men. ¶ job reproveth his friends with their own sayings, and condemneth hypocrisy. CAPI. XIII. LO, all this have I seen with mine eye, herd with mine ear, and understand it. Look what you know, that same I know also, neither am I inferior unto you. Nevertheless I am purposed to talk with the almighty, and my besyre is to comen with God. As for you, you are workemasters of lies, & unprofitable physicians all together. Would God you kept your tongue, that you might be taken for wise men. Therefore hear my words, and ponder the sentence of my lips. Will you make answer for God with lies, and maintain him with disobeyed? Will you accept the person of God, & entreat for him? Shall that help you, when he calleth you to accounts? Think you to beguile him, as a man is beguiled? He shall punish you, and reprove you, if you do secretly accept any person. Shall be not make you afraid, when he showeth himself? Shall not his terrible fear fall upon you? your remembrance shall be like dust, and pride shall be turned to clay. Hold your tongues now, and let me speak, for there is some thing come in to my mind. Wherefore do I bear my flesh in my teeth, and my soul in mine hands? Loo, there is neither comfort or hope for me, if he will slay me. But if I utter & reprove mine own ways in his sight, he is even the same that maketh me hole: and why? there may no dissembler come before him. Hear my words, and ponder my sayings with your ears. Behold, now have I prepared my judgement, and know that I shall be found righteous. What is he, that will go to law with me? For if I hold my tongue, I shall die. Nevertheless grant me two things, and then will I not hide myself from the. Withdraw thine hand from me, and let not the fearful dread of thee, make me afraid. And then send for me to the law, that I may answer for myself: or else, let me speak, and give thou the answer. How great are my misdeeds and sins? Let me know my transgressions and offences. Wherefore hydest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy? wilt thou be so cruel and extreme unto a flying leaf, and follow upon dry stubble, that thou layest so sharply to my charge, and wilt utterly undo me for the sins of my youth? Thou hast put my foot in the stocks, thou lookest narrowly unto all my paths, & markest the steps of my feet: where I must cnsume like a foul carrion, and as a cloth that is into he eaten. ¶ job describeth the life of man, and prophesieth of the resurrection. Hope sustaineth the godly, till they have that they look for. CAPI. XIIII. MAn that is born of a woman, hath but a short time to live, and is full of divers miseries. He cometh up, and falls away like a flower. He fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one state. thinkest thou it now well done, to open thine eyes upon such one, and to bring me before the in judgement? Who can make that clean, that cometh or an uncleanesede? No body. The days of man are short, the number of his months are known only unto the. Thou hast appointed him his bounds, ☞ he can not god beyond them. God from him, that he may rest a little: until his day come which he looketh for, like as an hireling doth. If a tree be cut down, there is some hope yet that it will sprout and shoot forth the branches again: For though a root be waxen old and deed in the ground, yet when the stock getteth the scent of water, it will budle and bring forth bows, like as when it was first planced. But man when he is deed, perished and consumed away, what becometh of him? The floods when they be dried up, and the rivers when they be empty, are filled again thorough the flowing waters of the see: but when man stepeth, he riseth not again, until the heaven perish: he shall not wake up, ne rise out of his sleep, O that thou wouldest keep me, and hide me in the hell, until thy wrath were stylled: and to appoint me a time, wherein thou mightest remember me. May a deed man live again? All the days of this my pilgrimage, am I looking when my changing shall come. If thou wouldest but call me, I should obey thee: only despise not the work of thine own hands. For thou hast numbered all my goings, yet be not thou extreme upon my sins. Thou haste sealed up mine offences, as it were in a bag: but be merciful unto my wickedness. The mountains fall away at the last, the rocks are removed out of their place, the waters pierce thorough the very stones by little and little, the floods wash away the gravel and earth: Even so destroyest thou the hope of man. Thou prevaylest against him, so that he passeth a way: thou changest his state, and puttest him from the. Whether his children come to worship or not, he can not cell: And if they be men of low degree, he knoweth not. While he liveth, his flesh must have travail: and while the soul is in him the must be in sorrow. ¶ Eliphas reproveth job because he ascribeth wisdom and pureness to himself. He describeth the cur●e that falls on the wicked, reckoning job to be one of that number. CAP. XU. THen answered Eliphas the Themanite, and said: should a wise man answer as the science of the wind, and fill his belie with the wind of the East? Thou reprovest with words that are nothing worth: and speakest things which can do no good. As for shame thou haste set aside, else wouldest thou not make so many words before God: but thy wickedness teacheth thy mouth, and so thou hast choose the a crafty tongue. Thine own mouth condemneth thee, & not I: yea thine own lips shape the an answer. Art thou the first man that ever was born? Or wast thou made before the hills? hast thou herd the secret counsel of God, that all wisdom is to little for thee? What knowest thou that we know not? What understandest thou but we can the same? With us are old and aged men, yea such as have lived longer than yhy fore fathers. thinkest thou it a small thing of the consolations of God? and are they with the a lying word? why doth thine heart make the so proud? Why standest thou so greatly in thine own conceit? Whereunto look thine eyes, that thy mind is so put up against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth? What is man, that he should be clean? what hath he (which is born of a woman) whereby he might be known to be righteous? Behold there is no trust to his saints: yea the very heavens are not clean in his sight. How moche more than an abominable & vile man, which drinketh wickedness like water? I will tell thee, hear me: I will show the a thing that I know, which wise men have told, and hath not been hid from their fathers: unto whom only the land was given, that no stranger should come among them. The ungodly dispayreth all the days of his life, and the number of a tyrants years are unknown. A fearful sound is ever in his ears, and when it is peax, yet fears he destruction: He believeth never to be delivered out of darkness, the sword is always before his eyes. When he goeth forth to get his living, he thinketh plainly that the day of darkness is at hand. Sorrow and carefulness make him afraid, and compass him round about, like as it were a king with his host ready to the battle. For he hath stretched out his hand against God, and armed himself against the almighty. He runneth proudly upon him, and with a stiff neck fighteth he against him: where as he covereth his face with fatness, and maketh his body well liking. Therefore shall his dwelling be in desolate cities, and in houses, which no man inhabiteth, but are become heaps of stones. He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continued, nor increase upon earth. He shall never come out of darkness, the flame shall dry up his branches, with the blast of the mouth of God shall he be taken away. He will neither apply himself to faithfulness ne truth, so sore is he deceived with vanity. He shall perish afore his time be worn out, and his hand shall not be green. He shall be pluck of as an untimely grape from the vine, and shall let his flower fall as the olive doth. For the congregation of hypocrites is unfruitful, and the fire shall consume the houses of such as are greedy to receive gifts. He conceiveth travail, he beareth mischief, and his body bringeth forth disobeyed. ¶ job repeating his misery, saith that he suffereth more than his wickedness hath deserved. CAPI. XVI. IOb answered and said: I have oft times heard such things. Miserable givers of comfort are you, all the sort of you. Shall not thy vain words come yet to an end? Or hast thou yet any more to say? I could speak as you do also. But would God that your soul were in my soul's stead: then should I heap up words against you, and shake my heed at you. I should comfort you with my mouth, and release your pain with the talking of my lips. But what shall I do? For all my words, my sorrow will not cease: and though I hold my tongue, yet will it not depart fro me. And now that I am full of pain, and all that I have destroyed (whereof my wryncles bear witness) there standeth up a dissembler to make me answer with lies to my face. He is angry at me, he hateth me, and gnassheth upon me with his teeth. Mine enemy scouleth upon me with his eyes. They have opened their mouths wide upon me, and smitten me upon the cheek despytefully, they have eased themselves thorough mine adversity. God hath given me over to the ungodly, and delivered me in to the hands of the wicked. I was sometime in welche, but suddenly he hath brought me to naught. He hath taken me by the neck, he hath rend me, and set me as it were a mark for him to shoot at: he hath compassed me round about with his darts, he hath wounded my loins, and not spared. My bowels hath he poured upon the ground. He hath given me one wound upon an other and is fallen upon me like a grant. I have sowed a sack cloth upon my skin, and lie with my strength in the dust. My face is swollen with weeping, and mine eyes are waxed dymne. How be it there is no wickedness in my hands, and my prayer is clean. O earth cover not my blood, and let my crying find no room. For loo, my witness is in heaven/ and he that knoweth me, is above in the heygthe. My friends laugh me to scorn, but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. Though a body might pleat with God as one man doth with an other, yet the number of my years are come, and I must go the way, from whence I shall not turn again. ¶ job saith that he consumeth a way and yet doth patiently abide it. CAPI. XVII. MY bret●● faileth, my days are shortened. I am hard at deaths door. I have deceived no man, yet must mine eye continued in heaviness. O deliver me and set me by thee: who shall then be able to thrust my hands together? Thou hast withholden their hearts from understanding, therefore shall they not be set up on high. He promiseth his friends part of his good, but his own children spend it. He hath made me as it were a by word of the common people. I am his jesting stock among them. My countenance is heavy for very anger, and the membres of my body are become like a shadow. Virtuous men therefore shall well consider this, and the innocent shall take part against the hypocrite. The righteous will keep his way, and he that hath clean hands, will ever be stronger and stronger. As for you, turn you and get you hence, for I can not see one wise man among you. My days are past, my thoughts are vanished away, which have vexed mine heart changing the night in to day, and the light in to darkness. Though I tarry never so moche, yet the grave is my house, and I must make my bed in the dark. I call corruption my father, and the worms call I my mother and my sister. What helpeth then my long tarrying? Or who will fulfil the thing that I look for? All that I have shall go down in to the pit, and lie with me in the dust. ¶ Baldad rehearseth the pains of the unfaithful and wicked. CAPI. XVIII. THen answered Baldad the Suhite, and said: when will you make an end of your words? Mark well and consider, we will speak also. Wherefore are we counted as beestes, and reputed so vile in your sight? Why destroyest thou thyself with anger? Shall the earth be forsaken, or the stones removed out of their place because of thee? Shall not the light of the ungodly be put out? yea the flame of his fire shall not burn. The light shall be dark in his dwelling, & his candle shall be put out with him. His presumptuous goings shall be kept in, and his own counsel shall cast him down. For his feet shall be taken in the net, and he shall walk in the snare. His foot shall be held in the trap, and the thrusty shall catch him. The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a pitfall in the way. Fearfulness shall make him afraid on every side, that he shall not know, where to get out. Hunger shall be his substance, & misfortune shall hang upon him. He shall eat the strength of his skin, the first born of death shall eat his m●mbres. All his comfort and hope shall be ro●ed out of his dwelling, very fearfulness shall bring him to the king. Other men shall devil in his house (which now●s none of his) and brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation. His rotes shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his harvest be cut down. His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and his name shall not be praised in the streces: he shall be driven from the light in to darkness, and be cast clean out of the world, he shall neither have children nor kynsfolkes among his people/ no, ne any posterity in his country: young and old shall be astonished at his death. Such are now the dwellings of the wicked, and this the place of him that knoweth not God. ¶ job reciteth his miseries and grievous pains. He Prophesyeth of the general resurrection. CAPI. XIX. IOb answered and said: how long will you vex my mind, and trouble me with words? Loo, ten times have you reproved me: are you not ashamed to laugh me to scorn? if I go wrong, I go wrong to myself. But if you will enhance yourselves against me, and accuse me to be a wicked person because of the shame that is come upon me: know this then, that it is God which hath handled me so violently, and hath compassed me about with his scourges. Behold, though I cry, yet violence is done unto me, I can not be herd: Though I complain, there is none to give sentence with me. He hath hedged up my path, I can not get away, he hath set darkness in my gate. He hath spoiled me of mine honour. And taken the crown away fro my heed. He ha●●e destroyed me on every side, and I am undone: My hope hath he taken away fro me, as it were a tree plucte up by the root. His wrath is kindled against me, he taketh me as though I were 〈◊〉 enemy. His men of war came together, which made their way over me, and besieged m● dwelling round about. He hath put my brethren far away fro me, and such as were of mine acquaintance, are become strangers unto me. Mine own kynsfolkes have forsaken me, and my friends have put me out of remembrance. The servants and maidens of mine own house, take me for a stranger, and I am become as an aleaunte 〈◊〉 their sight. When I call upon my servant, he giveth me no answer: not though I pray him with my mouth. Mine own wife may not aby●● my breath, I am fain to speak fair unto the children of mine own body. Yea the very fools despise me, and when I am go from them, they speak evil upon me. All such as were my most familiars abhor me: & they whom I loved best, are turned against me. My bone hangs to my skin, and my flesh is away, only there is left me the skin about my teeth, have pity upon me, ☜ have pity upon me (O you my friends) for the hand of the Lord hath touched me. Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied of my flesh? O that my words were written, O that they were put in a book: would God they were graven with an iron pen in lead or in stone. For I am sure that my redeemer liveth, 〈…〉 and that I shall rise out of the earth in the latter day: that I shall be clothed again with this skin, and see God in my flesh. Yea I myself shall behold him, not with other, but with these same eyes. My reins are consumed within me, when you say: Why do not we persecute him? we have found an occasion against him. But beware of the sword, for the sword will be avenged of wickedness, and be sure that there is a judgement. ¶ Sophar sayeth/ that the unfaithful, the covetous, and the wicked/ shall have a short end. CAPI. XX. THen answered Sophar the Naamathite, and said: For the same cause do my thoughts compel me to answer. And why? my mind is tossed here and there. I have sufficiently heard thy checking and reproof, therefore am I purposed to make answer after mine understanding. Knowest thou not this, namely that from the beginning (ever sithence the creation of man upon earth) the praise of the ungodly hath been short and that the joy of hypocrites continued be●● the twinkling of an eye? Though he be magnified up to the heaven, so that his heed reacheth unto the clouds: yet he peryssheth at the last like dung: in so much that they which have seen him, say: Where is he? He vanissheth as a dream, so that he can no more he sound, and passeth away as a vision in the night. So that the eye which saw him before, getteth now no sight of him, & his place place knoweth him no more. His children go a begging, their hands bring them to sorrow and heaviness. From his youth his bones are full of vice, which shall lie down with him in the earth. When wickedness is sweet in his mouth, he hideth it under his tongue. That he favoureth that will he not forsake, but keepeth it close in his throat. The meat that he eateth shall be turned to the poison of serpents with in his body. The riches that he devoureth, shall he parbreak again, for God shall draw them out of his belly, he shall suck the serpent's heed, & the adders tongue shall slay him: so that he shall no more see the rivers and brokes of honey and butter: But labour shall he, and yet have nothing to eat. great travail shall he make for riches, but he shall not enjoy them. And why? he hath oppressed the poor, and not helped them: houses hath he spoiled, & not builded them. His belly could never be filled, therefore shall he perish in his covetise. He devoured so gredyly that he left nothing behind/ therefore his goods shall not prosper. Though he had foison of every thing, yet was he poor, and therefore he was but a wretch on every side. For though the wicked have never so much to fill his belie, yet God shall send his wrath upon him, and 'cause his battle to reign over him: so that if he flee the iron weapons, he shall be shot with the steel bow. The arrow shall be taken forth, and go out at his back, and a glistering sword thorough the gall of him, fear shall come upon him. There shall no darkness be able to hide him. And unkyndled fire shall consume him, and look what remaineth in his house, it shall be destroyed. The heaue● shall declare his wickedness, and the earth shall take part against him. The substance that he hath in his house, shall be taken away and perish, in the day of the lords wrath. This is the portion that the wicked shall have of God, and the heritage that he may look for of the Lord. ¶ job reciteth the prosperity of the wicked, and after describeth their sudden ruin & destruction. CAPI. XXI. IOb answered and said: O hear my words and amend yourselves. Suffer me a little, the I may speak also, and then laugh my words to scorn if you will. Is it with a man that I make this disputation? Which t●●t were so, should not my spirit be then in sore trouble? Mark me well, be abashed, & lay your hand upon your mouth. For when I ponder and consider this, I am afraid, and my flesh is smitten with fear. Wherefore do wicked men live in health and prosperity come to their old age, and increase in richesse? Their chylde●s children live in their sight, and their generation before their eyes. Their houses are safe from all fear, for the rod of God doth not smite them. Their bullock gendereth, & that not out of time: their come calueth, and is not unfruitful. They send forth their children by flocks, and their sons lead the dance. They bear with them tabrettes and haps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure. They spend their days in wealth: but suddenly they go down to hell. They say unto God: go from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What manner fellow is the almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have to submit ourselves unto him? Lo, there is utterly no goodness in them, therefore will not I have to do with the counsel of the ungodly. How often shall the candle of the wicked be put out? how often cometh their destruction upon them? O what sorrow shall God give them for their part in his wrath? Yea they shall be as chaff before the wind, and as dust that the storm carrieth away. And though God save their children from such sorrow, yet will he so reward themselves that they shall know it. Their own destruction and misery shall they see with their eyes, and drink of the fearful wrath of the almighty. For what careth he what becometh of his household after his death? whose months pass away swifter than an a-row. In as much then as God hath the highest power of all, who can teach him any knowledge? One dieth now when he is mighty, and at his best, rich, and in prosperity: even when his bowels are at the fattest, & his bones full of marry. another dyeeh in sorrow and heaviness, and never had good days: Now sleep they bo●he alike in the earth, and the worms cover them. But I know what you think, yea & what you imagine against me unrighteously. For you say: where is the princes palace? Where is the dwelling of the ungodly? Ask any man that goeth by the way, and (if you will not regard their tokens and deeds) he shall tell you, that the wicked is kept unto the day of destruction, and that the ungodly shallbe brought forth in the day of wrath. Who dare reprove him for his ways to his face? who rewardeth him for the ungraciousness that he doth? Yet shall he be brought to his grave, and watched among the heap of the deed. Then shall he be fain to be buried among the stones by the brook side. All men must follow him, and there are innnumerable go before him. O how vain is the comfort that you give me? Are not your answers clean contrary 〈◊〉 right and ●●●the? ¶ Eliphaz reprehendeth job of vnmercyfulnes●e. CAPI. XXII. SO Eliphas the Themanite gave a●●swere and said: May● a man be compared unto God in wisdom, though he s●●ne to himself for to be like him? What pleasure hath God in that thou art righteous? Or what doth it profit him, that thy ways are perfect? Is he afraid to reprove thee, and to step forth with the in to judgement? cometh not this for that great wickedness, and for thine ungracious deeds, which are innumerable? Thou hast taken the pledge from thy brethren for nought, and rob the naked of their clothing: To such as were weary, hast thou given no water to drink, thou haste withdrawn breed from the hungry: Should such one then as useth violence, wrong, and oppression (doing all thing of partiality, and having respect of personnes) devil in the land? Thou haste sent widows away empty, and oppressed the poor fatherless. Therefore art thou compassed about with snares on every side, and suddenly vexed with fear. Shouldst thou then see no darkness? Should not the water flood run over thee? Now because that God is higher than the heavens, and because thou seest that the stars are so high, wilt thou therefore say: tush how should God know? Doth his dominion reach beyond the clouds? tush the clouds cover him that he may not see, for he dwelleth in heaven. Well, thou wilt keep the old way that all wicked men have go: both old and young, whose foundation is a running water, which say unto God: go from us, and after this manner: Tush, what will the almighty do unto us? where as he (notwithstanding) filleth their houses with all good. Which meaning of the ungodly be far from. For with joy shall the godly, & with gladness shall the innocent see, that their increase shall be hewn down, and their posterity consumed with fire. Therefore reconcile the unto God, and be content, so shall all things prosper with the right well. receive the law at his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. For if thou wilt turn to the almighty, thou shalt stand fast, and all unrighteousness shall be far from thy dwelling: He shall give the an harvest, which in plenty and abundance shall exceed the dust of the earth, and the gold of Ophir like river stones. Yea the almighty his own self shall be thine harvest, and the heap of thy money. Then shalt thou have thy delight in the almighty, and lift up thy face unto God. Then shalt thou make thy prayer unto him, and he shall bear thee, and thou shalt keep thy promises. Then, look what thou takest in hand, he shall make it to prosper with thee, and the light shall shine in thy ways. For who so humbleth himself, him shall he set up: and who so looketh meekly, shall be healed. If thou be innocent, he shall save thee: and thorough the unguiltiness of thine hands shalt thou be delivered. ¶ I●b affirmeth that he both knoweth and fears the power and sentence of the judge, and saith that 〈◊〉 hath ●●lked in his righteousness. CAPI. XXIII. IOb answered and said: My saying is yet this day in bitterness, and my hand heavy among my groanings. O that I might see him and find him: O that I might come before his seat, to plead my cause before him, and to fill my mouth with arguments, that I might know what answer he would give me: and that I might understand, what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power and strength, or will he lean himself utterly upon me? O not, let him not do so with me. But let him give me like power to go to the law, then am I sure to win my matter. For though I go before I find him not: If I come behind, I can get no knowledge of him: If I go on the left side to ponder his works, I can not attain unto them. Again, if I go on the right side, he hideth himself that I can not see him: but as for my way he knoweth it, and trieth me as the gold in the fire. Nevertheless my feet keep his path, his high street have I held, and not go out of it: I have not forsaken the commandment of his lips, but look what he charged me with his mouth, that have I shut up in my heart. It is he himself alone, who shall turn him back? He doth as him lusteth, and bringeth to pass what he will. He rewardeth me in to my bosom, and many other things mother doth he, as he mass by his power. This is the cause that I shrink at his presence, so that when I consider him, I am afraid of him. For in so much as he is God, he maketh my heart soft: and saying that he is almighty, he putteth me in fear. Thus can not I get out of darkness, the cloud hath so covered my face. ¶ job describeth the wickedness of men, and showeth what curse belongeth to the wicked. CAPI. XXIIII. considering then there is no time hid from the almighty, how happeneth it that they which know him, will not regard his days? ☜ For some there be that remove other men's landemarkes: that rob them of their cattle, and keep the same for their own: that drive away the ass of the fatherless: that take the widows ox for a pledge: that thrust the poor out of the way, and oppress the simple of the world together. Behold, the wild asses in the desert go by times, as their manner is, to spoil: Yea the very wilderness ministereth food for their children. They reap the corn field that is not their own: and gather the grapes out of his vineyard, whom they have oppressed by violence. They are the cause that so many men are naked and bore, having no clotheses to cover them & keep them from cold●: So that when the showers in the mountains have tayned upon them, and they be all wet, they have none other succour, but to keep them among the rocks. They spoil the sucking fatherless children, and put the poor in prison: in so much that they let them go naked without clothing, and yet the hungry bear the sheves. The poor are fain to labour in their oil mylles, yea and to tread in their wine presses, and yet to suffer thirst. The hole city crieth unto the Lord with sighing, the souls of the slain, make their complaint: But God destroyeth them not for all this, where as they (notwithstanding) are rebellious & disobedient enemies, which seek not his light and way, ne turn again in to his path. Timely in the morning do they arise to murder the simple and poor, and in the night they go a stealing. The eye of the ungodly is like the adulterer, that waiteth for the darkness, and saith thus in himself: Tush, there shall no man see me, and so he disguyseth his face. In the night season they search the houses, and hide themselves in the day time, but will not know the light. For as soon as the day breaketh, the shadow of death cometh upon them, and they go in horrible darkness. The ungodly is very swift O that his portion also upon earth were swyfter than the running water, which suffereth not the shipman to behold the fair and pleasant vineyards: O that they (for the wickedness which they have done) were drawn to the hell sooner than mow melteth at the heat. O that all compassion upon them were forgotten: that their dainties were worms, that they were clean put out of mind, and utterly hewn down like an unfruitful tree. For they maintain the barren, & make them that they can not bear, and unto widows they do no good. They pluck down the mighty with their power, ☞ and when they themselves are got up, they are never without fear, as long as they live. And though they might be safe, yet they will not receive it, for their eyes look upon their own ways. They are exalted for a little, but shortly are they go, brought to extreme poverty, and taken out of the way: yea and utterly plucte of, as the ears of corn. Is it not so? Who will then reprove me as a liar, and say that my words are nothing worth? ¶ Ba●dad proveth that no man is clean and without sin before God. CAPI. XXV. THen answered Baldad the Subite, and said: Power and fear is with him above, that maketh peaxe, sitting in his highness, whose men of war are innumerable, and whose sight ariseth over al. But how may a man compared unto God be justified? Or how can he be clean, that is born of a woman? Beho●●e, the moon shineth nothing in compa●●●n to him, and the stars are unclean in his sight. How much more than man that is but corruption: and the son of man, which is but a worm? ¶ job showeth that man can not help God, and proveth it by his miracles. CAPI. XXVI. IOb answered and said: O how helpest thou the weak? what comfort givest thou unto him that hath no strength? Where is the counsel that thou shouldest give him which hath no wisdom? Wilt thou so show thine excellent righteousness, before whom haste thou spoken those words? Who made the breathe to come out of the mouth? The giants and worthies that are slain, and lie under the world with their companions/ yea and all they which devil beneath in the hell are not hid from him, The wonders of God. and the very destruction self can not be kept out of his sight. He stretcheth out the north over the empty, and hangs the earth upon nothing. He bindeth the water in his clouds, that they fall not down together. He holdeth hack his stool, that can not be seen, and spreadeth his clouds before it. He hath●●ompassed the waters with certain bounds, until the day and night come to an end. The very pyllers of heaven tremble and quake at his reproof. He stilleth the see with his power, and thorough his wisdom hath he set forth the world. With his spirit hath he garnished the heavens, and with his hand hath he wounded the rebellious serpent. This is now a short some of his doings. But who is able sufficiently to rehearse his works? Who can perceive and understand the thunder of his power? ¶ The constancy and perfectness of job, and the part of the unfaithful with god. CAPI. XXVII. ANd job went forth in his communication, saying: as truly as God liveth (which hath taken away my power from) and the almighty, that hath vexed my mind: my lips shall talk of no vanity, and my tongue shall speak no disobeyed, while my breath is in me, and as long as the wind (that God hath given me) is in my nostrils. God forbid I should grant your cause to be right. As for me, until mine end come, will I never go fro mine innocency. My righteous dealing keep I fast, which I will not forsake: my heart shall not reprove me of my days. Therefore mine enemy shall be found as the ungodly, and he that taketh part against me as the unrighteous. What hope h●the the hypocrite, though he have great good, and though God give him riches after ●●s heart is desire? Doth God hear him the sons, when he crieth unto him in his need? Hath he such pleasure and delight in the almighty, that he dare alway call upon God? I will teach you in the name of God, and the thing that I have of the almighty will I not keep from you. Behold you stand in your own conceit, as though you knew all things. Wherefore then do you go about with such vain words? saying: This is the portion that the wicked shall have of God, and the heritage that tyrants shall receive of the almighty. If he get many children, they shall perish with the sword, and his posterity shall have scarcenesss of breed. Look whom he leaveth behind him, they shall die and be buried, and no man shall have pity of his widows. Though he have as much money as the dust of the earth, and raiment as ready as the clay, he may well prepare it: but the godly shall put it upon him, and the innocent shall deal out the money. His house shall endure as the moth, & as a both that the watchman maketh. When the rich man dieth, he carrieth nothing with him: he is go with the twinkling of an eye. Destruction taketh hold upon him as a water flood, and the tempest stealeth him away in the night season. A behement wind carrieth him hence, and departeth: a storm plucketh him out of his place. It russheth in upon him and spareth him not, he may not escape from the power thereof. Then clap men their hands at him, yea and jest of him when they look upon his place. ¶ job showeth that the wisdom of God is unsearchable. CAPI. XXVIII. THere are places where silver is melted, and where gold is tried: where iron is digged out of the ground, and stones resolved to metal. The darkness shall once come to an end, he can seek out the ground of all things: the stones, the dark, and the horrible shadow. With the river of water parteth he asunder the strange people, that knoweth no good neighbourhood: such as are rude, unmannerly, and boystours. He bringeth food out of the earth, and that which is under, consumeth he with fire. There is found a place, whose stones are clean sapphires, and where the clottes of the earth are gold. There is a way also that the birds know not, that no vultures eye hath seen: wherein the proud and high minded walk not, and where no lion cometh. There putteth he his hand upon the stony rocks, and overthroweth the mountains. Rivers flow out of the rocks, and look what is pleasant, his eye seethe it. Out of drops bringeth he great floods together/ and the thing that is hid, bringeth he to light. How cometh a man then by wisdom? Where is the place that men find understanding? verily no man can tell how worthy a thing she is, neither is we found in the land of the living. The ●●pe saith: she is not in me. The see says: she is not with me She can not be got for the most fine gold, neither may the price of her be bought with any money. Not wedges of gold, of Ophir, no precious Onyx stones, no sapphires may be compared unto her. Not, neither gold, ne crystal, neither sweet odours, ne golden plate. There is nothing so worthy, or so excellent, as is once to be named unto her: for perfect wisdom goeth far beyond them all. The Topas that cometh out of Jude, may in no wise be likened unto he, yea not manner apparel, how pleasant and fair so ever it be. Whence then cometh wisdom? & where is the place of understanding? She is hid from the eyen of all men, yea & from the fowls of the air. Destruction and death say: we have herd tell of her with our ears. But God seethe her way, and knoweth her place. For he beholdeth the ends of the world, and looketh upon all that is under heaven. When he weighed the winds, and measured the waters: when he set the rain in order, and gave the mighty floods a law, than did he see her, than declared he her, prepared her, and knew her. And unto man he said: Behold to fear the Lord is wisdom: and to forsake evil, is understanding. ¶ job complaineth of the prosperity of the tym● past, subtellye reproving his friends of injury, because they said that job suffered according to his deserving. CAPI. XXIX. SO job proceeded and went forth in his communication, saying: O that I were as I was in the months paste, and in the days when God preserved me: when his light shined upon my heed: when I went after the same light, and shining even thorough the darkness. As it stood with me, when I was wealthy and had enough: when God prospered my house: when the almighty was with me: when my household folks stood about me: when my ways ran over with butter, and when the stony rocks gave me rivers of oil: when I went thorough the city unto the gate, and when they set me a chair in the street: when the young men (as soon as they saw me) hid themselves, and when the aged arose, and stood up unto me: when the Princes left of their talking, and laid their hand to their mouth: when the mighty kept still their voice, and when their tongues cleaved to the roof of their mouths. When all they that heard me, called me happy: and when all they that saw me, wished me good. For I delivered the poor when he cried, and the fatherless that wanted help. He that should have been lost, gave me a good word, and the widows heart praised me. And why? I put upon me righteousness, which covered me as a garment, and equity was my crown. I was an eye unto the blind, and a foot to the lame, I was a father unto the poor, and when I knew not their causes, I sought it out diligently. I broke the crafts of the unryghtous, and pluck the spoil out of their teeth. Therefore I thought verily, that I should have died in my nest: and that my days should have been as many as the sondes of the see. For my root was spread out by the water side, and the dew lay upon my corn. Mine honour increased more and more, and my bow was ever the stronger in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, me they regarded, and with silence they tarried for my counsel. If I had spoken, they would have it none other ways, my words were so well taken amongs them. They waited for me as the earth doth for the rain: and gaped for me, as the ground doth to receive the latter shower. When I laughed, they knew well it was not earnest: and this testimony of my countenance fall not to the earth. When I agreed unto their way, I was the chief, and sat as a king among his servants: Or as one that comforteth such as be in heaviness. ¶ The great despising of men and curse of God that job suffereth. CAPI. XXX. But now they that are mine inferyours and younger than I, have me in derision: yea even they, whose fathers I would have thought scorn to have set with the dogs of my cattle. The power and strength of their hands might do me no good, and as for their age, it is spent and passed away without any profit. For very misery and hunger, they went about in the wilderness like wretches and beggars, plurking up herbs among the bushes, and the junipers' root was their meat. And when they were driven forth, men cried after them, as it had been after a thief. Their dwelling was beside foul brooks, yea in the caves and dens of the earth. Upon the dry heth went they about crying, and in the broom hills they gathered them together. They were the children of fools and vylaynes, which are deed away from the world. Now am I their song, and am become their testing stock: they abhor me, they flee far from, and stain my face with spittle. For the Lord hath opened his quiver, he hath hit me, and put my bridle in my mouth. Upon my right hand they rose together against me, they have hurt my feet, made away to destroy me, and my path have they clean marred. It was easy for them to do me harm, that they needed no man to help them. They fallen upon me, as it had been the breaking in of waters, and came in by heaps to destroy me. Fearfulness is turned against me. Mine honour vanyssheth away more swiftly than wind, and my prosperity departeth hence like as it were a cloud. Therefore is my mind poured full of heaviness, and the days of my trouble have taken hold upon me. My bones are pierced thorough in the night season, and my sinews take no rest. With all their power have they changed my garment, and girded me therewith as it were with a cote. I am even as it were clay, and am become like ashes and dust. When I cry unto thee, thou dost not heart me: and though I stand before thee, yet thou regardest me not. Thou art become mine enemy, and with thy violent hand, thou takest part against me. In times past thou didst set me up on high, as it were above the wind, but now haste thou given me a very sore fall. Sure I am that thou wilt deliver me unto death: where as a lodging is prepared for all thing living. Now use not men to do violence unto them that are destroyed allredye: but where hurt is done, there use they to help. Did not I weep in the time of trouble? Had not my soul compassion upon the poor? Yet nevertheless, where as I looked for good, evil happened unto me: and where as I waited for light, there came darkness. My bowels seethe within me, and take no rest, for the days of my trouble are come upon me. meekly and lowly came I in, yea and without any displeasure: I stood up in the congregation and communed with them. But now, I am a companion of Dragons, and a fellow of Ostriches. My skin upon me is turned to black, and my bones are brent with heat: my harp is turned to sorrow, and my pipe to weeping. ¶ job reciteth the innocency of his living, and number of his virtues. CAPI. XXXI. I Made a covenant with mine eyes, that I would not look upon a damosel. For how great a portion shall I have of God from above? and what inheritance from the almighty on high? As for the ungodly, and he that joineth himself to the company of wicked doers, shall not destruction and misery come upon him? Doth not he see my ways, and tell all my goings? If I have cleaved unto vanity, or if my feet have run to deceive: let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may see mine innocency. If so be that I have withdrawn my foot out of the right way: if mine heart hath followed mine eye sight, if I have stained or defiled my hands: O then is it reason, that I sow, and an other eat/ yea that my generation and offspring be clean rooted out. If mine heart hath lusted after my neighbours wife, or if I have laid wait at his door: O then let my wife be an other man's harlot, and let other lie with her. For this is a wyckenesse and sin that is worthy to be punished, yea a fire that utterly should consume me, and rote out all my substance. Did I ever think scorn to do right unto my servants and maidens, when they had any matter against me? But saying that God will sit in judgement what shall I do? And for so moche as he will needs visit me, what answer shall I give him? He that fassyoned me in my mother's womb, made he not him also? were we not both shapen alike in out mother's bodies? When the poor desireth any thing at me, have I denied it them? Have I caused the widow stand waiting for me in vain? Have I eaten my portion alone, that the fatherless hath had no part with me? for mercy grew up with me fro my youth, and compassion fro my mother's womb. Have I seen any man perish thorough nakedness and want of clothing? Or any poor man for lack of raiment, whose sides thanked me not, because he was warmed with the wool of my sheep? Did I ever lift up my hand to hurt the fatherless? yea in the gate where I saw myself to be in authority: then let mine arm fall fro my shoulder, and mine arm holes be broken from the joints. For I have ever feared the vengeance and punishment of God, and knew very well, that I was not able to bear his burden. Have I put my trust in gold? Or have I said to the finest gold of all: thou art my confidence? Have I rejoiced because my substance was great, and because my hand got so moche? Did I ever greatly regard the rising of the son? or had I the going down of the moon in great reputation? Hath my heart meddled privyly with any disobeyed? Or did I ever kiss mine own hand? that were a wickedness worthy to be punished, for than should I have denied the God that is above. Have I ever rejoiced at the hurt of mine enemy? Or was I ever glad that any harm happened unto him? O no. I never suffered my mouth to do such a sin as to wish him evil. Yet they of mine own household say: who shall let us to have our belly full of his flesh? I have not suffered a stranger to lie without, but opened my doors unto him. Have I ever done any wicked deed, where thorough I shamed myself before men: or any abomination, that I was fain to hide it? For if I had feared any great multitude of people: or if I had been despised of the simple: O then should I have been afraid. Thus have I quietly spent my life, and not go out at the door. O that I had one which would hear me. Loo, this is my cause. Let the almighty give me answer: and let him that is my contrary party, sue me with a libel. Then shall I take it upon my shoulder, and as a garland about my heed. I have told the number of my goings, and delivered them unto him as to a prince. But if case be that my land cry against me, or that the forowes thereof make any complaint: If I have eaten the fruits thereof unpaid for, yea if I have grieved any of the plowemen: then set thistles grow in stead of my wheat, and thorns for my barley. ¶ Here end the words of job. ¶ Eliu after the other had finished their communication, reproveth them of foolishness. Aeg maketh not a men wise, but the spirit of God. CAPI. XXXII. SO these three men would strive no more with job, because he held himself a righteous man. But Eliu the son of Barachell the Bussite of the kindred of Ram, was very sore displeased at job, that he called himself just before God. And with Job'S three friends he was angry also, because they had found no reasonable answer to overcome him. Now tarried Eliu till they had ended their communication with job, for why they were elder than he. So when Eliu the son of Barachell the Bussite saw that these three men were not able to make job answer, he was miscontent, so that he gave answer himself and said: considering that I am young, and you be men of age, I was afraid, & dueste not show forth my mind, ☜ for I thought thus within myself: It becometh old men to speak, and the aged to teach wisdom. Every man (no doubt) hath a mind, but it is the inspiration of the almighty that giveth understanding. All men are not wise, neither doth every aged man understand the thing that is lawful. Therefore will I speak also (in so far as I may be herd) and will show you mine opinion. For when I had waited till you made an end of your talking, and heard your wisdom, what arguments you made in your communication: yea when I had diligently pondered what you said: I found not one of you that made any good argument against job, or that directly could make answer unto his words: jest you should praise yourselves to have found out wisdom: because it is God that hath cast him out, and no man. Nevertheless saying he hath not spoken unto me, therefore will not I answer him as you have done (for they were so abashed, that they could not make answer, nor speak one word) but sith you will not speak, standing still like dumb men, and making no answer: I have a good hope for my part to shape him an answer, and to show him my meaning. For I am full of words, and the spirit that is within me, compelleth me. Behold, I am as the new wine, ☜ which hath no vent, and bursteth the new vessels in sunder. Therefore will I speak, that I may have a vence: I will open my lips, and make answer. I will regard no manner of person, no man will I spare. For if I would go about to please men. I know not how soon my maker would take me away. ¶ Eliu showeth wherein job offendeth. With God may we not strive, nor ●uryously search out his works. CAPI. XXXIII. Wherefore hear my words (O job) and hearken unto me all that I will say: Behold, I will open my mouth, and my tongue shall speak out of my chaws. My heart shall order my words a right, and my lips shall talk of pure wisdom. The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the almighty hath given me my life. If thou canst, then give me answer: prepare thyself to stand before me face to face. Behold before God am I even as thou, for I am fassioned and made even of the same mould. Therefore thou needest not be afraid of me, neither needest thou to fear, that my actorytye shallbe to heavy for the. Now haste thou spoken in mine ears, and I have herd the voice of thy words: I am clean without any fault, I am innocent, and there is no wickedness in me. But lo, he hath picked a quarrel against me, and taketh me for his enemy: he hath put my foot in the stocks, and looketh narrowly unto all my paths. Behold, unto these unreasonable words of thine will I make answer. Should God be reproved of man? Why dost thou then strive against him because he giveth the no accounts of all his doings? For when God doth once command a thing there should no man be curious, to search whether it be right. In dreams and visions of the night season (when slombring cometh upon men that they fall a sleep in their beds) he rowneth them in the ears, he informeth them and showeth them plainly that it is he which withdraweth man from evil, delivereth him from pride keepeth his soul from destruction, and his life from the sword. He chasteneth him with sickness, and bringeth him to his bed: he layeth sore punishment upon his bones. so the his life may away with no bread, and his soul abhorreth to eat any dainty meat: in so much that his body is clean consumed away, and his bones appear no more. His soul draweth on to destruction, and his life to death. Now if there be a messenger (one among a thousand) sent for to speak unto man, and to show him the right way: then the Lord is merciful unto him, and saith: He shall be delivered, that he fall not down to destruction. for I am sufficiently reconciled. Then his flesh (which hath been in misery & trouble) shall be as it was in his youth. For if he yield himself unto God, he is gracious, and showeth him his countenance joyfully, and rewardeth man for his righteousness. Such a respect hath he unto men. Therefore let a man confess (and say) I offended, but he hath chastened and reform me: I did unrightously, nevertheless he hath not recompensed me thereafter. Yea he hath delivered my soul from destruction, and my life that it seethe the light. Lo, thus worketh God alway with man, that he keepeth his soul from perishing, and letteth him enjoy the light of the living. Mark well (O job) and hear● me: hold the still, until I have spoken. But if thou hast any thing to say, then answer me, and speak, for thy answer pleaseth me. If thou hast nothing, then hear me. & hold thy tongue, so shall I teach the wisdom. ¶ Eliu praiseth the justice of God, which judgeth the world, and governeth all. CAP. XXXIIII. ELiu proceeding forth in his communication, said: hear my words (O you wise men) hearken unto me, you that have understanding. For like as the mouth tasteth the meats, so the ear proveth and discerneth the words. As for the judgement, let us seek it out among ourselves, that we may know what is right. And why? job hath said: I am righteous, but God doth me wrong. I must needs be a liar, though my cause be right, and violently I am plagued where as I made no fante: where is there such one as job, that drinketh up scornfulness like water? which goeth in the company of wicked doers, and walketh with ungodly men? For he saith: Though a man be good, yet is he naught before God. Therefore hearken unto me you that have understanding. far be it from God, that he should meddle with wickedness: and far be it from the almighty, that he should meddle with unrighteous dealing: but he rewardeth the works of man and causeth every man to find according to his ways. For sure it is that God condemneth no man wrongfully, and the judgement of the almighty is not unryghtous. Who ruleth the earth in his stead? Or whom hath he set to govern the hole world? To whom hath he given his heart, for to draw his spirit and breath unto him? All flesh shall come together unto naught, and all men shall turn again unto earth. If thou now have understndyring hear what I say, and hearken to the voice of my words. May he be made whole, that loveth no right? If thou were a very innocent man, shouldest thou then be punished? For he is even the same, that knoweth the rebellyons kings, and saith to Princes: ungodly men are you. He hath no respect unto the personnes of the lordly, and regardeth not the rich more than poor. For they be all the work of his hands. In the twinkling of an eye shall they be slain: and at midnight, when the people and the tyrants rage, then shall they perish and be taked away without hands. And why? his eyes look upon the ways of man, and he seethe all his goings. There is no darkness nor thick shadow, that can hide the wicked doers from him. For no man shall be suffered to go in to judgement with God. Many one, yea innumerable doth be punish, and setteth of her in their steeds For he knoweth their evil and dark works, therefore shall they be destroyed. They that were in the stead of Sears, dealt like unhodlye men. Therefore turned they back traitorously and unfaithfully from him, and would not receive his ways. In so much that they have caused the voice of the poor to come unto him, & now he heareth the complaint of such as are in necessity. If he deliver and grant pardon, who will judge or condemn? But if he hide away his countenance, who will turn it about again, whether it be to the people or to any man? For the wickedness and sin of the people, he maketh an hypocrite to reign over them. For so moche then as I have begun to talk of God, I will not hinder yt. If I have go a miss, inform me: if I have done wrong, I will leave of. Will't thou not give a reasonable answer? Art thou afraid of any thing, saying thou begannest first to speak, and not I? For else the men of understanding and wisdom, that have herd me, might say: What canst thou speak? As for job he hath neither spoken to the purpose nor wisely. O father, let job be well tried, because he hath turned himself to the wicked: yea above his sins he hath blasphemed, which offence he hath done even before us, in that he striveth against God with his words. ¶ Neither doth godliness profit, or ungodliness hurt to God, but to man. CAPI. XXXV. ELiu spoke more over, and said: Thinkest thou it right that thou sayest: I am righteous before God? seeing thou sayest so, how dost thou know it? What thing hast thou more excellent than I, that am a sinner? Tucriore will I give answer unto the and ●●y friends: look unto the heaven, and behold it: consider the clouds, how they are higher than thou. If thou synnest, what dost thou unto him? If thine offences be many, how gettest thou his favour? If thou be righteous: what givest thou him? Or what receiveth he of thy hands? Of such an ungodly person as thou, and of the son of man that is righteous as thou pretendest to be: there is a great ●rye and complaint made by them that are oppressed with violence, yea every man complaineth upon the cruel arm of tyrants. For such one never saith: Where is God that made me? & that shineth upon us, that we might praise him in the night? Which giveth us more understanding, than he doth the beasts of the earth, and teacheth us more than the fowls of heaven. If any such complain, no man giveth answer, and that because of the wickedness of proud tyrants. But if a man call upon God, doth not he hear him? Doth not the almighty accept his cry? When thou speakest then, should not he pardon thee, if thou open thyself before him, and put thy trust in him? Then v●eth he no violence in his wrath, neither hath he pleasure in curious and deep inquysitions. Therefore hath job opened his mouth but in vain, and foolishly hath he made so many words. ¶ Eliu showeth wherefore God punysheth and correcteth. CAPI. XXXVI. ELiu proceeded forth in his talking and said: Hold the still a little, and I shall show thee, what I have yet to speak on God's behalf. I will open unto the yet more of mine understanding, and prove my maker righteous. True are my words, and no lie: and the knowledge, wherewith I argue against thee, is perfect. Behold, God casts not away the mighty, for he himself is mighty in power and wisdom. As for the ungodly, he preserveth them not but helpeth the poor to their right. He turneth not his eyes away from the righteous he setteth up kings in their throne, and settleth them, so that they alway sit therein. But if they be laid in prison and chains, or bound with the bonds of poverty: then showeth he them their works and deeds and the sins wherewith they have used cruel violence. He with punishing and nurtring of them, roundeth them in the ears, warneth them to leave of from their wickedness, and to amend. If they now will take heed and be obedient, they shall wear out their days 〈◊〉 prosperity, and their years in pleasure & joy. But if they will not obey, they shall go thorough the sword, and perish, or they be ware. As for such as be feigned, dissemblers, and hypocrites, they heap up wrath for themselves: for they call not upon him, though they be his prysonners. Thus their soul peryssheth in folly, and their life with the condemned. The poor delivereth he out of his straightness, and comforteth such as be in necessity and trouble. Even so shall he keep thee (if thou will't be content) from the bottomless pit that is beneath: and if thou will't hold the quiet, he shall fill thy table with plenty. Nevertheless thou hast condemned the judgement of the ungodly, yea even such a judgement and sentence shalt thou suffer. For then shall not thy cause be stylled with cruelty, nor pacyfyed with many gifts. Hath God ordained then, that the glorious life of thee, and all such mighty men, should not be put down? Prolong not thou the time, till there come a night for thee, to set other people in thy stead. But beware that thou turn not aside to wickedness and sin, which hitherto thou hast choose more than meekness. Behold, God is of a mighty high power: Where is such a guide and law giver as he? Who shall reprove him of his way? Who will say unto him: thou hast done wrong? O consider how great and excellent his works be, whom all men love and praise: yea and wonder at him, and yet they see him but afar of. Behold, so great is God, that he passeth our knowledge, neither are we able to come to the experience of his years. He turneth the water to small drops, he driveth his clouds together for to rain, so that they power down and drop upon men. He can spread out the clouds (a covering of his tabernacle) and 'cause his light to shine upon them, and to cover the bottom of the see. By these things governeth he his people, and giveth them abundance of meat. In the turning of an hand he hideth the light, and at his commandment it cometh again. The rising up thereof showeth he to his friends and to the cattles. ¶ Eliu proveth that the wisdom of god is unsearchable. CAP. XXXVII. AT this, my heart is astonied, and moved out of his place. Hear then the sound of his voice, and the noise that goeth out of his mouth. He governeth every thing under the heaven, and his light reacheth unto the end of the world. A roaring voice followeth him: for his glorious majesty giveth such a thunder clap, that (though a man hear it) yet may he not perceive it afterward. It giveth an horrible sound, when God sendeth out his voice: great things doth he, which we can not comprise. When he commandeth the snow, it falls upon the earth: As soon as he giveth the rain a charge, forthwith the showers have their strength and fall down. He sendeth fear upon every man, that they might know their own works. The beasts creep into their dens, and take their rest. Out of the south, cometh the tempeast, and cold out of the North. At the breath of God, the frost cometh, and the waters are shed abroad. The clouds do their labour in giving moistness, the clouds power down their rain. He distributeth also on every side, according as it pleaseth him to deal out his works, that they may do, what so ever he commandeth them thorough the hole world: whether it be to punish any land, or to do good unto them, that seek him. hearken unto this (O job) stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Art thou of counsel with God, when he doth these things? When he causeth the light to come forth of his clouds? Art thou of his counsel when he spreadeth out the clouds? Hast thou the perfect knowledge of his wonders? and how thy clotheses are warm, when the land is still thorough the South wind? Hast thou helped him to spread out the heaven, which is to look upon, as it were cast of clear metal? Teach us what we shall say unto him, for we are unmeet because of darkness. Shall it be told him what I say? Should a man speak, or should he keep it back? For every man saith not the light, that he keepeth clear in the clouds, which he cleanseth when he maketh the wind to blow. Gold is brought out of the North, but the praise and honour of God's fear cometh from God himself. It is not we that can find out the almighty: for in power, equity, and righteousness, he is higher than can be expressed. Sith than that every body fears him, why should not all wise men also stand in awe of him? ¶ The wonders that the Lord hath done from the beginning. CAPI. XXXVIII. THen spoke the Lord unto job out of the storm, and said: what is he that hideth his mind with foolish words? Gird up thy loins like a man, for I will question thee, see thou give me a direct answer. Where wast thou, when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell plainly if thou haste understanding. Who hath measured it, knowest thou? Or, who hath spread the line upon it? Whereupon stand the pylers of it? Or, who laid the corner stone? Where wast thou when the morning stars praised me together, and all the children of God rejoiced triumphantely? Who shut the see with doors, when it broke forth as a child out of his mother's womb? When I made the clouds to be a covering for it, and swaddled it with the dark? When I gave it my commandment, making doors and bars for it, saying: Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and here shalt thou say down thy proud and high waves? Hast thou given the morning his charge, (as soon as thou wast born) and showed the day spring his place, that it might take hold of the corners of the earth, and that the ungodly might be shaken out? Their tokens and weapons, hast thou turned like clay, and set them up again as the changing of a garment. Yea thou hast spoiled the ungodly of their light, and broken the arm of the proud. Camest thou ever into the ground of the see? or hast thou walked in the low corners of the deep? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the door of everlasting treasure? Haste thou also perceived how broad the earth is? Now if thou hast knowledge of all, then show me where light dwelleth, and where darkness is: that thou mayst bring us unto their quarters, if thou canst ●ell the way to their houses. Knewest thou (when thou wast born) how old thou shouldest be? Wentest thou ever in to the threasauries of the snow? or hast thou seen the secret places of the hail, which I have prepared against the time of trouble, against the time of battle and war? By what way is the light parted, and the heat dealt out upon the earth? Who divideth the abundance of waters into rivers, or who maketh a way for the stormey wether, that it watereth and moystureth the brye and barren ground: to make the grass grow in places where no body dwelleth, and in the wilderness where no man remaineth? Who is the father of rain? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice? Who hath gendered the coldness of the air? that the waters are as hard as stones, and lie congealed above the deep. Hast thou brought the seven stars together? Or art thou able to break the circle of heaven? Canst thou bring forth the morning star or the evening star at convenient time, and convey them home again? Knowest thou the course of heaven, that thou mayst set up the ordinance thereof upon the earth? Moreover, canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that they may power down a great rain upon thee? Canst thou thunder also that they may go their way, and be obedient unto thee, saying: Lo here are we? Who giveth sure wisdom or steadfast understanding? who numbereth the clouds in wisdom? Who stylleth the vehement waters of the heaven? Who turneth the clottes to ●ust, and then to be clottes again? Huntest thou the pray from the Lion? or fedest thou his whelyes dying in their dens and lurking in their couches? Who purueyeth meat for the raven, when his young cry unto God, and flycker about for want of meat? ¶ God speaketh unto job, showing him by the examples o● his works, that his righteousness to unsearchable. CAPI. XXXIX KNowest thou the time when the wild goats bring forth their young among the stony rocks? Or layest thou wait when the hinds use to lawn? reckenest thou the months after they engender, that thou knowest the time of their bearing? or when they lie down, when they cast their young, and when they are delivered of their travail and pain? How their young grow up, and wax great thorough good feeding? Who letteth the wild ass go free? or who lowseth the bo●●es of the mule? Unto whom I have given the wilderness to be their house, and the untiled land to be their dwelling place. That they may give no for●e for the multitude of people in the cities, neither regard the crying of the driver: but seek their pasture about the mountains, and follow the green grass. Will the Unicorn be so tame as 〈◊〉 in the service, Vnycorne. or to abide still by thy crib. Canst thou bind the yoke about him in thy sorrows, ●o make him plough after the in the na● leys? Mayst thou trust him (because he is strong) or commit thy labour unto him? Mayst thou believe him, that he will bring home the corn? or to carry any thing unto the barn? The Estrych (whose feathers are fairer than the wings of the sparrow hawk) when he hath laid his Eggs upon the ground, The 〈◊〉 he hath laid his Eggs upon the ground, he breedeth them in the dust, and forgetteth them: so that they might be trodden with feet, or broken with some wild beast. So hard is he unto his young, as though they were not his, & laboureth in vain without any fear. And that because God hath taken wisdom from him, and hath not given him understanding. When his time is, he mounteth upon high, and careth neither for horse ne man. Hast thou given the horse his strength, or learned him to bow down his neck with fear that he letteth himself be driven forth like a grasshopper, where as the stout neyenge that he maketh, is fearful. He breaketh the ground with the hoffes of his feet cheerfully in his strength, and runneth to meet the harnessed men. He layeth aside all fear, his stomach is not abated, neither starteth he a back for any sword. Though the quivers rattle upon him, though the spear and shield glysire: yet russheth he in fearsely, and beateth upon the ground. He fears not the noise of the trumpets, but as soon as he heareth the shawms blow, thush (saith he) for he smelleth the battle a far of, the noise, the Captains and the shoutinge. cometh it thorough thy wisdom, that the goshawk flieth toward the South? Doth the Eagle mount up, The 〈◊〉 and make his nest on high at thy commandment? He abideth in the stony rocks, and upon the high tops of hard mountains, where no man can come. from thence may he behold his pray, and look far about with his eyes. His young are fed with blood, and where any deed body lieth, there is he forthwith. Moreover, God spoke unto job and said: Can he that striveth with the almighty, be at rest? Should not he which disputeth with God, give him an answer? job answered the Lord, saying: Behold, I am to vile a person, to answer thee, therefore will I say my hand upon my mouth. Once or twice have I spoken, but I will say no more. ¶ job humbleth h●mselfe unto God, the description of an E●phane. Leviathan. CAPI. XL. THen spoke the Lord unto job out of the storm, and said: job. ●● Gird up thy loins like a man, and tell me the things that I will ask the. Wilt thou defece my judgement? Or wilt thou condemn me, that thou thyself mayst be made righteous? Is thine arm then like the arm of God? Maketh thy voice such a sound as his doth? Then arm thyself with thine own power, arise, deck the in thy jolly array, power out the indignation of thy wrath: see that thou cast down all the proud, look thou makest all such as be stubborn, to obey: Tread all the ungodly under thy feet cast them down into the mire, & cover their faces with darkness: Then will I confess also, that thine own right hand hath saved the. Behold, 〈…〉 in the 〈…〉. Behemoth (whom I made with she) which eateth hay as an ox: lo, how strong he is in his loins, and what power he hath in the Navel of his body. He spreadeth out his tail like a cedar tree, all his veins are stiff. His shynnes are like pipes of brass, his ridge bones are like staves of iron. First when God made him, he ordained the wilderness for him, that the mountains should give him grass, where all the beasts of the field take their pastime. He lieth among the reeds in the Mosses, the fens hide him with their shadow, and the wylowes of the broken cover him round about. Lo, without any labour may he drink out of the hole flood, and sup of jordan without any travail. Who dare say hand upon him openly, and undertake to catch him? Or, who dare put a hook thorough his nose, and lay a snare for him? Darrest thou draw out 〈…〉 in 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉. Leviathan with an angle, or bind his tongue with a snare? Canst thou put a ring in the nose of him? or bore his chaftes thorough with a awl? Will he make many fair words with thee, (thinkest thou) or flatter thee? Will he make a covenant with thee? Or art thou able to compel him to do unto the continual service? Wilt thou take thy pastime with him as with a bird? or give him unto thy maidens, that thy companions may hue him in pieces, to be parted among the merchant men? Canst thou fill the net with his skin, or the fissh pannier with his heed? Darrest thou say hand upon him? It is better for the to consider what harm might happen the there thorough, and not to touch him. For when thou thinkest to have hold upon him, he shall beguile thee: Every man also that saith him, shall go back. And why? there dare none be so bold, as to raise him up. ¶ Of the same Leviathan whereof is mencyoned in the chapter afore. CAPI. XLI. WHo is able to stand before me? Or, who hath given me any thing afore hand, 〈…〉 than I am bond to reward him again? All things under heaven are mine. I fear him no●, whether he threaten or speak fair. Who lifteth him up, and strypeth him out of his clotheses? Or who taketh him by the bit of his bridle? Who openeth the door of his face? for he hath horrible teeth round about. His body is covered with scales, as it were with shyldes, locked in, kept, and well compact together. One is so joined to an other, that no air can come in: Yea one hangs so upon an other, and stycketh so together, that they can not be sundered. His nefing is like a glistering fire, and his eyes like the morning shine. Out of his mouth go torches and fire brands, out of his nostrils there goeth a smoke, like as out of an hot seething pot. His breath maketh the coals burn, the flame goeth out of his mouth. In his neck remaineth strength, and before his face sorrow is turned to gladness. The membres of his body are joined so straight one to an other, and cleave so fast together, that he can not be moved. His heart is as heard as a stone, and as fast as the stithye that the hammer man smiteth upon. When he goeth: the myghtyest of all are afraid, and the waves heavy. If he draw out the sword, there may neither spear, ne breast plate, abide him. He setteth as much by a straw as by iron, and as much by a rotten stock as by metal. He starteth not away for him that bendeth the bow: and as for sting stones, he careth as much for stubble as for them. He counteth the hammer no better than a straw, he laugheth him to scorn the shaketh the spear. He treadeth the gold in the mire like the sharp potsherdes. He maketh the deep to seethe and boil like a pot, and steereth the see together like an ointment. The way is light after him, the deep is his walking place. Upon earth is there no power like unto his, for he is so made that he fears not. If a man will consider all high things, this same is a king over all the children of pride. ¶ The repentance of job. He prayeth for his friends, and his goods are restored double unto him. CAPI. XLII. THen job answered the Lord, and said: I know that thou hast power over all things, Esay xxviii c i: Regum xvi b. and that there is no thought hide unto the. For who can keep his own counsel so secret, but it shall be known? Therefore have I spoken unwisely, saying these things are so high, and pass mine understanding. O hearken thou unto me also, & let me speak: answer unto the thing that I will ask the. I have given diligent ear unto thee, and now I see the with mine eyes. Wherefore I give mine own self the blame, and take repentance, in the dust and ashes. Now when the Lord had spoken these words unto job, he said unto Eliphas the Themanite: I am displeased with that and thy two friends, for you have not spoken the thing that is right before me, like as my servant job hath done. Therefore take seven oxen and seven rams, and go to my servant job, offer up also for yourselves a brentoffringe: and let my servant job pray for you. Him will I accept, Mark v c and not deal with you after your foolishness: in that you have not spoken the thing which is right, like as my servant job hath done. So E●iphas the Themanite, Baldad the Subite and Sophar the Naamathite went their way, and did according as the Lord commanded them. The Lord also accepted the person of job, and the Lord turned him unto job, when he prayed for his friends: Yea the Lord gave job twice as much as he had afore. And then came there unto him all his brethren, all his sisters, with all them that had been of his acquaintance afore, and ate bread with him in his house, wondringe at him, & comforting him over all the trouble, that the Lord had brought upon him. Every man gave him a sheep and a jewel of gold And the Lord made job richer than he was before: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, fix thousand Camels, a thousand 〈◊〉 yoke of oxen, and a thousand asses. He h●● children also, seven sons and three daughters. The first called day: the second poverty: the third All plenteousness. In all the land were none found so fair, as the daughters of job, & their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived job forty years, so that he saw his children, and his children's children to the fourth generation. And so he died, being old and of a perfect age. PSAL. I BLessed is the man, that goeth not in the counsel of the ungodly: that abideth not in the way of sinners, and sitteth not in the seat of the scornful. But delighteth in the law of the Lord, 〈…〉 and exercyseth himself in his law, day and night. Such man is like a tree planted by the waterside, that bringeth forth fruit in due season. His leaves shall not fall of, and what sooner he doth, shall prosper. Not so with the ungodly, not so but they are like dust, which the wind scatereth away from of the ground. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord alloweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. PSAL. II WHy do the Heythen grudge? why do the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stand up, & the rulers are come together, against the Lord and against his anointed. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yock from us. But he the dwelleth in heaven, shall laugh them to scorn: the Lord himself shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. As for me, I will preach the law, whereof the Lord hath said unto me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten the. Ask of me, and I shall give the the Heythen for thine inheritance, Yea the uttermost parts of the world for thy possession. Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and break them in pieces like an earthen vessel. Be wise now therefore, O you kings, be warned, you that are judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him with reverence. Embrace instruction, lest the Lord be angry, and so you perish from the right way. For his wrath shallbe kindled shortly: blessed are all they that put their trust in him. PSAL. III ¶ A Psalm of David when he fled from the face of Absalon. 〈…〉 WHy are they so many, O Lord, that trouble me? a great multitude are they that rise against me. Many there be that say of my soul: there is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, not my defender, my worship, and the lyfter up of my heb. I call upon the Lord with my voice, and he heareth me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept, but I rose up again, for the Lord sustained me. I am not afraid for thousands of people, that compass me round about. Arise Lord, and help me, O my God: for thou smytest all mine enemies upon the cheek bones, and breakest the teeth of the ungodly. Help belongeth unto the Lord, therefore let thy blessing be upon thy people. PSAL. FOUR ¶ To the chanter in Neginoth, a Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou that confortest me in my trouble: have mercy upon me, & hearken unto my prayer. O you sons of men, how long will you blaspheme mine honour? why have you such pleasure in vanity, and seek after lies? Selah. Know this, that the Lord dealeth marvelously with his saint: and when I call upon the Lord, he heareth me. Be angry, but sin not: comen with your own hearts upon your beds, and remember yourselves. Selah. Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say: who will do us any good? Lord life up upon us the light of thy countenance. Thou reioyseste mine heart, though their increase be great both in corn and wine. Therefore will I lay me down in peax, and take my rest: for thou Lord only settest me in a sure dwelling. PSAL. V. ¶ To the chanter by Nehiloth, a Psalm of David. Hear my words (O Lord) consider my calling. Mark the voice of my petition, my king and my God, for unto thee, will I make my prayer. Hear my voice by times (O Lord) for early in the morning will I get me unto thee, & that with diligence. For thou art not the God that hath pleasure in wickedness, there may no ungodly person devil with the. Such as be cruel may not stand in thy sight, thou art an enemy unto all wicked doers. Thou destroyest the liars: the Lord abhorreth the blood thirsty and deceitful. But I will come into thy house, even upon the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy awe will I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me (O Lord) in thy righteousness because of mine enemies, and make thy way plain before me. For there is no faithfulness in their mouths: Roma iii b they dissemble in their hearts: their throat is in an open sepulchre: with their tongues they deceive. Punish them (O God) that they may perish in their own imagination: cast them out because of the multitude of their ungodliness for they rebel against the. Again, let all them that put their trust in thee, rejoice: let them ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them: that they which love thy name, may be joyful in the. For thou Lord givest thy blessing unto the righteous: and with thy favourable kindness thou defendest him, as with a shield. PSAL. VI. ¶ To the chanter by Neginoth upon Shemynith, a Psalm of David. LOrd rebuke me not in thine anger: chasten me not in thy heavy displeasure. Have mercy upon me (O Lord) for I am weak: Lord heal me, for all my bones are vexed. My soul also is in great trouble, but Lord how long? Turn thee (Lord) and deliver my soul: save me for thy mercies sake. For in death no man remembreth thee: O who will give the thanks in the hell? I am weary of groaning: every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my seats. My countenance is changed for very inward grief, I consume away, I have so many enemies. Away from me all you wicked doers, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard mine humble petition the Lord hath received my prayer. All mine enemies shallbe confounded and sore vexed: they shallbe turned back and put to shame, and that right soon. PSAL. VII. ¶ Sigaion of David, two. Regum xv. which he sang for the words of Lus the son of jemini. O Lord my God, in the do I trust: save me from all them that pursue, and deliver me. Lest he hantche up my soul like a Lion, and tear it in pieces, while there is none to help. O Lord my God, if I have done any such thing, if there be any unrighteousness in my hands. If I have rewarded evil unto them that dealt friendly with me, or hurt them that without cause are mine enemies. Then let mine enemy persecute my soul, & take me: yea let him tread my life down in the earth, & lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. Stand up (Lord) in thy wrath, life up thyself over the suryous indignation of mine enemies: arise up (for me) in the vengeance that thou hast promised. That the congregation of the people may come about thee, for their sakes therefore lift up thyself again. The Lord is judge over the people: avenge me then (O Lord) according to my righteousness and innocency. Let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end: but maintain the just, thou righteous God, that triest the very hearts and the reins. My help cometh of God, which preserveth them that are true of heart. God is a righteous judge, and God is ever threatening. If men will not turn, he hath whet his sword: he hath bend his bow and made it ready. He hath prepared him the weapons of death, and ordained his arrows to destroy. Behold, he travaileth with mischief, he hath conceived unhappiness, and brought forth a lie. He hath graven and digged up a pit, but he shall fall himself into the pit that he hath made. For his unhappiness shall come upon his own head, and his wickedness shall fall upon his own pate. But, I will give thanks unto the Lord for his righteousness sake, and will praise the name of the most high Lord. PSAL. VIII. ¶ To the chanter upon Githith, a Psalm of David. O Lord our governor: how wonderful is thy name in all the world? how excellent is thy glory above the heavens? Out of the mouth of the very babes & sucklynges thou hast ordained praise, because of thine enemies, that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger. For I consider thy heavens, even the work of thy fingers: the moan and the stars which thou hast made. What is man, that thou art so mindful of him? either the son of man that thou visitest him? After thou hadst for a season made him lower than the angels, thou crownedst him with honour and glory. Thou hast set him above the works of thy hands: and thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. All sheep and oxen, yea the beasts of the field. The fowls of the air, the fish of the see, and what so ever walketh thorough the ways of the see. O Lord our governor, how wonderful is thy name in all the world? PSAL. IX. ¶ To the chanter upon Almuth Laben, a Psalm of David. I Will give thanks unto thee (O Lord) with my hole heart, I will speak of all thy marvelous works. I will be glad, and rejoice in thee, yea my songs will I make of thy name, O thou most high. Because thou haste driven mine enemies back, they were disconsyted, and perished at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right & my cause: thou sittest in the throne that art the true judge. Thou rebukest the heathen, and destroyest the ungodly, thou puttest out their name for ever. The enemies swords are come to an end, thou hast overthrown their cities, their memortal is perished with them. But the Lord endureth for ever, he hath prepared his seat unto judgement. He governeth the world with righteousness, and ministereth true judgement unto the people. The Lord is a defence for the poor, a defence in the time of trouble. Therefore they the know thy name, put their trust in thee: for thou (Lord) never faylest them, that seek the. Praise you the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion, show the people of his doings. And why? he maketh inquisition for their blood, and remembreth them: he forgetteth not the complaint of the poor. Have mercy on me (O Lord) consider the trouble that I am in among mine enemies, thou that lyftest me up from the gates of death. That I may show all thy praises within the gates of the daughter of Sion, and rejoice in thy saving health. But the Heythen, are sunken down in the pit that they made: in the same net which they spread out privily, is their own feet taken. Thus the Lord is known to execute true judgement, when the ungodly is trapped in the works of his own hands, Selah. The wicked must be turned unto hell, and all the Heythen that forget God. But the poor shall not alway be out of remembrance, the patient abiding of such as be in trouble shall not perish for ever. Arise Lord, let no man have the upper hand, let the heathen be condemned before the. O Lord set a φ A law maker. schoolmaster over them, that the heathen may know themselves to be but men. Selah. ¶ There is no Title in the Hebrew. Here the Hebrews begin the tenth Psalm. WHy art thou go so far of, O Lord? will't thou hide thyself in time of trouble? While the ungodly hath the overhand, the poor must suffer persecution. O that they were taken in the imagination which they go about. For the ungodly maketh boost of his own hearts desire, the covetous blesseth himself, and blasphemeth the Lord. The ungodly is so proud and full of indignation, that he careth not: neither is God before his eyes. His ways are always filthy, thy judgements are far out of his sight, he defyeth all his enemies. For he says in his heart: Tush, I shall never be cast down, there shall no harm hap unto me. His mouth is full of cursing, fraud and disobeyed: under his tongue is travail and sorrow. He sitteth lurking in the gardens, that he may privily murder the innocent, his eyes are set upon the poor. He lieth in await secretly, as it were a lion in his den. He lurketh that he may ravish the poor, yea to ravish the poor, when he hath got him in to his net. Then smiteth he, then oppresseth he & casts down the poor with his authority. For he saith in his heart: Tush, God hath forgotten, he hath turned away his face, so that he will never see it. Arise O Lord God, life up thine hand, and forget not the poor. Wherefore should the wicked blaspheme God and say in his heart: tush, he careth not for it. This thou sayst, for thou considerest the misery and sorrow. The poor giveth himself over into thy hand and committeth him unto thee, for thou art the helper of the friendless. Break thou the arm of the ungodly and malicious, search out the wickedness which he hath done, that he may perish. The Lord is king for ever, the heathen shall perish out of his land. Lord, thou hearest the desirous longing of the poor: their heart is sure, that thine ear herkeneth thereto. Help the fatherless and poor unto their right, that the ungodly be no more exalted upon earth. PSAL. X. After the Hebrews xi ¶ To the chanter, of David. IN the Lord put I my trust: how will you then say to my soul: that she should i'll as a bird upon your hill? For so, the ungodly have bend their bow, and made ready their arrows in the quiver, that they may privily shoot at them, which are true of heart. The very foundation have they cast down what can the righteous than do with all? But the Lord is in his holy temple, the Lords seat is in heaven: Abat i d He considereth it with his eyen, his eye lyddes behold the children of men. The Lord saith both the righteous & ungodly, but who so delighteth in wickedness, him his soul abhorreth. Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire brimstone, storm and tempest: this reward shall they have to drink. For the Lord is righteous, and he loveth righteousness: his countenance beholdeth the thing that is just. After the Hebrews xii PSAL. XI. ¶ To the chanter upon Sheminith, a Psalm of David. Help Lord, for there is not one saint more: very few faithful are there among the children of men. Every man telleth lies to his neighbour, they do but flatter with their lips and dissemble in their heart. O that the Lord would rote out all deceitful lips, & the tongue that speaketh proud things. Which say: our tongue should prevail we are they that aught to speak, who is lord over us? Now for the troubles sake of the oppressed and because of the complaint of the poor, I will arise (saith the Lord) I will help them and set them at rest. The words of the Lord are pure words: even as the silver, which from earth is tried and puryfyed seven times in the fire. Keep them therefore (O Lord) and preserve us from this generation for ever. For when vanity and idleness getteth the overhand among the children of men, all are full of the ungodly. After the Hebrews xiii PSAL. XII. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. HOw long will't thou forget me, Lord? for ever? how long will't thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I seek counsel in my soul? how long shall I be so vexed in mine heart? how long shall mine enemy triumph over me? Consydre, and hear me, O Lord my God lighten mine eyes, that I sleep not in death. Lest mine enemy say: I have prevailed against him: for if I be cast down, they that trouble me shall rejoice at it. But my trust is in thy mercy, and my heart is joyful in thy saving health. I will sing of the Lord, that dealeth so lovingly with me. You I will praise the name of the Lord the highest. PSAL. XIII. A●●●● 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter, of David. THe foolish bodies say in their hearts: there is no God. P●●● They are corrupt, and become abominable in their doings, there is not one that doth good. The Lord looked down from heaven, 〈…〉 upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand and seek after God. But they are all go out of the way, they are all together become unprofitable: there is none that doth good, not not one. P●●● How can they have understanding, that work mischief, eating up my people, as it were bread, and call not upon the Lord? Therefore shall they be brought in great fear for God standeth by the generation of the righteous. 〈…〉 As for you, you have made a mock at the counsel of the poor, because he putteth his trust in the Lord. O that the saving health were given unto Israel out of Zion. O that the Lord would deliver his people out of captivity. Then should jacob rejoice, and Israel should be right glad. PSAL. XIIII. ¶ A Psalm of David. 〈…〉 Lord, who shall devil in thy tabernacle? who shall rest upon thy holy hill? Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life that doth the thing which is right, ☜ and that speaketh the truth from his heart. He that useth no deceit in his tongue: he that doth no evil to his neighbour, & sclaundreth not his neighbours. He that setteth not by the ungodly, but maketh moche of them that fear the Lord: he that sweareth unto his neighbour, ☜ and dispoynteth him not. He that giveth not his money upon usury, 〈…〉 and taketh no reward against the innocent. Who so doth these things, shall never be removed. PSAL. XU. ¶ Michtam of David. 〈…〉 Preserve me (O God) forin the do I trust. I have said unto the Lord: thou art my God, my goods are nothing unto the. All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth, and upon such like. But they that run after an other, shall have great trouble. Their sacrifices of blood will not I offer, neither make mention of their name in my mouth. The Lord himself is my good and my portion, thou mayntaynest mine inheritance. The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground yea I have a goodly heritage. I will thank the Lord for giving me warning: my reins also have chastened me in the night season. Afore hand saw I God always before me, for he is on my right-hand, that I should not fall. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad, my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou shalt not leave my soul in hell, neither shalt thou suffer thy saint to see corruption. Thou haste showed me the ways of life: thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. At thy right hand there is pleasure & joy for evermore. 〈…〉 PSAL. XVI. ¶ A prayer of David. Hear the right (O Lord) consider my complaint: hearken unto my prayer, that goeth not out of a feigned mouth. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence: and look upon the thing that is equal. Thou hast proved and vysited mine heart in the night season: thou haste tried me in the fire: and hast found no wickedness in me: for I utterly purposed that my mouth should not offend. Because of the words of thy lips, I have kept me from the works of men: in the way of the murderer. Ordre thou my goings in thy paths: that my foot steps slip not. For unto the I cry: hear me O God: incline thine ears to me: and hearken unto my words. Show thy marvelous loving kindness, thou that savest them which put their trust in thee, from such as resist thy right hand. Keep me as the bail of an eye, defend me under the shadow of thy wings. ☞ from the ungodly that trouble me, from mine enemies which compass my soul round about. Which maintain their own wealthiness with oppression, and their mouth speaketh proud things. They lie in wait in our way on every side turning their eyes down to the ground. Like a Lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a lions whelp lurking in his den. Arise Lord, disappoint him and cast him down: deliver my soul with thy sword from the ungodly. from the men of thy hand (O Lord) from the men of the world, which have their portion in this life: whose belies thou fyllest with thy treasure. They have children at their desire, and leave the rest of their substance for their babes. But I will behold thy presence in righteousness: and when thy glory appeareth, I shall be satisfied. PSAL. XVII. After the Hebrews xviii ¶ To the chanter of David servant of the Lord which said unto the Lord the words of this song, on the day in which the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul, and said. I Will love thee (O Lord) my strength. The Lord is my succour, my refuge, my Saviour: my God, my help in whom I trust: my buckler, the horn of my health, Heb. ii ● and my protection. I will praise the Lord, and call upon him, so shall I be safe from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, & the brokes of ungodliness made me afraid. The pains of hell came about me, the snares of death took hold upon me. Yet in my trouble I called upon the Lord, and complained unto my God. So he heard my voice out of his holy temple, and my complaint came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth trembled and quaked, the very foundations of the hills shaken & were removed, because he was wroth. There went a smoke out of his nostrils & a consuming fire out of his mouth, so that coals were kindled at it. He bowed the heavens and came down, & it was dark under his feet. He road upon the Cherubyns and did i'll: he came flying with the wings of the wind. He made darkness his pavilion roundabout him, with dark water and thick clouds to cover him. At the brightness of his presence the clouds removed, with hail stones and coals of fire. The Lord also thondred out of the heaven and the height gave his thunder with hail stones and coals of fire. He sent out his arrows and scattered them, he cast sore lyghtenynges, and destroyed them. The springs of waters were seen, and the foundations of the round world were discovered at thy chiding (O Lord) at the blasting and breath of thy displeasures. He sent down from the beygth to fetch me, and took me out of great waters. He delivered me from my strong enemies, and from my foes which were to mighty for me. They prevented me in the time of my trouble, but the Lord was my defence. He brought me forth also into liberty: and delivered me, because he had a favour unto me. The Lord shall reward me after my righteous dealing, & according to the cleanness of my hands shall he recompense me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord: & have not behaved myself wickedly against my God. I have an eye unto all his laws, and cast not out his commandments from me. Uncorrupt will I be before him, and will eschew mine own wickedness. Therefore shall the Lord reward me after my righteous dealing, and according unto the cleanness of my hands in his eye sight. With the holy thou shalt be holy, & with the innocent thou shalt be innocent. With the clean thou shalt be clean, and with the froward thou shalt be froward. For thou shalt save the poor oppressed, and bring down the high looks of the proud. Thou ●ightest my candle, O Lord my God thou makest my darkness to be light. ☞ For in the I can discomfort an host of men: yea in my God I can leap over the brickwall. The way of God is a perfect way: the words of the Lord are tried in the fire: he is a shield of defence, for all them that trust in him. For who is God, but the Lord? Or, who hath any strength, but our God? It is God that girded me with strength, & made my way uncorrupt. He hath made my feet like hearts feet, & set me up on high. He teacheth mine hands to fight, and maketh mine arms to break even a bow of steel. i Regum xxii c Thou hast given me the defence of thy health thy righthande upholdeth me, and thy loving correction maketh me great. Thou hast made room enough under me for to go, that my foot steps should not slide. I will follow upon mine enemies, and take them: I will not turn till they be discomforted. I will smite them, they shall not be able to stand, but fall under my feet. Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle, thou hast thrown them all down under me, that rose up against me. Thou hast made mine enemies to turn their backs upon me, thou hast destroyed them that hated m●. They cried, but there was none to help them: yea even unto the Lord, but he heard them not. I will beat them as small as the dust clay in the wind, I will cast them out as the clay in the streets. Thou shalt deliver me from the stryninges of the people, thou shalt make me the head of the Heythen. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me, but the strange children dissemble with me. The strange children are waxen old, and go halting out of their paths. The Lord liveth: and blessed be my helper, praised be the God of my health. Even the God which saith that I be avenged, and subdueth the people unto me. It is he that delivereth me from my cruel enemies: thou shalt life me up from them that rise against me, thou shalt rid me from the wicked man. For this cause I will give thanks unto thee (O Lord) among the gentiles, i E●●i●● R●●●● and sing praises unto thy name. Great prosperity giveth he unto his king and showeth loving kindness unto David his anointed, yea and unto his seed for evermore. PSAL. XVIII. A●●● bro●●● ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. THe very heavens declare the glory of God, and the very firmament showeth his handy work. One day telleth an other, and one night certifieth an other. There is neither speech ne language, but their voices are herd among them. Their sound is go out in to all lands, 〈…〉 and their words in to the ends of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the Sun, which cometh forth as a brydgrom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course. It goeth forth from the one end of the heaven, and runneth about unto the same end again, and there may no man hide himself from the heat thereof. The law of the Lord is a perfect law, it quickeneth the soul. The testimony of the Lord is true, and giveth wisdom even unto babes. The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, and endureth for ever: the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous all together. Moore pleasant are they then gold, yea then moche fine gold: sweeter than honey and the honey comb. These thy servant keepeth, and for keeping of them there is great reward. Who can tell, how often he offendeth? cleanse thou me fro my secret faults. Keep thy servant also from presumptuous sins, jest they get the dominion over me: so shall I be undefiled, and innocent from the great offence. Yea the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart shall be acceptable unto thee, oh Lord, my helper and my redeemer. 〈…〉 PSAL. XIX. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. THe Lord hear the in the time of trouble: the name of the God of jacob defend the. Send the help from the sanctuary: and strength the out of Zion. Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy brent sacrifice. Selah. Grant the thy hearts desire, and fulfil all thy mind. We will rejoice in thy health, and triumph in the name of the Lord our God: the Lord perform all thy petitions. Now know I, that the Lord helpeth his anointed, and will hear him from his holy heaven: mighty is the help of his right hand. ☞ Some put their trust in charettes, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright. Save Lord, and help us, oh king, when we call upon the. 〈…〉 PSAL. XX. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. Lord, how joyful is the king in thy strength? O how exceeding glad is he of thy saving health? Thou haste given him his hearts desire, and haste not put him from the request of his lips. Selah. For thou hast prevented him with liberal blessings: and set a crown of gold upon his heed. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest him a long life, even for ever and ever. His honour is great in thy saving health: glory and great worship shalt thou say upon him. For thou shalt give him everlasting wealth: and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance. And why? because the king putteth his trust in the Lord: and in the mercy of the highest he shall not myscarye. Let all thine enemies feel thy hand: let thy right hand find out all them that hate the. Thou shalt make them like a fire oven in time of thy wrath: the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them. Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth: and their seed from the children of men. For they purposed mischief against thee: and imagined such devices, as they were not able to perform. Therefore shalt thou put them to flight: & with thy strings thou shalt make ready thine arrows against the faces of them. Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. PSAL. XXI. After the Hebrews xxii ¶ To the chanter upon Aicleth, of the morning star, a Psalm of David. MY God, my God: why hast thou forsaken me? the words of my complaint are far fro my health. O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not: and in the night season also I take no rest. Yet dwellest thou in the sanctuary, oh thou worship of Israel. Our fathers hoped in thee: they trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver them. They called upon thee, and were helped: they put their trust in thee, and were not confounded. But as for me, I am a worm and no man: a very scorn of men and the out cast of the people. All they that see me, laugh me to scorn: they shout out their lips, Mat xxvii d Marc xxv c and shake their heeds. He trusted in God, let him deliver him: let him help him, if he will have him. But thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb: thou wast my hope, when I hanged yet upon my mother's breasts. I have been left unto thee, ever sithence I was born: thou art my God, even fro my mother's womb. Go not fro me then, for trouble is hard at hand, and here is none to help me. Great bulls are come about me: fat oxen close me in on every side. They gape upon me with their mouths: as it were a ramping and roaring Lyon. I am poured out like water: all my bones are out of joint: my heart in the midst of my body, is even like melting wax. My strength is dried up like a pottesherde, my tongue cleaveth to my gommes: and thou haste brought me in to the dust of death. For dogs are come about me: the counsel of the wicked hath laid siege against me. They perse● my hands and my feet, I might have told all my bones: Mat xxvii d. john xix d but they stood staring and looking upon me. They have parted my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far fro me, oh Lord: thou art my succour, hast the to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword, my darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lions mouth: and hear me between the horns of the unicorns. So will I declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise the. Praise the Lord you that fear him: magnify him all you seed of jacob, and let all the seed of Israel fear him. For he hath not despised ne abhorred the miserable state of the poor: he hath not hid his face fro me, but when I called unto him, he heard me. I will praise the in the great congregation, and perform my vows in the sight of all them that fear the. The poor shall eat and be satisfied: they that seek after the Lord shall praise him: our heart shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember themselves, & be turned unto the Lord: and all the generations of the heathen shall worship before him. For the kingdom is the Lords: and he shall be the governor of the Heythen. All such as be fat upon earth: shall eat also and worship: all they that lie in the dust and live so hardly, shall fall down before him. The seed shall serve him, and preach of the Lord for ever. They shall come and declare his righteousness: unto a people that shall be born, whom the Lord hath made. After the Hebrews xxiii PSAL. XXII. ¶ A Psalm of David. THe Lord is my shepherd: I can want nothing. Isaiah xl Hierom xxiii Ezech. xxxiiii john ten a i Pet. ii He feedeth me in a green pasture, and leadeth me to a fresh water. He quickeneth my soul, and bringeth me forth in the way of righteousness for his name's sake. Though I should walk now in the valley of the shadow of death, yet I fear no evil, for thou art with me: thy staff and thy sheephook comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me against mine enemies: thou annoyntest my heed with oil, and fyllest my cup full. O let thy loving kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life, that I may devil in the house of the Lord for ever. After the Hebrews xxiiii PSAL. XXIII. ¶ A Psalm of David. THe earth is the Lords, and all that therein is: the compass of the world, and all that devil therein. ●. Cor. ●. ● For he hath founded it upon the seas: and builded it upon the floods. Who shall go up in to the hill of the Lord or who shall remain in his holy place? Even he that hath innocent hands and a clean heart: which lifteth not up his mind unto vanity, and sweareth not to deceive. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord: and mercy from God his saviour. This is the generation of them that seek him: of them that seek thy face, O jacob. Selah. Open your gates (oh you princes) let the everlasting doors be opened, that the king of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle. Open your gates (oh you princes) let the everlasting doors be opened, that the king of glory may come in. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory. Selah. PSAL. XXIIII. 〈…〉 ¶ Of David. Unto thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul: my God, I trust in thee, let me not be confounded, least mine enemies triumph over me. For all they that hope in thee, shall not be ashamed: but such as be scornful despisers without cause, shall be put to confusion. Show me thy ways (Lord) and teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and learn me: for thou art the God of my health, and in their my hope all the day long. Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy loving kyndenesses, which have been ever of old. O remember not the sins and offences of my youth, but according unto thy mercy: think upon me, O Lord, for thy goodness. O how friendly and righteous is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. He leadeth the simple a right: and such as be meek, them learneth he his ways. All the ways of the Lord, are very mercy and faithfulness, unto such as keep his testament and covenant. For thy name's sake, oh Lord, be merciful unto my sin, for it is great. What so ever he be that fears the Lord: he shall show him the way that he hath choose. His soul shall devil at ease: and his seed shall possess the land. The secret of the Lord is among them that fear him: and he showeth them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord: for he shall pluck my seat out of the net. Turn the unto me, and have mercy upon me. for I am desolate and in misery. The sorrows of my heart are great, bring me out of my troubles. Look upon mine adversity and woe: and forgive me all my sins. Consider how mine enemies are many, & bear a malicious hate against me. Keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in the. Let innocency and righteous dealing wait upon me, for my hope is in the. deliver Israel, O God, out of all his trouble. 〈◊〉 the He●●●es xxvi. PSAL. XXV. ¶ Of David. BE thou my judge, oh Lord, for I walk inocently: my trust is in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall. Examine me, oh Lord, and prove me: enserche my reins and my heart. For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I walk in thy truth. I sit not among vain people, and have no fellowship with the deceitful. I hate the congregation of the wicked, and I will not sit among the ungodly. I wash my hands with innocency, O Lord, and so go I to thine altar. That I may show the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I love the habitation of thy house, and the place where thy honour dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with the sinners: ne my life with the bloudthurslye. In whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of gifts. But I will walk innocently: deliver me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth right: I will praise thee (Lord) in the congregations. 〈◊〉 He●●● xxvii. PSAL. XXVI. ¶ Of David. THe Lord is my light and my health: whom then should I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, for whom then should I be afraid? Therefore when the wicked, even mine enemies came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fallen. Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid: and though there arose up war against me, ☞ yet will I put my trust in him. One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require: namely, that I may devil in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his temple. For in time of trouble he hath hid me in his tabernacle, yea in the secret place of his dwelling hath he kept and set me up upon a rock of stone. And now hath he lift up my heed above mine enemies, that compassed me round about. Therefore will I offer in his dwelling, the oblation of thanksgiving: I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord. hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee: have mercy upon me and hear me. My heart speaketh unto thee: my face seeketh thee: yea Lord thy face will I seek. Hide not thou thy face fro me: cast not thy servant of in displeasure. Thou art my succour, leave me not, neither forsake me, oh God my saviour. For my father and my mother have forsaken me: but the Lord hath taken me up. Show me thy way, O Lord: and lead me in the right path, because of mine enemies. deliver me not in to the wiles of mine adversaries: for there are false witnesses risen up against me: and they imagine mischief. Nevertheless I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord, in the land of the living. Tarry thou the lords leisure: be strong, let thine heart be of good comfort, and wait thou still for the Lord. PSAL. XXVII. After the Hebrews xxviii ¶ Of David. Unto the will I cry, O my strong defence: think no scorn of me, least if thou make that as though thou herdest not, I become like them that go down in to the pit. Hear the voice of my humble petition, when I cry unto thee: and hold up my hands toward thy holy temple. Pluck me not away among the ungodly and wicked doers, which speak friendly to their neighbour, but imagine mischief in their hearts. Reward them according to their deeds, and wickedness of their own inventions. Recompense them after the works of their hands: pay them that they have deserved. For they regard not the works of the Lord, ne the operation of his hands: therefore shall he break them down, & not build them up. Praised be the Lord: for he hath herd the voice of mine humble petition. The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart hoped in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart daunseth for joy, and I will sing praises unto him. The Lord is the strength of his people: he is the defender and saviour of his anointed. Help thy people, give thy blessing unto thine inheritance: feed them and set them up for ever. PSAL. XXVIII. ¶ A Psalm of David. After the Hebrews xxix ascribe unto the Lord, O you mighty: ascribe unto the Lord worship & strength. give the Lord the honour of his name: bow yourselves to the holy majesty of the Lord. It is the Lord that commandeth the waters: It is the glorious God that maketh the thunder, it is the Lord that ruleth the see. The voice of the Lord is mighty in operation: the voice of the Lord is a glorious voice. The voice of the Lord breaketh the Cedar trees: yea the Lord breaketh the Cedars of Libanus. He maketh them to skip like a calf: Libanus and Sitlon like a young Vnycorne. The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire: the voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness: yea the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Cades. The voice of the Lord moveth the hinds: and discovereth the thick bushes: in his temple shall every man speak of his honour. The Lord stylleth the water flood: & the Lord remaineth a king for ever. The Lord shall give power unto his people, the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peax. After the Hebrews xxx PSAL. XXIX. ¶ A Psalm and song of the dedication of the house of David. I Will magnify thee, O Lord, for thou hast set me up: and not suffered my foes to triumph over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto thee: & thou hast healed me. Thou Lord hast brought my soul out of hell: thou hast kept my life, where as they go down to the pit. Sing praises unto the Lord (oh you saints of his) give thanks unto him for a remembrance of his holiness. For his wrath endureth but the twynckling of an eye, and his pleasure is in life: heaviness may well endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. As for me, when I was in prosperity, I said: tush, I shall never fall more. And why? thou Lord of thy goodness hadst made my hill so strong. But as soon as thou turnedst thy face from, I was brought in fear. Then cried I unto thee, O Lord, yea unto the Lord made I my prayer. What profit is there in my blood: if I go down to corruption? May the dust give thanks unto thee? or shall it declare thy faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord be thou my helper. And so thou hast turned my heaviness in to joy: thou hast put of my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. That mine honour might sing praises unto the without ceasing: O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto the for ever. PSAL. XXX. After 〈◊〉 br●●● 〈◊〉 ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. IN thee, O Lord, is my trust: let me never be put to confusion, but deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine care to me, make haste to deliver me: be thou my strong rock and a house of defence, that thou mayst save me. For thou art my strong hold and my castle: be thou my guide, and lead me for thy name's sake. Draw me out of the net that they have laid privily for me, for thou art my strength. In to thy hands I commend my spirit: thou hast delivered me, oh Lord, thou God of truth. I hate them that hold of vanities: L●●● 〈◊〉 and my trust is in the Lord, I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble, thou hast known my soul in adversity. Thou haste not delivered me over in to the hands of the enemy, but hast set my feet in a large room. Have mercy upon me, oh Lord, for I am in trouble, mine eye is consumed for very heaviness, yea my soul and my body. My life is waxed old with heaviness: and my years with mourning. My strength faileth me because of mine adversity, and my bones are corrupt. I am become a very reproach among all mine enemies: my neighbours and they of mine own acquaintance are afraid of me: they that see me in the estrete, convey them selves fro me. I am clean forgotten and out of mind, as a deed man: I am become like a broken vessel. For I have heard the blasphemy of the multitude: every man abhorreth me, they have gathered a counsel together against me, and are purposed to take away my life. But my hope is in the Lord, and I say: thou art my God. My time is in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that pursue me. Show thy servant the light of thy countenance: help me for thy mercies sake. Let me not be confounded, O Lord: for I call upon thee: let the ungodly rather be put to confusion, and brought unto the hell. Let the lying lips be put to silence: which cruelly, disdainfully, & despitefully speak against the righteous. How great and manifold is thy good: which thou haste hid for them that fear thee? O what things bryngest thou to pass for them that put their trust in thee: even before the sons of men? Thou hydest them privily by thine own presence from the proud men: thou keepest them secretly in thy tabernacle, from the strife of tongues. Thanks be to the Lord: for he hath showed me exceeding great kindness in a strong city. For when the sudden fear came upon me, I said: I am cast out of thy sight. Nevertheless thou herdest mine humble prayer: when I cried unto the. O love the Lord (all you his saints) for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer. Be strong therefore and take good heart unto you: all you that put your trust in the Lord. 〈…〉 PSAL. XXXI. ¶ An instruction of David. BLessed are they, whose unrighteousness is forgiven: and whose sins are covered. 〈…〉 Blessed is the man, unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin: in whose spirit there is no guile. For while I held my tongue: my bones consumed away, thorough my daily complaynynges. And because thy hand was so heavy upon me both day and night: my moisture was like the drought in summer. Selah. Therefore I confessed my sin unto thee: & hid not mine unrighteousness. I said, I will knowledge mine offence, and accuse myself unto the Lord: and so thou forgavest me the wickedness of my sin. Selah. For this shall every saint make his prayer unto the in due season: therefore shall not the great water floods come nigh him. Thou art my defence in the trouble that is tome about me: compass thou me about also with the joy of deliverance. Selah. I will inform thee, and show the the way wherein thou shalt go: I will fasten mine eyes upon the. Be not you now like horses & mules, which have no understanding. Whose mouths thou must hold with bit and bridle, if they will not obey the. great plagues shall the ungodly have, but who so putteth his trust in the Lord, mercy shall compass him on every side. Be glad, O you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord: be joyful all you that are true of heart. PSAL. XXXII. After the Hebrews xxxiii Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, for it becometh well the just to be thankful. Praise the Lord with harp: sing psalms unto him with the lute and instrument of ten strings. Sing him a new song, yea sing lustily unto him with a lusty courage. For the word of the Lord is true: and all his works are faithful. He loveth mercy and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made: and all the hosts of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters together as it were in a bottle: and layeth up the deep in secret. Let all the earth fear the Lord: and let all them that devil in the world, stand in awe of him. For look what he saith, it is done: and look what he commandeth, it standeth fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the Heythen to naught, and turneth the devices of the people. But the counsel of the Lord endureth: and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation. Blessed are the people that hold the Lord for their God: and blessed are the folk whom he hath choose to be his heritage. The Lord looketh down from heaven, and beholdeth all the children of men: from his strong seat he considereth all them that devil in the world. He only hath fashioned all the hearts of them, and knoweth all their works. A king is not helped by his own great host: neither is a giant saved thorough the might of his own strength. A horse is but a vain thing to save a man, it is not the power of his strength that can deliver him. Behold, the eye of the Lord looketh unto them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy. That he may deliver their souls from death: and to feed them in the dear tyme. Let our soul patiently abide the Lord: for he is our help and shield. So shall our hearts rejoice in him: because we have hoped in his holy name. Let thy merciful kindness, oh Lord, be upon us: like as we put our trust in the. PSAL. XXXIII. After the Hebrews xxxiii i Regi xxi d. Of David, when he feigned himself to be mad before Abimelech: which drove him away and he departed. I Will alway give thanks unto the Lord, his praise shall ever be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Praise you the Lord with me: & let us magnify his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me: yea he delivered me out of all my fear. They that have an eye unto him, shall be lightened, and their faces shall not be ashamed. This poor man cried unto the Lord: and he heard him, yea and delivered him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord pitched his tent round about him that fear him, and delivereth them. Taste and see how friendly the Lord is: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Fear the Lord you that be his saints: for they that fear him lack nothing. The rich shall want and suffer hunger: but they wiche seek the Lord shall want no manner thing that is good. Come hither, oh you children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. i Petri iii Who so listeth to live, and would fain see good days. ☞ Let him refrain his tongue from evil: and his lips that they speak no guile. Ecclesi xu d. Let him eschew evil and do good: let him seek peax and ensue it. Hebru iiii c For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous: and his ears are open unto their prayers. But the face of the Lord beholdeth them that do evil, to destroy the remembrance of them out of the earth. When the righteous cry, the Lord heareth them: and delivereth them our of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are contrite in heart, and will help such as be of an humble spirit. Great are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of all. He keepeth all their bones, so that not one of them is broken. But misfortune shall slay the ungodly, and they that hate the righteous shall be guilty. The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants, and all they that put their trust in him shall not offend. PSAL. XXXIIII. ¶ Of David. After the Hebrews xxxv strive thou with them, oh Lord, the strive with me: fight thou against them, that fight against me. La●e hand upon the shield and spear: and stand up to help me. Draw out thy sword and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul. I am thy help. Let them be confounded and put to shame, that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and be brought to confusion, that imagine mischief for me. Let them be as the dust before the wind: and the angel of the Lord scattering them. Let their way be dark and slypperye: and the angel of the Lord to persecute them. For they have privily laid their net to destroy me without cause: yea & made a pit for my soul which I never deserved. Let a sudden destruction come upon him unwares, and the net that he hath laid privily catch himself, that he may fall in to his own mischief. But let my soul be joyful in the Lord: & rejoice in his help. All my bones shall say: Lord who is like unto thee? which deliverest the poor from those that are to strong for him, yea the poor and the needy from his spoilers. False witnesses are risen up, and lay to my charge things that I know not. They reward me evil for good, to the great discomfort of my soul. Nevertheless when they were sick, I put on sackelothe: I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer turned in to mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother: I went heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine adversity they rejoice & gather them together: yea the very lame come together against me unwares, making mows at me, and cease not. With the greedy and scornful hypocrites they gnasshed upon me with their teeth. Lord when will't thou look upon this? Restore my soul from the wicked rumour of them, my darling from the lions? So will I give the thanks in the great congregation: and praise the among moche people. Let them not triumph over me, that are mine enemies for nought: let them not wink with their eyes that hate me without cause. And why? their commening is not for peax, but they imagine false words against the outcasts of the land. They gape upon me with their mouths, saying: there, there: we see it with our eyes. This thou seest, oh Lord: hold not thy tongue then: go not far fro me, oh Lord. Awake Lord and stand up: avenge thou my cause my God and my Lord. judge me, oh Lord my God, according to thy righteousness, that they triumph not over me. Let them not say in their hearts, there there so would we have it: let them not say: we have overcome him. Let them be put to confusion & shame, that rejoice at my trouble: let them be clothed with rebuke and dishonour, that boast themselves against me. Let them also be glad and rejoice, that favour my righteous dealing: yea let them say alway: blessed be the Lord, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And as for my tongue, it shall be talking of thy righteousness and of thy praise, all the day long. PSAL. XXXV. ¶ To the chanter, 〈…〉 of David the servant of the Lord. MY heart showeth me the wickedness of the ungodly: that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he dissembleth before his face, so long till his abominable sin be found out. The words of his mouth are unrighteousness and disobeyed: he will not be learned to do good. He ymagineth mischief upon his bed: he will come in no good way, ne refuse the thing that is evil. Thy mercy, O Lord, reacheth unto the heaven: and thy faithfulness unto the clouds. Thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains: and thy judgement like the great deep. Thou, Lord: preservest both men and beestes. How precious is thy mercy, oh God, that the children of men may put their trust under the shadow of thy wings? They shall be satisfied with the p●entiousnes of thy house: and thou shalt give them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For by the is the well of life: & in thy light, shall we see light. Spread forth thy loving kindness unto them that know thee, and thy righteousness unto them that are true of heart. Let not the foot of pride overtake me: let not the hand of the ungodly cast me down. As for wicked doers, they fall: they are cast down, and are not able to stand. 〈…〉 PSAL. XXXVI. ¶ A Psalm of David. FRet not thyself at the ungodly: be not thou envious against the evil doers. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass: and be withered even as the green herb. Put thou thy trust in the Lord, and be doing good: so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily it shall feed the. Delight thou in the Lord: and he shall give the thy hearts desire. commit thy way unto the Lord, set thy hope in him; and he shall bring it to pass. He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light: and thy just dealing as the none day. Hold the still in the Lord, and abide patiently upon him: but grieve not thyself at one that hath prosperity, and liveth in abomination. Leave of from wrath, let go displeasure: let not thy gelowsye move the also to do evil. For wicked doers shall be rooted our, but they that patiently abide the Lord, shall inherit the land. Suffer yet a little while, and the ungodly shall be clean go: thou shalt look after his place, and he shall be away. But the meek spl●●●ed shall possess the earth: and have pleasure in moche rest. Math. u a The ungodly layeth wait for the just, and gnasheth upon him with his ●e●●. But the Lord laugheth him to scorn: for he seethe that his day is coming. The ungodly draw once their sword and bend their bow: to cast down the simple and poor, and to flee such as go the right way. Nevertheless, their sword shall go thorough their own heart: ☜ and their bow shall be broken. A small thing that the righteous hath: is better than great riches of the ungodly. For the ●●mes of the ungodly shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the godly: and their inheritance endureth for ever. They shall not be confounded to the perilous time: and in the days of dert, they shall have enough. But the ungodly shall perish: and when the ene●ie● of the Lord are in their flowers, they that consume, yea even as the smoke shall they consume away. The ungodly borroweth, and payeth not again: but the ry●htous is merciful and liberal. Such as be blessed of him, shall possess the land: and they whom he curseth, shall be rooted out. The Lord ordereth a good man's going: and hath pleasure in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be hurt: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young and now am old: ☜ yet see I never the righteous forsaken, ●e his seed to seek their breed. The righteous is ever merciful, and dareth gently: therefore shall his seed be blessed. flee from evil, and do that is good: so shalt thou devil for ever. For the Lord loveth that is right, he forsaketh not his saints, but they shall be preserved for evermore: where as the seed of the ungodly shall be rooted out. Yea the righteous shall possess the land: & d●ell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous is practised in wisdom: and his tongue talketh of judgement. The law of his God is in his heart: therefore shall n●t ●is fotesteppes slide. T●e ungodly seethe the righteous, and goeth a●out to slay him. But the Lord will not leave him in his hands: he condemn him when he is judged. Hope thou in the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall so promote thee, that thou shalt have the land by inheritance, and see when the ungodly shall perish. I myself have seen the ungodly in great power: and floveysshing like a green bay tree: but when I went by, loo, he was go, I sought him, but he could no where be found. Keep innocency, and take heed unto the thing that is right: for that shall bring a man peax at last. But the transgressors shall perish together: and the ungodly shall be rooted out at the last. The help of the righteous cometh of the Lord: he is their strength in time of trouble. The Lord shall stand by them, and save them: he shall deliver them from the ungodly, and help them, because they put their trust in him. After the Hebrews xxxviii PSAL. XXXVII. ¶ To the chanter, to bring to remembrance. Put ●e not to rebuke, o Lord, in thine 〈…〉: chance me not in thy heavy dis●●easure. ●or ●●yne arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand● presseth me ●o●e. The● is ●●hol● part in my body, because of ●y 〈…〉 t●●re is no r●st in my bones by 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 s●nnes. F●● my sicknesses are go over my 〈…〉 ●●lke a sort ●urthen, to heavy for me 〈◊〉. My wounds stink and are corrupt, thor●● 〈◊〉 fo●●shnesse. I 〈◊〉 brought in to so great trouble and my le●●e: that I go murning all the day lo●●●. For my loins are clean dried up: and there is no hole part in my body. I am ●●ble and sore smitten: I roar for the very disquietness of my her●. Lord, thou knowest all my desire: and my groaning is not hid from the. My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me: and the light of mine eyes is go from. My lovers and friends stand looking upon my trouble: and my kinsmen are go a far of. ●hey that sought after my life, and to do 〈◊〉 ●uyl: sp●ke o● lies and imagined disobeyed 〈◊〉 the ha●● long● 〈…〉 I was like a deaf man and herd no● 〈…〉 o●●ha● were dom, not opening his mou●●e. I am become as a man that heareth not: and that can make no resistance with his mouth. For in thee, oh Lord is my trust: thou shalt hear me, oh Lord my God. My desire is that mine enemies triumph not over me: ●or if my sore slip, they rejoice greatly against me. I am ready to suffer trouble: and my heaviness is ever in my sight. For I confess my wickedness: & my sin grieveth me. But mine enemies live, and are mighty: and they that hate me without cause, are many in number. They that reward me evil for good: speak evil of me, because I follow that good is. Forsake me not (O Lord my God) go not far fro me. Haste the to help me: Lord, my succour. PSAL. XXXVIII. After 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter for Iduthun, a Psalm of David. I Said: I will keep my ways that I offended not in my tongue. And so I shut my mouth, while the ungodly said way for me. I held my tongue, I was dumb, I kept silence: yea even from good words, but it was pain an● grief to me. My heart was hot within me: and while I w●s ●hus ●ul●●g, the fire kindled, so that I sp●ke with my tongue. Lord, let me know mine end, & the number o● my days: that I may be certified what I want. Behold, thou haste made my days a span long: and my life as it were nothing before the. O how vain, are all men living? Selah. Yea every man walketh as it were a shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain: ☜ he heapeth up richesse, and can not tell to whom he gathereth them. And now Lord, wherein shall I comfort me? my hope is in the. Deliver me from all mine offences: & make me not a scorn unto t●e ●o●ish. I keep silence, and open not my mouth: for thou hast done it. Turn thy plagues away fro me: for I am consumed thorough the fear of thy hand. When thou punisshest man for sin, thou chastenest him: so that his beauty consumeth awa●, like as it were a moth. O how vain are all men? Selah. Hear m● prayer, oh Lord, and consider my calling: show not thyself as though thou sawest not my tears. For I am a stranger and pilgrim with thee: as all my fore fathers were. O spare me a little that I may refresh myself before I go hence: and be no more seen. 〈…〉 PSAL. XXXIX. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. I Waited patiently for the Lord, which inclined himself unto me: and heard my calling. He brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay: he set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings. He hath put a new song in my mouth, even a thanksgiving unto our God. Many men seeing this shall fear the Lord: and put their trust in him. Blessed is the man that setteth his hope in the Lord: and turneth not unto the proud, & to such as go about with lies. O Lord my God, great are thy wondrous works which thou haste done: and in thy thoughts toward us, there may none be likened unto the. I would declare them and speak of them: but they are so many, that they can not be told. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not have, but a body thou hast ordained me: burned offerings and sacrifice for sin thou haste not allowed. 〈…〉 Then said I: lo I come. In the beginning of the book it is written of me, that I should fulfil thy will, oh my God, and that am I content to do: yea thy law is within my heart. I will preach of thy righteousness in the great congregation: loo, I will not refrain my lips, oh Lord, and that thou knowest. I do not hide thy righteousness in my heart: my talking is of thy truth and saving health: I keep not thy loving mercy and faithfulness back from the great congregation. Turn not thou thy mercy fro me, oh Lord: but let thy loving kindness and truth alway preserve me. For innumerable troubles are come about me: my sins have taken such hold upon me that I am not able to look up: yea they are more in number then the hairs of my heed, and my heart failed me. O Lord, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me: make haste (O Lord) to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul to destroy it: let them fall backward and be put to confusion, that wish me evil. Let them soon be brought to shame the cry over me: there there. But let all those that seek thee, be joyful and glad in thee: and let all such as delight in thy saving health, say alway: the Lord be praised. As for me, I am poor and in misery: but the Lord careth for me. Thou art my helper and redeemer: make no long tarrying, oh my God. PSAL. XL. After the Hebrews xli ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. BLessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord shall deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord shall preserve him, and keep him alive: he shall make him to prosper upon earth and shall not deliver him in to the will of his enemies. The Lord shall refresh him when he lieth sick upon his bed, yea thou makest his bed in all his sickness. I said: Lord be merciful unto me: heal my soul, for I have sinned against the. Mine enemies speak evil upon me: when shall he die, and his name perish? Though he came in to se, yet meaned he falsehood in his heart: heaping mischief upon himself. All they that hate me, run together against me: and imagine evil against me. They have given a wicked sentence upon me: when he lieth, he shall rise up no more. Math xxvi. b John xiii b Act i c Yea even mine own familiar friend whom I trusted, which did eat my breed, hath lift up his heel against me. But be thou merciful unto me, oh Lord: raise thou me up, and I shall reward them. By this I know thou favourest me that my enemy shall not triumph over me. Thou haste upholden me because of mine innocency: and set me before thy face for ever. Blessed be the Lord ●od of Israel: from hence forth, and for euer more, Amen, Amen. PSAL. XLI. After the Hebrews xlii ¶ To the chanter a monition of the sons of Corah. Like as the heart desireth the water brokes: so longeth my soul after thee, O God. My soul is a thirst for God, yea even for the living God: when shall I come & behold the face of God? My tears are my meat day and night, while it is daily said unto me: where is now thy God? Now when I think thereupon, I pour our my heart by myself: for I would fain go hence with the multitude, and pass over with them unto the house of God, in the voice of praise and thankesgyvinge, among such as keep holy day. Why art thou so full of heaviness (oh my soul) and why art thou so unquiet within me? Put thy trust in God, for I will yet give him thanks for the help of his countenance. My God, my soul is vexed within me therefore I remember the land of jordan, and the little hill of Hermonun. One deep calleth an other with the voice of the whystles: all the waves and water floods are go over me. The Lord hath promised his loving kindness daily, therefore will I praise him in the night season, and make my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my stony rock: why hast thou forgotten me? why go I thus hevily while the enemy oppresseth me? While my bones are broken, and while mine enemies cast me in the teeth daily, saying unto me: where is now thy God? Why art thou so heavy, oh my soul? and why art thou so disquieted within me? Put thy trust in God: for I will yet thank him for the help of his countenance, and because he is my God. After the Hebrews xiii PSAL. XLII. Give sentence upon me (oh God) and defend my cause against the unholy people: deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man. For thou (oh God) art my strength: why hast thou shot me from thee? why go I then so hevily, while the enemy oppresseth me? Sand out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling. That I may go in to the altar of God, even unto the God which is my joy and pleasure: and upon the harp to give thanks unto thee, oh God, my God. Why art thou so heavy (oh my soul) and why art thou so disquieted within me? Put thy trust in God, for I will yet give him thanks for the help of his countenance, and because he is my God. After the Hebrews xliiii PSAL. XLIII. ¶ To the chanter an instruction of the sons of Lorah. WE have herd with our ears, oh God, our fathers have told us, what thou hast done in their time of old. How thou hast driven out the heathen with thy hand, and planted them in: how thou hast destroyed the nations and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession thorough their own sword, neither was it their own arm that helped them. But thy right hand, thine arm & the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. Thou art the king and my God: thou sendest ●●lpe unto jacob. Thorough thee, will we over throw our enne●●es: 〈◊〉 in ●hy name v●● we tread them vn●● 〈…〉 ●ryse up against us. For I will not trust in my bow: it is not my sword that shall help me. But it is thou that savest us from our enemies: and puttest them to confusion that hate us. We will alway make our boast of God: & praise thy name for ever. Selah. But now thou forsakest us, and puttest us to confusion, and goest not forth with our hosts. Thou makest us to turn our backs upon our enemies, so the they which hate us spoil our goods. Thou lettest us be eaten up like sheep: and scatterest us among the Paninis. Thou sellest thy people for naught: and takest no money for them. Thou mak●st us to be rebuked of our neighbours, to be laughed to scorn, and had in derision, of them that are round about us. Thou hast made us a very by word among the Heathen: and that the people shake their heeds at us. My confusion is daily before me: and the shame of my face covereth me. For the voice of the slanderer and blasphemer: for the enemy and avenger. All this is come upon us: and yet have we not forgotten thee, nor behaved ourselves unfaithfully in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither our steps go out of the way. For thou hast smitten us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. If we had forgotten the name of our God: and held up our hands to any strange God. Should not God found it out? for he knoweth the very secrets of the heart. But for thy sake we are killed all the day long: and are counted as sheep appointed to be slain. Up Lord, why stepest thou? awake, & cast us not of for ever. Wherefore hydest thou thy face? wilt thou clean forget our misery and oppression? For our soul is brought low even unto the dust, and our belly cleaveth unto the ground. Arise, oh Lord, help us and deliver us for thy mercy sake. PSAL. XLIIII. 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter upon Sosanim, an instruction of the children of Corah, a song of love. MY heart is enditing good matter: I speak of that which I have made of the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art the fairest among the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, therefore God blesseth the for ever. Gird the with thy sword upon thy thigh (O thou mighty) with worship and renown. Good luck have thou with thine honour, ride on with the truth, meekness and righteousness: and thy right hand shall teach wonderful things. Thy arrows are sharp, the people shall be subdued unto thee: even in the midst among the kings enemies. Thy seat (God) endureth for ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. ☞ Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: wherefore God (which is thy God) hath anointed the with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments are like Myrrh, Aloes, & Cassia, when thou comest out of thine ivory palaces in thy beautiful glory. Kings daughters go in thy goodly array, and upon thy right hand standeth a queen in a garment of most pure gold. hearken (oh daughter) consider & bow down thine ear: forget thy own people, and thy father's house. So shall the king have pleasure in thy beauty, for he is thy Lord, and thou shalt worship him. The daughters of Tire shall be there with gifts, the rich among the people shall make their supplication before the. The kings daughter is all glorious with in: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needle work, and maidens after her: such as be next her shall be brought unto the. With joy & gladness shall they be brought: and go in to the kings palace. In stead of thy fathers thou haste got children, whom thou shalt make princes in all lands. I will remember thy name from one generation to an other: therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee, world without end. 〈…〉 PSAL. XLV. ¶ To the chanter, a song of the children of Corah vp●n About. IN our troubles & adversity, we have found that God is our refuge, our strength and help. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth fallen, and though the hills were carried in to the midst of the see. Though the waters of the see raged and were never so troublous, and though the mountains shook at the tempest of the same. For there is a flood which with his rivers rejoiceth the city of God, the holy dwelling of the highest. God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed: for God helpeth her, and that right early. The heathen are mad, the kingdoms make much a woe: but when he showeth his voice, the earth melteth away. The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of jacob is our defence. Come hither and behold the works of the Lord: what destructions he hath brought upon the earth. He hath made wars to cease in all the world: he hath broken the bow, he hath knapped the spear insunder, and brent the charettes in the fire. Be still then, and confess that I am God: I will be exalted among the Gentiles, and I will be exalted upon earth. The Lord of hosts is with thee: the God of jacob is our defence. Selah. PSAL. XLVI. After the Hebrews. xivii. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of the children of Corah. CLap your hands together (all you people) sing unto God with the voice of thanksgiving. For the Lord most high is to be feared: and he is the great king upon all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the Panyms under our feet. He chooseth us for an heritage the beauty of jacob whom he loved. Selah. God is go up with a merry noise: & the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. Sing praises, sing praises unto God: fing praises, sing praises unto our king. For God is king of all the earth: sing praises unto him with understanding. God is king over the heathen: God sitteth in his holy seat. The princes of the people are gathered together unto the God of Abraham: for God is far higher exalted, than the mighty lords of the earth. PSAL. XLVII. After the Hebrews xlviii ¶ A song of a Psalm of the children of Corah. GReat is the Lord and hylye to be praised, in the city of our God: even upon his holy hill. The hill of Zion is like a fair plant whereof all the land rejoiceth: upon the north side lieth the city of the great king. God is well known in her palaces: that he is the defence of the same. For lo, kings are gathered, and go by together. They marveled to see such things: they were astonished, and suddenly cast down. Fear came upon them: and sorrow as upon a woman in her travail. Thou shalt break the ships of the see: thorough the East wind. Like as we have herd, so see we in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God upholdeth the same for ever. Selah. We wait for thy loving kindness (oh God) in the midst of thy temple. O God, according unto thy name, so is thy praise unto the worlds end: thy right hand is full of righteousness. O let the mount Zion rejoice: and the daughters of juda be glad, because of judgements. Walk about Zion: go round about her and tell her towers. Mark well her walls, set up her houses: that it may be told them that come after. For this God is our God for ever and ever, and he shall alway be our guide. After the Hebrews. xiix. PSAL. XLVIII. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of the children of Corah. Hear this, all you people: ponder it well all you that devil upon the earth. High and low, rich and poor: one with an other. Psal lxxvii My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall muse of understanding. I will incline mine ear to the parable, and show my dark speech upon the harp. ☞ Wherefore should I fear evil days, when the wickedness of my heel's compasseth me round about? They that put their trust in their good: and boast themselves in the foison of their richesse. No man may deliver his brother: ne make agreement unto him for God. For it costeth more to redeem their souls: so that he must let that alone for ever, yea though he live long, and see not the grave. For it shall be seen, that such wise men shall die and perish together, as well as the ignorant and foolish, and leave their goods for other. Look what is in their house, it continueth still: their dwelling places endure from one generation to an other, & are called after their own names upon earth. Nevertheless man abideth not in such honour, but is compared unto the brute beestes, & becometh like unto them. This way of theirs is very folly, and yet their posterity praiseth it with their mouth. Selah. They lie in the hell like sheep, death shall gnaw upon them, & the righteous shall have domination of them in the morning by times: their strength shall consume, and hell shall be their dwelling. But God shall deliver my soul from the power of hell, when he receiveth me. Selah. Be not thou afraid when one is made rich: and the glory of his house increased. * job xxvii d For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth, neither shall his pomp follow him. While he liveth he is counted an happy man: and so long as he is in prosperity men speak good of him. But when he followeth his father's generation, he shall never see light any more. When a man is in honour, ☜ and hath no understanding, he is compared unto the brute beestes, and becometh like unto them. PSAL. XLIX. 〈…〉 ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. THe Lord even the mighty God hath spoken and called the world from the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same. Out of Zion appeareth the glorious beauty of God. Our God shall come, and not keep silence: there goeth before him a consuming fire, and a mighty tempest round about him. He shall call the heavens from above: & the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me: those that set more by the covenant then by any offering. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, oh my people: let me speak, let me testify among you, oh Israel: I am God, even thy God. I reprove the not because of thy sacrifice, thy burned offerings are alway before me. I will take no bullocks out of thy house: ne goats out of thy folds. For all the beestes of the field are mine, and thousands of cattles upon the hills. I know all the fowls upon the mountains: and the wild beestes of the field are in my sight. If I be hungry, I will not tell thee: for the hole world is mine, and all that therein is. Thinkest thou that I will eat the flesh of oxen, or drink the blood of goats? Offer unto God praise and thanksgiving: and pay thy vows unto the most highest. ☜ And call upon me in the time of trouble: so will I hear thee, that thou shalt thank me. But unto the ungodly says God, why dost thou preach my laws, and takest my covenant in thy mouth? Where as thou hatest to be reform: and castest my words behind thee? If thou seest a th●se, thou runnest with him: and art partaker with the adulterers. Thou lettest thy mouth speak wickedness: and thy tongue painteth disobeyed. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother: yea and sclaunderest thine own mother's son. This thou dost, while I hold my tongue, and thinkest me to be even such one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set myself against the. Consydre this, you that forget God: lest I plucked you away, and there be none to deliver you. ☞ Who so offereth me thanks and praise, he honoureth me: and this is the way, whereby I will show him the saving health of God. 〈…〉 PSAL. L. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David, when the Prophet Nathan came unto him, after he had lyen with Bethsabe. Have mercy upon me (O God) after thy goodness, and according unto thy great mercies, do away mine offences. wash me well from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I knowledge my faults, and my sin is ever before me. Against the only, against the have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight: the thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and shouldst overcome, when thou art judged. Behold, I was born in wickedness, and in sin hath my mother conceived me. But lo, thou hast a pleasure in the truth, & hast showed me secret wisdom. Purge me with Isope, and I shall be clean wash thou me, and I shall be whiter then snow. O let me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken, may rejoice. Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me. give me the comfort of thy help again, and stablish me with thy free spirit. Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, that sinners may be converted unto the. deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou that art the God of my health, that my tongue may praise thy righteousness. Open my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may show thy praise. For if thou hadst pleasure in sacrifice, I would give it thee: but thou delytest not in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise. Be favourable and gracious unto Zion, that the walls of jerusalem may be builded. For then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they lay bullocks upon thine altar. 〈…〉 PSAL. LIVELY ¶ To the chanter, an exhortation of David, two. Regum ii b. when Doeg the Edomite came to Saul, and showed him, saying: David to come to the house of Achimelech. WHy boastest thou thyself, thou tyrant, that thou canst do mischief? Where as the goodness of God endureth yet daily. Thy tongue ymagineth wickedness, and with lies it cutteth like a sharp rasor. Thou lovest ungraciousness more than good, to talk of lies more than righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest to speak all words that may do hurt, O thou false tongue. Therefore shall God clean destroy thee, smite the in pieces, pluck the out of thy dwelling, and rote the out of the land of the living. Selah. The righteous shall see this, and fear, and laugh him to scorn. Lo, this is the man, that took not God for his strength, but trusted unto the multitude of his riches, and was mighty in his wickedness. As for me, ☜ I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: my trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever. I will alway give thanks unto thee, for that thou hast done: & will hope in thy name, for thy saints like it well. PSAL. LII. After the Hebrews liii ¶ To the chanter upon Mahalath, an instruction of David. THe foolish bodies say in their hearts: there is no God. Corrupt are they, and become abominable in their wyckednesses: there is not one, that doth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand, or seek after God. But they are all go out of the way, they are all become unprofitable: there is none the doth good, not not one. How can they have understanding, that are the workers of wickedness, eating up my people as it were bread, and call not upon God? They are afraid, where no fear is: for God breaketh the bones of them that besiege thee: thou puttest them to confusion, for God despiseth them. O that the saving health were given unto Israel out of Zion: O that the Lord would deliver his people out of captivity. Then should jacob rejoice, & Israel should be right glad. PSAL. LIII. After the Hebrews liii ¶ To the chanter in Neginoth, an instruction of David, when the Zephites came and said unto Saul: David is hid amongst us. Help me (O God) for thy name's sake, and deliver me in thy strength. Hear my prayer (O God) consider the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and and the mighty (which have not God before their eyes) seek after my soul. Selah. But lo, God is my helper: it is he that upholdeth my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: and in thy troth shalt thou destroy them. A free will offering will I give thee, and praise thy name, O Lord, because it is so comfortable. For thou hast delivered me out of all my trouble, so that mine eye saith his desire upon mine enemies. After the Hebrews .lv. PSAL. liv. ¶ To the chanter in Neginoth, an instruction of David. Hear my prayer. O God, and hide not thyself from my petition. Take heed unto me & hear me, how piteously I mourn and complain. The enemy crieth so, and the ungodly, cometh on so fast: for they are minded to do me some mischief, so maliciously are they set against me. My heart is heavy with in me, and the fear of death is fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come bid me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me. And I said: O that I had wings like a dove, that I might flee somewhere, and be at rest. Lo, then would I get me away far of, & remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would make haste to escape, from t●e stormy wind and tempest. Destroy their tongues (O Lord) and divide them, for I see unrighteousness and strife in the city. This goeth day and night about the walls, mischief and vice are in the midst of it. wickedness is therein, deceit and guile go not out of her streets. If it were mine enemy that reviled me, I could bear it: or if one that aught me evil will, did threaten me, I would hide myself from him. But it is thou my companion, my guide & mine own famylier friend. We had sw●●e and secret communication together in the house of God. Let death come hastily upon them, and let them go down quick in to hell, for wickedness is among them in their dwellynges. But I will call unto God, and the Lord shall help me. In the evening, morning & at none day will I mourn and complain: and he shall hear my voice. It is he that delivereth my soul in peace, from them that lie in wait for me: for they are many against me. Y●a even God that endureth for ever, shall hear me, and bring them down. For they will not turn: & why? they fear not God. Yea they lay hands on such as be at pea● with him, and so they break his couenau●●. Their mouths are softer than butter, ☜ and yet have they battle in their mind: their words are smother than oil, & yet be they very swords. Cast thy burden, or care, upon the Lord, he shall nourish thee, and not leave the righteous in unquietness. But as for them, thou (O God) shalt cast down into the pit of destruction. The bloudthursty and deceitful shall not live out half their days: 〈…〉 nevertheless my trust is in the. PSAL. LU. ¶ To the chanter, upon the dumb stock dove: 〈…〉 which flieth far of, Michiam of David, when the Philistines took him in Geth. BE merciful unto me (O God) for men will tread me down: they are daily fighting and troubling me. Mine enemies tread me daily under their seat, for they be many that proudly fight against me. Nevertheless, when I am afraid, I put my trust in the. I will comfort myself in God's word, yea I will hope in God, and not fear: what can flesh then do unto me? They vex me daily in my words: all that they imagine, is to do me evil. They hold all together, and keep themselves close: they mark my steps, how they may catch my soul. But in vain, for it shall escape them: an● why? thou (O God) in thy displeasure shalt cast down such people. Thou tellest my liyttinge, thou puttest my ●eares in thy bottle, and nombrest them. When so ever I call upon thee, mine enemies are put to flight: whereby I know than art my God. In God's word will I rejoice, in the lords word will I comfort me. Yea in God do I trust, and am not afraid what can man then do unto me? Unto thee (O God) will I pay my vows, unto the will I give thanks and praise. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living. PSAL. LVI. 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter, destroy not Michiam of David, when he fled from Saul in to he cave. BE merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me, for my soul trusteth in thee: and under the shadow of thy wings shall be my refuge, until wickedness be over past. I call unto God the highest, even the God that shall help me up again. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproof of him that would swallow me up. This shall God send, for his mercy & faith fullness sake. I lie with my soul among the cruel Lions: even among the children of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens and thy glory above all the earth. They have laid a net for my feet, and pressed down my soul: they have digged a pit before me, and are fallen into it themselves. Selah. My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready to sing and give praise. 〈◊〉 i d Awake, O my glory, awake lute & harp, I myself will awake right early. I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the people, I will sing praises unto the among the Heythen. For the greatness of thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, and thy faithfulness unto the clouds Set up thyself, O God, above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. 〈…〉 PSAL. LVII. ¶ To the chanter, Destroy not Michiam of David. IF your minds be upon righteousness in deed, then judge the thing that is right, O you sons of men. But you imagine mischief in your hearts, & your hands deal with wickedness. The ungodly are froward, even from their mother's womb: as soon as they be born, they go astray and speak lies. They are as furious as the serpent, even like the deaf Ader that stoppeth her ears. That she should not hear the voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely. Break their teeth (O God) in their mouths, smite the chafed bones of the lions whelps insunder, O Lord. That they may fall away, like the water that runneth a part: and that when they shoot their arrows, they may be broken. Let them consume away like a snail, & like the untimely fruit of a woman, and let them not see the sun. Or ever your thorns be sharp, the wrath shall take them away quick, like a stormy wind. The righteous shall rejoice when he saith the vengeance, and shall wash his feet in the blood of the ungodly. So that men shall say, verily there is a reward for the righteous: doubtless, there is a God that judgeth the earth. PSAL. LVIII. After the Hebrews lix ¶ To the chanter, Destroy not, i Regum xix Michtam of David, when Saul sand to watch the house, to th'yntent to kill him. deliver me from mine enemies (my God) and defend me from them that rise up against me. deliver me from the wicked doers, & save me from the bloudthursty men. For lo, they lie waiting for my soul: the mighty men are assembled against me, without any offence or fault of me, O Lord. They run, and prepare themselves, without my fault: Arise, come thou help me, & behold. Stand up O Lord God of Hosts, thou God of Israel to visit all Heythen: be not merciful unto them that offend of malicious wickedness. Selah. Let them go to and fro, and run about the city, howling like dogs. Behold they speak against me with their mouth, swords are under their lips, for who reproveth them? But thou (O Lord) shalt have them in derision, thou shalt laugh all Heythen to scorn. My strength do I ascribe unto thee, for thou (O God) art my defender. God showeth me his goodness plenteously God letteth me see my desire upon mine enemies. Sleye them not, lest my people forget ti: but scatter them abroad with thy power, and put them down, O Lord my defence. For the sin of their mouth, for the words of their lips, and because of their pride let them be taken: and why? their preaching is of cursing and lies. Consume them in thy wrath, consume them that they may perish, and know that it is God, which ruleth in jacob and in all the world. Selah. Let them go to and fro, and run about the city, howling like dogs. Let them run here and there, for meat, and grudge when they have not enough. As for me, I will sing of thy power, and praise thy mercy by times in the morning: for thou art my defence and refuge in time of my trouble. Unto thee (O m●●trength) will I sing, for thou (O God) art my defence, and my merciful God. PSAL. LIX. After the Hebrews lx ¶ To the chanter, upon the rose of witness, Michtam of D●ui●, for to teach: when he fought against Sir a of Mesopotomia, and Syria of Zoba: and when joab turned back, and five twelve thousand Edomytes, in the valley of Salt. O God, thou that hast cast us out and scattered us abroad, thou that hast been so sort displeased at us, comfort us again. Thou that hast removed the land and divided it, heal the sores thereof, for it shaketh. Thou hast showed thy people heavy things thou hast given us a drink of wine, that we slumber with all. Y●t hast thou given a token for such as fear thee, that they may cast it up in the truth. Selah. That thy beloved might be delivered, help them with thy right hand, and hear me. God hath spoken in his Saunctuarye, (which thing rejoiceth me) I will divide Sichem, and meat out the valley of Suchoth. Galaad is mine, Manasses is mine, Ephraim is the strength of mine head, juda is my captain. Moab is my washepot, over Edom will I stretch out my shove, Philist●a shall be glad of me. Who will lead me into the strong city? Who will bring me into Edom? Shalt not thou do it, O God, thou that hast cast us out: thou God, that wentest not out with our hosts? O be thou our help in trouble, for vain is the help of man. Thorough God we shall do great acts, for it is he that shall tread down our enemies. After the Hebrews lxi PSAL. LX. ¶ To the chanter upon Neginoth, of David. Hear my crying (O God) give heed unto my prayer. from the ends of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is in trouble: O set me up upon an high rock. For thou art my hope, a strong tower for me against the enemy. I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever, that I may be safe under the covecing of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O Lord, hast heard my desires, thou hast given an heritage unto those that fear thy name. Thou shalt grant the king a long life, that his years may endure thorough out all generations. That he may devil before God for ever: O let thy loving mercy and faithfulness preserve him. So will I allway sing praises unto thy name, that I may daily perform my vows. PSAL. LXI. 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter, for Iduthun, a Psalm of David. MY soul waiteth only upon God, for of him cometh my help. He only is my strength, my salvation, my defence, so that I shall not greatly fall. How long will you ymagen mischief against every man? you shallbe slain all the sort of you: yea as a tottringe brickwall shall you be, & like a broken hedge. Their device is only how to put him out, their delight is in lies: they give good words with their mouth, but curse with their heart. Selah. Nevertheless, my soul abideth only upon God, for he is my God. He only is my strength, my salvation, and my defence: so that I shall not fall. In God is my health, my glory, my might and in God is my trust. Put your trust in him allway (you people) pour out your hearts before him, for God is our hope. Selah. As for men, they are but vain, men are deceitful: upon the weights they are all together lighter than vanity itself. Trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity: if riches increase, ☜ set not your heart upon them. God spoke once a word, twice have I heard the same: that power belongeth unto God. That thou Lord art merciful, ☜ and that thou rewardest every man according to his works. PSAL. LXII. 〈…〉 ¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of juda. O God, thou art my God: early will I seek the. My soul thrusteth for thee, my flesh longeth after the in a barren and dry land, where no water is. Thus do I look for the in thy Saunctuarye, that I might behold thy power and glory. For thy loving kindness is better th●● life, my lips shall praise the. As long as I live will I magnify thee, & life up my hand●● in thy name My soul is satisfied even as it were with marry and fatness, when my mouth praiseth the with joyful lips. In my bed will I remember that, and when I wake my talking shallbe of the. For thou hast been my helper, and under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hangs upon thee, thy right hand upholdeth me. They seek after my soul, but in vain, ●●r they shall go under the earth. They shall fall into the sword, & be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God: all they that swear by him, shall be commended, for the mouth of liars shall be stopped. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXIII. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. Hear my voice, oh God, in my complaint preserve my life from fear of the enemy. 〈…〉 Hide me from the gathering together of the froward, from the heap of the wicked doers. Which whet their tongues like a sword, & shoot with their venomous words like as with arrows. That they may privily hurt the innocent, and suddenly to hit him without any fear. They have devised mischief, and communed among themselves, how they may say snares: Tush, (say they) who shall see them? They imagine wickedness, and keep it secret among themselves, every man in the deep of his heart. But God shall suddenly shoot with an a-row that they shallbe wounded. Yea their own tongues shall make them fall, in so much that who so saith them, shall laugh them to scorn. And all men that see it, shall say: this hath God done, for they shall perceive that it is his work. The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and put his trust in him, and all they that are true of heart, shallbe glad thereof. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXIIII ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm and song of David. THou, O God, art praised in Zion, and unto the is the vow performed. Thou hearest the prayer, therefore cometh all flesh unto the. Our misdeeds prevail against us, O be thou merciful unto our sins. Blessed is the man whom thou choseste and re●●yuest unto thee, that he may devil in thy court: he shall be satisfied with the pleasures of thy house, even of thy holy temple. Hear us, according unto thy wonderful righteousness, O God our salvation: thou that art the hope of all the coostes of the earth and of the broad see. Which is in his strength setteth fast the mountains, and is girded about with power. Which stilleth the raging of the see, the roaring of his waves, and the woodness of the people. They that devil in the uttermost parts, are afraid at thy tokens, thou makest both the morning and evening stars to praise the. Thou visitest the earth, thou water it, & makest it very plenteous. The river of God is full of waters, thou preparest man his corn, and thus thou providest for the earth. Thou water her forowes, thou breakest the hard clottes thereof, thou makest it soft with the drops of rain, and blessest the increase of it. Thou crownest the year with thy good, & thy fotesteppes drop fatness. The dwellynges of the wilderness are fat also, that they drop with all: and the little hills are pleasant on every side. The folds are full of sheep, the valleys stand so thick with corn that they laugh & sing. PSAL. LXV. After the Hebrews lxvi ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. O Be joyful in God, all you lands, sing praises unto the honour of his name, make his praise to be glorious. say unto God: O how wonderful are thy works? thorough the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies be confounded. O that all the world would worship thee, sing of thee, and praise thy name. Selah. O come hither and behold the works of God, which is so wonderful in his doings among the children of men. He ●urned the see into dry land, so that they went thorough the water on foot: therefore will we rejoice in him. He ruleth with his power for ever, his eyes behold the people: the rennagates shall not be able to exalt themselves. Selah. Magnify our God, you people, make the voice of his praise to be herd. Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to slip. For thou, O God, hast proved us, thou hast tried us like as silver is tried. Thou hast brought us into bondage, & laid trouble upon our loins. Thou haste suffered men to ride over our heads, we went thorough fire and water, but thou haste brought us out, and refreshed us. Therefore will I go in to thy house with brenteofferynges, to pay the my vows, which I promised with my lips, and spoke with my mouth, when I was in trouble. I will offer unto the fat brent sacrifices with the smoke of Rams, I will offer bullocks and goats. Selah. O come hither and hearken, all you that fear God, I will tell you, what he hath done for my soul. I called unto him with my mouth, & gave him praises with my tongue. If I incline unto wickedness with my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Therefore God hath heard me, & consydred the voice of my prayer. Praised be God, which hath not cast out my prayer, ne turned his mercy from me. After the Hebrews lxvii PSAL. LXVI. ¶ To the chanter, in Neginoth, a Psalm & song. GOd be merciful unto us, bless us, and show the light of his countenance upon us. Selah. That we may know thy way upon earth, thy saving health among all Heythen. Let the people praise thee, O God, yea let all people praise the. O let the people rejoice and be glad, that thou judgest the folk righteously, and governest the nations upon earth. Let the people praise thee, O God, let all people praise the. God, even our own God, give us his blessing, that the earth may bring forth her increase. God bless us, and let all the ends of the world fear him. After the Hebrews lxviii PSAL. LXVII. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm and song of David. LEt God arise, so shall his enemies be scattered, and they that hate him, shall flee before him. Like as the smoke vanysheth, so shalt thou drive them away: and like as wax melteth at the fire, so shall the ungodly perish at the presence of God. But the righteous shall be glad and rejoice before God, they shall be merry and joyful. Sing unto God, sing praises unto his name: magnify him that rideth above the heavens (whose name is the Lord) and rejoice before him. He is a father of the fatherless, he is a defender of widows: even God in his holy habitation. ☞ He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in a house, and bringeth the prysonners out of captivity in due season, but letteth the renneagates continue in scarcenesss. O God, when thou wentest forth before the people, when thou wentest thorough the wilderness. Selah. The earth shaken, and the heavens dropped at the presence of God in Sinai, at the presence of God, which is the God of Israel. Thou O God sendest a gracious rain upon thine inheritance, and refresshest it, when at is dry. That thy beasts may devil therein, which thou of thy goodness haste prepared for the poor. The Lord shall give the word, with great hosts of Evangelists. Kings with their armies shall flee, and they of the household, shall divide the spoil. If so be that you lie among the pales, the doves feathers shall be covered with silver, and her wings of the colour of gold. When the almighty setteth kings upon the earth, it shall be clear even in the darkness. The hill of Basan is God's hill, the hill of Basan is a plenteous hill. Why hop you so, you great hills? It pleaseth God to devil upon this hill, yea the Lord will abide in it for ever. The charettes of God are many thousand times a thousand, the Lord is among them in the holy Sinai. Thou art go up on high, thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men Yea even for thine enemies, that they might devil with the Lord God. Praised be the Lord daily, even the God which helpeth us, and poureth his benefits upon us. Selah. The God that is our Saviour, even God the Lord by whom we escape death. The God that smiteth the enemies upon the heads and upon the hairy scalps: such as go on still in their wickedness. The Lord hath said: some will I bring again from Basan, some will I bring again from the deep of the see. That thy foot may be dypped in the blood of thine enemies, and that thy dogs may lick it up. It is well seen, O God, how thou goest, how thou my God and king goest in the Sanctuary. The syngers go before, and then the mynstrelles among the maidens with the timbrels. give thanks unto God the Lord in the congregation, for the wells of Israel. There little BenIamin, the Princes of juda, the Princes of Zabulon, and the Princes of Nephthaly bear rule among them. Thy God hath committed strength unto thee, stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us. For thy temples sake at jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto the. Reprove the beasts among the reeds, the heap of bulls with the calves: those that drive for money. O scatter the people that delight in battle. The princes shall come out of egypt, the Moryans' land shall stretch out her hands unto God. Sing unto God, O you kingdoms of the earth: sing praises unto the Lord. Selah. Which sitteth in the heavens over all from the beginning: Lo, he shall send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. Impute the power unto God, his glory is in Israel, and his might in the clouds. God is wonderful in his sanctuary, he is the God of Israel, he will give strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXVIII. ¶ To the chanter upon Sosanim of David. Help me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul. I stick fast in the deep mire, where no ground is: I am come into deep waters, & the floods will drown me. I am weary of crying, my throat is dry, my sight faileth me, for waiting so long upon my God. They that hate me without cause, are more than the hears of my head: they that are mine enemies and would destroy me guiltless are mighty: I am fain to pay the things that I never took. God thou knowest my simpleness, and my faults are not hid from the. Let not them the trust in thee, O Lord God of Hosts, be ashamed for my cause: let not those that seek thee, be confounded thorough me O God of Israel. And why? for thy sake do I suffer reproof, shame covereth my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alient unto my mother's children. For the zeal of thine house hath even eaten me, and the rebukes of them that rebuked thee, is fallen upon me. I wept and chastened myself with fasting and that was turned to my reproof. I put on a sack cloth, and therefore they ●esied upon me. They that sat in the gate, spoke against me, and the drunkards made songs upon me. But Lord I made my prayer unto the in an acceptable tyme. Hear me, O God, with thy great mercy & sure help. Take me out of the mire, that I sink not: O let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the h●pe waters. Jest the water ●●o●the drown me, that the deep swallow me not up, and that the pit shut not her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord, for thy loving kindness is comfortable: turn the unto me according unto thy great mercy. Hide not thy face from thy servant, for I am in trouble: haste the to help● me. Draw nigh unto my soul, and save it: deliver me because of mine enemies. Thou knowest my repose, my shame and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all in thy sight. The rebuke breaketh my heart, and maketh me heavy: I look for some to have pity upon me, but there is no man: and for some to comfort me, but I find none. They gave me gall to eat, & when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table be made a snare to take themselves with all, Roma xi ● an occasion to fall and a reward unto them. Let their eyes be blinded, that they see not: and ever bow down their backs. power out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful displeasure take hold of them. Let their habitation be void, and no man to devil in their tents. Act i d For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten, and beside thy wounds they have given him more. Let them fall from one wickedness to an other, and not come into thy righteousness. Let them be wiped out of the book of the living, and not be written among the righteous. As for me, I am poor and in heaviness, let thy help defend me, O God. That I may praise the name of God with a song, and magnify it with thankesgyvinge. This shall please the Lord better than a bullock, that hath horns and hooves. O consider this and be glad (you that be in adversity) seek after God, & your soul shall live. For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise him, the see & all that moveth therein. For God will save Zion, and build the cities of juda, that men may devil there, & have them in possession. The seed of his servants shall inherit it and they that love his name, shall devil therein. PSAL. LXIX. After the Hebrews. lx●. ¶ To the chanter, of David to bring to remembrance. HAst thee, O God, to deliver me, and to help me, O Lord. Let them be shamed and confounded that seek after my soul: * Psalm xl ● let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that wish me evil. Let them soon be brought to shame, that cry over me, there there. But let all those that seek thee, be joyful and glad in thee: and let all such as delight in thy saving health, say alway: the Lord be praised. As for me, I am poor and in misery, haste the God for to help me. Thou art my help, my redeemer & my God O make no long tarrying. PSAL. LXX. After the Hebrews lxxi IN thee, O Lord, is my trust, let me never be put to confusion, but rid me, & deliver me thorough thy righteousness: incline thine ear unto me, and help me. Be thou my strong hold (where unto I may alway i'll) thou that hast promised to help me: for thou art my house of defence & my castle. deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the ungodly, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou, O Lord God, art the thing that I long for, thou art my hope even from my youth. I have leaned upon the ever sithence I was born, thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb, therefore is my praise alway of the. I am become a wonder unto the multitude but my sure trust is in the. O let my mouth be filled with thy praise and honour all the day long. Cast me not away in mine old age, forsake me not when my strength faileth me. For mine enemies speak against me, and they that lay wait for my soul, take their council together, saying: God hath forsaken him, persecute him, take him, for there is none to help him. Go not far from me, O God: my God, haste the to help me. Let them be confounded and perish, that are against my soul: let them be covered with shame and dishonour, that seek to do me evil. As for me I will patiently abide alway, and will ever increase thy praise. My mouth shall speak of thy righteousness and saving health all day long, for I know no end thereof. Let me go in (O Lord God) and I will make mention of thy power and righteousness only. Thou, O God, hast learned me fro my youth up until now, therefore will I tell of thy wondrous works. Forsake me not, O God, in mine old age, when I am grey headed: until I have showed thine arm unto childers children, and thy power to all them that are yet for to come. Thy righteousness, O God is very high, thou that dost great things: O God, who is like thee? O what great troubles and adversities hast thou showed me? and yet didst thou turn and refresh me: and broughtest me from the deep of the earth again. Thou hast brought me to great honour, & comforted me on every side. Therefore will I praise the and thy faithfulness, O God, playing upon the lute, unto the will I sing upon the harp, O thou holy one of Israel. My lips would fain sing praises unto thee: and so would my soul whom thou hast delivered. My tongue talketh of thy righteousness all the day long, for they are confounded & brought unto shame, that sought to do me evil. PSAL. LXXI. After 〈◊〉 ●br●● 〈◊〉 ¶ Of Solomon. Give the king thy judgement, O God, and thy righteousness unto the kings son. ☜ That he may govern thy people according unto right, and defend thy poor. That the mountains may bring peax, & the little hills righteousness unto the people. He shall keep the simple folk by their right defend the children of the poor, and punish the wrongs doer. Thou shalt be feared as long as the son and move endure, from one generation to an other. He shall come down like the rain into a flese of wool, and like the drops that water the earth. In his time shall righteousness flourish, yea and abundance of peace, so long as the moan endureth. His dominion shall be from the one see to the other, and from the flood unto the worlds end. They that devil in the wilderness shall kneel before him, and his enemies shall lyck the dust. The kings of the see and of the Isles shall bring presents, the kings of Araby & Saba shall offer gifts. All kings shall worship him, and all panyms shall do him service. For he shall deliver the poor when he crieth, and the needy that hath no help. He shallbe favourable to the simple & poor, he shall preserve the souls of such as be in adversity. He shall deliver their souls from extortion and wrong, and dear shall their blood be in his sight. He shall live, and unto him shall be given of the gold of Arabia: Prayer shall be made ever unto him, and daily shall he be praised. There shallbe an heap of corn in the earth high upon the hills, his fruit shall shake like Libanus, and shall be green in the city, like grass upon the earth. His name shall endure for ever, his name shall remain under the sun among the posterities, which shallbe blessed thorough him, & all the heathen shall praise him. Blessed be the Lord God, even the God of Israel, which only doth wondrous things. And blessed be the name of his majesty for ever, and all lands be fulfilled with his glory. Amen, Amen. ¶ Here end the prayers of David, the son of jesse. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXXII. ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. O How loving is God unto Israel, to such as are of a clean here? Nevertheless my feet were almost go, my treadinges had well nigh slypte. And why? I was grieved at the wicked, to see the ungodly in such wealth. For they are in no apparel of death, but stand fast like a palace. They come in no misfortune like other folk, neither are they plagued like other men. And this the cause that they be so puffed up in pride, and overwhelmed with cruelty and unrighteousness. Their eyes swell for fatness, they do even what they list. Corrupt are they, and speak blasphemies malyciously, proud and presumptuous are their words. They stretch forth their mouth unto the heaven, and their tongue goeth thorough the world. Therefore fall the people unto them, and there out suck they no small vantage. Tush (say they) how should God perceive it? is there knowledge in the most highest? Lo, these are the ungodly, these prosper in the world, these have richesse in possession. Should I then cleanse my heart in vain (thought I) and wash my hands in innocency? Wherefore should I be then punished daily, and be chastened every morning? Yea I had almost also said even as they: but lo, then should I have condemned the generation of thy children. Then thought I to understand this, but it was to hard for me. until I went into the Sanctuary of God and consydred the end of these men. Namely, how thou hast set them in a slippery place, that thou mayst cast them down headlynges and destroy them. O how suddenly do they consume, perish, ●o come to a fearful end? Yea even like as a dream when one awaketh, so makest thou their image to vanish out of the city. Thus my heart was grieved, and it went even thorough my r●ynes. So foolish was I and ignorant, and as it were a beast before the. Nevertheless I am alway by thee, thou holdest me by my righthande. Thou leadest me with thy counsel, and afterward receivest me unto glory. O what is there prepared for me in heaven? there is nothing upon earth, that I desire in comparison of the. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For lo, they that forsake the shall perish: thou destroyest all them that commit fornication against the. But it is good for me, to hold me fast by God, to put my trust in the Lord God, and to speak of all thy works. PSAL. LXXIII. After the Hebrews lxxiiii ¶ An instruction of Asaph. O God, wherefore dost thou cast us so clean away? why is thy wrath so hot against the sheep of thy pasture? O think upon thine assemble, whom thou hast purchased from the beginning: the n1 of thine inheritance, whom thou hast redeemed, even this hill of Zion wherein thou dwellest. Tread upon them with thy feet, and cast them down to the ground, for the enemy hath destroyed all together in the Saunctuarye. Thine adversaries roar in thy houses, & set up their banners for tokens. Men may see the axe's glister above, like as those that hew in the wood. They cut down all the syling work of the holy place with bills and axes. They have set fire upon the Sanctuary, they have defiled the dwelling place of thy name, even unto the ground. Yea they say in their hearts: let us spoil them all together, thus have they brent up all the houses of God in the land. We see our tokens no more, there is not one Prophet more, not not one that understandeth any more. O God, iii Reg. xxv c how long shall the adversary do this dishonour? how long shall the enemy blaspheme thy name? for ever? Why withdrawest thou thine hand? why pluckest thou not thy right-hand out of thy bosom, to consume thine enemies? But God is my king of old, the help that is done upon earth, he doth it himself. Thou dividest the see thorough thy power thou breakest the heads of the dragons in the waters. Thou smytest the heads of Leviathan in pieces, and givest him to be meat for the people in the wilderness. Thou dyggest up wells and brokes, thou driest up mighty waters. The day is thine, and the night is thine: thou haste prepared the lights and the Sun. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth, thou hast made both summer and winter. Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy rebuketh, and how the foolish people blaspheme thy name. O deliver not the soul of thy turtle dove unto the beasts, and forget not the assemble of the poor for ever. Look upon the covenant, for the dark houses of the earth are full of wickedness, O let not the simple go away ashamed: for the poor and needy give praises unto thy name. Arise, O God, and maintain thine own cause, remember how the foolish man blasphemeth the daily. Forget not the voice of thine enemies, for the presumption of them that hate thee, increaseth ever more and more. After the Hebrews lxxu PSAL. LXXIIII. ¶ To the chanter, destroy not, a Psalm and song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, will we give thanks, yea unto the will we give thanks, and saying thy name is so nigh, we will tell of thy wondrous works. When I may get a convenient time, I shall judge according unto right. The earth is weak and all that is therein, but I bear up her pylers. I said unto the mad people, deal not so madly, and to the ungodly: set not up your horns. Set not up your horns on high, & speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the East ner from the west, ner yet from the wilderness. And why? God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up an other. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup full of strong wine, and he poureth out of the same: As for the dregs thereof, all the ungodly of the earth shall drink them, and suck them out. But I will talk of the God of jacob, and praise him for ever. All the horns of the ungodly will I break and the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. After the Hebrews lxxvi PSAL. LXXV. ¶ To the chanter, in Neginoth, a Psalm and song of Asaph. IN juda is God known, his name is great in Israel. At Salem is his tabernacle, & his dwelling in Zion. There breaketh he the arrows of the bow the shield, the sword, and the hole battle. Thou art of more honour and might then the hills of robbe●s. The proud shall be rob and sleep their sleep, and the mighty shall be able to do nothing with their hands. When thou rebukest them, O God of jacob, both the charettes and horsemen shall fall on sleep. Thou art fearful, for who may abide in thy sight, when thou art angry? When thou lettest thy judgement be herd from heaven, the earth trembleth and is still. Yea when God ariseth to give judgement and to help all them that be in adversity upon earth. Selah. When thou punysshest one man, he must knowledge that thou art ready to punish other more. Look what you promise unto the Lord your God, see that you keep it, all you that be rourdeaboute him: bring presents unto him that aught to be feared. Which taketh away the breath of Princes and is wonderful among the kings of the earth. PSAL. LXXVI. 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter, for Iduthun a Psalm of Asaph. I Cried unto God with my voice, yea unto God cried I with my voice, and he heard me. In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord, I held up mine hands unto him in the night season, for my soul refused all other comfort. When I was in heaviness, I thought upon God: when my heart was vexed, then did I speak. Selah. Thou heldest mine eyes waking, I was so feeble, that I could not speak. Then remembered I the times of old, and the years that were passed. I called to remembrance my song in the night, I communed with mine own heart, & sought out my spirit. Will the Lord cast out for ever? Will he be no more entreated? Is his mercy clean go? Is his promise come utterly to an end for evermore? Hath the Lord forgotten to be gracious? Or, hath he shut up his loving kindness in displeasure? At the last, I came to this point, that I thought: O why art thou so foolish the right-hand of the most highest can change all. Therefore will I remember the works of the Lord, and call to mind thy wonders of old tyme. I will speak of all thy works, and my talking shallbe of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is holy: who is so great and mighty as God? Thou art the God that doth wonders, thou hast declared thy power among the people. Thou with thine arm haste delivered thy people, even the sons of jacob and joseph Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee, and were afraid, the deapthes were moved. The thick clouds powered out water, the clouds thundered, and thine arrows went abroad. Thy thunder was herd round about, the lyghtnynges shone upon the ground, the earth was moved and shaken withal. Thy way was in the see, and thy paths in the great waters, yet could no man know thy fatesteppes. 〈…〉. Thou leddest thy people like a flock of sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXXVII. ¶ An instruction of Asaph. Hear my law, O my people, enelyve your ears unto the words of my mouth I will open my mouth in parables, 〈…〉 & speak of things of old. Which we have herd and known, & such as our fathers have told us. That we should not hide them from the children of the generations to come: but to show the honour of the Lord, his might and wonderful works that he hath done. He made a covenant with jacob, and gave Israel a law, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children. That their posterity might know it, & the children which were yet unborn. To th'intent that when they came up, they might show their children the same. That they also might put their trust in God & not to forget what he had done, but to keep his commandments. And not to be as their forefathers, a froward and overthwart generation, a generation that set not their heart a right, and whose spirit was not true toward God. Like as the children of Ephraim, which being harnessed and carrying bows, turned themselves back in the time of battle. They kept not the covenant of God, and would not walk in his law. They forgot what he had done, and the wonderful works that he had showed for them. marvelous things did be in the sight of our fathers in the land of egypt, even in the field of Zoan. 〈◊〉 xxi●. He divided the see and let them go thorough it, and made the waters to stand like a brickwall. In the day time he led them with a cloud and all the night thorough with a light of fire. 〈…〉 He clove the hard rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink thereof, as it had been out of the great depth. He brought waters out of the stony rock, so that they gushed out like the rivers. Yet for all this they sinned against him, and provoked the most highest in the wilderness. They tempted God in their hearts, and required meat for their lust. 〈…〉 For they spoke against God, and said: yea yea, God shall prepare a table in the wilderness, shall he? 〈…〉 Lo, he smote the stony rock, that the watery streams gushed out, and the streams flowed with all: but how can he give bread & provide flesh for his people? When the Lord heard this, Nun twenty ● he was wroth so the fire was kindled in jacob, and heavy displeasure against Israel. Because they believed not in God, and put not their trust in his help. So he commanded the clouds above, & opened the doors of heaven. He rained down Manna upon them for to eat, and gave them bread from heaven. Exo xvi c Numer xi b. Then ate they angels food, for he sent them meat enough. He caused the east wind to blow under the heaven, i Corin ten ● and thorough his power he brought in the south wind. He made flesh to rain upon them as thick as dust, Numeri xi g and feathered fowls like as the sand of the see. He let it fall among their tents roundeabout their habitations. So they ate, and were filled, for he gave them their own desire. They were not disappointed of their lust. But while the meat was yet in their mouths: Numeri xi g. the heavy wrath of God came upon them slew the welthyest of them, & smote down the choose men of Israel. But for all this they sinned yet more, and believed not his wondrous works. Therefore their days were consumed in vanity, & suddenly their years were go. When he slew them, they sought him, and turned them early unto God. They thought then that God was their succour, and that the high God was their redeemer. Nevertheless they did but flatter him in their mouths, & dissembled with him in their tongues. For their heart was not hole with him, neither continued they in his covenant. But he was so merciful, that he forgave their misdeeds, and destroyed them not. Yea many a time turned he his wrath away, and would not suffer his hole displeasure to arise. For he considered that they were but flesh: even a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. O how often have they grieved him in the wilderness? How many a time have they provoked him in the desert? They turned back, and tempted God, and moved the holy one in Israel. They thought not of his hand, in the day when he delivered them from the hand of the enemy. How he had wrought his miracles in egypt, Exodi i ● and his wonders in the land of Zoan. How he turned their waters in to blood so that they might not drink of the rivers. How he sent lice among them, Exod. viii ● c to eat them up, and frogs to destroy them. How he gave their fruits unto the Casyr●●●●, and their labour unto the Grasshopper. 〈◊〉 he bet down their vineyards with ha●●● stones, and their Mulberry trees with the 〈◊〉. How he smote their cattles with hail stones, 〈…〉 vi a c and their flocks with hoot thunder bolts. How he sent upon them the furiousness of his wrath, anger and displeasure: with trouble and falling in of evil angels. When he made a way to his fearful indignation, and spared not their souls from death, yea and gave their cattles over to the pestilence. When he smote all the first born in Egypt the most principal and myghtyest in the dwellynges of Ham. Exodi xii d. Exodi xiiii e. His own people, he lead them forth like sheep, and carried them in the wilderness like a flock. He brought them out safely, that they should not fear, and overwhelmed their enemies with the see. He carried them unto the borders of his Sanctuary: even in to this hill, which he purchased with his right hand. joshua xiii b. He did cast out the Heythen before them, caused their land to be divided among them for an heritage, and made the tribes of Israel to devil in their tents. For all this they tempted and displeased the most high God, and kept not his covenant. But turned their backs, and fallen away like their forefathers, starting aside like & broken bow. And so they grieved him with their high places, and provoked him with their images. When God heard this, he was wroth, and took sore displeasure at Israel. So that he forsook the tabernacle in Silo, even his habitation wherein he dwelled among men. i Regum four a. He delivered their power into captivity, & their glory into the enemies hand. He gave his people over into the sword, for he was wroth with his heritage. The fire consumed their young men, & their maidens were not given to marriage. Their priests were slain with the sword, and there were no widows to make lamentation. So the Lord awaked as one out ●f slept and l●ke a g●af●e refreshed with wine. He smote his enemies in the hinder ports, and put them to a perpetual shame. He refused the tabernacle of joseph, & those not the 〈◊〉 of Eph●●●m. N●●● 〈…〉 those the tribe of juda, even the 〈…〉 which he 〈◊〉. And ●he● 〈◊〉 his temple on high, and laid the 〈◊〉 of it like the groun● that it might punctually ●ndure. He 〈…〉 also his servant, I took him 〈…〉 the sh●pe soldes. As he was following the yowes great with young, he took him, that he might feed jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them with a faithful and true heart, and ruled them with all the diligence of his power. PSAL. LXXVIII. 〈…〉 ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are broken into thine heritage: the holy temple have they defiled, and made jerusalem an heap of stones. The deed bodies of thy servants have they given unto the fowls of the air to be devoured, 〈…〉 and the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the land. Their blood have they shed like water on every side of jerusalem, and there was no man to bury them. We are become an open shame unto our enemies, a very scorn and derision unto them that are round about us. Lord how long will't thou be angry? shall thy jealousy burn like fire for ever? Pour out thine indignation upon the heathen that know the not, and upon the kingdoms that call not upon thy name. For they have devoured jacob, I●● and laid waste his dwelling place. O remember not our old sins, but have mercy upon us, and that soon, for we are come to great misery. Help us, O God our saviour, for the glory of thy name: O deliver us, & forgive us our sins for thy name's sake. Wherefore shall the heathen say: where is now their God? O let the vengeance of thy servants blood that is shed, be openly showed upon the Heythen in our sight. O let the sorrowful sighing of thy prisoners come before thee, and according unto the power of thine arm, preserve those that are appointed to die. And for the blasphemy wherewith out neighbours have blasphemed thee, reward theyin, O Lord, seven fold into their bosom. So we that be the people and sheep of thy pasture, shall give the thanks for ever, and will alway be showing forth thy praise more and more. PSAL. LXXIX. A●●●● 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter, upon Sosanim, a Psalm of Asaph. Hear O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that lea●●●● jacob like a flock of ship show thyself, thou that sittest upon the Cherubyns. Before Ephraim, BenIamin, and Manasses: steer up thy power, and come help us. Turn us again, O God, show the light of thy countenance, and we shall be hole. O Lord God of hosts: how long wilt thou be angry over the prayer of thy people? Thou hast fed them with the breed of tears: yea thou hast given them plenteousness of tears to drink. Thou hast made us a very strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh us to scorn. Turn us again thou God of hosts: show the light of thy countenance, and we shall be hole. Thou haste brought a vineyard forth of Egypt: thou didst cast out the Hetthen, and plane it. Thou madest room for it, and caused it to take rote, so that it filled the land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it: and so were the strong Cedar trees with the boughs thereof. She stretched out her branches unto the see: and her boughs unto the water. Why hast thou then broken down her hedge: that all they which go by, pluck of her grapes? The wild bore out of the wood hath rooted it up: and the beestes of the field have devoured it. Turn the again thou God of hosts: look down from heaven, behold and visit this vinyeard. maintain it that thy right hand hath planted: and the son whom thou madest so much of for thyself. For why? it is brent with fire, and lieth waste: O let them perish at the rebuke of thy wrath. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand: and upon the man whom thou madest so much of, for thine own self. And so will not we go back from thee: O let us live, and we shall call upon thy name. Turn us again, oh Lord God of hosts: show the light of thy countenance, and we shall be hole. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXXX. ¶ To the chanter upon Gi●hith, of Asaph. sing merrily unto God, which is our strength: make a cheerful noise unto th● God of jacob. Take the Psalm, bring hither the tabrere the merry harp and lu●e. Blow up the trumpets in the new mone● upon our solemn feast day. For this is the use in Israel: and a law of the God of jacob. This he ordained in joseph for a testimony. when he came out of Egypt: 〈…〉 and had heard a strange language. When he eased his shoulder from the 〈◊〉 then: & when his hands were delivered from the pots. When thou called'st upon me in trouble. I helped the & herd thee, what time as the storm fell upon thee: * Num .xx b. Exodi twenty a I proved the also at the water of strife. Selah. Hear, oh my people: for I assure thee, oh Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me: There shall no strange God be in thee: Exodi twenty ● neither shalt thou worship any other God. I am the Lord thy God which brought the out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it. But my people would not hear my voice: Act xiiii x and Israel would not obey me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts lust: and let them follow their own imaginations. O that my people would obey me: Baruch iii b for if Israel would walk in my ways: I should soon put down their enemies: and turn mine hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord should miss Israel: but their time should endure for ever. He should feed them with the finest wheat flower: and satisfy them with honey out of the stony rock. PSAL. LXXXI. After the Hebrews lxxxii ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. GOd standeth in the congregation of the Gods: and is a judge among the judges. How long will you give wrong judgement: and accept the people of the ungodly? Selah. Defend the poor and fatherless: see that such as be in need and necessity have right. Deliver the outcast and poor: and save him from the hand of the ungodly. Nevertheless they will nor be learned and understand, but walk on still in darkness: therefore must all the foundation of the land be moved. I have said, you are gods: you are the children of the most highest. But you shall die like men: and fall like one of the tyrants. Arise, O God, and judge thou the earth: for all heathen are thine by enhery●aunce. PSAL. LXXXII. After the Hebrews lxxxiii ¶ A song and Psalm of Asaph. Hold not thy song, O God, keep not still silence: refrain not thyself, O God. For loo, thine enemies make a murmuring▪ and they that hate thee, lift up their 〈◊〉. They imagine craftily against thy people: and take counsel against thy secret one's. Come (say they) let us rote them out from among the people, that the name of Israel may be put out of remembrance. For they have cast their heeds together with one consent: and are confederate against the. The tabernacles of the Edomytes and Ismaelytes: the Moabytes and Hagarenes. Gebal, Ammon, and Amalech: the Philistines with them that dwell at tire. Assur also is joined unto them, and help the children of Loth. Selah. But do thou to them as unto the Madianites, unto Sisera: and unto jabin by the broken of Kison. Which perished at Endor: and become as the dung of the earth. judi i f Iud. four d Iud. vii g Make all their princes like Oreb and Zeb: yea make all their princes like as Zebea and Salmana. Which say, we will have the houses of God in possession. O my God, make them like unto a wheel, & as the stubble before the wind. Like as a fire that burneth up the wood, and as the flame that consumeth the mountains. Persecute them even so with thy tempest, & make them afraid with thy storm. Make their faces ashamed, oh Lord, that they may seek thy name. Let them be confounded and vexed ever more and more: let them be put to shame and perish. That they may know that thou art alone, that thy name is the Lord: and that thou only art the most highest over all the earth. After the Hebrews lxxxiiii PSAL. LXXXIII. ¶ Upon Githith, a Psalm of the sons of Corah. O How amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of hosts? My soul hath a desire & longing for the court of the Lord: my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. For the sparrow hath found her an house, & the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young: even thy altars, oh Lord of hosts, my king and my God. O how blessed are they that devil in thy house? they are alway praising thee▪ Selah. Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee: in whose her●e are thy ways. Which going thorough the valley of misery use it for a well, and the poles are filled with water. They go from strength to strength, and so the God of gods appeareth unto them in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: hearken, oh God of jacob. Behold oh God our defence, look upon the face of thine anointed. For one day in thy court, is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door keeper in the house of my God: then to dwell in the tents of the ungodly. For the Lord God is a light and defence, the Lord will give grace and worship, and no good thing shall he withhold from them that live a godly life. O Lord God of hosts: blessed is the man that putteth his trust in the. PSAL. LXXXIIII. After ●brues 〈◊〉 ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of the sons of Corah. Lord, thou barest a love unto thy lande● thou didst bring again the captivity of jacob. Thou didst forgive the offence of thy people: and coveredest all their sins. Selah. Thou tookest away all thy displeasure, and turnedst thyself from thy wrathful indignation. Turn us then, oh God our saviour, and let thine anger cease from us. Will't thou be displeased at us for ever? will't thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to an other? Will't thou not turn again and quicken us, that thy people may rejoice in thee? I will hearken what the Lord God will say, for he shall speak peax unto his people, and to his saints, that they turn not themselves unto foolishness. For his salvation is nigh them that fear him so that glory shall devil in our land. Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peax kiss each other. Truth shall rise out of the earth: and righteousness shall look down from heaven. And why? the Lord shall show loving kindness: and our land shall give her increase. righteousness shall go before him, and prepare the way for his coming. PSAL. LXXXV. After abrupt 〈◊〉 ¶ A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O Lord, and hear me: for I am comfortless and poor. O keep my soul, for I am holy: my God help thy servant that putteth his trust in the. Be merciful unto me, oh Lord, for I call daily upon the. Comfort the soul of thy servant, for unto thee, oh Lord, do I life up my soul. For thou Lord art good and gracious: and of great mercy unto all them that call upon the. give ear Lord unto my prayer, and ponder my humble desire. In the time of my trouble I call upon thee, for thou hearest me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, oh Lord, there is not one that can do as thou dost. All nations whom thou hast made, shall come and worshyb before thee, oh Lord, & shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, thou dost wondrous things, thou art God alone. Lead me in thy way, oh Lord, that I may walk in thy truth: oh let my heart delight in fea●ing thy name. I thank thee, oh Lord my God: and will praise thy name for ever. For great is thy mercy toward me: thou haste delivered my soul from the nethermost hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the congregation of the mighty seeketh after my soul, and set not the before their eyes. But thou, oh Lord God, art full of compassion and mercy, long suffering, great in goodness and truth. O turn the then unto me, have mercy upon me: give thy strength unto thy servant, and help the son of thine handmaid. Show some token upon me for good, that they which hate me, may see it, and be ashamed: because thou Lord hast helped me, and comforted me. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXXXVI. ¶ A Psalm and song of the sons of Corah. HEr foundations are upon the holy hills: the Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellynges of jacob. Very excellent things are spoken of the thou city of God. Selah. I will think upon Rahab and Babylon, so that they shall know me. Yea the philistines also, and they of T●re, with the Moryans. Lo, there was he born. And of Zion it shall be reported, that he was born in her, even the most highest which hath builded her. The Lord shall 'cause it to be preached and written among the people, that he was born there. Selah. Therefore the dwelling of all syngers and dancers is in the. 〈…〉 PSAL. LXXXVII. ¶ A Psalm and song of the sons of Corah, to ●●e chanter upon Ma●●lath, for affliction, an instruction of Heman the G●ra●yte. O Lord God my saviour. I cry day and night before thee: o let m● prayer enter in to thy presence, incline thine care unto my calling. For my soul is full of trouble, and my life draweth nigh unto hell. I am counted as one of them that go down unto the pit: I am even as a man that hath no strength. Free among the deed, like unto them that lie in the grave: which be out of remembrance, and are cut away from thy hand. Thou hast said me in the lowest pit, in the darkness, and in the deep. Thine indignation lieth hard upon me: and thou vexest me with all thy floods. Selah. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far fro me: and made me to be abhorred of them: I am so fast in prison, that I can not get forth. My sight faileth for very trouble: Lord I call daily upon thee, and stretch out my hands unto the. Dost thou show wonders among the deed? Can the Physicians raise them up again, that they may praise thee? May thy loving kindness be showed in the grave: or thy faithfulness in destruction? May thy wondrous works be known in the dark? or the righteousness in the land where all things are forgotten? Unto the I cry, oh Lord, and early cometh my prayer before the. Lord, why puttest thou away my soul? wherefore hydest thou thy face fro me? My strength is go for very sorrow and misery: with fearfulness do I bear my burdens. Thy wrathful displeasure goeth over me: the fear of the oppresseth me. They come round about me daily like water: and compass me together on every side. My lovers and friends haste thou put away fro me: and turned away mine acquaintance. PSAL. LXXXVIII. ¶ An instruction of Ethan the Ezrahite. After the Hebr●es lxxxix MY song shall be alway of the loving kindness of the Lord: with my mouth will I ever be showing thy faithfulness from one generation to an other. For I have said: mercy shall be set up for ever, thy faithfulness shalt thou stablish in the heavens. * two. Reg. vii c I have made a covenant with my choose: I have sworn unto David my servant. Thy seed will I stablish for ever, and set up ●y throne from one generation to an o●●●r. 〈…〉 O Lord, the very heavens shall praise thy ●ond●ous works, yea and thy faithfulness th●●ongregacion of the saints. Fo● who is be among the clouds, that may be compared unto the Lord? Yea what is he among the gods, that is like unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the counsel of the saints, & to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. O Lord God of hosts, who is like unto the in power? thy truth is round about the. Thou abatest the raging of the see: thou styllest the waves thereof, when they arise. Thou breakest the proud like one that is wounded, thou scatterest thine enemies abroad with the mighty arm. Genesis i a The heavens are thine, the earth is thine: thou hast laid the foundation of the round world, and all that therein is. Thou haste made the north and the south: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name. Thou hast a mighty arm, strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. righteousness and equity is the habitation of thy seat: mercy and truth go before thy face. Blessed is the people, oh Lord, that can rejoice in thee, and walketh in the light of thy countenance. Their delight is in thy name all the day long, and thorough thy righteousness they shall be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength and thorough thy savour shalt thou lift up our horns. The Lord is our defence: and the holy one of Israel is our king. Thou spakest sometimes in visions unto thy saints, and saidest: I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one choose out of the people. I have found David my servant: with my holy oil I have anointed him. i Regum xvi c Act xiii d My hand shall hold him fast: and mine arm shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not overcome him: and the son of wickedness shall not hurt him. I shall smite down his foes before his face: and plague them that hate him. My truth also and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his born be exalted. I will set his hand in the see: and his right hand in the floods. He shall call me: thou art my father, my God, and the strength of my salvation. And I will make him my first-born: higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore: and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed will I make to endure for ever, yea and his throne as the days of heaven. But if his children forsake my law: and walk not in my judgements. If they break mine ordinances: and keep not my commandments. I will visit their offences with the rod: and their sins with scourges. Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him: ne suffer my truth to fail. My covenant will I not break: nor disanulle the thing that is go out of my lips. I have sworn once by my holiness, 〈…〉 that I will not fail David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his seat also like as the sun before me. He shall stand fast for evermore as the moon: and as the faithful witness in heaven. Selah. But now thou forsakest and abhorrest thy anointed: and art displeased at him. Thou haste turned back the covenant of thy servant: and cast his crown to the ground. Thou hast overthrown all his hedges: and broken down his strong holds. Albina they that go by, spoil him: he is become a rebuke unto his neighbours. Thou settest up the right hand of his enemies: and makest all his adversaries to rejoice. Thou haste taken away the strength of his sword: and givest him not victory in the battle. Thou hast put out his glory: and cast his throne down ●o the ground. The days of his youth haste thou shortened: and covered him with dishonour. Selah. Lord, how long wilt thou hide thyself? for ever▪ shall thy wrath burn like fire? O remember how short my time is: hast thou made all men for nought? what man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? May a man deliver his own soul from the hand of hell? Selah. * 〈…〉 Lord, where are thy old loving kyndnesses, which thou sworest unto David in thy trutht? Remember, Lord, the rebuke that the multitude of thy people do unto thy servants, and how I have born it in my bosom. Wherewith thine enemies blaspheme thee: and slander the fotesteppes of thine anointed. Thanks be to the Lord for evermore: Amen, Amen. PSAL. LXXXIX. Af●●● 〈…〉 ¶ A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou art our refuge from one generation to an other. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made, thou art God from everlasting & world without end. Thou tournest man to destruction: again thou sayest: come again you children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight, are but as yesterday that is past, and like as it were a night watch. As soon as thou scatterest they, they are even as a sleep: and fade away suddenly like the grass. In the morning it is green and groweth up: but in the evening it is cut down and withered. For we consume away in thy displeasure: and are afraid at thy wrathful indidignation. Thou settest our misdeeds before thee: and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For when thou art angry, all our days are go: we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told. The days of our age are three score years and ten: and though men be so strong that they come to four score years, yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow: so soon passeth it away and we are go. But who regardeth the power of thy wrath, thy fearful and terrible displeasure? O teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Turn the again, oh Lord, at the last: and be gracious unto thy servants. O satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon: so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life. Comfort us again now after the time that thou hast plagued us: and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity. Show thy servants thy work: and their children thy glory. And the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: O prosper thou the work of our hands upon us: oh prosper thou our handy work. 〈…〉 PSAL. XC. WHo so dwelleth under the defence of the most highest, and abideth under the shadow of the almighty. He shall say unto the Lord: oh my hope, and my strong hold, my God, in whom I will trust. For he shall deliver the from the snare of the hunter: and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover the under his wings, that thou mayst be safe under his feathers: his faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckeles. So that thou shalt not need to be afraid for any bugs by night, ne for the a-row that fleeth by day. For the pestilence that creepeth in the darkness: ne for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon day. A thousand shall fall beside, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh the. Yea with thine eyes shalt thou behold: & see the reward of the ungodly. For thou Lord art my hope: thou haste set thine house of defence very high. There shall no evil happen unto thee: neither shall any plague come nyt thy dwelling. Math. four b. Luc four a For he shall give his angels charge over the to keep the in all thy ways. They shall bear the in their hands, that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt go upon the lion and adder, the young lion and the dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, I shall deliver him: I shall defend him, for he hath known my name. When he calleth upon me, I shall hear him: yea I am with him in his trouble, I will deliver him, and bring him to honour. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. PSAL. CXI. After the Hebrews xcii ¶ A Psalm of the song for the Saboth day. IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord: and to sing praises unto thy name, oh most highest. To tell of thy loving kindness early in the morning: and of thy truth in the night season. Upon an instrument of ten strings: upon the Lute, and with the song upon the Harp. For thou Lord hast made me glad thorough thy works: and I will rejoice over the operation of thy hands. O Lord, how glorious are thy works, thy thoughts are very deep. An unwise man will not know this: and a fool will not understand it. That the ungodly are green as the grass: & that all the works of wickedness do flourish to be destroyed for ever. But thou Lord, oh most highest, abidest world without end. For loo, thine enemies, O Lord, loo, thine enemies shall perish: and all the works of wickedness shall be scattered abroad. But my horn shall be exalted like the horn of an Unicorn, and shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see his lust of his enemies: and mine ear shall hear his desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar of Libanus. Such as be planted in the house of the Lord, be fruitful, plenteous and green. That they may show, how true the Lord my strength is, & that there is no unrighteousness in him. After the Hebrews xxiii PSAL. XCII. THe Lord is king, and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel: and girded himself with strength: he hath made the round world so sure, that it can not be moved. From that time forth hath thy seat been prepared: thou art from everlasting. The floods arise (O Lord) the floods life up their noise, the floods lift up their waves. The waves of the see are mighty, and rage horribly: but yet the Lord that dwelleth on high, is mightier. Thy testimonies, O Lord, are very sure: holiness becometh thine house for ever. After the Hebrews xciiii PSAL. XCIII. O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth: thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself. Arise thou judge of the world, and reward the proud after their deserving. Lord how long shall the ungodly, how long shall the ungodly triumph? How long shall all wicked doers speak so disdainfully: and make such proud bo●ynge? They smite down thy people, oh Lord, and trouble thine heritage. They murder the widow and the stranger: and put the fatherless to death. And yet they say, tush, the Lord seethe not: the God of jacob regardeth it not. Take heed you unwise among the people: oh you fools, when will you understand? He that planteth the ear, shall be not hear? he that made the eye, shall he not see? He that nourtureth the Heythen: and teacheth a man knowledge, shall he not punish? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men that they are but vain. Blessed is the man whom thou lernest (O Lord) and teachest him in thy law. That thou mayst give him patience in time of adversity, until the pit be digged for the ungodly. For the Lord will not fail his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. And why? judgement shall be turned again unto righteousness, and all such as be true of heart shall follow it. Who riseth up with me against the wicked? who taketh my part against the evil doers? If the Lord had not helped me, my soul had almost been put to silence. When I said: my foot hath slipped, thy mercy (oh Lord) held me up. In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart, thy comforts have refreshed my soul. Wilt thou have any thing to do with the stolen of wickedness, which ymagineth mischief in the law? They gather them together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. But the Lord is my refuge, my God is the strength of my confidence. He shall recompense them their wickedness: and destroy them in their own malice: yea the Lord our God shall destroy them. PSAL. XCIIII. After 〈…〉 O Come let us praise the Lord, let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and show ourself glad in him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great king, above all gods. In his hand are all the corners of the earth: and the strength of the hills is his also. The see is his, for he made it, and his hands prepared the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down ourselves: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God: and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hands. To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as when you provoked in time of temptation in the wilderness. Where your fathers tempted me: proved me, and saw my works. forty years long was I grieved with that generation, and said: 〈…〉 they ever err in their hearts, they verily have not known my ways. Therefore I said unto them in my wrath: that they should not enter in to my rest. PSAL. XCV. 〈…〉 O Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord all the hole earth. i P● Sing unto the Lord, and praise his name: be telling of his salvation from da●e to day. Declare his honour among the Heithen, and his wonders among all people. P● Eccle● For the Lord is great, and can not worthily be praised: he is more to be feared then all gods. As for all the gods of the Heythen: they be but idols: but it is the Lord that made the heavens. Thankesgyving and worship are before him: power and honour are in his sanctuary. ascribe unto the Lord (O you kynredes of the heathen) ascribe unto the Lord worship and strength. ascribe unto the Lord the honour of his name: bring presents, and come in to his court. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: let the hole earth stand in awe of him. Tell it out among the heathen: that the Lord is king: and that it is he which hath made the round world so fast, that it can not be moved, and how that he shall judge the people rightously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad: let the see make a noise, yea and all that therein is. Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it: let all the trees in the wood leap for joy. Before the Lord, for he cometh: for he cometh to judge the earth: yea with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with his truth. 〈…〉 PSAL. XCVI. THe Lord is king, the earth may be glad thereof: yea the multitude of the isles may he glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him righteousness and judgement are the habitation of his seat. There goeth a fire before him, to burn up his enemies on every side. His lighteninges give shine unto the world: the earth seethe it, and is afraid. The hills melt like wax at the presence of the Lord of the hole earth. The very heavens declare his righteousness: and all the people see his glory. 〈…〉 Confounded be all they that worship images, and delight in their idols: worship him all you gods. Zion heareth of it, and rejoiceth: yea and all the daughters of juda are glad because of thy judgements, oh Lord. For thou Lord art the moest highest over all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. O you that love the Lord, see that you hate the thing which is evil: 〈…〉 the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly. There is sprung up a light for the righteous: and a joyful gladness for such as be true hearted. Rejoice therefore in the Lord you righteous: and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness. 〈…〉 PSAL. XCVII. ¶ A Psalm. O Sing unto the Lord a new song: for he hath done marvelous things. With his own right hand, and with his holy arm he hath got the victory. The Lord hath declared his saving health, & his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel: Isaiah lii, c. & lxv. b so that all the ends of the world see the saving health of our God. Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord all you lands: sing, rejoice, and give thanks. Praise the Lord upon the harp: sing to the harp with a Psalm of thanksgiving. With trumpets also and shawms: O show yourselves joyful before the Lord the king. Let the see make a noise, and all that therein is: yea the hole world, and all that devil therein. Let the floods clap their hands: and let all the hills be joyful together: Before the Lord, for he is come to judge the earth. Yea with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. PSAL. XCVIII. After the Hebrews xcix THe Lord is king, be the people never so unpatient: he sitteth upon the Cherubyns, be the earth never so unquiet. The Lord is great in Zion, and high above all people. O let men give thanks unto thy great and wonderful name, for it is holy. The kings power loveth judgement, thou preparest equity, thou executest judgement and righteousness in jacob. O magnify the Lord our God: fall down before his footstool, for he is holy. Moses and Aaron among his Preestes: and Samuel among such as call upon his name: these called upon the Lord, and he heard them. He spoke unto them out of the cloudy pillar for they kept his testimonies, and the law that he gave them. Thou herdest them, oh Lord our God, thou forgavest them, oh God, & punisshedst their own inventions. O magnify the Lord our God, and worship him upon his holy hill, for the Lord our God is holy. PSAL. XCIX. After the Hebrews c ¶ A Psalm of praise. O Be joyful in God (all you lands) serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with joy. Be you sure that the Lord he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we our selves: we are but his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way in to his gates then with thanksgiving, and in to his courts with praise, be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth from generation to generation. After the Hebrews ci PSAL. C. ¶ A Psalm of David. MY song shall be of mercy and judgement: yea unto thee (O Lord) will I sing. O let me have understanding in the way of godliness, until the time that thou come unto me: and so shall I walk in my house with an innocent heart. I will take no wicked thing in hand: I hate the sin of unfaithfulness, it shall not cleave unto me. A froward heart shall departed from me: I will not know a wicked person. Who so privily sclaundreth his neighbour, him will I destroy: who so hath a proud look, and an high stomach, I may not away with him. Mine eyes shall look for such as be faithful in the land: that they may devil with me: and who so leadeth a godly life, shall be my servant. There shall no deceitful person devil in my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I shall soon destroy all the ungodly of the land: that all wicked doers may be rooted out of the city of the Lord. After the Hebrews cii PSAL. CI. ¶ A prayer of the afflyct, when he was in woe, and powered out his complaint before the Lord. Hear my prayer, oh Lord, and let my crying come unto the. Hide not thy face fro me in the time of my trouble: incline thine ears unto me when I call, O hear me, and that right soon. For my days are consumed away like smoke: and my bones are brent up as it were a fire brand. My heart is smitten down, and withered like grass: so that I forget to eat my breed. For the voice of my groaning: my bone will fearer cleave to my flesh. I am become like a pelican in the wilderness: and like an hose in a broken brickwall. I wake, and am even as it were a sparrow sitting alone upon the house top. Mine enemies revile me all the day long: they laugh me to scorn, and are sworn together against me. I eat ashes with my breed, and mingle my drink with weeping. And that because of thine indignation and wrath, for thou hast taken me up, and cast me away. My days are go like a shadow: and I am withered like grass. But thou, O Lord, endurest for ever: and thy remembrance thorough out all generations. Arise therefore and have mercy upon Zion: for it is time to have mercy upon her, yea the time is come. And why? thy servants have a love to her stones: and it pityeth them to see her in the dust. The heathen shall fear thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy majesty. For the Lord shall build up Zion, & shall appear in his glory. He turneth him unto the prayer of the poor destitute: and despiseth not their desire. This shall be written for those that come after: that the people which shall be born, may praise the Lord. For he looketh down from his sanctuary: out of the heaven doth the Lord behold the earth. That he may hear the mournings of such as be in captivity: and deliver the children of death. That they may preach the name of the Lord in Zion: and his worship at jerusalem. When the people are gathered together: and the kingdoms also to serve the Lord. He hath brought down my strength in my journey: and shortened my days. Yet will I say. O my God, take me not away in the midst of mine age: as for thy years, they endure thorough out all generations. Thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, 〈…〉 and the heavens are the works of thy hands. * 〈…〉 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: they all shall wax old as doth a garment. & as a vesture shalt thou change them, & they shall be changed. But thou are the same, and thy years shall not fail. The children of thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall prosper in thy sight. PSAL. CII. Af●●●●brues 〈◊〉 ¶ Of David. Praise the Lord. O my soul, and all that to within me, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Which forgiveth all thy sins: and heals all thine infirmities. Which saveth thy life from destruction: & trowneth the with mercy, and loving kindness. Which satisfieth thy desire with good things: making the young and lusty as an Egle. The Lord executeth righteousness & judgement, for all them that suffer wrong. He showed his ways unto Moses: and his works unto the children of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: long suffering, and of great goodness. He will not alway be chiding: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins: ne rewarded us according to our wickedness. For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the earth: so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him. Look how wide the East is from the West: so far hath he set our sins from us. Yea like as a father pitieth his own children: even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. For he knoweth whereof we be made: he remembreth that we are but dust. That a man in his time is but as is grass: and florissheth as a flower of the field. For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is go: and the place thereof knoweth it no more. But the merciful goodness of the Lord, endureth for ever and ever, upon them that fear him. and his righteousness upon their childers children. Such as keep his covenant: and think upon his commandments, to do them. The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven: and his kingdom ruleth over all. O praise the Lord you angels of his, you that be mighty in strength: fulfilling his commandment, that men may hear the voice of his words. O praise the Lord all you his hosts, you servants of his, that do his pleasure. O speak good of the Lord all you works of his, in every place of his dominion: praise thou the Lord, oh my soul. 〈…〉 PSAL. CIII. Praise the Lord, oh my soul: oh Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious, thou art clothed with majesty and honour. Thou deckest thyself with light, as it were with a garment, thou spredest out the heaven like a curtain. Thou voltest it above with waters, thou makest the clouds thy chariot, and goest upon the wings of the wind. Hebr i ● Thou makest thine angels spirits: and thy ministers flames of fire. Thou hast laid the earth upon her foundation, that it never moveth at any tyme. Thou covetest it with the deep like as with a garment: so that the waters stand above the hills. But at thy rebuke they flee, at the voice of thy thunder they are afraid. (Then are the hills seen aloft, and the valleys beneath in their place which thou hast appointed for them.) Thou haste set them their bounds, which they may not pass, that they turn not again to cover the earth. Thou causest the wells to spring up among the valleys, and the waters to run among the hills. That all beasts of the field may have drink, and that the wild asses may quench their thirst. Above upon the hills have the fowls of the air their habitation, & sing among the branches. Thou water the hills from above: the earth is filled with the fruits of thy works. Thou bryngest forth grass for the cattle, and green herbs for the service of men. Thou bringest food out of the earth: wine to make glad the heart of man, oil to make him a cheerful countenance, and breed to strenegth man's heart. The trees of the Lord are full of say: even the trees of Libanus which he hath planted. There make the birds their nests: and the fir hills are a dwelling for the Storcke. The hills are a refuge for the wild goats: and so are the stony rocks for the conies. Thou haste appointed the Moon for certain seasons, the Sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, that it may be night: wherein all the beestes of the forest do move. Yea and the young Lions which roar after their pray: and seek their meat at God. But when the sun ariseth, they get them away together, and lie them down in their dens. Then goeth man forth to his work, and to till his land until the evening. Psalm xiii ● O Lord, how many fold are thy works, right wisely hast thou made them all: yea the earth is full of thy richesse. So is this great and wide see also, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beestes. There go the ships over, and there is that Leviathan, whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein. They wait all upon thee, that thou mayst give them meat in due season. When thou givest it them, they gather it: when thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. But when thou hydest thy face, they are sorrowful: if thou takest away their breath, they die, and are turned again to their dust. Again, when thou lettest thy breath go forth, they are made: and so thou renuest the face of the earth. The glorious majesty of the Lord endureth for ever: and the Lord rejoiceth in his works. The earth trembleth at the look of him: he both but touch the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will praise my God while I have my being. O that my words might please him, for my joy is in the Lord. As for sinners, they shall be consumed out of the earth: and the ungodly shall come to an end: but praise thou the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CIIII After the Hebrews .cv. O give thanks unto the Lord: and call upon his name: tell the people what things he hath done. i Paral xvi b Isaiah xxii ●. O let your songs be of him: praise him, and let your talking be of all his wondrous works. Give his holy name a good report, let their hearts rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember the marvelous works that he hath done, his wonders and the judgements of his mouth. O you seed of Abraham his servant, you children of jacob his choose. He is the Lord our God, whose punishments are thorough out all the world. He is alway mindful of his covenant, and promise that he made to a thousand generations. Yea the covenant that he made with Abraham: Genes. xii c d and the oath that he swore unto Isaac. And appointed the same unto jacob for a law: and to Israel for an everlasting testament. saying: unto the will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your heritage. When there was yet but a few of them: & the strangers therein. What time as they went from one nation to an other: from one kingdom to an other. He suff●ed no man to hurt them, but i Pat xvi c d reproved even kings for their sakes. touch not mine anointed, do my Prophets no harmt. two. Reg. i ● Moreover he called for a dearth upon the land: and destroyed all the provision of breed. But he had sent a man before them, ●●●n joseph: which was sold to be a bond servant. They hurt his feet in the stocks: the iron pierced his heart. Until the time that his word came: and till the word of the Lord had tried him. Then sent the king, and caused him to be delivered: the prince of the people had let him go. He made him Lord of his house: and rul●● of all his substance. That he might inform his princes after his will: and teach his senators wisdom. Israel also came in to Egypt: & jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham. But he increased his people exceedingly: and made them stronger than their enemies. Whose heart turned so, that they hated his people: and dealt untruly with his servants. Then sent he Moses his servant, & Aaron: whom he had choose. These did his tokens among them, E●●● & wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and it was dark: E●o●● for they were not obedient unto his word. He turned their waters in to blood, E●o●● 〈◊〉 & slew their fish. * E●● Their lands brought forth frogs: yea even in their kings chambers. E●●. He spoke the word: and there came all manner of flies and lice in all their quarters. He gave them hail stones for rain: and flames of fire in their hand. He smote their vineyards and fig trees: and destroyed the trees that were in their costs. E●●● He spoke the word, and there were greshoppers and caterpyllers innumerable. These a●e up all the grass in their land, and devoured their fruits of the ground. E●●● He smote all the first born in the land, even the chief of all their substance. He brought them forth with silver & gold: there was not one feeble person among their tribes. Egypt was glad of their departing, for they were afraid of them. E●●● 〈◊〉 He spread out a cloud to be a covering: and fire to give light in the night season. Ex●● At their desire there came quails: and he filled them with the breed of heaven. 〈…〉 He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out: so that rivers ran in the wilderness. For why? he remembered his holy promise which he had made unto Abraham his servant. Thus he brought forth his people with joy: 〈◊〉 I●●● and his choose with gladness. And gave them the lands of the Heythen: observe where they took the labours of the people in possession. That they might keep his statutes: and observe his laws. Praise the everlasting. 〈…〉 PSAL. CV. ¶ Praise the everlasting. O give thanks unto the Lord: for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. 〈…〉. Who can express the noble acts of the Lord, or show forth all his praise? 〈…〉. Blessed are they that always keep judgement, and do righteousness. Remember us, oh Lord, according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: oh visit us with thy saving health. That we might see the pleasure of thy choose, that we might rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance. We have sinned with our fathers, we have done amiss, 〈…〉 we have dealt wickedly. Our fathers regarded not thy wonders in Egypt, they kept not thy great goodness in remembrance: but were disobedient at the see, even at the read see. Nevertheless he helped them for his name's sake: that he might make his power to be known. He rebuked the read see, and it was dried up: so he led them thorough the deep, 〈…〉 as in the wilderness. Thus he saved them from the hand of the b●ter: and delivered them from the hand of the enemy. 〈◊〉 ●i. b As for those that troubled them, the waters overwhelmed them, there was not one of them left. Then believed they in his word, and sang praise unto him. But within a while they forgot his works, and would not abide his counsel. 〈…〉 A lust came upon them in the wilderness: so that they tempted God in the desert. 〈…〉 Yet he gave them their desire, and sent them enough at their wills. They angered Moses in the tents, and Aaron the sayn● of the Lord. 〈…〉 So the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan: and covered the congregation of Abiram. The fire was kindled in their company, the ●●ame brent up the ungodly. ●●●i. a They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Thus they turned their glory in to the similitude of a calf that eateth hay. They forgot God their saviour, which had done so great things in Egypt. Wondrous works in the land of Ham: & fearful things in the read see. 〈…〉 So he said he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his choose stand before him in the gap: to turn away his wrathful indignation, least he should destroy them. Yea they thought scorn of that pleasant land, and gave no credence unto his word. But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. Then life he up his hand against them, Nun xiiii ● to overthrow them in the wilderness. To cast out their seed among the nations, & to scatter them in the lands. They joined themselves unto Baal Peor: and ate the offerings of the deed. Thus they provoked him unto anger with their own inventions, & the plague was great amongs them. Nun xxv b Then stood up Phinehes and executed justice, and so the plague ceased. And that was counted unto him for righteousness: among all posterities for evermore. They angered him also at the waters of strife: Numeri twenty a so that Moses was punished for their sakes. Because they provoked his spirit, & he told them plainly with his lips. Neither destroyed they the heathen: as the Lord commanded them. But were mingled among the heathen: & learned their works. In so much that they worshipped their images: which turned to their own decay. Yea they offered their sons and daughters unto devils. And shed the innocent blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they offered unto the images of Canaan: so that the land was defiled with blood. Thus were they stained with their own works, and went a hooring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. And gave them over in to the hand of the heathen: and they that hated them, were lords over them. Their enemies oppressed them, & had them in subjection. Many a time did he deliver them: but they provoked him with their own inventions, and were brought down for their wickedness. Nevertheless when he saw their aduersite● he herd their complaint. He thought upon his covenant, and pytyed them: according unto the multitude of his mercies. Yea he made all those that had led them away captive, to pity them. Deuter thirty. a Deliver us, oh Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen: that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and make our host of thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting and world without end, and let all people say: Amen, Amen. Praise the everlasting. After the Hebrews cvii PSAL. CVI O give thanks unto the Lord: for he is gracious, judith xiii c. and his mercy endureth for ever. Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed: and delivered from the hand of the enemy. And gathered them out of the lands, from the East, from the West, from the North, and from the South. They went astray in the wilderness in an untrodden way: and found no city to devil in. hungry and thirsty: and their soul fainted in them. So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: and he delivered them from their distress. He led them forth by the right way: that they might go to the city where they dwelt. O that men would praise the goodness of the Lord: and the wonders that he doth for the children of men. For he satisfied the empty● soul: and filled the hungry soul with good. Such as sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death, being fast bound in misery and iron. Because they were not obedient to the commandment of God, but lightly regarded the counsel of the most highest. Their heart was vexed with labour: they fallen down, and there was none to help them. So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: and he delivered them out of their distress. He brought them forth of darkness, and from the shadow of death: and broke their bonds insunder. O that men would praise the goodness of the Lord: and the wonders that he doth for the children of men. For he hath broken the gates of brass, and smitten the bars of iron insunder. Foolish men were plagued for their offence, & because of their wickedness. Their soul abhorred all manner of meat, they were even hard at deaths door. So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble: and he delivered them out of their distress. He sent his word and healed them, & saved them from their destruction. O that men would praise the goodness of the Lord: and the wonders that he doth for the children of men. That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, & tell out his works with gladness. They that go down to the see in ships: and occupy their business in great waters. These men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For at his word, the stormy wind ariseth: and lifteth up the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep: their soul melteth away in the trouble. They rele to & fro, they stacker like a drunken man: and are at their wits end. So they cry unto the Lord in their trouble: and he delivereth them out of their distress. He maketh the storm to cease: so that the waves are still. Then are they glad because they be at rest: and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be. O that men would praise the goodness of the Lord: and the wonders that he doth for the children of men. That they would exalt him in the congregation of the people: and love him in the seat of the elders. Which turneth the floods in to dry land, and drieth up the water springs. A fruitful land maketh he barren, for the wickedness of them that devil therein. Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water: and water springs of a dry ground. There he setteth the hungry, that they may build them a city to devil in. That they may sow their ground, plant vineyards to yield them fruits of increase. He blesseth them, so that they multiply exceedingly, and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. When they are minisshed and brought low thorough oppression: thorough any plague or trouble. Though he suffer them to be evil entreated thorough tyrants, or let them wander out of the way in the wilderness. Yet helpeth he the poor out of misery (at the last) and maketh him an household like a flock of sheep. The righteous will consider this & rejoice, the mouth of all wickedness shall be stopped. Who so is wise, and pondreth these things well, shall understand the loving kyndnesses of the Lord. PSAL. CVII. Af●●● 〈…〉 ¶ A song of a Psalm of David. O * 〈…〉 God, my heart is ready to sing, and to give praise. Awake, oh my glory, awake lute and harp, I myself will awake right early. I will give thanks unto thee, oh Lord, among the people. I will sing praises unto the among the heathen. For the greatness of thy mercy is higher than the heavens, and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. * 〈…〉 Set up thyself, oh God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth. 〈…〉 That thy beloved may be delivered: help then with thy right-hand and hear me. God hath spoken in his sanctuary, which thing rejoiceth me. I will divide Sichem, & meat out the valley of Such●th. Galaad is mine, Manasses is mine, Ephraim is the strength of my head, 〈…〉 juda is my captain. Moab is my washpot, over Edom will I stretch out my shoe, Philistea shall be glad of me. Who shall lead me into the strong city? Who shall bring me into Edom? Shalt not thou do it (O God) which hast cast us out: thou God, that wentest not forth with our Hosts? O be thou our help in trouble, for vain is the help of man. Thorough God we shall do great acts, for it is he that shall tread down our enemies. 〈…〉 PSAL. CVIII. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. Hold not thy tongue, O God of my praise. For the mouth of the ungodly, you and the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me, and speak against me with false tongues. They compass me about with words of hatred, and fight against me without a cause. For the love that I had unto them, they take now my contrary part, but I give myself unto prayer. Thus they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my good will. Set an ungodly man to be ruler over him, & let Satan stand at his righthande. When sentence is given upon him, let him be condemned, and let his prayer be turned in to sin. Let his days be few, and his bishopric let an other take. Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. Let his children be vagabonds, and beg their bread: let them seek it, as they that be destroyed. Let the extortioner consume all that he hath, and let strangers spoil his labour. Let there be no man to petye, ner to have compassion upon his fatherless children. Let his end be destruction, and in the next generation, his name be clean put out. Let the wickedness of his fathers be had in remembrance in the sight of the Lord, and let not the sin of his mother be done away. Let them alway be before the Lord, but as for the memorial of themselves, let it perish from out of the earth. And that because his mind was not to do good, but persecuted the poor helpless, and him that was vexed at the heart, to slay him. His delight was in cursing, and therefore shall it happen unto him: he loved not blessing, & that shall be far from him. He clothed himself with cursing like as with a raiment: yea it went into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. Let it be unto him as the cloak that he hath upon him, and as the girdle that he is girded withal. Let it thus happen from the Lord unto mine enemies, and to those that speak evil against my soul. But deal thou with me, O Lord God, according unto thy name, for sweet is thy mercy. O deliver me, for I am helpless and poor, & my heart is wounded within me. I go hence like the shadow that departeth, and am driven away as the grasshoppers. My knees are weak thorough fasting, my flesh is dried up for want of fatness. I am become a rebuke unto them, they look upon me and shake their heads. Help me, O Lord my God, o save me for thy mercies sake. That they may know, how that this is thy hand, and that thou hast done it. Though they curse, yet bless thou: and let them be confounded, that rise up against me, but let thy servant rejoice. Let mine adversaries be clothed with their own shame, as with a cloak. Certes, I will give thanks unto the Lord with my mouth, and praise him among the multitude. For he standeth at the right-hand of the poor, to save him from such as condemn his soul. PSAL. CIX. After the Hebrews cx ¶ A Psalm of David. THe Lord said unto my Lord: Sit thou on my right-hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Math. xxii d i corinth twenty d Hebru. ●. d x c Act ii f The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Zion, be thou ruler even in the midst amongs thine enemies. In the day of thy power shall thy people offer the free-will offerings with an holy worship, the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning. The Lord swore, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. The Lord upon thy right-hand, shall smite even kings in the day of his wrath. He shall be judge among the Heyth●n, he shall fill them with dead bodies, and smite insunder the heads over diverse countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he life up his head. After the Hebrews cxi PSAL. CX. ¶ Praise the everlasting. I Will give thanks unto the Lord with my hole heart: secretly among the faithful, Psalm cix a and cxxxvii a and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, and his righteousness endureth for ever. The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his marvelous works, that they aught to be had in remembrance. He giveth meat unto them, that fear him, he is ever mindful of his covenant. He showeth his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgement, all his commandments are true. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and equity. He sent redemption unto his people, he hath commanded his covenant for ever, holy & reverent is his name. job xxviii d. Prouer. i a. and. ix.c. Eccles i b The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a good understanding have all they that do thereafter: the praise of it endureth for ever. After the Hebrews cxii PSAL. CXI. ¶ Praise the evelasting. BLessed is the man that fears the Lord and hath great delight in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth, the generation of the faithful shall be blessed. richesse and plenteousness shall be in his house, and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness: he is merciful, loving & righteous. Well is he that is merciful, and dareth gladly, and pondreth his words with discretion. For he shall never be moved, the righteous shall be had in an everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid for any evil tidings, his heart standeth fast, and believeth in the Lord. His heart is stablished, he will not shrink until he●e his desire upon his enemies. two. Cor ix He hath sparsed abroad, and given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever, his born shallbe exalted with honour. The ungodly shall see it, and it shall grieve him: he shall gnash with his teeth and consume away, and the desire of the ungodly shall perish. PSAL. CXII. 〈…〉 ¶ Praise the everlasting. Praise the Lord (O you servants) O Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth for ever more. The lords name is worthy to be praised from the rising up of the Sun unto the going down of the same. The Lord is high above all Heythen, & his glory above the heavens. M●●● Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling so high, which humbleth himself, to behold that is in heaven and earth? Which taketh up the simple out of the dust, and lytteth the poor out of the mire. That he may set him among the Princes, even among the Princes of his people. Which maketh the barcyn woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. ¶ Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXIII. A●●● 〈…〉 WHen Israel came out of egypt, and the house of jacob from among that strange people. Ex●● 〈◊〉 juda was his Sanctuary, Israel his dominion. The see saw that, and fled, jordan turned back. The mountains skypped like rams, & the little hills like young sheep. What ailed the O thou see, that thou fleddest? and thou jordan, that thou turnedest back? You mountains, that you skypped like Rams: and you little hills, like young sheep? The earth trembled at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of jacob. Which turned the hard rock into a standing water, and the flyne stone into a springing well. NOt unto us, O Lord, not unto us, 〈…〉 but unto thy name give the praise, for thy loving mercy and faithfulness. Wherefore shall the heathen say: Where is now their God? Our God, he is in heaven, he doth whatsoever it pleaseth him. Their images are but silver and gold, Psalm E●●. S●●● E●●● even the work of men's hands. They have mouths, and speak not: eyes have they, but they see not. They have ears, & hear not: noses have they, but they smell not. They have hands & handle not, feet have they, but they can not go, neither can they speak thorough their throat. ☞ They that made them, are like unto them, and so are all such as put their trust in them. But let Israel trust in the Lord, for he is their succour and defence. Let the house of Aaron put their trust in the Lord, for he is their succour and defence. They that fear the Lord, let them put their trust in the Lord, for he is their succour and defence. The Lord is mindful of us, and blesseth us: he blesseth the house of Israel, he blesseth the house of Aaron. Yea he blesseth all them that fear the Lord, both small and great. The Lord increase you more & more: both you, and your children. For you are the blessed of the Lord, which made heaven and earth. All the hole heavens are the Lords, but the earth hath he given unto the children of men. 〈…〉 The deed praise not thee (O Lord) neither all they that go down into silence. 〈…〉 But we will praise the Lord, from this time forth for evermore. Praise the everlasting. 〈…〉 PSAL. CXIIII. I Am well pleased, that the Lord hath herd the voice of my prayer. That he hath inclined his ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 〈…〉 The snares of death compassed me roundeabout, the pains of hell got hold upon me, I found trouble and heaviness. Then called I upon the name of the Lord: O Lord: deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous, yea our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple, I was brought down, and he helped me. Turn again then unto thy rest. O my soul, for the Lord hath given the thy desire. And why thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from fawling. 〈…〉 I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. I believed, and therefore have I spoken, but I was sore troubled. I said in my haste: All men are liars. What reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits that he hath done unto me? I will receive the cup of salvation, & call upon the name of the Lord. 〈◊〉 iiii. e I will pay my vows in the presence of all his people, right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, I am thy servant, I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid, thou hast broken my bonds insunder. I will offer to thee, the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the sight of all his people, in the courts of the lords house, even in the midst of thee, O jerusalem. Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXV. After the Hebrews cxvii O Praise the Lord all you gentiles, land him all you people. For his merciful kindness is ever more and more toward us, and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. john xiiii ● Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXVI. After the Hebrews cxviii O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, Psalm .cv. a cii. a cvii a i Math. four ●. and his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now confess, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now confess, that his mercy endureth for ever. Yea let them now that fear the Lord confess, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the Lord in trouble, and the Lord heard me at large. The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man doth unto me. Hebreu xii The Lord is my helper, and I shall see my desire upon mine enemies. It is better to trust in the Lord, then to put any confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in princes. All heathen compassed me round about but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. They keep me in on every side, but in the name of the Lord, I will destroy them. They came about me like bees, and were as hot as the fire in the thorns, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. They thrust at me, that I might fall, Ex xu a Isaiah xii a but the Lord was my help. The Lord is my strength, and my song, and is become my salvation. The voice of joy and mirth is in the dwellynges of the righteous, for the right-hand of the Lord hath got the victory. The right-hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence, the right-hand of the Lord hath got the victory. I will not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened and correct me, but he hath not given me over unto death. Open me the gates of righteousness, that I may go in there thorough, and give thanks unto the Lord. This is the door of the Lord, the righteous shall enter in thorough it. I thank thee, that thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The same stone which the builders refused is become the head stone in the corner. 〈…〉 Roman ix. g. ●. 〈◊〉 ii Isaiah xviii d This was the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day, which the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Help now O Lord, O Lord sand us now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord, we wish you good luck, you that be of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, & hath showed us light: O g●rnysh the solemn feast with green branches, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will thank thee: thou art my God, and I will praise the. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. PSAL. CXVII. After the Hebrews xxix ALEPH. BLessed are those that be undefiled in the way: which walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and seek him with their hole heart. Which walk in his ways, and ●o no wickedness. Thou hast given straight charge to keep thy commandments. O that my ways were stablished to keep thy statutes. So should I not be confounded, while I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will thank the with an unfeigned heart, because I am learned in the judgements of thy righteousness. I will keep thy statutes, O forsake me not utterly. BETH. Where withal shall a young man amend his way? Even by ruling himself after thy word. With my hole heart do I seek thee, O let me not go wrong out of thy commandments. Thy words have I hid within my heart, that I should not sin against the. Praised be thou, O Lord, O teach me thy statutes. With my lips will I be telling out all the judgements of thy mouth. I have as great delight in the way of thy testimonies, as in all manner of riches. I will exercise myself in thy commandments, and have respect unto thy fotepathes. My delight shallbe in thy statutes, I will not forget thy words. GIMEL. O do well unto thy servant, that I may live and keep thy words. Open thou mine eyes, and so shall I spy out wondrous things in thy law. I am a stranger upon earth, O hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh out, for the very fervent desire that I have allway unto thy judgements. Thou rebukest the proud, cursed are they that depart from thy commandments. O turn from me shame and rebuke, for I keep thy testimonies. Prince's also sit and speak against me, but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes. In thy testimonies is my delight, they are my councelers. DALETH. My soul cleaveth to the dust, O quicken thou me according to thy word. I knowledged my ways, and thou heedest me, O teach me then thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy commandments, and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth away for very heaviness, O set me up according unto thy word. Take from me the way of dying, and grant me thy law. I have choose the way of truth, thy judgements have I laid before me. I stick unto thy testimonies, O Lord confound me not. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou hast comforted my heart. HERALD Teach me O Lord the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end. O give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, yea I shall keep it with mine hole heart. Lead me in the path of thy commandments, for that is my desire. incline mine heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity, and quicken me in thy way. O stablish thy word in thy servant, that I may fear the. Take aw●ye the rebuke that I am afraid of, for thy judgements are amiable. Behold, my delight is in thy commandments, O quicken me in thy righteousness. VAV. Let thy loving mercy come unto me, O Lord, and thy saving health according unto thy word. That I may give answer unto my blasphemers, for my trust is in thy word. O take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in thy judgements. So shall I alway keep thy law, yea for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy commandments. I will speak of thy testimonies even before kings, and will not be ashamed. My delight shallbe in thy commandments which I love. My hands also will I life up unto thy commandments which I love, and my talking shallbe of thy statutes. ZAIN. O think upon thy servant as concerning thy word, wherein thou hast caused me to put my trust. For it is my comfort in my trouble, yea thy word quyckeneth me. The proud have me greatly in derision, yet shrink not I from thy law. I remember thine everlasting judgements, O Lord, and am comforted. I am horribly afraid for the ungodly, the forsake thy law. Thy statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I think upon thy name, O Lord, in the night season, and keep thy law. It is mine own, for I keep thy commandments. HETH. Thou art my portion, O Lord, I am purposed to keep thy law. I make mine humble petition in thy presence with my hole heart, O be merciful unto me according unto thy word. I call mine own ways to remembrance, and turn my feet into thy testimonies. I make haste, and prolong not the time, to keep thy commandments. The congregations of the ungodly have rob me, but I forget not thy law. At my duyght stand I up, to give thanks unto thee, for the judgements of thy righteousness. I am a companion of all them that fear the and keep thy commandments. 〈…〉. b The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy, O teach me thy statutes. TEH. O Lord, thou hast dealt friendly with thy servant, according unto thy word. O learn my thy kindness, nurture and knowledge, for I believe thy commandments. Before I was troubled, I went wrong, but now I keep thy word. Thou art good & friendly, O teach me thy statutes. The proud imagine lies upon me, but I keep thy commandments with my hole heart. Their heart is as fat as brawn, but my delight is in thy law. It is good for me that I have been in trouble, that I may learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is dearer unto me then thousands of gold and silver. JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashyoned me, O give me understanding, Gen. i d job ten ● that I may learn thy commaundmentes. They that fear thee, will be glad when they see me, because I put my trust in thy word. I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right, and that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled. O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort, according to the promise that thou hast made unto thy servant. O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live, for thy law is my delight. Let the proud be confounded, which handle me so falsely. But let such as fear thee, and know thy testimonies, be turned unto me. O let mine heart be undefiled in thy statutes that I be not ashamed. CAPH. My soul longeth for thy saving health, for my trust is in thy word. Mine eyes long sore for thy word, saying: O when will't thou comfort me? For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do not I forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? When will't thou be avenged of mine adversaries? The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. All thy commandments are true, they persecute me falsely, O be thou my help. They have almost made an end of me upon earth, but I forsake not thy commandments. O quicken me after thy loving kindness, and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth. LAMED. O Lord, thy word endureth for ever in heaven. Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to an other: thou hast said the foundation of the earth, and it abideth. They continued this day according to thine ordinance, for all things serve the. If my delight were not in thy law, I should perish in my trouble. I will never forget thy commandments for with them thou quickenest me. I am thine, O help me, for I seek thy commandments. The ungodly lay wait for me to destroy me, but I consider thy testimonies. I see that all things come to an end, but thy commandment is exceeding broad. MEM. O what love have I unto thy law? all the day long is my talking of it. Thou thorough thy commandment haste made me wiser than mine enemies, for it is ever by me. I have more understanding then all my teachers, for thy testymonies are my study. Yea I am wiser than the aged, for I keep thy commandments. I refrain my feet from every evil way, that I may keep thy words. I shryncke not from thy judgements, for thou teachest me. O how sweet are thy words unto my throat? Yea more than honey unto my mouth. Thorough thy commandments I get understanding, therefore I hate all false ways. NUN. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet and a light unto my paths. I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed, to keep the judgements of thy righteousness. I am troubled above measure, quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. Let the free will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord, and teach me thy judgements. My soul is always in my hand, yet do not I forget thy law. The ungodly have laid a snare for me, but yet swerve not I from thy commandments. Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever: and why? they are the very joy of my heart. I apply mine heart to fulfil thy statutes alway, even unto the end. SAMECH. I hate the ungodly, but thy law do I love. Thou art my defence and shield, my trust is in thy word. Away from me you wicked, I will keep the commandments of my God. O stablish me according unto thy word, that I may live, and let me not be disappointed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: yea I shall ever be talking of thy statutes. Thou treadest down all them that departed from thy statutes, for they imagine but disobeyed. Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross, therefore I love thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements. AIN. I deal with the thing that is lawful and right, O give me not over unto mine oppressors. Be thou surety for thy servant to do him good, that the proud do me no wrong. Mine eyes are waysted away with looking for thy health, and for the word of thy righteousness. O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy, and teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant, O grant me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. It is time for thee (O Lord) to say to thine hand, for they have destroyed thy law. For I love thy commandments above gold and precious stone. Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments, and all false ways I utterly abhor. PHE. Thy testimonies are wonderful, therefore doth my soul keep them. When thy word goeth forth, it giveth light and understanding, even unto babes. I open my mouth and draw in my breath, for I desire thy commandments. O look thou upon me, and be merciful, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Ordre my goings after thy word that no wickedness reign in me. O deliver me from the wrongeous dealynges of men, and so shall I keep thy commandments. Show the light of thy countenance unto thy servant, and learn me thy statutes. Mine eyes gusshe out with water, because men keep not thy law. ZADE. righteous art thou, O Lord, and true is thy judgement. The testimonies that thou hast commanded are exceeding, righteous and true. My zeal hath even consumed me, Ie●● because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. Thy word is tried to the uttermost, and thy servant loveth it. I am small and of no reputation, yet do not I forget thy commandments. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is true. Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me, yet is my delight in thy commandments. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting, O grant me understanding, & I shall live. KOPH. I call with my hole heart, hear me, O Lord I will keep thy statutes. Yea even upon the do I call, help me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. Early in the morning do I cry unto thee, for in thy word is my trust. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might be occupied in thy words. Hear my voice, O Lord, according unto thy loving kindness, quicken me according as thou art wont. They draw nigh that of malice persecute me, and are far from thy law. Be thou nigh at hand also, O Lord, for thy promises are faithful. As concerning thy testimonies, I have known ever since the beginning, that thou hast grounded them for ever. RES. O consider mine adversity, and deliver me for I do not forget thy law. Maintain thou my cause and defend me quychen me according unto thy word. Health is far from the ungodly, for they regard not thy statutes. Great is thy mercy, O Lord, quicken me as thou art wont. Many there are that trouble me, and persecute me, yet do not I serve from thy testimonies. It grieveth me, when I see, that the transgressors keep not thy law. consider, O Lord, how I love thy commandments, O quicken me with thy loving kindness. Thy word is true from everlasting, all the judgements of thy righteousness endure for evermore. SIN. The princes persecute me without cause, but my heart standeth in awe of thy words. I am as glad of thy word, as one that findeth great spoils. As for lies. I hate and abhor them, but thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I praise thee, because of thy righteous judgements. Great is the peax that they have which love thy law, and they are not offended at it. Lord, I look for thy saving health, and do after thy commandments. My soul keepeth thy testimonies, and loveth them exceedingly. I keep thy commandments and testimonies, for all my ways are before the. THAV. Let my complaint come before the. O Lord, give me understanding, according unto thy word. O let my supplication come before thee, deliver me according to thy promise. My lips shall speak of thy praise, seeing thou hast taught me thy statutes. Yea my tongue shall sing of thy word, for all thy commandments are right. Let thine hand help me, for I have choose thy commandments. I long for thy saving health, O Lord, and in thy law is my delight. O let my soul live and praise thee, that thy judgements may help me. I go astray, like a sheep that is lost: O seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments. PSAL. CXVIII. After the Hebrews cxx ¶ The song of the steers. WHen I am in trouble, I call upon the Lord, and he answereth me. joan ii a deliver my soul. O Lord, from dying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What reward shall be given or done unto thee, thou false tongue. Even mighty & sharp arrows, with hot burning coals. Woe is me that my banishment endureth so long: I devil in the tabernacles of the sorrowful. My soul hath long dwelled among them that be enemies unto peax. I laboured for peax, but when I spoke thereof, they made them to battle. PSAL. CXIX. After the Hebrews cxxi ¶ The song of the steers. I life up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help cometh even from the Lord which hath made heaven and earth. two. Paral .xx c He will not suffer thy foot to be moved, & he that keepeth thee, sleepeth not. Behold, he that keepeth Israel, Isaiah u g doth neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord himself is thy keeper, the Lord is thy defence upon thy right-hand. So that the Sun shall not burn the by day, neither the moan by night. The Lord preserveth the from all evil, yea it is the Lord that keepeth thy soul. The Lord preserveth thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth for ever more. After the Hebrews cxxii PSAL. CXX. ¶ The song of the steers. I Was glad, when they said unto me: we will go in to the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O jerusalem. jerusalem is builded as a city, that is at unity in itself. For there the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord: to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there is the seat of judgement, even the feat of the house of David. O pray for the peax of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love the. Peax be within thy walls, and plenteousness with in thy palaces. For my brethren and companions sakes, I will wish the prosperity. Yea because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do the good. After the Hebrews cxxiii PSAL. CXXI. ¶ The song of the steers. Unto the life I up mine eyes, thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, even as the eyes of servants look unto the hands of their masters: and as the eyes of a maiden unto the han●s of her mistress, even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we are utterly despised. Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy, and with the despitefulness of the proud. After the Hebrews cxxiii PSAL. CXXII. ¶ The song of the steers. IF the Lord had not been of our side (now may Israel say) If the Lord had not been of our side, when men rose up against us. They had swallowed us up quick, when they were so wrathfully displeased at us. Yea the waters had drowned us, the stream had go over our soul. The deep waters of the proud had go even unto our soul. But praised be the Lord, which hath not given us over for a pray unto these teeth. Our soul is escaped, even as a bird out of the snare of the souler: the snare is broken & we are delivered. Our help standeth in the name of the Lord which hath made heaven and earth. After the Hebrews cxxv. PSAL. CXXII ¶ The song of the steers. THey that put their trust in the Lord, are even as the mount Zion, which may not be removed, but standeth fast for ever. The hills stand about jerusalem, even so standeth the Lord round about his people, from this time forth for evermore. That the rod of the ungodly come not into the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put their hand unto wickedness. Do well, O Lord, unto those that be good and true of heart. As for such as turn back unto their own wickedness, the Lord shall lead them forth with the evil doers: but peax be upon Israel. PSAL. CXXIIII. A● 〈◊〉 ●brues 〈◊〉 ¶ The song of the steers. WHen the Lord turneth again the captivity of Zion, then shall we be like unto them that dream. Then shall out mouth be filled with laughter, and our tongue with joy. Then shall it be said among the heathen: the Lord hath done great things for them. Yea the Lord hath done great things for us already, whereof we rejoice. Turn our captivity, O Lord, as the rivers in the south. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He that now goeth in his way weeping & beareth forth good seed, shall come agaynt with joy, and bring his sheaves with him. PSAL. CXXV. A● 〈◊〉 ●b● 〈◊〉 ¶ The song of the steers. EXcept the Lord build the house, their labour is but tossed that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watch●m●n waketh but in vain. It is but lost labour that you rise up early, and t●ke no re●●, but care the bread of carefulness: ●or look to whom it pleaseth him, he giveth it in sleep. Lo, children and the fruit of the womb and an heritage and gift, that cometh of the Lord. Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant, even so are the young children. Happy is the man, that hath his quiver full of them: he shall not be ashamed, when he speaketh with his enemies in the gate. PSAL. CXXVI. A● 〈◊〉 ●br● 〈◊〉 ¶ The song of the steers. BLessed are all they that fear the Lord, and walk in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labours of thine own hands: O well is thee, happy art thou. Thy wife shallbe as the fruitful vine upon the walls of thy house. Thy children like the olive branches round about thy table. Lo, thus shall the man be blessed, that fears the Lord. The Lord shall so bless the out of Zion, that thou shalt see jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long. Yea that thou shalt see thy childers children and peax upon Israel. 〈…〉 PSAL. CXXVII. ¶ The song of the steers. MAny a time have they fought against me from my youth up (may Israel now say.) Yea, many a time have they fought against me from my youth up, but they have not over come me. The plowers ploughed upon my back, and made long forowes. But the righteous Lord hath hewn the yoke of the ungodly in pieces. Let them be confounded and turned backward, as many as have evil will at Zion. Let them be even as the hay upon the house tops, which withereth afore it be plucked up. Whereof the mower filleth not his hand, neither he that bindeth up the sheaves, his bosom. So that they which go by, say not so much as the Lord prosper you, we wish you good luck in the name of the Lord. 〈…〉 PSAL. CXXVIII. ¶ The song of the steers. Out of the deep call I unto thee, O Lord Lord hear my voice. O let thine ears consider well the voice of my complaint. If thou Lord wi●t be extreme to mark what is done a miss, O Lord who may abide it? But there is mercy with thee, that thou mayst be feared. I look for the Lord, my soul doth wait fo● him, and in his word is my trust. My soul doth patiently abide the Lord, from the one morning to the other. Let Israel tru●● in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy and plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his sins. PSAL. CXXIX. After the Hebrews cxxxi ¶ The song of the steers. Lord, I am not high minded, I have no proud looks. I do not exercise myself in great matters, which are to high for me. But I refrain my soul and keep it low like as a child that is weaned from his mother: yea my soul is even as a weeved child. Let Israel trust in the Lord, from this time forth for evermore. PSAL. CXXX. After the Hebrews cxxxii ¶ The song of the steers. Lord, remember David and all his trouble. How he sworn unto the Lord, & vowed a vow unto the almighty one of jacob I will not come within the tabernacle of my house, nor climb up in my bed. two. Reg. i I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye lyddes to slumber. Until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty one of jacob. Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go in to his tabernacle, and fall down before his footstool. Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place, thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints rejoice. For thy servant David's sake turn not away the presence of thine anointed. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and he shall not shrink from it: Of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will keep my covenant, & my testimony that I shall learn them: Luc i e Act ii e their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore. For the Lord hath choose Zion, to be an habitation for himself hath be choose her. This shallbe my rest, here will I devil, for I have a delight therein. I will bless her vytayles with increase, & will satisfy her poor with bread. I will deck her priests with health, and her saints shall rejoice and be glad. There shall I make the horn of David to flourish, Luc i g Malach iii a. Psalm xviii I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed. As for his enemies, I shall cloth them with shame, but upon himself shall his crown flourish. Luc ix b PSAL. CXXXI. After the Hebrews cxxxiii ¶ The song of the steers of David. Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren to devil together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down unto the beard: even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the kyrtes of his clothing. Like the dew of Hermon, which fallen upon the hill of Zion. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life for evermore. After the hebrews cxxxi ii PSAL. CXXXII. ¶ The song of the steers. Behold, O praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, yea that by night stand in the house of the Lord. O life up your hands in the Sanctuary, & praise the Lord. The Lord that made heaven & earth bless the out of Zion. After the Hebrews cxxxu PSAL. CXXXIII. ¶ Praise the everlasting. O Praise the name of the Lord, praise it O you servants of the Lord. Psalm cxiii a and cxxxiiii a You that stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of our God. O praise the Lord, for the Lord is gracious: O sing praises unto his name, for it is lovely. For why the Lord hath choose jacob unto himself, and Israel for his own possession. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. What so ever the Lord pleaseth that doth he in heaven and in earth, in the see, and in all deep places. He bringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world, jerem x c he turneth the lighteninges unto rain, bringing the winds out of their treasuries. Exo xii d Ex vii v●i ix and ten ●●alm l●xviii c & cl c Which smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast. He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O thou land of egypt, upon Pharaoh and all his servants. Which smote diverse nations, and slew mighty kings. Nu. xxi e. &. g Deuter iii a Sehon king of the Amori●es, Og the king of Basan, and all the kyngedomes of Canaan. And gave their land for an heritage, for an heritage unto Israel his people. Io●ue xii c Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever, so doth thy memorial, O Lord, from one generation to an other. For the Lord will avenge his people, and be gracious unto his servants. As for the images of the heathen, they are but silver and gold, Psalm Sape●● B●●● the work of men's hands. They have mouths, and speak not: eyes have they, but they see not. They have ears, and yet they hear not, neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them, are like unto them and so are all they that put their trust in them. Praise the Lord you house of Israel, praise the Lord you house of Aaron. Praise the Lord you house of Levi, you that fear the Lord, praise the Lord. Praised be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at jerusalem. Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXXXIIII. After 〈◊〉 ●brues 〈◊〉 O give thanks unto the Lord, for be is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. Iud● Psa● 〈◊〉 O give thanks unto the God of all gods. for his mercy endureth for ever. O thank the Lord of all Lords, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which only doth great wonders, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which by his wisdom made the heavens for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈…〉 Which laid out the earth above the waters for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈…〉 Which hath made great lights, for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈…〉 The sun to rule the day, for his mercy endureth for ever. The moon and the stars to govern the night, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which smote Egypt with their first born, 〈…〉 for his mercy endureth for ever. And brought out Israel from among them for his mercy endureth for ever. With a mighty hand and stretched out arm, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which divided the read see into parts, for his mercy endureth for ever. And made Israel to go thorough the midst of it, for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈…〉 But as for Pharaoh and his host, he overthrew them in the read see, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which led his people thorough the wilderness, for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈◊〉 an● 〈…〉 Which smote great kings, for his mercy endureth for ever. Yea, and slew mighty kings, for his mercy endureth for ever. Sehon king of the Amorites, 〈◊〉 a●● 〈…〉 for his mercy endureth for ever. And Oath king of Basan, for his mercy endureth for ever. And gave away their land for an heritage, I● for his mercy endureth for ever. Even for an heritage unto Israel his servant, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which remembreth us, when we are in trouble, for his mercy endureth for ever. Which giveth food unto all flesh, for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈…〉. d O give thanks unto the God of heaven, for his mercy endureth for ever. 〈◊〉 the He● 〈…〉 PSAL. CXXXV. BY the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. As for our haps, we hanged them up upon the trees, that are therein. Then they that led us away captive, required of us a song and melody in our heaviness: sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the lords song in a strange land? If I forget thee, O jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth: yea if I prefer not jerusalem in my mirth. Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of jerusalem, how they said: down with it, down with it: even to the ground. O daughter of Babylon, thou shalt come to misery thyself: yea, happy shall he be, the rewardeth the as thou hast served us. Blessed shall he be, that taketh thy children and throweth them against the stones. 〈◊〉 xiii c 〈…〉 PSAL. CXXXVI. ¶ Of David. I Will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my hole heart, even before the Gods, will I sing praises unto the. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name, because of thy loving kindness and truth, for thou hast magnyfyed thy word, according unto thy great name. When I call upon thee, thou hearest me, & endewest my soul with moche strength. All the kings of the earth shall praise the O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Yea they shall sing in the ways of the Lord that great is the glory of the Lord. For though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: as for the proud, he beholdeth him a far of. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh me: then shalt stretch forth thine hand upon the seriousness of mine enemies, & thy right-hand shall save me. The Lord shall make good for me, yea thy mercy. O Lord, endureth for ever: despise i● then the work of thine own hands. PSAL. CXXXVII. 〈…〉 ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. O Lord, thou searchest me out, and knowest me. Thou knowest my down sitting & mine uprising, thou understandest my thoughts a far of. Thou art about my path and about my bed and spyest out all my ways. For lo, there is not a word in my tongue, but thou, O Lord knowest it altogether. Thou hast fashioned me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is to wonderful & excellent for me, I can not attain unto it. Amo ix a Whither shall I go then from thy spirit? or, whither shall I go then from thy presence? If I clym up into heaven, thou art there: if I go down to hell, thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning, and remain in the uttermost part of the see: Even there also shall thy hand lead me, and thy right-hand shall hold me. If I say: peradventure the darkness shall cover me, then shall my night be turned to day. Yea the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day, the darkness and light are both alike. For my reins are thine, thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks unto thee, for I am wondrously made: marvelous are thy works, & that my soul knoweth right well. My bones are not hid from thee, though I be made secretly, and fashyoned beneath in the earth. Thine eyes see mine unperfectness, they stand all written in thy book: my days were fasshioned, when as yet there was not one of them. How dear are thy counsels unto me O God? O how great is the sum of them? If I tell them, they are more in number them the sand: when I wake up, I am present with the. Wil● thou not slay the wicked (O God) that the bloodthirsty might depart from me? For they speak unright of thee, thine enemies exalt themselves presumptuously. I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee: and I may not away with those that rise up against thee? Yea I hate them right sore, therefore are they mine enemies. Try me, O God, and seek the ground of mine heart: prove me, and examen my thoughts. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. After the Hebrews clx PSAL. CXXXVIII. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. deliver me, O Lord, from the evil men, O preserve me from the wicked men. Which imagine mischief in their hearts, & steer up strife all the day long. Roma iii b Psalm xiii b They sharpen their tongues like a serpent: ahlers poison is under their lips. Selah. Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the ungodly: preserve me from the wicked men which are purposed to overthrow my goings. The proud have laid a snare for me, and spread a net abroad with cords, yea and set traps in my way. Selah. But my saying is unto the Lord: thou art my God, hear the voice of my prayer O Lord. O Lord God, thou strength of my health thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. Let not the ungodly have his desire, O Lord let him not have his purpose, lest they be to proud. Selah. Let the mischief of their own lips fall upon the head of them, that compass me about. Let hot burning coals fall upon them, let them be cast into the fire, and into the pit that they never rise up again. A man full of words shall not prosper upon the earth: a malicious and wicked person shallbe hunted away, and destroyed. Sure I am, that the Lord will avenge the poor, and maintain the cause of the helpless. The righteous also shall give thanks unto thy name, and the just shall continued in thy sight. After the Hebrews cxli PSAL. CXXXIX. ¶ A Psalm of David. Lord, I call upon thee: hast the unto me and consider my voice, when I cry unto the. Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lyftinge up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth yea a watch at the door of my lips. O let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing, to be minded as the ungodly or wicked men, lest I eat of such things as please them. Let the righteous rather smite me friendly and reprove me: so will I take it, as though he had powered oil upon my head: it shall not hurt my head, yea I will pray yet for their wickedness. Their judges stumble at the stone, yet hear they my words, that they be joyful. Our bones lie scattered before the pit, like as when one graveth and dyggeth up the ground. But mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God: in the is my trust, O cast not out my soul. Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the traps of the wicked doers. Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together, until I be go by them. PSAL. CXL. After 〈…〉 ¶ The instruction of David, a prayer when he was in the cave. I Cry unto the Lord with my voice, yea even unto the Lord do I make my supplication. I power out my complaint before him, & show him of my trouble. When my spirit is in heaviness, for then knowest my path: in the way wherein I walk have they privily laid a snare for me. I look upon my right-hand, and see, there is no man that will know me. I have no place to i'll unto, no man careth for my soul. Therefore do I cry unto thee, O Lord, and say: thou art my hope and my portion in the land of the living. consider my complaint, for I am brought very low. O deliver me fro my persecutors, for they are to strong for me. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto thy name: which thing if thou will't grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company. PSAL. CXLI. Af●● 〈…〉 ¶ A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O Lord, consider my desire: answer me for thy truth and righteousness sake. 〈…〉 And enter not into judgement with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy persecuteth my soul, he smiteth my life down to the ground, he layeth me in the darkness, as the deed men of the world. Therefore is my spirit vexed within me, and my heart within me is desolate. Yet do I remember the times past, I must upon all thy works, yea I exercise myself in the works of thy hands. I stretch forth mine hands unto thee, my soul crieth unto the out of the thirsty land. Selah. Hear me, O Lord, and that soon, for my spirit waxeth faint: bide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the grave. O let me hear thy loving kindness by times in the morning, for in that is my trust: show thou me the way that I should walk in, for I life up my soul unto the. Deliver me, oh Lord fro mine enemies, for I resort unto the. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee, for thou art my God: let thy loving spirit lead me forth unto the land of righteousness. Quicken me, oh Lord for thy name's sake, & for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy goodness scatter mine enemies abroad, & destroy all them that vex my soul, for I am thy servant. PSAL. CXLII. 〈…〉 ¶ Of David. BLessed be the Lord my refuge: which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. My hope and my castle, my defence and my deliverer, my shield in whom I trust: which governeth the people that is under me. * 〈…〉 Lord what is man, that thou hast such respect unto him? or the son of man, that thou so regardest him? Man is like a thing of nought, his time passeth away like a shadow. Bow thy heavens, oh Lord, & come down touch the mountains, that they may smoke with all. Send forth the lightening and scatter them: shout out thy arrows and consume them. Send down thine hand from above, deliver me and take me out of the great waters: from the hand of strange children. Whose mouth talketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood. That I may sing a new song unto thee, oh God, and sing praises unto thee, upon a ten strynged lute. Thou that givest victory unto kings, and hast delivered David thy servant from the peril of the sword. Save me and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth talketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood. That our sons may grow up as the young plants: and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple. That our garners may be full and plenteous with all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands, and hundredth thousands in our villages. That our oxen may be strong to labour, that there may be no mischance, no decay, & no complaining in our streets. Happy are the people that be in such a case: yea blessed are the people which have the Lord for their God. PSAL. CXLIII. After the Hebrews cxlu ¶ A praise of David. I Will magnify thee, oh God my king, I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I give thanks unto thee: and praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and marvelous worthy to be praised, there is no end of his greatness. One generation shall praise thy works unto an other, and declare thy power. As for me I will be talking of thy worship, thy glory, thy praise, and wondrous works. So that men shall speak of the might of thy marvelous acts: and tell of thy greatness. The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be showed, and men shall sing of thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, long suffering, and of great goodness. The Lord is loving unto every man, & his mercy is over all his works. All thy works praise thee, oh Lord, and thy saints give thanks unto the. They show the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power. That thy power, thy glory and myghtynesse, of thy kingdom, might be known unto men. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom: and thy dominion endureth thorough out all ages. The Lord upholdeth all such as should fall: and lifteth up all those that be down. The eyes of all wait upon thee: and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, & fyllest all things living with plenteousness. The Lord is righteous in all his ways: & holy in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto them that call upon him: yea all such as call upon him faithfully. He fulfilleth the desire of them that fear him: he heareth their cry, and helpeth them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him, but scattereth abroad all the ungodly. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh give thanks unto his holy name for ever and ever. Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXLIIII. After the Hebrews clxvi ¶ Praise the everlasting. Praise the Lord. O my soul: while I live will I praise the Lord: Psalm ciiii a yea as long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God. Psal cxviii a O put not your trust in Princes, nor in any child of man, ☞ for there is no help in them. For when the breath of man goeth forth, he shall turn again to his earth, and so all his thoughts perish. Blessed is he that hath the God of jacob for his help: Act xiiii c and Apoca xiiii b. and whose hope is in the Lord his God. Which made heaven and earth, the see, and all that therein is, which keepeth his promise for ever. Which helpeth them to right that suffer wrong, which feedeth the hungry. The Lord loseth men out of prison, the Lord giveth sight to the blind. The Lord helpeth them up that are fallen: the Lord loveth the righteous. The Lord careth for the strangers, he defendeth the fatherless and widow: as for the way of the ungodly, he turneth it up side down. The Lord thy God, oh Zion, is king for evermore, and thorough out all generations. Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXLV. ¶ Praise the everlasting. After the Hebrews cxlvii O Praise the Lord for it is a good thing to sing praises unto our God: yea, a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful. The Lord shall build up jerusalem, and gather together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the contrite in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars, & calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and great is his power: yea his wisdom is infinite. The Lord setteth up the meek, and bringeth the ungodly down to the ground. O sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving: sing praises upon the harp unto our God. Which covereth the heaven with clouds, prepareth rain for the earth: and maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains. Which giveth foddre unto the cattles, job xxxix a and feedeth the young ravens that call upon him. He hath no pleasure in the strength of an horse, neither delighteth he in any man's legs. But the lords delight is in them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy. Praise the Lord, oh jerusalem, praise thy God, oh Zion. For he maketh fast the bars of the gates, & blesseth the children within the. He maketh pear in the borders, and filleth the with the flower of wheat. He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, his word runneth swiftly. He giveth snow like will, and scattereth the door frost like ashes. He casts forth his ice like morsels: who is able to abide his frost? He sendeth out his word and melteth them: he bloweth with his wind, and the waters flow. He showeth his word unto jacob, his statutes and ordinances unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with all the heathen: neither have they knowledge of his laws. Praise the everlasting. PSAL. CXLVI. After 〈◊〉 ●br●●● 〈◊〉 ¶ Praise the everlasting. O Praise the Lord of heaven: praise him in the height. Praise him all you angels of his, praise him all his host. Praise him sun and moon: praise him all you stars and light. Praise him all you heavens, D● & you waters that be under the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded, and they were made. He hath made them fast for ever and ever: he hath given them a law which shall not be broken. Praise the Lord upon earth, you whale fishes, and all deeps. Fire and hail, snow and vapours, wind & storm, fulfilling his word. Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars. Beestes and cattles: worms and feathered fowls. Kings of the earth and all people, princes and judges of the earth. Young men and maidens, old men & children: let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name only is excellent, & his praise above heaven and earth. He exalteth the horn of his people: all his saints shall praise him, the children of Israel, even the people that serveth him. Praise the everlasting, PSAL. CXLVII. A● 〈…〉 ¶ Praise the everlasting. O Sing unto the Lord a new song: let the congregation of saints praise him. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Zion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in their dance, let them sing praises unto him with tabrettes and haps. For the Lord hath pleasure in his people: and helpeth the meek hearted. Let the saints be joyful with glory, let them rejoice in their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouth, & harp swords in their hands. To be avenged of the heathen, & to rebuke the people. To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with lynckes of iron. That they may be avenged of them, as it is written, such honour have all his saints. Praise the everlasting. 〈…〉 PSAL. CXLVIII. ¶ Praise the everlasting. O Praise the Lord in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him in his noble acts, praise him in his excellent greatness. Praise him in the sound of the Trumpet: praise him upon the Lute and Harp. Praise him in the Cymbales, and dance: praise him upon the strings and Pipe. Praise him upon the well tuned Cymbales: praise him upon the loud Cymbales. Let every thing that hath breath, praise the Lord. Praise the everlasting. ¶ The end of the Psalter. THE PROVERBES OF SALOMON. CAPI. I THe proverbs of Solomon the son of David king of Israel: ●o learn wisdom, instruction, understanding, prudence, righteousness, judgement and equity. That the very babes might have wit, & that young men might have knowledge and understanding. By hearing, the wise man shall come by more wisdom: and by experience he shall be more apt to understand a parable, and the interpretation thereof: the words of the wise, and the dark speeches of the same. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son hear thy father's doctrine, & forsake not the law of thy mother: for that shall bring grace unto thy heed, & shall be a chain about thy neck. Psalm cx d Ecclesiast i b My son, consent not unto sinners, if they entice thee, and say: come with us, let us lay wait for blood, and lurk privily for the innocent without a cause: let us swallow them up like the hell, let us devour them quick and hold, as those that go down in to the pit. So shall we find all manner of costly riches, and fill our houses with spoils. Cast in thy lot among us: we shall have all one purse. My son, walk thou not with them, refrain thy foot from their ways. For their feet run to evil, and are hasty to shed blood. Isaiah lix b But in vain is the net laid forth before the birds eyes. Yea they themselves lay wait one for an others blood: and one of them would slay an other. These are the ways of all such as be covetous: that one would ravish an others life. Wisdom. wisdom crieth without, and putteth forth her voice in the streets. She calleth before the congregation in the open gates, and showeth her words thorough the city, saying: O you children, how long will you love chyldyshnesse? How long will the scorners delight in scorning, and the unwise be enemies unto knowledge? O turn you unto my correction: lo I will express my mind unto you, and make you understand my words. E●●ye lxv c & jeremy vii e saying then that I have called, and you refused it: I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded it, but all my counsels have you despised, and set my corrections at naught. Therefore shall I also laugh in your destruction, and mock you, when the thing that you fear cometh upon you: even when the thing that you be a traybe of, falls 〈◊〉 suddenly like a storm, and your misery like a tempest: yea when trouble and heaviness cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not hear: they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. And that because they hated knowledge: and received not the fear of the Lord, but abhorred my counsel, and despised my correction. Therefore shall they eat of the fruits of their own way, and be filled with their own counsels. For the turning away of the unwise shall slay them: and the prosperity of fools shall be the●● own destruction. But who so hearkeneth unto me, shall devil sa●ely, and have enough without any fear of evil. CAPI. II MY son, if thou wilt receive my words, and keep my commandments by thee: that thine ear may hearken unto wisdom, apply thine heart then to understanding. For if thou criest after wisdom, and callest for knowledge: if thou seekest after her as after money, and dyggest for her as for treasure: then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For it is the Lord that giveth wisdom, out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He preserveth the welfare of the righteous, and defendeth them that walk innocently the keepeth them in the right path, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, judgement and equity, yea and every good path. If wisdom enter in to thine heart, and thy soul delight in knowledge: then shall counsel preserve thee, and understanding shall keep the. That thou mayst be delivered from the ●u●l way, and from the man that speaketh froward things. from such as leave the high street, and walk in the ways of darkness: which rejoice in doing evil, and delight in wicked things: whose ways are crooked, & their paths slanderous. That thou mayst he delivered also from the strange woman, 〈…〉 & from her that is not thine own: which giveth sweet words, forsaketh the husband of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house is inclined unto death, & her paths unto hell. All they that go in unto her, come not again, neither take they hold of the way of life. That thou mayst walk in the good way: and keep the paths of the righteous. For the just shall dwell in the land, and the innocentes shall remain in it: but the ungodly shall be rooted out of the land, and the wicked doers shall be taken out of it. CAPI. III O My son, forget not my law: but see that thine heart keep my commandments. For they shall prolong the days and years of thy life, and bring the peax. Let mercy and faithfulness never go from thee: bind them about thy neck, and write them in the tables of thine heart. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and men. Put thy trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways have respect unto him, and he shall order thy goings. 〈◊〉 xxii. d Be not wise in thine own conceit, but fear the Lord, and depart from evil: so shall thy navel be hole, and thy bones strong. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the fyrstlinges of all thine increase: 〈…〉 b 〈◊〉 ●●iii e so shall thy barns be filled with plenteousness, and thy presses shall flow over with sweet wine. My son despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither faint when thou art rebuked of him. 〈◊〉 ●ii. b. & 〈◊〉 iii d. For whom the Lord loveth, him he chasteneth: and yet delighteth in him even as a father in his own son. Well is him that findeth wisdom, and opteyneth understanding, 〈◊〉 xii b 〈◊〉 iii b for the getting of it, is better than any merchandise of silver, and the profyee of it is better than gold. wisdom is more worth than precious stones: and all the things that thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Upon her right hand is long life: and upon her left hand is richesse and honour. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peaceable. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and blessed are they that keep her fast. With wisdom hath the Lord laid the foundation of the earth: and thorough understanding he hath established the heavens. Thorough his wisdom, the deapthes break up: and the clouds drop down of dew. My son, let not these things departed 〈◊〉 thine eyes, but keep my law and my 〈◊〉 so shall it be life unto thy soul, and gra●● to thy mouth. Then shalt thou walk safely in thy 〈◊〉 and thy foot shall not stumble. If thou sleepest, thou shalt not be afraid but shalt take thy rest, and sleep sweetly. Thou needest not to be afraid of anya sudden fear: neither for the violent ●●sshynge in of the ungodly, when it cometh. For the Lord shall besiege thee, and keep thy foot that thou be not taken. Refuse not to do good unto him that Gold have it: so long as thine hand is able to do it. say not unto thy neighbour: go thy way, and come again, to morrow will I give thee: where as thou haste now to give him. Intend no hurt unto thy neighbour, seeing he hopeth to devil in rest by the. Strive not lightly with any man, where as he hath done the no harm. Follow not a wicked man, and chose none of his ways: for the Lord abhor●●th the forward, but his secret is among the righteous. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the ungodly: but he blesseth the dwellynges of the righteous. As for the scornful, he shall laugh them to scorn: but he shall give g●ace unto the lowly. The wise shall have honour in possession: but shame is the promotion that fools shall have. CAPI. FOUR Hear, oh you children the fatherly exhortation: and take good heed that you may learn wisdom. Yea I shall give you a good reward, if you will not forsake my law. For when I myself was my father's d●re son: and tenderly beloved of my mother, he ta● ht me also, saying: Let thine heart receive my words: keep my commandments, and thou shalt live. Get the wisdom, get the understanding forget not the words of my mouth, & shrink not from them. Forsake not her, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep the. The chief point of wisdom is, that thou be willing to obtain wisdom, and before all thy goods, to get the understanding. Make moche of her, & she shall promote there yea if thou embrace her, she shall bring the unto honour. She shall make the a gracious heed: & garnish the with & crown of glory. Hear my son, and receive my words: that the years of thy life may be many. I will show thee, the way of wisdom, and lead the in the right paths. So that if thou goest therein, there shall no straightness hinder thee: and when thou runnest, thou shalt not fall. Take fast hold of doctrine, let her not go: keep her, for she is thy life. Come not in the path of the ungodly, and walk not in the way of the wicked. Eschew it, and go not therein: departed aside, and pass over by it. For they can not sleep, except they have first done some mischief: neither take they any rest, except they have first done some harm. For they eat the breed of wickedness, and drink the wine of robbery. The path of the righteous shineth as the light, and is ever brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. But the way of the ungodly is as the darkness, wherein men fall or they be ware. My son, mark my words, and incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes: keep them even in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto all those that find them: and health unto all their bodies. reap thine here with all diligence: for thereupon hangs life. Put away from the a froward mouth: and let the lips of slander be far from the. Let thine eyes behold the thing that is eight: and let thine eye lyddes look straight before the. Pondre the path of thy feet: so shall all thy ways be sure. Turn not a side, neither to the right hand, ne to the left, but withhold thy foot from evil. CAPI. V O My son, give heed unto my wisdom, and bow thine eat unto my prudence: that thou mayst regard good counsel, and that thy lips may keep nurture. ☞ For the lips of an harlot are a dropping honey comb, Hor●dome. and her throat is softer than oil. But at the last, she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two edged sword. Her feet go down unto death, and her steps pierce thorough unto hell. She regardeth not the path of life, so unsteadfast are her ways, that thou canst not know them. Hear me therefore (oh my son) and depart not from the words of my mouth. Keep thy way far from her, and come not nigh the doors of her house. That thou give not thine honour unto an other, and thy years to the cruel. That other men be not filled with thy goods: and that thy labours come not in a strange house. Yea that thou mourn not at the last (when thou hast spent thy body and goods) and then say: Alas, why hated I nurture? why did my heart despise correction? Wherefore was not I obedient unto the voice of my teachers: and hearkened not unto them that informed me? I am come almost in to all misfortune: in the midst of the multitude and congregation. Drink of the water of thine own well: 〈…〉 and of the rivers that run out of thine own springs. Let thy wells flow out abroad, that there may be rivers of waters in the streets: but let them be only thine own, and not strangers with the. Let thy well be blessed, and be glad with the the wife of thy youth. Loving is the Hind, and friendly is the roe: let her breasts alway satisfy thee, and hold the ever content with her love. My son, why wilt thou have pleasure in an harlot, and embrace the bosom of an other woman? * Ioh 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 For every man's ways are open in the sight of the Lord, and he pondreth all their goings. The wyckednesses of the ungodly shall catch himself, and with the snares of his own sins shall he be trapped. Because he would not be reform he shall die: and for his great foolishness he shall be destroyed. CAPI. VI MY son, if thou be surety for thy neighbour, 〈…〉 thou hast fastened thine hand with an other man: yea thou art bond with their own words: & taken with thine own speech. Therefore, my son, do this: discharge thyself, for thou art come in to thy neighbours danger. Go thy way then soon, and entreat thy neighbour: let not thine eyes sleep, ne thine eye lyddes slumber. Save thyself as a Do from the hand●, and as a bird from the hand of the fouler. Go to the Pysmere (thou sluggard) consider her ways, and learn to be wise. She hath no guide, no teacher, no leader: yet in the Summer she provideth her meat, and gathereth her food together in the harvest. 〈◊〉 xxiiii d How long wilt thou sleep thou sluggysshe man? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yea sleep on still a little slumber a little, fold thine hands together yet a little, that thou mayst sleep. So shall poverty come unto thee, as one that travaileth by the way, and necessity like a weaponed man. A dissembling person, a wicked man goeth with a froward mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he tokeneth with his feet, he pointeth with his fingers, he is ever ymagening mischief and frowardness in his heart, and causeth discord. Therefore shall his destruction come hastily upon him: suddenly shall he be all to broken, and not be healed. There be six things which the Lord hateth: ☞ and the seventh he utterly abhorreth. A proud look, a dissembling tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that goeth about with wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to do mischief, a false witness that bringeth vyl●es, and such one as soweth discord among brethren. My son, keep thy father's commandments, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Put them up together in thine heart: and bind them about thy neck. That they may lead the where thou goest, preserve the when thou art a sleep, and that when thou awakest, thou mayst talk of them. For the commandment is a lantern, and the law a light: 〈◊〉 xxviii. yea chastening and nurture is the way of life, that they may keep the from the evil woman, and from the flattering tongue of the harlot: that thou lust not after her beauty in thine heart, and jest thou be taken with her fair looks. ☞ An harlot will make a man to beg his breed: but a married woman will hunt for the precious life. May a man take fire in his bosom, & his clotheses not be brent? Or can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be hurt? Even so, who so ever goeth in to his neighbours wife, and toucheth her, can not be unguilty. Men do not utterly despise a thief that stealeth to satisfy his soul, when he is hungry: but if he may be got, he restoreth again seven times as moche, or else he maketh recompense with all the good of his house. But who so committeth adultery with a woman, he is a fool, and bringeth his life to deru●st●tion. He getteth himself also shame & dishonour, such as never shall be put one. For the jealousy and wrath of the man will not be entreated: not though thou wouldest offer him great gifts to make amendss, he will not receive them. CAPI. VII. MY son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments by the. Keep my commandments, and my law even as the apple of thine eye: and thou shalt live. Bind them upon thy fingers: and write them in the table of thine heart. say unto wisdom, thou art my sister, and call understanding thy kinswoman: Pro ii b u ●. that she may keep the from the strange woman, and from the harlot which giveth sweet words. For out of the window of my house I looked thorough the trealesse, and beheld the simple people: and among other young folks, I spied one young fool going over the streets: by the corner in the way toward the harlots house in the twilight of the evening, when it began now to be night and dark. And behold, Gene. xix v The harlot. there met him a woman in an harlot's apparel (a deceitful woman, wanton & an unsteadfast woman, whose feet could not abide in the house: now is she without, now in the streets, and lurketh in every corner) she caught the young man, kissed him, and was not ashamed, saying: I had a vow to pay, & this day I perform it. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, that I might seek thy face: and so I have found the. I have decked my bed with coverings and clotheses of Egypt. My bed have I made to smell of Myrrh, Aloes, and Cinnamon. Come let us lie together, and take our pleasure till it be day light. For the goodman is not at home: he is go far of. He hath taken the bag of money with him: who can tell when he cometh home? Thus with many sweet words she overcame him: and with her flattering lips she won him. Immediately be followed her, as it were an ox led to the slaughter (and like as it were to the stocks where fools are punished) so long till she had wounded his liver with her dart: like as if a bird nested to the snare, not knowing that the peril of his life lieth thereupon. Hear me now therefore, oh my son, & mark the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart wan●● in her ways & be not thou discryu●● in ●er paths. For many one hath she wounded and cast down: yea many a strong man hath she slain. Her houses is the way unto hell, where men go down in to the chambers of death. CAPI. VIII. Doth not wisdom cry? doth not understanding pu● forth her voice? Stands she not in the high places in the streets and ways? doth she not cry before the whole city, and in the gates where men go out and in? It is you, oh you men (saith she) whom I call. Unto you (oh you children of men) lift I up my voice. Take heed unto knowledge, oh you ignorant: be wise in heart, oh you fools. give ear, for I will speak of great matters, and open my lips to tell things that be right. For my throat shall be talking of the truth, and my lips abhor ungodliness. All the words of my mouth are righteous: there is no frowardness nor falsehood therein. They are all plain to such as will understand: and right to them that find knowledge. receive my doctrine therefore, and not silver: and my knowledge, more than fine gold. For wisdom is more worth than precious stones: yea all the things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto it. I wisdom have my dwelling with knowledge: and prudent counsel is mine own. With me is the fear of the Lord, and the eschewing of evil. As for pride, disdain, and evil way, and a mouth that speaketh wicked things, I utterly abhor them. I can give counsel and be a guide: I have understanding, I have strength. Thorough me, kings reign: thorough me, princes make just laws. Thorough me, lords hear rule: and all judges of the earth execute judgement. I am loving unto those that love me: and they that seek me early, shall find me. richesse and honour are with me: yea excellent goods and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold and precious stone: & mine increase more worth than fine silver. I walk in the way of righteousness: and in the street of judgement. That I may find prosperity to those that love me: and to increase their treasure. Sapien ix v The Lord himself had me in possession in the beginning of his ways, or ever he began his works afore tyme. I have been ordained from everlasting: and from the beginning or ever the earth was made. When I was born, there were neither depths nor springs of water. Before the foundations of the mountains were laid, yea before all hills was I born. The earth, and all that is upon the earth was not yet made: no not the ground itself. For when he made the heavens, I was present, when he set up the depths in order: when he hanged the clouds above, when he fastened the springs of the deep. When he shut the see within certain bounds, that the waters should not go over their marks. When he laid the foundations of the earth, I was with him, ordering all things: delighting daily, and rejoicing alway before him. As for the round compass of his world. I make it joyful: for my delight is to be among the children of men. Therefore hearken unto me, oh you children, for blessed are they that keep my ways. O give ear unto nurture, be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates: and giving attendance at the posts of my doors. For who so findeth me, findeth life: and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But who so offendeth against me hurteth his own soul. All they that hate me, are the lovers of death. CAPI. IX. wisdom hath builded herself an house, and hewn out seven pyllers: she hath killed her victuals, poured out her wine and prepared her table. She hath sent forth her maidens to cry upon the highest place of the city: who so is ignorant, let him come hither. And to the unwise she said: O come on your way, eat my breed, & drink my wine which I have poured out for you. Forsake ignorance, and you shall live: and see that you go in the way of understanding. Who so reproveth a scornful person, getteth himself dishonour: and he that rebuketh the ungodly, staineth himself. Reprove not a scorner, least he own the evil will: but rebuke a wise man, and he will love the. Give a discrete man but an occasion, and he will be the wiser: teach a righteous man and he will increase. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of holy things is understanding. For thorough me thy days shall be prolonged: and the years of thy life shall be many. 〈◊〉 xx. d 〈◊〉 i b If thou be wise, thy wisdom shall do thyself good: but if thou thinkest scorn thereof, it shall be thine own harm. A foolish restless woman, full of words, and such one as hath no knowledge, sitteth in the doors of her house upon a stool, above in the city to call such as go by, & walk straight in their ways. Who so is ignorant (saith she) let him come hither, and to the unwise she says: stolen waters are sweet, and the breed that is privily eaten, hath a good taste. But they consider not that death is there, and that her gests go down to hell. CAPI. X. ¶ The parables of Solomon. A wise son, maketh a glad father: but an undiscrete son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures that are wickedly got, profit nothing, but righteousness, delivereth from death. The Lord will not let the soul of the righteous suffer hunger: but he putteth the ungodly from his desire. An idle hand maketh poor: but a quick labouring hand maketh rich. Who so gathereth in summer, is wise: but he that is sluggish in harvest bringeth himself to confusion. Loving and favourable is the face of the righteous, but the forehead of the ungodly is past shame and presumptuous. The memorial of the just, shall have a good report, but the name of the ungodly shall stink. A wise man will receive warning: but a fool will sooner be smitten in the face. He that leadeth an innocent life, walketh surely: but who so goeth a wrong way, shall be known. He that wincketh with his eye, will do some harm: but he that hath a foolish mouth, shall be beaten. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but the mouth of the ungodly is past shame, and presumptuous. Evil will steereth up strife, but love covereth the multitude of sins. 〈◊〉 four b 〈◊〉 xiii. b In the lips of him that hath understanding a man shall find wisdom: but the round belongeth to the back of the foolish. wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish, is nigh destruction. The rich man's goods, are his strong hold: but poverty oppresseth the poor. The righteous laboureth to do good: but the ungodly useth his increase unto sin. To take heed unto the chastening of nurture, is the way of life: but he that refuseth to be reform goeth wrong. Dyssembling lips keep hatred secretly: and he that speaketh any slander, is a fool. Where moche babbling is, there must needs be offence: he that refraineth his lips, is wisest of all. An innocent tongue is a noble treasure: but the heart of the ungodly is nothing worth. The lips of the righteous feed a hole multitude: but fools shall die in their own folly. The blessing of the Lord maketh rich men: as for careful travail, ☜ it doth nothing thereto. A fool doth wickedly, and maketh but a sport of it: nevertheless it is wisdom for a man to beware of such. The thing that the ungodly are afraid of shall come upon them: but the righteous shall have their desire. The ungodly is like a tempest that passeth over, and is no more seen: but the righteous remaineth sure for ever. As vinegar is to the teeth, and as smoke is unto the eyes: even so is a sluggish person to them that send him forth. The fear of the Lord maketh a long life: but the years of the ungodly shall be shortened. The patient abiding of the righteous shall be turned to gladness: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish. The way of the Lord giveth a courage unto the godly: but it is a fear for wicked doers. The righteous shall never be overthrown: but the ungodly shall not remain in the land. The mouth of the just will be talking of wisdom: but the tongue of the froward shall perish. The lips of the righteous are occupied in acceptable things: but the mouth of the ungodly taketh them to the worst. CAPI. XI. A False balance is an abomination unto the Lord: but a true weight pleaseth him. Where pride is, there is shame also, and confusion: but where as lowliness is, there is wisdom. The innocent dealing of the just shall lead them: but the unfaithfulness of the despisers shall be their own destruction. Prouer. ten a Ecclesi v c richesse help not in the day of vengeance: but righteousness delivereth from death. The righteousness of the innocent ordereth his way: but the ungodly shall fall in his own wickedness. The righteousness of the just, shall deliver them: but the despisers shall be taken in their own ungodliness. Sapien u b When an ungodly man dieth, his hope is go: the confidence of richesse shall perish. The righteous shall be delivered out of trouble: and the ungodly shall come in his stead. Thorough the mouth of the dissembler is his neighbour destroyed: but thorough knowledge, shall the just be delivered. When it goeth well with the righteous. the city is merry: and when the ungodly perish, there is gladness. When the just are in wealth, the city prospereth: but when the ungodly have the rule it decayeth. A fool bringeth up a slander of his neighbour: but a wise man will keep it secret. A dissembling person will discover privy things: but he that is of a faithful heart, will keep counsel. Where no good counsel is, there the people decay: but where as many are that can give counsel, there is wealth. He that is surety for a stranger: hurteth himself: but he that meddleth not with suretyshyp is sure. A gracious woman maintaineth honesty: as for the mighty, they maintain richesse. He that hath a gentle liberal stomach: is merciful: but who so hurteth his neighbour is a tyrant. The labour of the ungodly prospereth not: but he that soweth righteousness, shall receive a sure reward. Like as righteousness bringeth life: even so to cleave unto evil bringeth death. The Lord abhorreth a feigned heart: but he hath pleasure in them that are undefiled. It shall not help the wicked, though they lay all their hands together: but the seed of the righteous shall be preserved. A fair woman without discrete manners: is like a ring of gold in a swines snout. The just labour for peax and tranquillity: but the ungodly for disquietness. Some man giveth out his goods, and is the richer: but the niggard (having enough) will depart from nothing, and yet is ever in poverty. He that is liberal in giving, shall have plenty: and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself. Who so hoordeth up his corn, shall be cursed among the people: but blessing shall light upon his heed that selleth it. ●e that laboureth for honesty, findeth his ●●●tre: but who so seeketh after mischief, it shall happen unto him. He that trusteth in his richesse, shall have ●●ell: but the righteous, shall flourish as the green leaf. Who so maketh disquietness in his own house, he shall have wind for his heritage: and the fool shall be servant to the wise. The fruit of the righteous, is as the tree of life: a wise man also, winneth men's souls. i Pe●●. ●● If the righteous be recompensed upon earth: how moche more than the ungodly and the sinner? CAPI. XII. WHo so loveth wisdom, will be content to be reform: but he that hateth to be reproved, is a fool. A good man is acceptable unto the Lord: but the wicked will he condemn. i P●●● A man can not endure in ungodliness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A steadfast woman is a crown unto her husband: but she that behaveth herself unhonestly, is a corruption to his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the imagination of the ungodly, are deceitful. The talking of the ungodly is how they may say wait for blood: but the mouth of the righteous will deliver them. Or ever thou canst turn the about, the ungodly shall be overthrown: but the house of the righteous shall stand. A man shall be commended for his wisdom: but a fool shall be despised. A simple man which laboureth and worketh: Eccl. ●●● is better than one that is gorgeous and wanteth breed. A righteous man regardeth the life of his cattles: but the ungodly have cruel hearts. He that tylleth his land, shall have plenteousness of breed: Eccle. ●●● but he that followeth idleness, is a very fool. The desire of the ungodly hunteth after mischief: but the rote of the righteous bringeth forth fruit. The wicked falls in to the snare, thorough the malice of his own mouth: but the just shall escape out of peril. Every man shall enjoy good, according to the innocency of his mouth, and after the works of his hands shall he be rewarded. Look what a fool taketh in hand, be thinketh it well done, but he that is wise, will be counseled. A fool uttereth his wrath in all the haste: but a discrete man forgiveth wrong. A just man will tell the truth: and show the thing that is right: but a false witness deceiveth. A slanderous person pricketh like answered: but a wise man's tongue is wholesome. A true mouth is ever constant: but a dissembling tongue is soon changed. They that imagine evil in their mind, will deceive: but the counsellors of peax shall have joy following them. There shall no misfortune happen unto the just: but the ungodly shall be filled with misery. The Lord abhorreth deceitful lips: but they that labour for truth, please him. He that hath understanding, can hide his wisdom: but an undiscrete heart telleth out his foolishness. A diligent hand shall bear rule: but the idle shall be under tribute. heaviness discourageth the heart of man: but a good word maketh it glad again. The righteous is liberal unto his neighbour: but the way of the ungodly will deceive themselves. A deceitful man shall find no vantage: but he that is content with that he hath, is more worth than gold. In the way of righteousness there is life: as for any other way, it is the path unto death. CAPI. XIII. A wise son will receive his father's warning, but he that is scornful, will not bear when he is reproved. A good man shall enjoy the fruit of his mouth: but he that hath a froward mind shall be spoiled. He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life: but who so speaketh unadvised, finds h●me. The sluggard would fain have, and can not get his desire: but the soul of the diligent shall have plenty. A righteous man abhorreth lies: but the ungodly shameth both other and himself. righteousness keepeth the innocent in the way: but ungodliness shall overthrow the sinner. Some men are rich, though they have nothing: again, some men are poor, having great richesse. With goods every man delivereth his life: and the poor will not be reproved. The light of the righteous maketh joyful: but the candle of the ungodly shall be put out. Among the proud there is ever strife: but among those that do all things with advisement, there is wisdom. Hastily got goods are soon spent: but they that be gathered together with the hand shall increase. Long tarrying for a thing that is differred, grieveth the next: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Who so despiseth the word, destroyeth himself: but he that fears the commandment shall have peax. The law is a well of life unto the wise: that it may keep him from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but hard is the way of the despisers. A wise man doth all things with discretion: but a fool will declare his folly. An ungodly messenger bringeth mischief: but a faithful ambassador is wholesome. He that thinketh scorn to be reformed, cometh to poverty and shame: but who so receiveth correction, shall come to honour. When a desire is brought to pass, it delighteth the soul: but fools abhor him that eschueth evil. He that goeth in the company of wise men, shall be wise: but who so is a companion of of fools, shall be hurt. Mischief followeth upon sinners, but the righteous shall have a good reward. Which their childers children shall have in possession: For the richesse of the sinner is laid up for the just. There is plenteousness of food in the fields of the poor: and shall be increased out of measure. He that spareth the rod, hateth his son: but who so loveth him, holdeth him ever in nonetoure. The righteous eateth, and is satisfied: but the belie of the ungodly hath never enough. CAPI. XIIII. A wise woman upholdeth her house, but a foolish wife plucketh it down. job xii a. Who so fears the Lord, walketh in the right path: and regardeth not him that abhorreth the ways of the Lord. In the mouth of the foolish is the hosting of Lordship: but the lips of the wise, will beware of such. Where no oxen are, there the cryb is empty: but where the oxen labour, there is moche fruit. A faithful witness will not dissemble, but a false record will make a lie. A scornful body seeketh wisdom and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy to come by, unto him that will understand. So that thou meddle not with a fool: and do as though thou hadst no knowledge. The wisdom of him that hath understanding, is, to take heed unto his way, but the foolishness of the unwise deceiveth. Foles make but a sport of sin, but there is favourable love among the righteous. The heart of him that hath understanding will neither despair for any sorrow, he be to presumptuous for any sudden joy. The houses of the ungodly shall be overthrown: but the tabernacles of the righteous shall flourish. There is a way, which some men think to ●e right, but the end thereof leadeth unto de●●he. The heart is sorrowful, even in laughter, & the end of mirth is heaviness. An unfaithful person shall be filled with his own ways, but a good man will beware of such. An ignorant body believeth all things: but who so hath understanding, looketh well to his goings. A wise man fears, and departeth from evil: but a fool goeth on presumptuously. An unpatient man dealeth foolishly: but he that is well advised, doth other wa●es. The ignorant have foolishness in possession, but the wise are crowned with knowledge. The evil shall bow themselves before the good, and the ungodly shall wait at the doors of the righteous. The poor is hated even of his own neighbours: but the rich hath many friends. Who so despiseth his neighbour, doth a miss: but blessed is he that hath pity of the poor. They that imagine wickedness, shall be disappointed: but they that muse upon good things, unto such shall happen mercy and faithfulness. Diligent labour bringeth richesse, and where many vain words are, truly there is scarcenesss. richesse is an ornament unto the wise: but the ignorance of fools is very foolishness. A faithful witness delivereth souls, but a liar discryveth them. The fear of the Lord is a strong hold, for unto his he will be a sure defence. The feat of the Lord is a well of life, to avoid the snares of death. The increase and prosperity of the commons, is the kings honour: but the decay of the people, is the confusion of the Prince. patience is a token of wisdom: but wr●●he and hasty displeasure is a token of folysnesse. A ●●y heart is the life of the body: but rancover ●●sumeth away the ●ones. He t●at doth a poor man wrong, blasphemeth 〈◊〉 maker: but who so hath pity of the poor doth honour unto God. The ungodly is a●rayde of every peril: but the righteous hath a good hope even in dea●●e. wisdom rests in the heart of him that ●a●● understanding, and he will teach them that a●● 〈◊〉. R●ghtousnesse setteth up the people: 〈…〉 ●●ch●●o●nesse bringeth solke to destruction. A discrete servant is a pleasure unto the king: but one that is not honest, provoketh him unto wrath. CAPI. XU. A Soft answer putteth down displeasure: but froward words provoke unto anger. A wise tongue commends knowledge: a foolish mouth blabbeth out nothing but foolishness. The eyes of the Lord look on every place, both upon the good and bad. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but he that abuseth it, hath a broken mind. A fool despiseth his father's correction: but he that taketh heed when he is reproved, shall have the more understanding. In the house of the righteous are great richesses, but in the increase of the ungodly there is misorder. A wise mouth poureth out knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doth not so. The Lord abhorreth the sacrifice of the ungodly: but the prayer of the righteous is acceptaple unto him. The way of the ungodly is an abomination unto the Lord: 〈…〉 but who so followeth righteousness, him he loveth. He that forsaketh the right street, shall before punished: and who so hateth correction, falls into death. The hell with her pain is known unto the Lord: how moche more than the hearts of men? A scornful body loveth not one that rebuketh him: neither will he come among the wise. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but an unquiet mind maketh it heavy. A wise heart will seek after knowledge: but the mouth of fools meddleth with foolishness. 〈…〉 All the days of the poor are miserable: but a quiet heart is as a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, then great treasure, for they are not without sorrow. Better is a mess of pottage with love: then a fat ox wit● evil will. An angry man steereth up strife, but he that is patient, styll●s● discord. The way of the slothful is full of thorns: but the street of the righteous is well cleansed. A wise son maketh a glad father: but an undiscrete body shameth his mother. A fool rejoiceth in foolish things: but a wise man looketh well to his own goings. Unadvised thoughts shall come to naught: but where as men are that can give council, there is steadfastness. O how joyful a thing is it, a man to give a convenient answer? O how pleasant is a word spoken in due season. The way of life leadeth unto heaven, that a man should beware of hell beneath. The Lord will break down the house of the proud, but he shall make fast the borders of the widow. The Lord abhorreth the imaginations of the wicked, but pure words are pleasant unto him. The covetous man roteth up his own house, but who so hateth rewards, shall ly●e. A righteous man museth in his mind how to do good, but the mind of the ungodly ymagineth, how he may do harm. The Lord is far from the ungodly, but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Like as the clearness of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, so doth a good name feed the bones. The ear that hearkeneth unto wholesome warning, and inclineth thereto, shall devil among the wise. He that refuseth to be reformed, despiseth his own soul: but he that submitteth himself to correction, is wise. CAPI. XVI. THe fear of the Lord is the right science of wisdom, and lowliness goeth before honour. A man may well purpose a thing in his heart, but the answer of the tongue cometh of the Lord. A man thinketh all his ways to be clean but it is the Lord that fasshioneth the minds. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and look what thou devisest, it shall prosper. The Lord doth all things for his own sake, yea and when he keepeth the ungodly for the day of wrath. The Lord abhorreth all presumptuous & proud hearts, there may neither strengthener power escape. With loving mercy and faithfulness sins be forgiven, and who so fears the Lord escheweth evil. 〈◊〉 u d When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh his very enemies to be his friends. Better it is to have a little thing with righteousness, then great rents wrongeously got. A man deviseth a way in his heart, but it is the Lord that ordereth his goings. When the prophecy is in the lips of the king, his mouth shall not go wrong in judgement. A true measure and a true balance are the Lords, he maketh all weyght●●. 〈…〉 It is a great abomination when kings are wicked, for a kings 〈◊〉 fru●●e be held up with righteousness. righteous ●ypp●s a●e pleasant ●●to ●●●ges, and they love him the speaketh the 〈◊〉 The kings displeasure is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify him. The cheerful countenance of the king is life, and his loving favour is as the evening dew. To have wisdom in possession is better than gold, & to get undersandinge, is more worth than silver. The path of the righteous eschueth evil, and who so looketh well to his ways, keepeth his own soul. presumptuousness goeth before destruction and after a proud stomach there followeth a fall. Better is it to be of humble mind with the lowly, then to divide the spoils ●●ich the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely, opteyneth good and blessed is he, that putteth his trust in the Lord. Who so hath a wise understanding, is called to council: but he that can speak fair getteth more riches. Understanding is a well of life unto him that hath it, as for the chastening of fools, it is but foolishness. The heart of the wise enfourmeth his mouth, and amendeth the doctrine in his lips. Fair words are an honey comb, a refreshing of the mind, and health of the bones. There is a way that men think to be right but the end thereof leadeth unto death. Prove. xiiil. b Deuter xii a Isaiah .lv. b A troublous soul disquieteth herself, for her own mouth hath brought her thereto. An ungodly person steereth up evil, and in his lips he is as an hot burning fire. A froward body causeth strife, and he that is a blabble of his tongue, maketh division among princes. A wicked man beguyleth his neighbour, & leadeth him the way that is not good. He that wyncketh with his eyes, ymagineth mischief: and he that biteth his lips will do some harm. Age is a crown of worship, if it be found in the way of righteousness. A patient man is better than one strong: & he that can rule himself, is more worth than he that winneth a city. The lots are cast into the lap, but their fall standeth in the Lord. CAPI. XVII. BEtter is a dry morsel with quietness, than a evil house and many s●● cattles with strife. A discrete servant shall have more rule than the sons that have no wisdom, Eccle. ten d and shall have like heritage with the brethren. Like as silver is tried in the fire and gold in the furnace, even so doth the Lord prove the hearts. A wicked body holdeth m●●●e of false lips, and a 〈…〉 perso●●● giveth care to a disceyt●●●● 〈…〉 i Pro xiiij d. Io● xxxi c. Pro 24 c. Who so laugheth the poor to scorn, blasphemeth his maker, and he that is glad of an other man's hurt, shall not be unpunished. Childers children are a worship unto the elders, and the fathers are the honour of the children. An eloquent speech becometh not a fool a dissembling mouth also beseemeth not a Prince. Liberality is a precious stone unto him that hath it, for where so ever he becometh, he prospereth. Who so covereth an other man's offence, seeketh love: but he that discloseth the fault, setteth fr●●des at variance. One r●profe only doth more good to him that hath understanding, than an hundred stryppes unto a fool. A seditious person seeketh mischief, but a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. It were better to come against a she Bear rob of ●er whelps, then against a fool in his foolishness. Roma xii d i Pet. ix b i These u d. Who so rewardeth evil for good, that plague shall not depart from his house. He that soweth discord and strife, is like one that dyggeth up a water brook: but an open enemy is like the water that breaketh out and runneth abroad. The Lord hateth as well him that justifieth the ungodly, as him that condemneth the innocent. What helpeth it to give a fool money in his hand, where as he hath no mind to buy wisdom? He is a friend that all way loveth, and in adversity a man shall know who is his brother. Who so promiseth by the hand, and is surety for an other, he is a fool. He that loveth strife, delighteth in sin: & who so setteth his door to high, seeketh after a fall. Who so hath a froward heart opteyneth no good: and he that hath an overthwart tongue, shall fall into mischief. ●n unwise body bringeth himself into sorrow, and the father of a fool can have no joy. A merry heart maketh a lusty age, but a sorrowful mind ●●yeth up the bones. Pro xii d and xv u Eccles xxx c Apoca. ●●iij. a. The ungodly taketh gifts out of the bosom, ●o wrest the ways of judgement. ●y● o●● shineth in the face of him that ha●●e understanding, but the eyes of fools w●ndr●● thorough ●ut all lands. Ecclesi ij c and vij ●. An 〈◊〉 son is a grief unto his father, and 〈◊〉 heaviness unto his mother that bore hi●. To punish the innocent, and to smite the prince's t●a● give true judgement, are both evil. jacob three a. He is wise and discrete, that tempereth his words, and he is a man of understanding, that maketh mo●●● of his sp●●te. Y●● a 〈…〉 ●hen he holdeth his tongue, is c●unte● wise, and to have understanding, ●hen he shutteth his lips. CAPI. XVIII. WHo so hath pleasure to sow discord, p●keth a quarrel in every thing. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only in those things wherein his heart rejoiceth. Where ungodliness is, there is also disdain: and so there followeth shame and dishonour. The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters, and the well of wisdom is like a full stream. It is not good to regard the person of the ungodly, or to put back the righteous in judgement. A foles' lips are ever brawling, and his mouth provoketh unto battle. A fools mouth is his own destruction, and his lips are the snare for his own soul. The words of a slanderer are very wounds, and go thorough unto the inmost parts of the body. Who so is slothful and slack in his labour, is the brother of him that is a waster. The name of the Lord is a strong castle, the righteous fleeth unto it, and shall be saved. But the rich man's goods are his strong hold, yea he taketh them for an high brickwall roundabout him. After pride cometh destruction, and honour after lowliness. He that giveth sentence in a matter before he hear it, is a fool, E●●. ●● and worthy to be confounded. A good stomach driveth away a man's disease, but when the spirit is vexed, who may abide it? A wise heart laboureth for knowledge, and a prudent ear seeketh understanding. Liberality bringeth a man to honour and worship, and setteth him among great men. The righteous accuseth himself first of all: if his neighbour come he shall find him. The lot pacifyeth the variance, & parteth the mighty asunder. The unity of brethren is stronger than a castle, and they that hold together are like the bar of a palace. A man's belly shallbe satisfied with the fruit of his own mouth, and with the increase of his lips shall ●e be filled. Death and life stand in the power of the tongue, he that loveth it, shall enjoy the fruit thereof. Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and receiveth an wholesome benefit of the Lord. The poor maketh supplication and prayeth incisely, but the rich giveth a rough answer. A friend that delighteth in love, doth a man more petition, and stycketh faster unto him then a brother. CAPI. XIX. BEtter is the poor that liveth godly, them the blasphemer that is but a fool. Where no discretion is, there the soul is not well: and who so is swift on foot, stumbleth hastily. foolishness maketh a man to go out of his way, and then is his heart unpatient against the Lord. riches make many friends, but the poor is forsaken of his own friends. A false witness shall not remain unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. The multitude hangs upon great men, and every man favoureth him that giveth rewards. As for the poor, he is hated among all his brethren: yea his own friends forsake him, and he that giveth credence unto words, getteth nothing. He that is wise, loveth his own soul: and who so hath understanding, shall prosper. A false witness shall not remain unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Delicate ease becometh not a fool, moche more unseemly is it, a bond man to have the rule of princes. A wise man putteth of displeasure, and it is his honour to let some faults pass. The kings disfavour is like the roaring of a Lion, but his petition is like the dew upon the grass. An undiscrete son is the heaviness of his father, and a brawling wife is like the top of an house, where thorough it is ever dropping. ☞ House and riches may a man have by the heritage of his elders, but a discrete woman is the gift of the Lord. Slothfulness bringeth sleep, and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Who so keepeth the commandment, keepeth his own soul: but he that regardeth not his way, shall die. He that hath pity upon the poor, dareth unto the Lord: and look what he layeth out it shallbe paid him again. Chasten thy son while there is hope, but let not thy soul be moved to slay him. For great wrath bringeth harm, therefore let him go, & so mayst thou teach him more nurture. O give ear unto good council, and be content to be reformed, that thou mayst be wise hereafter. There are many devices in a man's heart, nevertheless the council of the Lord shall stand. ☞ It is a man's worship to do good, and better it is to be a poor man, than a dissembler. The fear of the Lord preserveth the life yea it giveth plenteousness, without the visitation of any plague. A slothful body shuteth his hand into his bosom, so that he can not put it to his mouth. If thou smytest a scornful person, the ignorant shall take better heed, and if thou reprovest one that hath understanding, he will be the wiser. He that hurteth his father or shuteth out his mother, is a shameful and an unworthy son. My son, hear no more the doctrine that leadeth the away from the words of understanding. A false witness laugheth judgement to scorn, and the mouth of the ungodly eateth up wickedness. punishments are ordained for the scornful, and stripes for fools backs. CAPI. XX. Wine is a voluptuous thing, and drunkenness causeth sedition: who so delighteth therein, shall never be wise. The king aught to be feared as the roaring of a lion, who so provoketh him unto anger, offendeth against his own soul. It is a man's honour to keep himself from strife, but they that have pleasure in brawling, are fools every one. A slothful body will not go to plough for cold, therefore shall he go a begging in Summer, and have nothing. wise counsel in the heart of man is like a water in the deep of the earth, but he that hath understanding, bringeth it forth. Many there be that are called good doers, but where shall one find a true faithful man? Who so leadeth a godly and an innocent life, happy shall his children be whom he leaveth behind him. A king that sitteth in judgement, and looketh well about him, driveth away all evil. Who can say: my heart is clean, I am innocent from sin? i john i d iii Reg. viii e two. Para vi g Ecclesi vi c To use two manner of weights, or two manner of measures, both these are abominable unto the Lord. A child is known by his conversation, whether his works be pure and right. As for the hearing of the ear and the sight of the eye, the Lord hath made them both. delight not thou in sleep, lest thou come unto poverty: but open thine eyes, and thou shalt have bread enough. It is nought, It is nought (say men) when they have it, but when it is go, they give it a good word. A mouth of understanding is more worth than gold, many precious stones, and costly jewels. Take his garment that is surely for a stranger, and ●●ke 〈◊〉 pledge of him for the unknown man's sake. Every man liketh the bread that is got 〈◊〉 disobeyed but at the last his mouth shallbe filled with gravel. Thorough counsel the things that men devise, go forwa●●: and with discretion aught w●●●●s to be taken in hand. Meddle not with him that bewrayeth secrets, and is a slanderer, and deceiveth with his lips. Exodi xxi c Le●●● twenty b Math. xu a Who so curseth his father and mother, his light shall be put out in the midst of darkness. The heritage that cometh to hastily at the first, shall not be praised at the end. say not thou: I will recompense evil, but put thy trust in the Lord, and he shall defend the. Roma xii d i Petri iii b i Tessalo u d The Lord abhorreth two manner of weights, and a false balance is an evil thing. The Lord ordereth every man's goings, for what is he, ☞ that understandeth his own ways? It is a snare for a man to blaspheme that which is holy, and then to go about with vows. A royse king destroyeth the ungodly, and bringeth the wheel over them. The lantern of the Lo●de is the breathe of man, and goeth thorough all the inward parts of the body. Mercy and faithfulness preserve the king, and with loving kindness his seat is held up. ☞ The strength of young men is their worship, and a grey head, is an honour unto the aged. Wounds drive away evil, and so do stripes the inward parts of the body. CAPI. XXI. THe kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, like as are the rivers of water: he may turn it whither so ever he will. ☞ Every man thinketh his own way to be right, but the Lord judgeth the hearts. To do righteousness and judgement is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. ☞ A presumptuous look, a proud stomach, and the lantern of the ungodly is sin. The devices of one that is diligent, bring plenteousness: but he that is unadvised, cometh unto poverie. Who so hoordeth up riches with the disceytfulnes of his tongue, he is a sole, & like unto them that like these own death. The robberies of the ungodly shallbe their own destruction, for they would not do the thing that was right. Tit. c Pro c xxv d The ways of the froward are strange, but the works of him that is clean, are right. It is better to devil in a corner under the house top then with a brawling woman in a wide house. The soul of the ungodly wisheth evil, Pr●●● & hath no pity upon his neighbour. When the scornful is punished, the ignorant take the better heed: and when a wise man is warned, he will receive the more understanding. The righteous enfourmeth the house of the ungodly, but the ungodly go on still after their own wickedness. Who so stoppeth his ear at the crying of the poor, ☜ he shall cry himself and not be herd. A privy reward pacifieth displeasure, and a gift in the bosom stilleth furiousness. The just delighteth in doing the thing that is right, but the workers of wickedness abhorred the same. The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom, shall remain in the congregation of the deed. He that hath pleasure in banquets, shallbe a poor man: P●●● Who so delighteth in wine and delicates, shall not be rich. The ungodly shallbe given for the righteous, and the wicked for the just. It is better to devil in a wilderness, than with a chydinge and an angry woman. 〈…〉 In a wise man's house there is great treasure and plenteousness, but a foolish body spendeth up all. Who so followeth righteousness and mercy, findeth both life, righteousness and honour. A wise man winneth the city of the mighty, an● as for the strength that they trust in, he bringeth it down. Who so keepeth his mouth and his tongue, the same keepeth his soul from troubles. He that is proud & presumptuous, is called a scornful man, which in wrath dare work maliciously. The voluptuousness of the slothful is his own death, for his hands will not labour. He coveteth and desireth all the day long but the righteous is alway giving and keepeth nothing back. The sacrifice of the ungodly is abomination, 〈…〉 for they offer the thing that is got with wickedness. A false witness shall perish, but he the will be content to hear, shall always have power to speak himself. An ungodly man goeth forth rashly, but the just refourmeth his own way. There is no wisdom, ☜ there is no understanding, 〈…〉 there is no council against the Lord. The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but the Lord giveth the victory. CAP. XXII. A Good name is more worth than great riches, 〈◊〉 xli b Eccl●si vii a. and loving favour is better than silver and gold. Whether riches or poverty do meet us, it cometh all of God. A wise man saith the plague and hideth himself, but the foolish go on still and are punished. The end of lowliness, and the fear of God, is richesse, honour, prosperity and health. Spears and snares are in the way of the froward, but he that will keep his soul, let him flee from such. If thou teachest a child in his youth what way he should go, he shall not leave it when he is old. The rich ruleth the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He that soweth wickedness shall reap sorrow, and the rod of his plague shall destroy him. A loving eye shallbe blessed, for he giveth of his bread unto the poor. 〈◊〉 xxxi. a Cast out the scornful man, and so shall strife go out with him, yea variance & slander shall cease. Who so delighteth to be of a clean heart and of gracious lips, the king shall be his friend. The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but as for the words of the despiteful, he bringeth them to naught. The slothful body saith: there is a Lion without, I might be slain in the street. The mouth of an harlot is a deep pit, wherein he falls that the Lord is angry withal. Foolysshenesse stycketh in the heart of the lad, but the rod of correction driveth it away. Who so doth a poor man wrong to increase his own richesse, giveth (commonly) unto the rich, and at the last cometh to poverty himself. My son, bow down thine ear, and hearken unto the words of wisdom. Apply thy mind unto my doctrine: for it is a pleasant thing if thou keep it in thine heart. And practise it in thy mouth: that thou mayst alway put thy trust in the Lord. Have not I warned the very often with counsel and learning? that I might show the truth and that thou with the verity mightest answer them that lay any thing against thee? See that thou rob not the poor because he is weak, and oppress not the simple in judgement. For the Lord himself will defend their cause, and do violence unto them that have used violence. Make no friendship with an angry wilful man, and keep no company with the furious lest thou learn his ways, and receive hurt unto thy soul. Be not thou one of them that bind their hand upon promise, and are surety fo●●e●: for if thou hast nothing to pay, they shall take away thy bed from under the Thou shalt not remove the land mark, which thy fore elders have set sayst thou not, that they which be diligent in their business stand before kings, & not among the simple people? CAPI. XXIII. WHen thou sittest at the table to eat with a lord, order thyself mannerly with the things that are set before the Measure thine appetite: and if thou will't rule thine own self, be not over greedy of his meat, for meat beguyleth and deceiveth. Take not over great travail and labour to be rich, beware of such a purpose. Why will't thou set thine eye upon the thing which suddenly vanyssheth away? For riches make themselves wings, and take their flight like an Eagle into the air. Eat not thou with the envious, and desire not his meat, for he hath a marvelous heart. He saith unto thee: eat and drink, where as his heart is not with the. Yea the morsels that thou hast eaten shalt thou parbreak, and lose those sweet words. Tell nothing into the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Remove not the old land mark, & come not within the field of the fatherless: For he that delivereth them is mighty, even he shall defend their cause against the. Apply thine heart unto learning, and thine ear to the words of knowledge. Withhold not correction from the child for if thou beatest him with the rod, Prouer. xiii d Ecclesi xxx a. he shall not die thereof. Thou smytest him with the rod, but thou deliverest his soul from hell. My son, if thy heart receive wisdom, my heart also shall rejoice. Yea my reins shallbe very glad, if thy lips speak the thing that is right Let not thine heart be jealous to follow sinners, Prou. xxiiii a and c but keep the still in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For the end is not yet come and thy patient abiding shall not be in vain. My son, give ear and be wise, so shall thine heart prosper in the way. Keep no company with wine bybbers and riotous eaters of flesh: for such as be bronkardes and riotous shall come to poverty, & he that is given to moche sleep, shall go with a ragged cote. give ear unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Labour for to get the truth: cell not away wisdom, nurture and understanding (for a righteous father is marvelous glad of a wise son, and delighteth in him) so shall thy father be glad, and thy mother that bore thee, shall rejoice. My son, give me thine heart, & let thine eyes have pleasure in my ways. For an whore is a deep grave, and an harlot is a narrow pit. She lurketh like a thief, and those that be not ware she bringeth unto her. Wine. Where is woe? where is sorrow? where is strife? where is brawling? where are wounds without cause? where be read eyes? Even among those that be ever at the wine and seek out where the best is. Look not thou upon the wine, how read it is, and what a colour it giveth in the glass. It goeth down softly, but at the last it biteth like a serpent, and styngeth as an adder. So shall thine eyes look unto strange women, and thine heart shall muse upon froward things. Yea thou shalt be as though thou sleptest in the midst of the see, or upon the top of the mast. They wounded me (shalt thou say) but it hath not hurt me, they smote me, but I felt it not. When I am well wakened, I will go to the drink again. CAPI. XXIIII. BE not thou jealous over wicked men, & desire not thou to be among them. Prou. xxiii c and xxiiii c For their heart ymagineth to do hurt and their lips talk of mischief Thorough wisdom an house shallbe builded, and with understanding it shall be set up. Thorough discretion shall the chambers be filled with all castly and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, yea a man of under standing is better than he that is mighty of strength. For with discretion must wars be taken in hand, and where as are many that can give council, there is the victory. wisdom is an high thing, yea even to the fool, for he dare not open his mouth in the gate. He that ymagineth mischief, may well be called an ungracious person. The thought of the foolish is sin, and the scornful is an abomination unto men. If thou be overseen and negligent in time of need, then is thy strength but small. deliver them that go unto death, and are led away to be slain, and be not negligent therein. If thou will't say: I knew not of it, thinkest thou that ●e which made the hearts doth not consider it? and that he which regardeth thy soul, saith it not? Shall not he recompense every man according to his works? My son, thou eatest honey and the sweet honey comb, because it is good and sweet in thy mouth. Even so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul, as soon as thou haste got it. And there is good hope, yea thy hope shall not be in vain. Say no privy wait wickedly upon the house of the righteous, and disquiet not his resting place. For a just man falls seven times, and riseth up again, but the ungodly fall in to wickedness. Rejoice not thou at the fall of thine enemy, and let not thine heart be glad when he stombleth. Jest the Lord (when he saith it) be angry and turn his wrath from him unto the. Let not thy wrath and jealousy move thee, to follow the wicked and ungodly. And why? the wicked hath nothing to hope for, and the candle of the ungodly shall be put out. My son, fear thou the Lord & the king and keep no company with the slanderous: For their destruction shall come suddenly, and who knoweth the fall of them both? These are also the sayings of the wise. It is not good, to have respect of any person in judgement. He that saith to the ungodly: thou art righteous, him shall the people curse, Leuit● Deu●●. ● Eccles. 〈◊〉 yea the comenth shall abhor him. But they that rebuke the ungodly shall be commended, and a rich blessing shall come upon them. He maketh himself to be well loved, that giveth a good answer. First make up thy work that is without, & look well unto that which thou hast in the field then build thine house. Be no false witness against thy neighbour and hurt him not with thy lips. say not: I will handle him, 〈…〉 even as he hath dealt with me, and will reward eu●ry man according to his deeds. I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyards of the foolish man. And so, it was all covered with nettles, & stood full of thistles, and the stone brickwall was broken down. This I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and took it for a warning. Yea sleep on still a little, stombre a little, fold thine hands together yet a little: Prou ● so shall poverty com● unto the as one that travaileth by the way, and necessity like a weapened man. CAPI. XXV. ¶ These also are the sayings of Solomon, which the men of Ezekiah King of juda gathered together. IT is the honour of God to keep a thing secret, but the kings honour is to search out a thing. The heaven is high, the earth is deep, and the kings heart is unsearchable. Take the dross from the silver, and there shallbe a clean vessel thereof. Take away ungodliness from the king, and his seat shall be stablished with righteousness. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, 〈…〉 and press not in to the place of great men. Better is it that it be said unto thee: come up hither, than thou to be set down in the presence of the prince whom thou sayst with thine eyes. Be not hasty to go to the law, jest haply thou order thyself so at the last, that thy neighbour put the to shame. Handle thy matter with thy neighbour himself, and dyscover not another man's secret, lest when men bear thereof, it turn to thy dishonour, and jest thine evil name do not cease. A word spoken in due season, is like apples of gold in a silver dish. The correction of the wise is to an obedient ear, a golden chain and a jewel of gold. Like as the winter cool in the harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, and refressheth his masters mind. 〈…〉 Who so maketh great boasts and giveth nothing, is like clouds and wind without rain. With patience mayt a prince be pacified, and with a soft tongue may rygorounesse be broken. If thou findest honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee: jest thou be over full, & parbreak it out again. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbours house, lest he be weighed of thee, and so abhor the. Who so beareth false witness against his neighbour, he is a very spear, a sword, and a sharp arrow. The hope of the ungodly in time of need is like a rotten tooth and a slypperye foot. Who so singeth a song to a wicked heart, clotheth him with rags in the cold, and poureth vinegar upon chalk. 〈◊〉 two. d If thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink: for so shalt thou heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward the. The north wind driveth away the rain, even so doth an earliest sober c●●ntenaunce a backbyters tongue. It is better to sit in a corner under the rote, Prouer. xxi b then with a brawling woman in a wy●e house. A good report out of a far country, is like cold water to a thirty soul. A righteous man falling down before the ungodly, is like a troubled well and a spring that is destroyed. Like as it is not good to eat to much honey, even so he that will search out high things, it shall be to heavy for him. He that can not rule himself, is like a city which is broken down, and hath no walls. CAPI. XXVI. Like as snow is not meet in summer, nor rain in harvest: even so is worship unseemly for a foot. Like as the bird and the swallow take their flight and i'll here and there, so the curse that is given in vain, shall not light upon a man. Unto the horse belongeth a whip, to the Ass a bridle, and a rod to the ●ooles back. give not the fool an answer after his foolishness, lest thou become like unto him: but make the fool an answer to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He is lame of his feet, yea drunken is he in vanity, that committeth any thing to a fool. Like as it is an unseemly thing to have legs, and yet to halt, even so is a parable in the fools mouth. He that setteth a fool in high dignity, that is even as if a man did cast a precious stone upon the galous. A parable in a fools mouth is like a thorn that pricketh a drunken man in the hand. A man of experience discerneth all things well, but who so hyreth a foul, hyreth such one as will take no heed. Like as the dog turneth away to his vomit, even so a fool beginneth his foolishness again a fresh, If thou seest a man that is wise in his own concea●e, there is more hope in a fool then in him. The slothful sayeth: there is a leopard in the way, and a lion in the midst of the streets. Like as the door turneth about upon the threshold, even so doth the slothful we●●● himself in his head. ●ro●●. x●x c The slothful body thrusteth his hand 〈◊〉 ●●s bosom, and it grieveth him to put 〈◊〉 again to ●is mouth. The sloga●de chynketh himself wiser, th●n ●ij. men, that sit and teach. Who so goeth by and medieth with other m●ns stry●e, he is like one that taketh a dog by the eats. Like as one shoteth deadly arrows and ●●●rs out of a privy place, even so doth a diss●●bl●● with his neighbour. And then saith he. I bid i● but in sport. Wh●re no wood is, there the fire goeth out, and where the barbyter is taken away, there the ●●●y●e ceaseth. Eccl. xxxviij b Co●es kindle heat, and would the fire: even ●o both a brawling fellow steer up variance. A slanderers words are like flattery, but they pearl the inward parts of the body. venomous lips and a wicked heart, are like a potsheede covered with silver dross. An enemy dissembleth with his lips, and in the mean season he ymagineth mischief: but when he speaketh fair, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart. Who so keepeth evil will, secretly to do hurt, his malice shall be showed before the whole congregation. * Eccles ten b. Eccle. xxvii d Who byggeth up a pit, shall fall therein: and he that wel●reth a stone, shall stumble upon it himself. A dissembling tongue hateth one that rebuketh him, and a flattering mouth worketh mischief. CAPI. XXVII. MAke not thy boost of to morrow, for thou knowest not what may happen to day. Let an other man praise thee, and not thine own mouth, yea other folks lips, and not thine. The stone is heavy, and the sand weighty, but a fools wrath is mightier than they both. Wrath is a cruel thing, and furiousness is a very tempest: yea who is able to abide envy? An open rebuke is better than a secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a lover, but the kysses of an enemy are dysceatfull. He that is full, abhorteth an honey comb, but unto him that is hungry, job vi b every sour thing is sweet. He that oft times flytteth, is like a bird that forsaketh her nest. The here is glad of a sweet ointment and favour, but a stomach that can give good council, rejoiceth a man's neighbour. Thine own friend and thy father's friend see thou forsake not, but go not into thy brother's house in time of thy trouble. Better is a friend at hand, than a brother far of. My son, be wise, and thou shalt make me a glad heart: so that I shall make answer unto my rebukers. A wise man saying the plague, will hide himself, as for fools they go on still, and suffer harm. Pro●● Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for the unknown man's sake. He that is to haslye to praise his neighbour above measure, shall be taken as one that giveth him an evil report. A brawling woman and the roof of the house dropping in a rainy day, may well be compared together. He that refraineth her, refraineth the wind, and holdeth oil fast in his hand. Like as one iron whetteth another, so doth one man comfort another. Who so keepeth his fig tree, shall enjoy the fruits thereof: he that waiteth upon his master, shall come to honour. Like as in one water there appear dyuer●e faces, even so diverse men have diverse hearts. Like as hell and destruction are never full, even to the E●●●● eyes of men can never be satisfied. Silver is tried in the mould, and gold in the furnace, and so is a man, when he is openly praised to his face. Though thou shouldest bray a fool with a ●essell in a mortar like otemele, yet will not his foolishness go from him. See that thou know the number of thy cattles thyself, and look well to thy flocks. For riches abide not always, & the crown endureth not for ever. The hay groweth, the grass cometh up, and herbs are gathered in the mountains. The lamb●s shall cloth thee, and for the goats thou shalt have money to thy husbandry. Thou shalt have goats milk enough to feed thee, to uphold thy household, and to sustain thy maidens. CAPI. XXVIII. THe ungodly flieth no man chasing him, but the righteous standeth stiff as a ●yon. Because of sin the land doth oft change her prince: but thorough men of understanding and wisdom a realm endureth long. One poor man oppressing an other b● violence, is like a continual rain that destroyeth the fruit. They that forsake the law, praise the ungodly, but such as keep the law, abhor them. Wicked men discern not the thing that is right, but they that seek after the Lord, discuss all things A poor man leading a godly life, is better than the rich that goeth in froward ways. Who so keepeth the law, is a child of understanding: but he that feedeth riotous men, shameth his father. Who so increaseth his riches by vantage and winning, let him gather them to help the poor withal. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shall be abhorred. Who so leadeth the righteous into an evil way, shall fall in to his own pit, but the just shall have the good in possession. The rich man thinketh himself to be wise, but the poor that hath understanding, can perceive him well enough. When righteous men are in prosperity, then doth honour flourish: but when the ungodly come up, the state of men changeth. He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but who so knowledgeth them and forsaketh them, shall have mercy. Well is him that standeth always in awe: as for him that hardeneth his heart, he shall fall in to mischief. Like as a roaring lion and an hungry bear, even so is an ungodly prince over the poor people. Where the prince is without understanding, there is great oppression and wrong: but if he be such one as hateth covetousness, he shall long reign. He that by violence sheds any man's blood, shall be a runagate unto his grave, and no man shall be able to succour him. Who so leadeth a godly and an innocent life, shallbe safe: but he tha● goeth froward ways, shall once have a fall. 〈…〉 He that tylleth his land, shall have plenteousness of bread: but he that followeth idleness, shall have poverty enough. A faithful man is greatly to be commended, but he that maketh to much haste for to be rich shall not be unguilty. To have respect of personnes in judgements not good. And why? he will do wrong, ye even for a piece of bread. He that will be rich all to soon, hath an evil eye, and considereth not, that poverty shall come upon him. He that rebuketh a man, shall find more favour at the last, than he that flattereth him. Who so robbeth his father and mother, and sayeth it is no sin: the same is like unto a murderer. He that is of a proud stomach, steereth up strife, but he that putteth his trust in the Lord, shallbe well fed. He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that dealeth wisely, shallbe safe. He that giveth unto the poor, ☜ shall not want: but he that turneth away his eyes from such as be in necessity, shall suffer great poverty himself. When the ungodly are come up, men are fain to hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. CAPI. XXIX. HE that is stiffnecked and will not be reformed, shall suddenly be destroyed with out any help. Where the righteous have the overhand, the people are in prosperity: but where the ungodly beareth rule, there the people mourn. Who so loveth wisdom, maketh his father a glad man, * Prou. u ● Luke xv c but he that keepeth harlots, spendeth away that he hath. With true judgement the king setteth up the land, but if he be a man that taketh gifts, he turneth it upside down. Who so flatreth his neighbour, layeth a net for his feet. The sin of the wicked is his own snare, but the righteous shall be glad and rejoice. The righteous consydreth the cause of the poor, but the ungodly regardeth no understanding. Wicked people bring a city in decay, but wise men set it up again. If a wise man go to law with a fool (whether he deal with him friendly or roughly) he getteth no rest. The blood thirty hate the righteous, but the just seek his soul. A fool poureth out his spirit all together, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterward. If a prince delight in lies, all his servants are ungodly. The poor and the lender meet together, the Lord lyghteneth both their eyes. The seat of the king that faithfully judgeth the poor, shall continue sure for evermore. The rod and correction minister wisdom, but if a child be not looked unto, he bringeth his mother to shame. When the ungodly come up, wickedness increaseth, but the righteous shall see their fall. Nurtoure thy son with correction, and he shall comfort thee, yea he shall do the good at thine heart. Where no Prophet is, there the people perish: but well is him that keepeth the law. A servant will not be the better for words, for though he understand, yet will he not regard them. If thou sayst a man that is hasty to speak unadvised, thou mayst trust a fool more than him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall make him his master at length. Ioh. xxii d An angry man steereth up strife, and he that beareth evil will in his mind, doth much evil. After pride cometh a fall, but a lowly spirit bringeth great worship. Who so keepeth comp●ny with a thief, hateth his own s●ule: he heareth blasphemies and telleth it not forth. He that fears men, shall have a f●ll: but who so putteth his trust in the Lord shall come to honour Many there be that seek the Prince's favour, but every man's judgement cometh from the Lord. The righteous abhorreth the ungodly: but as for those that be in the right way, the wicked hate them. CAPI. XXX. ¶ The words of Agur the son of jakeh. THe prophecy of a true faithful man, whom God hath helped, whom God had comforted and nourisshed. For though I am the feast of all, and h●ue no man's understanding (for I never learned wisdom) yet have I understanding, and am well informed in godly things. Who hath clymmed up in to heaven? Who hath come down from thence? Who hath held the wind fast in his hand? Who hath comprehended the waters in a garment? Who hath set all the ends of the world? What is his name, or his sons name? Canst thou tell? * Psal xix c Deut. four a. & twelve d. Psal xviii c All the words of God are pure & clean, for he is a shield unto all them, that put their trust in him. Put thou nothing therefore unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Two things I require of thee, that thou will not deny me before I die. Remove fro me vaunt and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches, only grant me a necessary living. lest you I be to full, I deny thee, and say: what follow is the Lord? And lest I being constrained thorough poverty, fall unto stealing, and forswear the name of my God. Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he speak evil of the also, and thou be hurt. He that bringeth up an evil report upon the generation of his father and mother, is not worthy to be commended. The generation that think themselves clean, shall not be cleansed from their filthiness. There are people that have a proud look, and cast up their eye lyddes. This people's teeth are sweardes, and with their chaftbones they consume and devour the simple of the earth, and the poor from amongs men. This generation (which is like an horsleche) hath two daughters: the one is called, fetch hither, and the other, bring hither. There be three things that are never satisfied, and the fourth saith never hoo. The hell, a woman's womb, and the earth hath never water enough. As for fire, it sayeth never, hoo. Who so laugheth his father to scorn, and setteth his mother's commandment at nought: the ravens pick out his eyes in the valley, and devoured be he of the young Angels. There be three things to high for me, and as for the fourth, it passeth my knowledge. The way of an Eagle in the air, the way of a serpent over a stone, the way of a ship in the see, and the way of a man with a young woman. Soch is the way also of a wife that breaketh wedlock, which wipeth her mouth like as when she hath eaten, and sayeth: I have done no harm. Thorough three things the earth is disquieted, and the fourth may it not bear. Thorough a servant that beareth rule, thorough a fool that hath great riches, thorough an idle housewife, and thorough an handmaiden that is heir to her masters. There be four things in the earth, the which are very little: but in wisdom they exceed the wise. The Pysmyres are but a weak people, yet gather they their meat together in the harvest. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their touches among the rocks. The greshoppers have not a guide, yet go they forth together by heaps. The spider laboureth with her hands, & that in the Kings palace. There be three things that go stiffly, but the going of the fourth is the godlyest of all. A Lion, which is King of beasts, and giveth place to no man: A Cock ready to fight: A ram and a King that goeth forth with his people. If thou be so foolish to magnify thyself, or medlest with any such thing, than lay thine hand upon thy mouth. Who so chyrneth milk, maketh butter: he that rubbeth his nose, maketh it bleed: and he that causeth wrath, bringeth forth strife. ¶ The words of King Lamuel/ and the prophecy that his mother taught him. ¶ Kings aught to judge justly. The property of an honest married wife. CAPI. XXXI. MY son, thou son of my body: O my dear beloved son, give not over thy substance & mind unto women, which are the destruction even of kings. O Lamuel, give kings no wine, give kings and princes no strong drink: lest they being drunken forget the law, and regard not the cause of the poor, and of all such as be in adversity. give strong drink unto such as are condemned to death, & wine unto those the mourn that they may drink it, and forget their misery and adversity. Be thou an advocate, and stand in judgement th● self, to speak for all such as be dumb and succouries. With thy mouth defend the thing that is lawful and right, and the cause of the poor and helpless. ALEPH. Who so findeth an honest faithful woman, she is moche more worth than pearls. BETH. The heart of her husband may safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoils. GIMEL. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. DALETH. She occupieth will and floxe, and laboureth gladly with her hands. HERALD She is like a merchants ship, that bringeth her victuals from a far. VAV. She is up in the night season, to provide meat for her household, and food for her maidens. ZAIN. She considereth land, and buyeth it, and with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. HETH. She gyrdeth her loins with strength, and courageth her arms. TETH. And if she perceive that her housewyfery doth good, her candle goeth not out by night. JOD. She layeth her fingers to the spindle, and her hand taketh hold of the rock. CAPH. She openeth her hand to the poor, yea she stretcheth forth her hands to such as have need. LAMED. She fears not that the cold of wyntre shall hurt her house, for all her household folks are double clothed. MEM. She maketh herself fair ornaments, her clothing is white silk and purple. NUN. Her husband is moche set by in the gates, when he sitteth among the rulers of the land. SAMECH. She maketh cloth of silk and selleth it, and delivereth a girdle unto the merchant. AIN. Strength and honour is her clothing, and in the latter day she shall rejoice. PHE. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, & in her mouth is the law of grace. ZADE She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not her bread with idleness. KOPH. Her children arise, and call her blessed: and her husband maketh moc●e of her. RES. Many daughters there be that gather richesse together, but thou goest above them all. SIN. As for favour, it is deceitful, and beauty is a vain thing: but a woman that fears the Lord, she is worthy to be praised. THAV. give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. ¶ The end of the proverbs of Solomon. THE BOOK OF THE PREACHER, OTHERWISE CALLED ECCLESIASTES. ¶ All that is in this world is vanity, CAPI. I THese are the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king of jerusalem. All is but vanity (saith the preacher) all is but plain vanity: for what else hath a man, of all the labour that he taketh under the Sun? One generation passeth away, an other cometh, but the earth abideth still. The Sun ariseth, the Sun goeth down, and returns to his place, that he may there rise up again. The wind goeth toward the South, and fetcheth his compass about unto the North, and so turneth in to himself again. All floods run into the see and yet the see is not filled: for look unto what place the waters run, thence they come again. All things are so hard, that no man can express them. 〈…〉 The eye is not satisfied with sight, the ear is not filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, cometh to pass again: and the thing that hath been done, is done again, there is no new thing under the Sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said: lo, this is new? For it was long ago in the times that have been before us. The thing that is past, is out of remembrance Even so the things that are for to come, shall no more be thought upon among them that come after. I myself the Preacher, being king of Israel and jerusalem, applied my mind to seek out and search for the knowledge of all things that are done under heaven. Such travail and labour hath God given unto the children of men, to exercise themselves therein. Thus I have consydred all the things that come to pass under the Sun, and lo, they are all but vanity and vexation of mind. The crooked can not be made strait, and the fa●●es can not be numbered. I commoned with mine own heart, saying: lo, I am come to a great estate, and have got more wisdom, than all they that have been before me in jerusalem. Yea my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge, for there unto I applied my mind, that I might know what were wisdom & understanding, what were error and foolishness. And I perceived that this also was but a vexation of mind: for where much wisdom is, there is also great travail and disquietness: & the more knowledge a man hath, the more is his care. ¶ Abundance of riches, of pleasure, and of building, are vain things. CAPI. II THen said I thus in my heart: Now go to, I will take mine ease & have good days. But lo, that was vanity also: in so much that I said unto laughter: thou art mad, and to mirth: what dost thou? So I thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wife, so apply my mind unto wisdom, and to comprehend foolishness until the time thee (among all the things which are under the sun) I might see what were best for men to do, so long as they live under heaven. I made gorgeous fair works. I builded me houses, & planted vineyards. I made me ortchardes and gardens of pleasure, and planted trees in them of all manner fruits. I made poles of water, to water the green and fruitful trees withal. I bought servants and maidens, and had a great household. As for cattles and sheep, I had more substance of them, than all they that were before me in jerusalem. I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make men mirth & pastime. I got me drinking cups also and glasses. (Shortly) I was greater & in more worship, than all my predecessors in jerusalem. For wisdom remained with me and look what so ever mine eyes desired, I let them have it: and wherein so ever my heart delighted or had any pleasure, I withheld it not from it. Thus my heart rejoiced in all that I did, and this I took for the portion of all my travail. But when I consydred all the works that my hands had wrought, and all the labours that I had taken therein: lo, all was but vanity and vexation of mind, and nothing of any value under the Sun. Then turned I me to consider wisdom, error & foolishness (for what is he among men, that might be compared to me the king in such works?) and I see that wisdom excels foolishness, as far as light doth darkness For a wise man beareth his eyes about in his head, but the fool goeth in the derckenesse. I perceived also that they both had one end. Then thought I in my mind: If it happen unto the fool as it doth unto me, what needeth me then to labour any more for wisdom? so I confessed within my heart, that this also was but vanity. For the wise are ever as little in remembrance as the foolish, and all the days for to come shallbe forgotten, yea the wise man dieth as well as the fool. Thus began I to be weary of my life, in so much that I could away with nothing that is done under the Sun for all was but vanity & vexation of mind: Yea I was weary of all my labour, which I had taken under the sun, because I should be fain to leave them unto an other man, that cometh after me, for who knoweth, whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? & yet shall he be lord of all my labours, which I with such wisdom have taken under the sun. Is not this a vain thing? So I turned me to refrain my mind from all such travail, as I took under the sun for so moche as a man should weary himself with wisdom, with understanding and opportunity, and yet be fain to leave his labours unto an other, that never sweet for them. This is also a vain thing and a great misery. For what getteth a man of all the labour and travail of his mind, that he taketh under the Sun, but heaviness, sorrow and disquyetnes all the days of his life? In so much that his heart can not rest in the night. Is not this also a vain thing? Is it not better than for a man to eat and drink, and his soul to be merry in his labour? Yea I saw that this also was a gift of God: For who may eat drink, or bring any thing to pass without him? And why? he giveth unto man, what it pleaseth him: whether it be wisdom, understanding, or gladness. But unto the sinner he giveth weariness and sorrow, that he may gather and heap together the thing, the afterward shallbe given unto him whom it pleaseth God. This is now a vain thing, yea a very disquietness & vexation of mind. ¶ All things come in their time and pass away in their tyme. CAP. III EVery thing hath a time, yea all that is under the heaven, hath his convenient season. There is a time to be born, and a time to die. There is a time to plant, and a time to pluck up the thing, that is planted A time to stay, and a time to make hole. A time to break down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to win, and a time to lose. A time to spare, and a time to spend. A time to cut in pieces, and a time to sow together A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time of war, and a time of peax. What hath a man else (that doth any thing) but weariness and labour? For as touching the travail & carefulness which God hath given unto men, I see the he hath given it them to be exercised in it. All this hath he ordained marvelous goodly, to every thing his due tyme. He hath planted ignorance also in the hearts of men, that they should not find out the ground of his works, which he doth from the beginning to the end. So I perceived, that in these things there is nothing better for a man, then to be merry and to do well so long as he liveth. For all that a man eateth and drinketh, yea what so ever a man enjoyeth of all his labour, that same is a gift of God. I considered also that what so ever God doth, it continueth for ever, and that nothing can be put unto it nor taken from it: and the God doth it to the intent, ☜ that men should fear him. The thing that hath been, is now and the thing that is for to come, hath been afore time, for God restoreth again the thing that was passed. Moreover, ☜ I saw under the Sun ungodliness in the fled of judgement and iniquity in stead of righteousness. Then thought I in my mind: God shall separate the righteous from the ungodly, and then shallbe the time and judgement of all counsels and works. I commened with mine own heart also concerning the children of men: how God hath choose them, and yet letteth them appear: as though they were beasts: for it happeneth unto men as it doth unto beasts, and as the one dieth, so dieth the other: yea they have both one manner of birth, so that (in this) a man hath no pre-eminence above a beast but all are subdued unto vanity. They go all unto one place, for as they be all of dust, so shall they all turn unto dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man the goeth upward and the breath of the beast that goeth down into the earth? Wherefore I perceive, that there is nothing better for a man, then to be joyful in his labour, for that is his portion. But who will bring him to see the thing that shall come after him? ¶ The miseries of the innocent. The superfluous labours of men. The child that is poor and wise. etc. CAPI. FOUR SO I turned me, and consydred all the violent wrong that is done under the sun and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and there was no man to comfort them or that would deliver and defend them from the violence of their oppressors. Wherefore I judged those that are deed, to be more happy thou such as be a live: yea him that is yet unborn to be better at ease than they both, because he saith not the miserable works that are done under the sun. Again, I saw that all travail and diligence of labour was hated of every man. This is also a vain thing, and a vexation of mind. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth up his own flesh. One handful (says he) is better with rest, than both the hands full with labour and travail. Moreover, I turned me, and behold yet an other vanity under the Sun. There is one man, no more but himself alone, having neither child nor brother: yet i● there no end of his careful travail, his eyes can not be satisfied with riches, (yet doth he not remember himself, and say:) For whom do I take such travail? ●or whose pleasure do I thus consume away my life? This is also a vain and miserable thing. Therefore two are better than one, for they may well enjoy the profit of their labour. If one of them fall, his companion helpeth him up again. But woe is him that is alone, for if he fall, he hath not an other to help him up. Again, when two sleep together they are warm: but how can a body be warm alone? One may be overcome, but two may make resistance: a three fold table is not lightly broken. A poor child being wise, is better than an old king that doteth, and can not beware in time to come. Some one cometh out of prison, & is made a king: and an other which is born in the kingdom, cometh unto poverty. And I perceived that all m●n living under the sun, go with the second child, that cometh up in the stead of the other. As for the people that have been before him, 〈…〉 and that come after him, they are innumerable: yet is not their joy the greater thorough him. This is also a vain thing, and a vexation of mind. When thou comest in to the house of God, keep thy foot, & draw high, that thou mayst hear that is better than the offerings of fools, for they know not what evil they do. ¶ A monition to beware of rash communication. We aught not to marvel at the oppression of the poor. The covetous is not satisfied with his riches. CAPI. V BE not hasty with thy mouth, and let not thine heart speak any thing rashly before Go●. For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few. For where much carefulness is, there are many dreams: and where many words are, there r●●n may hear fools. 〈…〉 If thou make a vow unto God, be not slack to perform it. As for foolish vows, he hath no pleasure in them. If thou promise any thing, pay it: for better it is that thou make no vow, then that thou shouldst promise and not pay. Use not thy mouth to 'cause thy flesh for to sin, that thou say not before the angel: my foolishness is in the fau●●. For then God will be angry at thy voice, and destroy all the works of thine hands. And why? where as are many dreams and many words, there are also divers vanities: but look the thou fear God. If thou seest the poor to be oppressed, & wrongously dealt withal, so that equity and the right of the law is wrasted in the land: marvel not thou at such judgement, for one great man keepeth touch with an other & the mighty help themselves together. The hole land also with the fields, and all that is therein, is in subjection and bondage unto the king. He that loveth money, will never be satisfied with money: and who so delighteth in ryches●●, shall have no profit thereof. Is not this also a vain thing? Where as much riches is, there are many also that spend them away. And what pleasure more hath he the possesseth them, save that he may look upon them with his eyes? A labouring man sleepeth sweetly, whether it be little or moche that he eateth: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. Yet is there a sore plague, job twenty e which I have seen under the sun (namely) richesse kept to the hurt of him that hath them in possession. For oft times they perish with his great mis●ry and trouble: and if he have a child, it getteth nothing. 〈…〉 Like as he came naked out of his mother's womb, so goeth he thither again, & carrieth nothing away with him of all his labour. This is a miserable plague, that he shall go away even as he came. What helpeth it him then, that he hath laboured in the wind? All the days of his life also must he eat in the dark, with great carefulness, sickness and sorrow. Therefore me think it a better and a fairer thing, a man to eat and drink, and to be refreshed of all his labour, that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him, for this is his portion. For unto whom so ever God giveth richesse, goods and power, he ayveth it him to enjoy it, to take it for his portion, and to be refreshed of his labour: this is now the gift of God. For he thinketh not moche how long he shall live, for so moche as God filleth his heart with gladness. ¶ The misery of the rich and covetous. The difference of a fool and a wise man. CAPI. VI THere is yet a plague under the sun, and it is a general thing among men: when God ●yueth a man richesse, goods and honour, so that he wanteth nothing of all that his her●e can desire: and yet God giveth him not leave to enjoy the same, but an other man spendeth them. This is a vain thing, and a miserable plague. If a man beget an hundred children, & live many years, so that his days are many in number, and yet can not enjoy his good, neither be buried: as for him, I say, that an untimely birth is better than he. For he cometh to ●ought, and goeth his way in to darkness. & his name is forgotten. Moreover he seethe no● the sun, and knoweth of no rest neither here ne there. Yea though he lived two thousand years, yet hath he no good life. Come not all to one place? All the labour that a man taketh, is for himself & yet his desire is never filled after his mind. For what hath the wise more than the fool? What helpeth it the poor that he knoweth to walk before the living? The sight of the eyes is better, then that the soul should so departed away. How be it this is also a vain thing, & a disquietness of mind. What is more excellent than man? yet can be not in the law get the victory of him that is might-be then he. A vain thing is it to cast out many words, but what hath a man else? ¶ That which passeth our strengths and wits aught we not to seek after. CAPI. VII. FOr who knoweth what is good for man living, in the days of his vain life, which is but a shadow? Or who will tell a man what shall happen after him under the sun? A good name is more worth than a precious ointment, Prove xxii a Cant i a and the day of death is better than the day of birth. It is better to go in to an house of mourning, then in to a banqueting house. For there is the end of all men, and he that is living taketh it to heart. It is better to be sorry then to laugh, for when the countenance is heavy, the heart is joyful. The heart of the wise is in the mourning house, but the heart of the foolish is in the house of mirth. It is better to give ear to the chastening of a wise man, then to hear the song of fools. For the laughing of fools is like the cracking of thorns under a pot. And that is but a vain thing. Who so doth wrong, maketh a wise man to god out of his wit, and destroyeth a gentle heart. The end of a thing is better than the beginning. The patient of spirit is better than the high minded. Be not hastily angry in thy mind: for wrath rests in the bosom of a fool. Say not thou: what is the cause the the days of the old time were better than they be now? for that were no wise question. wisdom is better than richesse, yea much more worth than the eye sight. For wisdom defendeth as well as money, and the excellent knowledge & wisdom giveth life unto him that hath it in possession. Consi●re the work of God how that no man can make the thing straight, which he maketh crooked. Use well the time of prosperity, and remember the time of misfortune: for God maketh the one by the other, so that a man can find nothing else. These two things also have I considered in the time of vanity: that the just man perissheth for ●is righteousness sake, and the ungodly liveth in his wickedness. Therefore be thou neither to righteous ne over wise, that thou perish not: be neither to unryghtous also, ne to ●●●●he, least thou die before thy tyme. It is good ●or the to take hold of this, and not 〈◊〉 that go from thy hand. Foyes he that feae●th God, shall escape them all. Wisdom giveth more courage unto the wise ●●e●●e● mighty men of the city: iii Reg viii c two. ●a●ai vi g Prou c twenty b i Ioh. i d for there is not one just upon earth that doth good, & sinneth not. Take not heed unto every word that is spoken, least thou hear thy servant cu●se therefore thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself also hast often times spoken evil by thee men. All these things have I proved because of wisdom: for I thought to be wise, but she went ●arth●● from than she was before, ye● and ●o deep the I might not reach unto her. I appi●ed my m●nde also unto knowledge, and to like out science, wisdom and understanding to know the foolishness of the ungodly, and the error of boting fools. And I ●●●●he that a woman is bysterer than death: ☞ ●o●●he is a very angle, her heart is a net, and her 〈◊〉 ●re chains. Who so pleaseth God, sh●ll escape from her: but the sinner will be t●k●●●ith her. Behold saith the preacher) this have I diligently ●earched out and proved, that I might come by knowledge: which as yet I seen. & find 〈◊〉 not. Among a thousand men I have found one, but not one woman among all. Lo, this only have I found, that God made man just & right, but they seek divers subtleties, where as no man hath wisdom and understanding to give an answer thereunto. ¶ The kings commandment aught to be obeyed. Gladness is one of the chief things under the son. CAPI. VIII. wisdom maketh a man's face to thine, 〈◊〉 kyng●● P●●●● Io●. 〈◊〉 but malice putteth out of favour. Keep the kings commandment (I warn thee) and the oath the thou hast made unto God. Be not hasty to go out of his sight, & see thou continued in no evil thing: for what so ever it pleaseth him, that doth he. Like as when a king giveth a charge, his commandment is mighty: Even so who may say unto him: what dost thou? Who so keepeth the commandment, shall feel no harm: but a wise man's heart discerueth time and manner. For every thing will have opportunity and judgement, and this is the thing that maketh men full of carefulness and sorrow. And why? a man knoweth not what is for to come, for who will tell him? Neither is there any man that hath power over the spirit, to keep still the spirit, ne to have any power in the time of death: it is not he also that can make an end of the battle, neither may ungodliness deliver him that meddleth withal. All these things have I considered, and applied my mind unto every work that is under the sun: how one man hath lordship upon an other to his own harm. For I have often seen the ungodly brought to their graves, & fallen down from the high and glorious place: in so much that they were forgotten in the city, where they were ha● in so high and great reputation. This is also a vain thing. Because now that evil works are not hastily punished, the heart of man giveth himself over unto wickedness. But though an evil person offend an hundred times, and have a long life: yet am I sure that it shall go well with them that fear God, because they have him before their eyes. Again, as for the ungodly, it shall not be well with him, neither shall he prolong his days: but even as a shadow, so shall he be that fears not God. Yet is there a vanity upon earth: There be just men, unto whom it happeneth, as though they had the works of the ungodly: Again, there be ungodly, with whom it goeth as though they had the works of the righteous. This me think also a vain thing. Therefore I commend gladness, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, then to eat and drink, and to be merry: for that shall he have of his labour all the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. When I applied my mind to learn wisdom, and to know the travail that is in the world (and that of such a fashion, that I suffered not mine eyes to sleep neither day ne night) I understood of all the works of God, that it is not possible for a man to attain unto the works that are done under the sun: & though he bestow his labour to seek them out, yet can he not reach unto them: yea though a wise man would undertake to know them, yet might he not find them. ¶ A man woteth not, by the ryghtousenesse of his own works, whether he be worthy of love or hate. A man aught to live merely with his wife. A praise of wisdom. CAPI. IX. FOr all these things purposed I in my mind to seek out. The righteous & wise, yea and their works also, are in the hand of God: and there is no man that knoweth either the love or hate of the thing that he hath before him. It happeneth unto one as unto an other: It goeth with the righteous as with the ungodly: with the good and clean, as with the unclean: with him that offereth, as with him that offereth not: like as it goeth with the virtuous, so goeth it also with the sinner: As it happeneth unto the perjured: so happeneth it also unto him that is afraid to be forsworn. Among all things that come to pass under the sun, this is a misery, that it happeneth unto all alike. This is the cause also that the hearts of men are full of wickedness, and mad foolishness is in their hearts as long as they live, until they die. And why? As long as a man liveth, he is careless: for a quick bog (say they) is better than a deed lion: for they that be living, know they shall die: but they that be deed, know nothing, neither deserve they any more. For their memorial ●s forgotten, so that they be neither loved, hated, he envy: neither have they any more pa●te in the world, in all that is done under the sun. Go thou thy way them eat thy breed wi●h joy, and d●●●ke thy wine with gladness, for thy works please God. Let thy garments be alway white, and let thy heed want none ointment. Use thyself to live joyfully with thy wife whom thou lovest, all the days of thy life, which is but vain, that God hath given ●he under the sun all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, of all thy labour and travail that thou takest under the sun. What so ever thou takest in hand to ●o, that do with all thy power: for among the deed where thou goest unto, there is neither work, counsel, knowledge, ne wisdom. So I turned me unto other things under the sun, and I saw that in running, it helpeth not to be swift: in ba●ell, it helpeth not to be strong: to feeding it helpeth not to be wise: to richesse, it helpeth not to be subtile: to be had in favour, it helpeth not to be cunning: but that all lieth in time and fortune. For a man knoweth not his time, but like as the fish are taken with the angle, and as the birds are catched with the snare: Even so are men taken in the perilous time, when ●●●●meth suddenly upon them. This wisdom have I seen also vnd●● 〈◊〉 sun, and me thought it a great thing. 〈◊〉 was a little city, and a few men wi●●● 〈◊〉 there came a great king, and b●si●ge● 〈◊〉 great bulwarks against it. And in 〈◊〉 there was found a poor man (but he 〈◊〉 wise) which with his wisdom delyvers 〈◊〉 city: yet was there no body that had any ●●spect unto such a simple man. Then says 〈◊〉 wisdom is better than strength. Neuer●●●● a simple man's wisdom is despised. And his words are not herd. A wise man's con●●e●● that is followed in silence, is far above ye●●●enge of a captain among fools. 〈…〉 For ●●●dome is better than harness: but one vnth●●l●● alone destroyeth moche good. ¶ The difference betwixt a sole and a wise man. Fortunate and happy is that realm which hath a wise prince. CAPI. X. DEed flies that corrupt sweet ointment and make it to stink, are some thing more worth than the wisdom and honour of a fool. A wise man's here is upon the right hand, but a fools heart is upon the left. A doting fool thinketh that every man doth as foolishly as himself. You a principal spirit be given the to bear rule, be not negligee th●● in thine office: for so shall great wickedness be put down as it were with a medicine, 〈◊〉 other plague is there, which I have seen under the sun: namely the ignorance that is commonly among princes: in that a fool sitteth in great dignity, and the rich are set down beneath: I see servants ride upon horses, & princes going upon their fere as it were servants. But he that diggeth up a pit, Prove. x●v ●● Eccle. xx●●. d shall fu●● therein himself: and who so breaketh down the hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Who so removeth stones, shall have travail withal: & he that heweth wood, shall be hurt therewith. When an iron is blout, and the point not sharpened, it must be where again, and that with might: Even so doth wisdom follow diligence. A babbler of his tongue is no be●●●t then a serpent that st●ngeth without hissing. The words of a wise man's mouth, are gracious, but the lips of a fool will destroy himself. The beginning of his talking is ●●●ishnesse, & the last word of his mouth is great madness. A fool is so full of words, that a man can not tell what end he will make: who will then warn him to make a conclusion? The labour of the foolish is grievous unto them, while they know not how to go in to the city. Woe be unto thee (oh thou realm and land) whose king is but a child, and whose princes are early at their banquets. But well is thee (oh thou realm and land) whose king is come of nobles, and whose princes eat in due season, for strength and not for lust. Thorough slothfulness the ●alkes fall down, and thorough idle hands it raineth in at the house. Meat maketh men to laugh, & wine maketh them merry: but unto money are all things obedient. Wish the king no evil in thy thought and speak no hurt of the rich in thy privy chamber: ☞ for a bird of the air shall betray thy voice, and with her feathers shall she bewray thy words. ¶ richesse aught to be destrybute unto the needy. CAPI. XI. Send thy vytayles over the waters, and so shalt thou find them after many years give it away among seven or eight, for thou knowest not what misery shall come upon earth. When the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth. And when the tree falls (whether it be toward the south or north) in what place so ever it fall, there it lieth He that regardeth the wind, shall not sow: and he that hath respect unto the clouds shall not reap. Now like as thou knowest not the way of the wind, ne how the bones are filled in a mother's womb: Even to thou knowest not the works of God, which is the workemaster of all. Cease not thou therefore with thy hands to sow thy seed, whether it be in the morning or in the evening: for thou knowest not whether this or that shall prosper, and if they both take, it is the better. The light is sweet, and a pleasant thing is it for the eyes to look upon the sun. If a man live many years, & be glad in them all, let him remember the days of darkness, which shall be many: and when they come, all things shall be but vanity. Be glad then (oh thou young man) in thy youth, and let thine heart be merry in thy young days: follow the ways of thine own heart, and the lust of thine eyes: but be thou sure that God shall bring the in to judgement for all these things. ¶ From our youth aught we to consider and regard the goodness of God. CAPI. XII. Put away displeasure out of thine heart, and remove evil from thy body: for childhood and youth is but vanity. Remember thy maker in thy youth, or ever the days of adversity come, and or the years draw nigh when thou shalt say: I have no pleasure in them before the sun, the light, the moon & stars be darkened, and or the clouds turn again after the rain: when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and when the strong men shall bow themselves when the myllers stand still, because they be so few and when the sight of the windows shall wax dim: when the doors in the streets shall be shut, and when the voice of the miller shall be laid down: when men shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and when all the daughters of music shall be brought low: when men shall fear in high places, and be afraid in the streets: when the almond tree shall be despised, the grasshopper born out: and when great poverty shall break in: when man goeth to his long home, & the mourners go about the streets. Or ever the silver lace be taken away, & or the golden band be broken: or the pot be broken at the well, & the wheel upon the cistern: or dust be turned again unto the earth from whence it came, & or the spirit return unto God, which gave it. All is but vanity (saith the Preacher) all is but plain vanity. The same Preacher was not wise alone, but taught the people knowledge also: he gave good heed, sought out the ground, and set forth many parables. His diligence was to find out acceptable words, right scripture, & the words of truth. For the words of the wise are like pricks & nails that go thorough, wherewith men are kept together: for they are given of one shedherde only. Therefore beware (my son) that above these thou make the not many and innumerable books, nor take divers doctrines in hand, to weary thy body withal. Let us hear the conclusion of all things: fear God, and keep his commandments, For that toucheth all men: for God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good or evil. ¶ The end of the book of the preacher, otherwise called Ecclesiastes. THE BALLET OF BALLETES OF SALOMON: CALLED IN LATIN, Canticum Canticorum. ¶ A mystical device of the spiritual and godly love between christ the spouse, and the church or congregation his spousess. Solomon made this ballad or long by himself and his wife the daughter of Pharaoh, under the shadow of himself figuring christ, and under the person of his wife the church. CAPI. I ☞ The voice of the church. O That thy mouth would give me a kiss, for thy breasts are more pleasant than wine, and that because of the good and pleasant savour. Thy name is a sweet smelling ointment, therefore do the maidens love thee: yea that same moveth me also to run after the. ☞ The spousess to her companions. The king hath brought me in to his privy chamber. We will be glad and rejoice in thee, we think more of thy breasts then of wine: well is them that love the. ☞ The voice of the church in persecution. I am black (oh you daughters of jerusalem) like as the tents of the Cedarenes, and as the hangings of Solomon: but yet am fair and well-favoured withal. Marvel not at me that I am so black, and why? the sun hath shined upon me. ☞ The voice of the synagogue. For when my mother's children had evil will at me, they made me the keeper of the vinyeard. Thus was I fain to keep a vineyard, which was not mine own. ☞ The voice of the church to christ. Tell me (oh thou whom my soul loveth) where thou fedest, where thou restest at the none day: jest I go wrong, and come unto the flocks of thy companions. ☞ christ to the church. If thou know not thyself (oh thou fairest among women) then go thy way forth after the foresteppes of the sheep, as though thou wouldest feed the goats beside the shepherds tents. There will I tarry for thee, my love, with mine boast and with my charettes, which shall be no fewer than Pharaos'. Then shall thy cheeks & thy neck be made fair, and hanged with spanges and goodly jewels: a neckbande of gold will we make thee, with silver botons. ☞ The voice of the church. When the king sitteth at the table, he shall smell my Nardus: for a bundle of Myrrh (oh my beloved) lieth betwixt my breasts. A cluster of grapes of Cypers, or of the vineyards of Engaddi art thou unto me, oh my beloved. ☞ christ to the church. O how fair art thou, my love, how fair art thou? thou hast doves eyes. ☞ The church to christ. O how fair art thou, my beloved, how well-favoured art thou? Our bed is decte with flowers, the silinges of our houses are of cedar tree, and our balks of Cypress. CAPI. II ☞ The voice of christ. I Am the flower of the field, and lily of the valleys: as the rose among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters. ☞ The voice of the church. Like as the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. My delight is to sit under his shadow, for his fruit is sweet unto my throat. He bringeth me in to his wine seller, and loveth me specially well. Refresh me with grapes, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love. His left hand lieth under my heed, and his right hand embraceth me. ☞ The voice of christ. I charge you (oh you daughters of jerusalem) by the Roes and hinds of the field, that you wake not up my love, nor touch her, till she be content herself. ☞ The voice of the church. Me think I hear the voice of my beloved: lo, there cometh he hopping upon the mountains, and leaping over the little hills. My beloved is like a roo or a young hart. Behold he standeth behind our brickwall, he looketh in at the window, and pepeth thorough the grate. My beloved answered and said unto me. ☞ The voice of Christ. O stand up my love, my dove, my beautiful, and come: for lo the winter is now past, and the rain is away and go. The flowers are come up in the field, the twisting time is come, the voice of the turtle dove is herd in our land, the fig tree bringeth forth her figs, the wines bear blossoms, and have a good smell. O stand up my love, my beautiful, and come (oh my dove out of the caves of the rocks, out of the holes of the brickwall: O let me see thy countenance, and hear thy voice: for sweet is thy voice, and fair is thy face. ☞ The voice against the heretics. Get us the foxes, yea the little fox's the hurt the vines, for our vines bear blossoms. ☞ The voice of the church. My love is mine, & I am his, which feedeth among the lilies until the day break, and till the shadows be go. Come again privyly (oh my beloved) like as a roe or a young Hart, unto the mountains. CAPI. III ☞ The voice of the church which is choose out of the Heathen. BY night in my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: yea diligently sought I him, but I found him not. I will get up (thought I) and go about the city, upon the market, and in all the streets will I seek him whom my soul loveth: but when I sought him, I found him not. The watchmen that go about the city, found me. ☞ The church speaking of christ. Saw you not him whom my soul loveth? So when I was a little past them, I found him whom my soul loveth. I have got hold upon him, & will not let him go, until I bring him in to my mother's house, and in to her chamber that bore me. ☞ The voice of christ. I charge you, oh you daughters of jerusalem, by the Roes and Hinds of the field, that you wake not up my love, ne touch her, till she be content herself. ☞ The voice of the synagogue, marvelling in itself at the church of christ. Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, as it were a smell of Myrrh, tranckencense, and all manner spices of the apothecary? ☞ The voice of the church. Behold, about Salomons bedstede there stand. 〈◊〉: valiant men of the mighty in Israel. They hold swords every one, and are expert in war. Every man hath his sword upon his thigh, because of feat in the night. King Solomon hath made himself a bedstede of the wood of Libanus, the pyllers are of silver, the covering of gold, the seat of purple, the ground pleasantly paved for the daughters of jerusalem. ☞ The church speaking of christ. Go forth, oh you daughters of Zion, & behold king Solomon in the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his marriage, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. CAPI. FOUR ☞ The voice of christ. O How fair art thou, my love, how fair art thou? thou hast ●●ues eyes, beside the which lieth hid within. Thy heery locks are like a flock of sheep that be clipped, which go first up from the washing place: where every one bear two twins, and not one unfruitful among them. Thy lips are like a rose coloureth rybonde, thy words are lovely: thy chekꝭ are like a piece of a pomeg●ane●, besides that which lieth hide within. Thy neck is like the tower of David builded with bulwark, whereupon there hung a thousand shyldes, yea all the weapons of the giants. Thy two breasts are like two twins of yo●● Roes which feed among the lilies. ☞ The spouse speaketh to himself. O that I might go to the mountain of Myrrh, and to the hill of franckencense: till the day break, and till the shadows be passed away. ☞ The voice of christ speaking to the church. Thou art all fair, oh my love, and no spot is there in the. Come to me from Libanus, oh my spouse, come to me from Libanus: come soon the next way from the top of Amana, from the top of Same and Hermon, from the lions dens, & from the mountains of the leoparks. Thou hast wounded my heart, oh my sister, my spouse, thou hast wounded my heart with one of thine eyes, and with one chain of thy neck. O how fair and lovely are thy breasts, my sister, my spouse? Thy breasts are more pleasant than wine, and the smell of thine ointments passeth all spices. Thy lips, oh my spouse, drop as the honey comb, yea milk and honey is under thy tongue, and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of frankincense. Thou art a well kept garden, oh my sister, my spouse, thou art a well kept waterspring, a sealed well. The fruits that sprout in thee, are like a very Paradise of pomegranettes, with sweet fruits: as Cypress, Nardus, Saffron, Calmus, and all the trees of Libanus: Sir, Aloes, & all the best spices. Thou art a well of gardens, a well of living waters, which ten down from Libanus. ☞ christ calleth the Heythen. Up thou north wind, come the south wind, & blow upon my garden, that the smell thereof may be carried on every side: yea that my beloved may come in to my garden, and eat of the fruits and apples that grow therein. CAPI. V ☞ christ speaketh to the church. COme in to my garden, oh my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my Myrrh with my spice. I will eat my honey, and my honey comb, I will drink my wine and my milk. ☞ christ speaketh to the Apostles. Eat, oh you friends, drink and be merry, oh you beloved. ☞ The voice of the church. As I was a sleep and my heart waking, I heard the voice of my beloved, when he knocked. ☞ christ to the church. Open to me (said he) oh my sister, my love, my dove, my darling, for my heed is full of dew, and the locks of my here are ●ul of the night drops. ☞ The voice of the spousess. I have put of my cote, how can I do it on again (I have washed my feet, how shall I file them again? ☞ The voice of the church speaking of Christ. But when my love put in his hand at the hole, my heart was moved toward him: so that I stood up to open unto my beloved My hands dropped with Myrrh, and the Myrrh ran down my fingers upon the lock. Nevertheless, when I had opened unto my beloved, he was departed and go his way. Now like as a fore time when he spoke, my heart could not longer refrain: Even so now I sought him, but I could not find him: I cried upon him, nevertheless he gave me no answer. ☞ The church complaineth of her persecutors. So the watch men that went about the city found me, smote me, and wounded me, yea they that kept the walls, took away my garment fro me. ☞ The spousess speaketh to her companions. I charge you therefore, oh you daughters of jerusalem, if you found my beloved, that you tell him how that I am sick for love. ☞ The voice of the synagogue. Who is thy love above other lovers, oh thou fairest among women? Or what can thy love do more than other lovers, that thou chargest us so straightly? ☞ The church, answering of Christ. As for my love, he is white and read coloured, a singular person among many thousands: his heed is the most fine gold, the locks of his here are bushed, brown as the evening: His eyes are as the eyes of doves by ye●●ater brokes, washen with m● ke, and remaining in a plenteous place: His cheeks are like a garden bed wherein the Apo●ecaryes plan●e all manner of sweet things: His lips ●rop as the flowers of that most principal Myrrh, his hands are full of gold rings & precious stones. His body is as the pure y●e●y, 〈◊〉 over with sapphires: His l●gges are as the pyllers of marble, set v●on sockettes of gold His face is as Libanus, and as the beauty of the Cebre trees: His throat is sweet, yea he is all together lovely: Such one is my love, oh you daughters of jerusalem, such one is my love. ☞ The voice of the synagogue speaking to the church. Whit oer is thy love go then (oh thou fairest among women) w●●●her is thy love departed, that we may seek him with the. CAPI. VI ☞ The voice of the church. MY love is go do one in to his garden, unto the swet● sm●llynge beds, that he may refresh himself in the garden and gather stone●. My love is mine and I am his, which feedeth among the lylyes. ☞ christ to the church. Thou art pleasant (oh my love) even as loveliness itself, thou art fair as Jerusalem, glorious as an army of men with their banners. (Turn away thy eyes fro me, for they make me to proud) Thy heery locks are like a flock of goats upon the mount of Galaad. Thy tech are like a flock of sheep that be clipped, which go out of the washing place: where every one beareth two twins, and not one unfruitful among them. Thy cheeks are like a piece of a pomegranet, besides that which lieth hide within. There are three score queens, four score concubines, and young women without number. ●ut one is my done, my derlinge. She is the only beloved of her mother, and dear unto her that bore her. When the daughters saw her, they said she was blessed: yea the queens and conconcubynes praised her. ☞ The voice of the synagogue What is she this that pepeth out as the morning? fair as the moon, excellent as the sun, glorious as an army men with their banners. ☞ christ to the synagogue. I went down in to the not garden, to see what grew by the brokes, to look if the vineyard florisshed, and if the pomegranettes were shot forth. ☞ The voice of the synagogue. Then the charettes of the prince of my people, made me suddenly afraid. ☞ The voice of the church calling again the synagogue. Turn again, turn again, oh thou Sulamite: turn again, turn again, that we may look upon the. CAPI. VII. ☞ christ to the synagogue WHat pleasure have you more in the Sulamite, then when she danceth among the men of war? ☞ christ to the church. O how pleasant are thy treadinges with thy shoes thou princes daughter? thy thighs are like a fair jewel, which is wrought by a cunning workmaster: thy navel is like a round goblet which is never without drink: Thy womb is like an heap of wheat, set about with lilies: thy two breasts are like two twins of young Roes: Thy neck is as it were a tower of ivory: thine eyes are like the water poles in Hesebon, beside the port of Bathrabbim: Thy nose is like the tower of Libanus, which looketh toward Damascus: That heed that standeth upon thee, is like Carmel: the here of thy heed is like the kings purple folden up in plates. O how fair & lovely art thou, my darling, in pleasures? Thy stature is like a date tree, & thy breasts like the grapes. ☞ The spouse speaking of the cross. I said: I will climb up in to the date tree, & take hold of his branches. ☞ The spouse speaking to the spousess. Thy breasts also shall be as the vine grapes, the smell of thy nostrils like the smell of apples, and thy throat like the best wine. This shall be pure and clear for my love, his lips and teeth shall have their pleasure. There will I turn me unto my love, and he shall turn him unto me. ☞ The church speaking to christ. O come on my love, let us go forth in to the field, and take our lodging in the villages. In the morning will we rise bytymes, and go see the vinyeard, if it be sprung forth, if the grapes be grown, and if the pomegranettes be shot out. There will I give the my breasts: there shall the Mandragoras give their smell beside our doors: there, oh my love, have I kept unto the all manner fruits, both new and old. CAPI. VIII. ☞ The voice of the patriarchs speaking of christ. O That I might find the without & kiss thee, whom I love as my brother which sucked my mother's breasts: and that thou wouldest not be offended, if I took the & brought the in to my mother's house: that thou mightest teach me, and that I might give the drink of spiced wine, & of the sweet sape of my pomegranettes. His left hand lieth under my heed, and his right hand embraceth me. ☞ The voice of christ. I charge you, oh you daughters of jerusalem, that you wake not up my love, ne touch her, till she be content herself. ☞ The synagogue speaking of the church. What is she this that cometh up from the wilderness, and leaneth upon her love. ☞ The voice of the spouse, before the spo●sesse. I am the same that waked the up among the apple trees, where thy mother bore thee, where thy mother brought the in to the world. ☞ The church speaking to christ. O set me as a seal upon thine heart, and as a seal upon thine arm: for love is mighty as the death, and jealousy as the hell. Her coals are of fire, and a very flame of the Lord: so the many waters are not able to quench love, neither may the streams drown it. Yea if a man would give all the good of his house for love, he should count it nothing. ☞ Christ speaking of the church to the synagogue. When our love is told, our young sister whose breasts are not yet grown, what shall we do unto her? ☞ The answer of christ for the church. If she be a brickwall, we shall build a silver bulwark thereupon: if she be a tower, we shall fasten her with borders of cedar tree. ☞ The church answereth to the synagogue. If I be a brickwall, and my breasts like towers, then am I as one that have found favour in his sight. ☞ The synagogue speaking to the church Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon, this vinyeard delivered he unto the keepers: that every one for the fruit thereof should give him a thousand pieces of silver. ☞ The voice of christ. But my vineyard, oh Solomon, giveth the a thousand, and two hundred to the keepers of the fruit. Thou that dwellest in the gardens, oh let me hear thy voice, that my companions may hearken to the same. ☞ The voice of the church, speaking to Christ. O get the away, my love, as a roe or a young Hart unto the sweet smelling mountains. THE END OF THE BALLET OF BALLETES SALOMON: CALLED IN LATIN, Canticum Canticorum. ❧ THE BOOK OF THE PROPHETS. Isaiah. jeremy. EZECHIEL. Daniel. OSEAS. joel. AMOS. Abdi. Jonas. Micheas. NAUM. Abacuc. SOPHONY. Aggeus. ZACHARY. Malachy. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET Isaiah. ¶ Isaiah prophecyeth that the anger of God shall come upon jerusalem because of their sins CAPI. I THe vision of Esay the son of Amos, which he saw upon juda and Ieru●alem. In the time of Oziah, joathan Achaz, & Ezechias kings of juda. Hea●e, oh heavens, hearken, oh earth, for the Lord speaketh: I have nourished and brought up children, and they are fallen away fro me. An ox knoweth his Lord, and an ass his master's stall, but Israel knoweth nothing, my people hath no understanding. Woe be to this sinful people, which are expert in blasphemies, a froward generation, unnatural children. They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the holy one of Israel unto anger, and are go backward. Wherefore should you be plagued any more? For you are ever falling away. The hole heed is sick, and the heart is very heavy. From the sole of the foot unto the heed, there is no hole part in all your body: but all are wounds, botches, sores and stripes, which can neither be helped, bound up, mollified, ne eased with any ointment. Your land lieth waste, your cities are brent up, your enemies devour your land, 〈…〉 and you must be fain to stand, and look upon it: and it is desolate, as it were with enemies in a battle. Moreover the daughter of Zion is left alone like a courage in a vineyard, like a watchehouse in time of war, like a besieged city. And except the Lord of hounes had left us a few alive: 〈…〉 we should have been as Sodoma, ☞ and like unto Gomorra. 〈…〉 Hear the word of the Lord you tyrants of Sodoma, and hearken unto the law of our God, thou people of Gomorra. Why offer you so many sacrifices unto me? I am stuffed with the brent offerings of wethers, and with the fatness of fed beestes. I have no pleasure in the blood of bullocks, lambs and goats. When you appear before me, who requireth these things of your hands, that you should walk in my courts. Offer me no more oblations, for it is but lost labour. I abhor your incense. I may not away with your New moons, your Sabbothes and solemn days. your assemblees are also in vain. I hate your new holidays and fastings, even fro my very heart. They make me weary, I can not abide them. Though you hold out your hands, yet turn I mine eyes from you. And though you make many prayers, yet hear I nothing at all, 〈◊〉 u ● 〈◊〉 u ● 〈…〉 for your hands are full of blood. wash you, make you clean, put away your evil thoughts out of my sight, cease from doing of evil and violence. Learn to do eight, apply yourselves to equity, deliver the oppressed, help the fatherless to his right, let the widows complaint come before you. Now go to (saith the Lord) we will talk together. Is it not so? Though your sins be as red as scarlet, shall they not be whyt●r than snow? And though they were like purple, shall they not be like white wool? Is it not so? If you be loving and obedient, you shall enjoy the best ching that groweth in the land. But if you be obstinate and rebellious, you shall be devoured with the sword: for thus the Lord hath promised with his own mouth. How happeneth it then that the righteous city (which was full of equity) is become unfaithful as an whore? righteousness dwelt in it, but now murder. Thy silver is turned to dross, and thy wine mixed with water. Thy princes are traitors and companyous of thieves. They love gifts all together and follow rewards. As for the fatherless, they help him not to his right, neither will they let the widows causes come before them. Therefore speaketh the Lord God of hosts, jere u g the mighty one of Israel: Ah, I must ease me of mine enemies, and avenge me upon them. And therefore shall I say my hand upon thee, and burn out the dross from the finest and purest, and put out all the lead, and let thy judges again as they were sometime, & thy senators as they were from the beginning. Then shalt thou be called the righteous city, the faithful city. But Zion shall be redeemed with equity, and her captivity with righteousness. For the transgressoures & ungodly, and such as are become unfaithful unto the Lord, must all together be utterly destroyed. And unless you be ashamed of the odetrees wherein you have so delighted, and of the gardens that you have choose: you shall be an oak, whose leaves are fallen away, and as a garden that hath no moisture. And the glory or these things shall be turned in to dry straw, and he that made them to a spark. And they shall both burn together, so that no man shall be able to quench them. ¶ Of the coming and death of christ: and of the calling of the Heathen. CAPI. II Moreover this is the word that was opened unto Isaiah the son of Amoz, Mich four ● upon juda and jerusalem. It will be also in the last days: That the hill where the house of the Lord is builded, shall be the chief among hills, and crafted about all little hills. And all the heathen shall press unto him, and the multitude of the people shall go unto him, speaking thus one to an other: arise, let us go to the hill of the Lord, and to the house of the God of jacob: that he may show us his way, and that we may walk in his paths. For the law shall come out of Zion, and the word of God from jerusalem, and shall give sentence among the Heathen, and shall reform the multitude of people: So that they shall break their swords and spears, to make scythes, sickles and saws thereof. From that time forth shall not one people life up weapon against an other, neither shall they learn to fight from thence forth. It is to the that I cry (oh house of jacob) arise, let us walk in the light of the Lord. But thou art scattered abroad with thy people (oh house of jacob) for you go fart beyond your fathers, whether it be in sorcerers (whom you have as the Philistines had) or in calkers of men's births, whereof you have to many. As soon as your land was full of silver and gold, and no end of your treasure: so soon as your land was full of strong horses, and no end of your charettes: Immediately was it full of idols, also, ☞ even works of your own hands, which you yourselves have fashioned, and your fingers have made. There kneeleth the man, there falls the man down before them, so that thou canst not bring him away thence. And therefore get the soon in to some rock, and hide the in the ground from the sight of the fearful judge, and from the glory of his majesty: Which casts down the high looks of the presumptuous persons, and bringeth low the pride of man, and he only shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall go over all pride and presumption, upon all them that exalt themselves, and shall bring them all down: upon high and stout cedar trees of Libanus, and upon all the oaks of Basan, upon all high hills, and upon all stout mountains, upon all costly towers, and upon all strong walls, upon all ships of the see, and upon ever thing that is glorious and pleasant to look upon. And it shall bring down the pride of man, and lay man's presumption full low, and the Lord shall only have the victory in that day. But the idols shall utterly be rooted out. Men shall creep in to holes of stone, Luc xxiii d Ozee i b Apoca ix b and in to caves of the earth, from the sight of the fearful ●u●ge, and from the glory of ●is majesty: what time as he shall arise to shake the earth. T●en shall man cast away his ●●●hes of sil●●r & gold, (which nevertheless ●e 〈◊〉 ●●de to honour them, vn●o ●●●ies and 〈◊〉 ●●cked ●hat he may the better creep into the covenant and ●uck●s, & in to the c●●ff●s of hath hour, from the sight of the fearful iudg●, and ●rome the glory of his majesty. ¶ He v●on he●yeth that at the coming of Christ all strength and power shall be put forth of jury. CAPI. III every man can eschew a person moved in anger, for what doth he wisely? Even so shall the Lord of hosts take away from jerusalem and juda all possessions and power, all meat and drink, the captain and the soldier, the judge and the Prophet, the wise and the aged man, the worshipful of fifty years old, and the honourable: the senators & men of understanding: the masters of crafts and orators, and I shall give you children to be your princes (saith the Lord) and babes shall have the rule of you. ☜ One shall ever be doing violence and wrong to another. The boy shall presume against the elder, and the vile person against the honourable. Yea one shall take a friend of his own kindred by the bosom, and say: thou hast clothing, thou shalt be our heed, for thou mayst keep us from this fall and peril. Then shall he swear and say, I can not help you. Moreover there is neither meat ne clothing in my house, make me no ruler of the people. For jerusalem and juda must decay, because that both their words and counsels are against the Lord, they provoke the presence of his majesty unto anger. The changing of their countenance bewrayeth them, yea they declare their own sins themselves, as the Sodomites, and hide them not. Woe be unto their souls, for they shall be hevily rewarded. Then shall they say: O happy are the godly, for they may enjoy the fruits of their studies. But woe be to the ungodly and unryghtous, for they shall be rewarded after their works. O my people, φ 〈…〉 rybaudes oppress thee, and women have rule of the. O my people, thy leaders deceive thee, and tread out the way of thy fotesteppes. The Lord is here to common of the matter, and standeth to give judgement with the people. 〈…〉 The Lord shall come for the to reason with the senators and princes of his people, and shall say thus unto them: It is you that have burn up my vineyard, the robbery of the poor is in your house. Wherefore do you oppress my people, and mar the faces of the innocentes? thus shall the God of hosts revile them. Moreover thus saith the Lord: saying the daughters of Zion are become so proud, and come in with stretched out necks, and with vain wanton eyes: saying they come in crypping so nicely with their feet: Therefore sh●ll the Lord shave the hee●es of the daughters of Zion, and make their braurye bore in that day. In that day shall the Lord take away the gorgyousnesse of their apparel and spangs chains, parieses, collars, & be●●elettes and hooves, the goodly flou●ed, w●de and brad●red raiment, brussh● 〈◊〉 ●●●ndes, rings and garlands, holy day clotheses and vales, kerchues and pins, glasses and smocks, vonettes and taches. And in stead of good smell there shall be stink among them. And for their girdles there shall be lose bands. And for well set here, there shall be baldness. In stead of a stomacher, a sake clot, and for their beauty witheredness and sunneburning. Their husbands, and their mighty men shall perish with the sword in battle. ¶ For want of men seven women desire to have one man. CAPI. FOUR AT that time shall their gates mourn and complain, and they shall sit as desolate folk upon the earth. Then shall seven wives take hold of one man and say: we will say all our meat and clothing together in common, only that we may be called thy wives, and that this shameful reproof may be taken from us. After that time shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and mighty, and the fruit of the earth shall be fair and pleasant for those Israelites that shall spring thereof. Then shall the remnant in Zion and the remnant at jerusalem be called holy: namely all such as are written among the living at jerusalem: what time as the Lord shall wash away the desolation of the daughters of Zion, and purge the blood out from jerusalem with the wind of his smoke and fire. Moore over upon all the dwellynges of the hill of Zion, and upon their hole congregation, shall the Lord provide a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a slaming fire by night: for all their glory shall be preserved. And jerusalem shall be a tabernacle for a shadow, because of heat in the day time, a place and refuge where a man may keep him for wether and rain. ¶ Of christ and his vineyard, with an execration of covetousenese and of drunkenness. CAPI. V NOw well then, I will sing my beloved friend a song of his vineyard. ☞ My beloved friend hath a vineyard in a very fruitful plenteous ground. This he hedged, this he walled round about, and and planted it with goodly grapes. In the midst of it builded he a tower, 〈…〉 and made a wine press therein. And afterward when he looked that it should bring him grapes, it brought forth thorns. I shew● you now my come (oh you cytezyna of jerusalem and hole juda:) judge I pray you between me and my vineyard. What more could have been done for it, that I have not done? Wherefore then have it given thorns, where I looked to have had grapes of it? Well I shall tell you how I will do with my vineyard: I will take the hedge from it, that it may perish, and break down the brickwall, that it may be trodden under foot. I will say it waste, that it shall neither be twylled nor cut, but bear thorns and breates. I will also forbid the clouds, that they shall not rain upon it. As for the vinyeard of the Lord of hosts, it is the house of Israel, and hole juda his fair planting. Of these he looked for equity, but see there is wrong: for righteousness, loo, it is but misery. Woe be unto you that join one house to an other, ☜ and bring one land so nigh unto an other, till you can gerte no more ground. Will you devil upon the earth alone? The Lord of hosts roundeth me thus in the ear: shall not many greater and more gorgeous houses be so waste, that no man shall dwell in them? And ten acres of wines shall give but a quart, and thirty busshels of seed shall give but three. Woe be unto them that rise up early to use themselves in drunkenness, and yet at night are more superstitious with wine. In those companies are haps and lutes, tabrettes and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the Lord, and consider not the work of his hands. Therefore cometh my folk also in captivity, because they have no understanding. Their glory shall be mixed with hunger, and their pride shall be marred for thirst. Therefore gapeth hell, and openeth her mouth marvelous wide: that pride, hosting and wisdom with such as rejoice therein, may descend in to it. Thus shall man have a fall, he shall be brought low, and the high locks of the proud laid down. But the Lord of hosts, that holy God, shall be exalted, and untouched, when he shall declare his equity and righteousness af●er this manner: Then shall the lambs eat their appointed fodder, and shall feed plenteoustye in the mountains. Woe be unto vain person that draw wickedness unto them, as it were with a cord, and sin, as it were with a cart rope, which use to speak on this manner: let him make haste now, and go forth with his work, that we may see it. Let the counsel of the holy one of Israel come and draw nigh, that we may know it. Woe be unto them that call evil good, and good evil: which make darkness light, and light darkness: that make sour sweet, and sweet sower. Prove iii a Roma xii ● Woe be unto them that are wise in their own sight, and think themselves to have understanding. Woe be unto them that are cunning men to sup out wine, and expert to set up drunkenness. These give sentence with the ungodly for rewards, but condemn the lust ca●●e of the righteous. Therefore like as fire licketh up the str●w, and as the flame consumeth the s●●bble: even so (when their root is full) their blossom shall vanish away like dus● or smoke: for they despise the law of the Lord of hosts, and blaspheme the word of the holy maker of Israel. Therefore is the wrath of the Lord kindled also against his people, and he shaketh his hand at them: yea he shall smite, so that the hills shall tremble. And their carcases shall lie in the open streets like mire. After all this, the wrath of God shall not cease, but he shall stretch his hand wider. And he shall give a token unto a strange people, & call unto them in a far country: and behold they shall come hastily with speed. There is not one faint nor feeble among them, not not a sluggish nor sleppery person. There shall not one of them put of the girdle from his loins, ne loose his latchet of his shoe. Their arrows are sharp, and their bows bent. Their horses hofes are like flint, and their cart wheels like a stormy wind. Their cry is as it were of a lion, and the roaring of them like lions whelps. They shall roar & hantche up the pair, and no man shall recover it, or get it from them. In that day they shall be so fierce upon them as the see. And if we look unto the land, behold i● shall be all darkness and sorrow. If we look to heaven: behold, it shall be dark with careful desperation. ¶ Esay saw the glory of the Lord, and was sent to prophecy the desolation of jury. CAPI. VI IN the same year that king Oziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon an high and glorious seat, and his train filled the palace. From above flacke●d the Seraphins, whereof every one had six wings. With twain each covered his ●ace, with twain his foot, and with twain did he fly. They cried also each one ●oocher on this manner: holy holy holy, is the Lord of hosts. The hole world is full of his glory. Yea the gelles and dor●chekes moved at their crying, Apocali four e and the house was full of smoke. Then I said: O woe is me, for I was astonied: that I (which am a man of unclean lips, and devil among people that hath unclean lips also) should see the king and Lord of hosts with mine eyes. Then slay one of the Seraphins unto me having a hot coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with the tongues, and touched my mouth, and said: loo, this hath touched thy mouth, and thine unrighteousness is taken away, and thy sin forgiven. After this I herd the voice of the Lord taking advisement on this manner: Whom shall I send, and who will be our messenger? Then I said: here am I, sand me. And so he said: go and tell this people: Math. xii b Math. four b 〈◊〉 viii b 〈◊〉 xxviii. f john ●●i. f Rome xi b. you shall hear in deed, but you shall not understand, you shall plainly see, and not perceive. Harden the heart of this people, stop their ears, and shoot their eyes: that they see not with their eyes, hear not with their ears, and understand not with their hearts, and convert and be healed. Then spoke I: Lord, how long? he answered until the cities be utterly without inhabitoures, and the houses without men, till the land be also desolate, and lie unbuilded. For the Lord shall take the men far away, so that the land shall lie waste. Nevertheless, the tenth part shall remain therein, for it shall convert and be fruitful. And like wise as the Terebyntes and oketrees bring forth their fruits, so shall the holy seed have fruit. ¶ The Syrians move battle against jerusalem. A virgin shall bear a child. CAPI. VII. IT happened in the time of Achaz the son of joatham, which was the son of Oziah king of juda: iiii. 〈◊〉 two. P●●. that Razin the king of Syria, and Phakeh the son of Romeliah king of Israel, went up toward jerusalem to besiege it, but wan it not. Now when the house of David (that is Achaz) heard word thereof, that Syria and Ephraim were confederate together: his heart quaked (yea, and the hearts also of his people) like as a tree in the field that is moved with the wind. Then said God unto Esay: go meet Achaz (thou and thy son Sear jasub) at the heed of the over pole, in the foot path by the fullers ground, and say unto him, take heed to thyself, and be still, but fear not, neither be faint hearted, for these two tables, that is, for these two smoking fire brands, the wrath and furiousness of Razin the Sirian, and Romelles son: because that the king of Syria Ephraim and Romelles son have wickedly conspired against thee, saying: We will go down in to juda, vex them, & bring them under us, and set a king there, even the son or Tabeel. For thus saith the Lord God thereto: It shall not so go forth, neither come so to pass: for the heed city of the Syrians is Damascus, but the heed of Damascus is Razin. And after five and three score year, shall Ephraim be no more a people. And the chief city of Ephraim is Samaria, but the heed of Samaria is Romelies son. And if you believe not, there shall no promise be kept with you. Moreover, God spoke unto Achaz, saying: require a token of the Lord thy God, whether it be toward the depth beneath, or toward the height above. Then said Achez: I will require none, neither will I tempt the Lord. The Lord answered: Then hear to you of the house of David: Is it not enough for you that you be grievous unto men, but you must grieve my God also? And therefore the Lord shall give you a token of himself: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name M●●● L●●● Ch●● 〈◊〉 Emanuel. Butter and honey shall be eat, that he may know the evil, and chose the good. But or ever that child come to knowledge, to eschew the evil and choose the good. The land (that thou art so afraid for) shallbe desolace of both her kings. The Lord also shall send a time upon thee, upon thy people, and upon thy father's house (soch as never came sense the time that Ephraim departed from juda,) thorough the king of the Assyrians. For at the same time shall the Lord whistle for the flies that are about the water of Egypt, and for the Bees in the Assyrians land. These shall come, and shall light all in the valleys, in the vaults of stone, upon all green things, and in all corners. At the same time shall the Lord shave the heart of the head and the feet and the beerde clean of, with the rasor that he shall pay them withal beyond the water, namely, with the king of the Assyrians. At the same time shall a man live with a cow, and two sheep. Then because of the abundance of milk, he shall make butter and eat it. So that every one which remaineth in the land shall eat butter and honey. At the same time all vineyards (though there be a thousand wines in one, and were sold for a thousand silverlings,) shall be turned to brears and thorns. Like as they shall come in to the land with arrows and bows, to shall all the land become brears and thorns. And as for all hills that now are hewn down, thou shalt not come upon them, for ●eare or brears and thorns. But the cattles shallbe driven thither, and the sheep shall feed there. ¶ The deliverance of the land by Emanuel. The front of offence, at which many shall stumble. CAPI. VIII. Moreover the Lord said unto me: Take the a great l●af, and write in it, as men do with a pen, that he speed him to rob, and haste him to spoil. And immediately I called unto me faithful witnesses: Vriah the pressed, and Zachariah the son of Barachiah. After that went I unto the Prophecisse, that now had conceived & born a son. Then said the Lord to me: give him this name: Maherschalal ha●●hbas (that is: a speedy robber, an hasty spoiler.) For why, or ever the child shall have knowledge to say: Ab● and Im, (that is father and mother.) shall the riches of Damascus and the substance of Samaria be taken away, thorough the king of the Assyrians. The Lord spoke also unto me, saying: for so moche as the people refuseth the still running water of Silo, and put their delight in Razin and Romelies son. Behold, the Lord shall bring mighty and great floods of water upon them, namely, the king of the Assyrians with all his power. Which shall pour out his furiousness upon every man, and renew over all their banks. And shall break in upon juda, increasing in power, till he get him by the throat. He shall fill also the wideness of thy land with his broad wings. O Emanuel. Go together you people, and gather you, hearken to all you of far countries. Muster you, and gather you: muster you, and gather you, take your council together, yet must your council come to naught: go in hand withal, yet shall it not prosper. Except Emanuel, (that is God) be with us. For the Lord chastised me, and took me by the hand, and warned me, saying unto me: that I should not walk in the way of this people. He said moreover: round with none of them, who so ever say: yonder people are bond together. Nevertheless fear them not, neither be afraid of them, but sanctify the Lord of Hosts, let him be your fear and dread. For he is the sanctifyeng, and stone to stumble at Luc ii e Roma ix g i Petri ii b the rock to fall upon, a snare and net to both the houses: to Israel, and the inhabitors of jerusalem. And many shall stumble, fall, and be broken upon him: yea they shallbe snared and taken. Now lay the witnesses together (said the Lord) and seal the law with my disciples. Thus I wait upon the Lord that hath turned his race from the house of jacob, and I look unto him. But lo, as for me, and the children which the Lord hath given me: Hebreu ii d we are a token and a wonder in Israel, for the Lord of Hosts sake, which dwelleth upon the hill of Zion. And therefore if they say unto you: ask council at the sorhesayers, wytches, charmers and conjurers, then make them this answer: Is there a people any where, that asketh not council at his God, whether it be concerning the dead, or the living. If any man want light, let him look upon the law and testimony, whether they speak not after this meaning: If he do not this, he stombleth and suffereth hunger. And if he suffer hunger, he is out of patience, and blasphemeth his king & his God. Then looketh he upward, & downward to the earth, and behold there is trouble and darken esse, vexation is round about him, and the cloud of error. And out of such adversity, shall he not escape. ¶ He prophecyeth of Chrystes nativity and dominion. CAPI. IX. EVen like as in time passed it hath been well seen, that the land of Zabulon and the land of Nephtali (which thorough the see way goeth over jordane in to the land of Galilee) was at the first in little trouble, but afterward sore vexed. Nevertheless the people that have dwelt in darkness, shall see a great light. As for them that devil in the land of the shadow of death, upon them shall the light shine. Shalt thou multiply the people, and not increase the joy also? They shall rejoice before the even as men make merry in harvest, and as men that have got the victory, when they deal the spoil. For thou shalt break the yoke of the people's burden: the staff of his shoulder and the rod of his oppressor, as in the judi vii f bay at Madian. Moreover all temeratious and seditious power, (yea where there is but a cote filed with blood) shallbe burned, and feed the fire. For unto us a child shallbe born, and unto us a son shallbe given: Upon his shoulder shall the kingdom lie, and he shallbe called with his own name. The wondrous giver of council, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peaxe, he shall make no end to increase the kingdom and peaxe, and shall sit upon the seat of David and in his kingdom, to set up the same, to stablish it with equity and righteousness, from thence forth for evermore. This shall the jealousy of the Lord of Hosts bring to pass. The Lord sent a word in to jacob, the same is come into Israel. And the people also of Ephraim, and they that devil in Samaria, can say with pride and buy stomachs, on this manner. The tile work is fallen down, but we will build it with harder stones. The Molbery timber is broken, but we shall set it up again with cedar. Nevertheless, the Lord shall prepare Razin the enemy against them, and so order their adversaries, that the Syrians shall say hold upon them before, and the Philistines behind, and so devour Israel with open mouth. After all this, the wrath of the Lord shall not cease, but yet his hand shall be stretched out still. For the people turneth not unto him, that chastyseth them, neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts. Therefore the Lord shall rote out of Israel both head & tail, branch and twig in one day. By the head, is understand the Senator and honourable man, and by the tail, the prophet that preacheth lies. For all they which culourme the people that they be in a right case such be deceivers. Such as men think also to be perfect among these, are but cast away. Therefore shall the Lord have no pleasure in their young men, neither favour their fatherless and widows. For they are all together hypocrites and wicked, & all their mouths speak folly. After all this shall not the lords wrath cease, but yet his hand shall be stretched out still. For the ungodly burn, as a fire in the briars and thorns. And as it were out of a fire in a wood or a red bush, so ascendeth the smoke of their pride. For this cause shall the wrath of the Lord of Hosts fa●l upon the ●●nde, and the people shallbe consumed, as it were with fire, no man shall spare his brother. If a man do turn him to the right hand, he shall famish, or to the l●fte hand to eat, he shall not have enough. Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm, Manasses shall ●a●● Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasses, and they both shall eat juda. After all this shall not the lords wrath cease, but yet shall his hand b● stretched out still. ¶ He threateneth the oppressors of the poor, and prophecyeth against Sennather●b. CAPI. X. WOE be unto you that make unryghtous laws, and devise things, which be to hard for to keep: where thorough the poor are oppressed on every side, and the innocentes of my people are therewith rob of judgement, that widows may be your pray, and that you may rob the fatherless. What will you do in time of the visitation and destruction, that shall come from far? To whom will you run for help, or to whom will you give your honour, that he may keep it? that you come not among the presoners, or lie among the dead? After all this shall not the wrath of the Lord cease, but yet shall his hand be stretched out still. Woe be also unto Assur, which is a staff of my wrath, in whose hand is the rod of my punishment. For I shall send him among those ypocrytysh people, among the people that have deserved my disfavour, shall I send him, that he may utterly rob them, spoil them, and tread them down like the mire in the street. How be it, his meaning is not so, neither thinketh his heart of this fashion. But he ymagyneth only, how he may overthrow and destroy much people, for he sayeth: are not my princes all kings. Is not Caino as easy to win, as Charchamis? Is it harder to conquer Antiochia then Arphad? Or is it lighter to overcome Damascus then Samaria? As who say: I were able to win the kingdom of the Idolaters and their gods, but not jerusalem and Samaria. Shall I not do unto jerusalem and their images as I did unto Samaria and their images? Wherefore the Lord sayeth: As soon as I have performed my hole work upon the hill of Zion and jerusalem, then will I also visit the noble and stout king of Assiria, with his wisdom and pride. For he standeth thus in his own conceit. This do I, thorough the power of mine own hand, and thorough my wisdom. For I am wise, I am he that remove the lands of the people, I rob their princes, and (like one of the worthies) I drive them from their high sea●●s. My hand hath found out the Hosts of the people, as it were a nest. And like as eggs that were laid here and there, are gathered together. So do I gather all countries. And there is no man, that dare be so bold, as to touch a feather, that dare open his mouth, or one's whysper. But doth the ox boost itself, against him that heweth therewith, or doth the see make any kracking, against him that ruleth it? That were even like, as if the rod did exalt itself against him that beareth it, or as though the fla● should magnify itself, as who lay: it were no wood. Therefore shall the Lord of Hosts send him poverty in his riches, and burn up his power, as it were with a fire. But the light of Israel shall be that fire, & his Sanctuary shallbe the flame and it shall kindle, and burn up his thorns and breers in one day, yea all the glory of his woods and fields shallbe consumed with body and soul. As for himself, he shallbe as one chased away. The trees also of his ●elde shall be of such a number, that a child may tell them. After that day shall the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped out of the house of jacob, seek no more comfort at him that smote them, but shall comfort themselves with faithfulness and troth in the Lord, the holy one of Israel. The remnant, yea and the posterity of jacob, 〈…〉 shall convert unto God the mighty one. For though thy people (O Israel) be as the sand of the see, yet shall but the remnant of them only convert unto him. Perfect is the judgement of him that floweth in righteousness, and therefore the Lord of Hosts shall perfectly fulfil the thing, that he hath determined in the midst of the hole world. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God of Hosts: Thou my people, that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid for the king of the Assyrians. 〈…〉 He shall wag his staff at thee, yea and beat the with the roo, as the Egypcians did some tyme. But soon after, shall my wrath and mine indignation be fulfilled against their blasphemies. Moreover the Lord of Hosts shall prepare a scourge for him, like as was the punishment of Madian upon the mount of Oreb. And he shall lift up his rod over the see, as he did sometime over the Egypcians. Then shall his burden be taken from thy shoulders, & his yoke from thy neck, yea the same yoke shall be corrupt for very fatness. He shall come to Aiath, and go thorough toward Migeon. But at Machmas shall he muster his Host, & go over the sword. Gabaah shall be their resting place, Rhamah shall be afraid, Gabaah Saul shall i'll away. The voice of the noise of thy horses (O daughter Gallim) shallbe heard unto Lais and to Anathoth, which also shallbe in trouble. Madmena shall tremble for fear, but the cy●●●ins of Gabin are manly, yet shall he remain at Nob that day. After that, shall he life us his hand against the mount Zion, and against the hill of jerusalem. But see, the Lord God of Hosts shall take away the proud from thence with fe●re. He shall hew down the proud and fell the high minded. The thorns of the wood shallbe rooted out with iron, and Libanus shall have a mighty fall. ¶ He prophecyeth of the nativity of christ, and of his people: of the remnant of Israel, and of the faith of the Heathen or gentiles. CAPI. XI. 〈…〉 AFter this there shall come a rod forth of the kindred of Irisse, and a blossom out of his rote. The spirit of the Lord shall light upon it, the spread of wisdom & understanding: the spirit of council, and strength: the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of God: and shall make him fervent in the fear of God For he shall not give sentence, after the thing that shall he brought before his eyes, neither reprove a matter at the first hearing: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and with holiness shall he reform the simple of the world. He shall smite the world with the staff of his mouth, two. Thessa ii ● Isaiah lxu d. and with the breath of his mouth shall he slay the wicked. righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, troth and faithfulness, the girding up of his reins. Then shall the wol●e devil with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down by the goat. Bullocks, Lions, and cattles shall keep company together, so that a little child shall drive them forth. The cow and the here shall feed together, and their young one's shall lie together. The lion shall eat ●●raw● like the ox, or the cow. The child while he sucketh, shall have a desire to the serpent's ●es●●, and when he is wea●ed, he shall put his hand in to the Cockatryre been. No man shall ●n● evil to another, no man shall destroy another, in all the hill of my Sanctuary. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, even as though the water of the see flowed over the earth. Then shall the gentiles inquire after the rote of I●ue (which shallbe set by for a token unto the gentiles) for his dwelling shallbe glorious. Romano x c At the same time shall the Lord take in hand 〈◊〉 plyne, to conquer the remnant of his p●●●l●, (which are l●ste alive.) From the A●●●●●s, Egyptians, Arabians, Morions, ●la●●tes, Cal●●yes, Aui●oc●ians, and Lands of the see. And he shall set up a token among the gentiles, and gather together the di●peried of Israel, yea and the outcasts of Iu●a from the four corners of the world. T●e ha●●ed of Ephraim and the emnite of juda shall be cle●ne rooted out. Ephraim shall bear no evil will to juda, and juda shall not ha●e Ephraim: but they both together shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the West, and spoil them together that devil toward the East. The Idumyte● and the Moabites shall let their hands fall, and the Ammonites shallbe obedient unto them. The Lord also shall clean the tongues of the Egyptians see, and with a mighty wind shall he lift us his hand over Nilus, and shall smite his seven streams and make men go ●iter dry ●hod. And thus shall he make a way for his people, Exodi. x●●● that remaineth from the Assyrians, ●●ke as it happened to the Israelites, 〈◊〉 time they departed out of the land of egypt. ¶ The● 〈…〉 for the ●●●●●nynge of the vy●●●● and 〈…〉. C●●●. XII. SO that then thou shalt say: O Lord, I thank thee, for thou wast displeased at me, but thou hast refrained thy wrath, & hast mercy upon me. Behold, God is my health, in whom I trust, and am not afraid. For the Lord is my strength, and my praise, he also shall be my refuge. Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of the saviour, and then shall you say: Let us give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon his name, and declare his councils among the people, and keep them in remembrance, for his name is excellent. O sing praises unto the Lord, for he doth great things, as it is known in all the world. Cry out, and be glad, thou that dwellest in Zion, for great is thy prince, the holy one of Israel. ¶ He prophecyeth the destruction of Babylon, the captivity, and the coming again of the people. CAPI. XIII. THis is the heavy burden of Babylon, which Esay the son of Amos did see. Make some tokens to the high hills, call unto them, hold up your hand, that the princes may go in at the door. For I will send for my debites and my giants (saith the Lord) and in my wrath I will call for such, as triumph in my glory. With that, me thought I heard in the mountains a noise, like as it had been of a great people: and a rushing, as though the kingdoms of all nations had come together. (And the Lord of Hosts was the Captain of the hole army.) As they had come not only out of far countries, but also from the ends of the heavens. Even the Lord himself with the ministers of his wrath, to destroy the hole land. Mourn therefore, for the day of the Lord is at hand, and cometh as a destroyer from the almighty. Then shall all hands be let down, and all men's hearts shall melt away, they shall stand in fear, carefulness and sorrow shall come upon them, and they shall have pain, as a woman that travaileth with child. One shall ever be abashed of another, and their faces shall burn like the flame. For lo, the day of the lord shall come, terrible, full of indignation and wrath, to make the land waste, and to root out the sin thereof. For the stars and planets of heaven shall not give their sight, Ezechi xxxii Math. xxiiii e Marck xiii Luc twenty the sun shall be quenched in the rising, and the moon shall not shine with his light. And I will punish the wickedness of the world, and the sins of the ungodly, sayeth the Lord The his stomachs of the proud will I take away, and will say down the boasting of tyrants. I will make a man cannoneer then fine gold, and a man to be more worth, than a golden wedge of Ophir. Moreover I will shake the heaven, that the earth shall remove out of her place. Thus shall I go with Babylon, in the wrath of the Lord of Hosts in the day of his fearful indignation. And Babylon shall be as an hunted or chased Do, & as a flock without a shepherd. Every man shall turn to his own people, and flee eachone in to his own land. Who so is ●ounde alone, shallbe shot thorough. And who so gather together, shallbe destroyed with the sword. * 〈…〉 Their children shallbe slain before their eyes, their houses spoiled, and their wives ravished. For lo, I shall bring up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver, nor be desirous of gold. Then shall young men's bows be knapped asunder. The Medes shall have no pity upon women with child, & their faces shall not spare the children. * 〈…〉 And Babylon (that glory of kingdoms and veweye of the Caldees honour) shallbe destroyed, even as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorra. It shall never be more inhabited, neither shall there be any more dwelling there, from generation to generation. The Arabians shall make no more tents there, neither shall the shepherds make their folds there any more, but wild beasts shall lie there, and the houses shallbe full of great Oules. Ostriches shall devil there, & Apes shall dance there: the little Outes shall cry in the palaces, one after another, & Dragons shallbe in the pleasant parlours. And as for Babylon's time it is at hand, and her days may not be long absent. ¶ The return of the people from captivity. The prosperity of the people of God, and affliction of their enemies. The pride of Babylon. CAPI. XIIII. But the Lord will be merciful unto jacob, & will take up Israel again, & set them in their own land. Strangers shall cleave unto them, and get them to the house of jacob. They shall take the people, and carry them home with them. And the house of Israel shall have them in possession for servants and maidens in the land of the Lord. They shall take those prisoners, whose captives they had been afore, & rule those that had oppressed them. When the Lord now shall bring the to rest, from the travail, fear, and hard bondage that thou wast laden withal, then shalt thou use this mockage upon the king of Babylon, & say: How happeneth it that the oppressor seaveth of? Is the golden tribute come to an end? Doubteses the Lord hath broken the staff of the ungodly, and the sceptre of the lordly. Which when he is wroth, smiteth the people with durable strokes, and in his wonders he persecuteth them, and tameth them continually. And therefore the hose world is now at rest and quietness, and men sing for joy. Yea even the fir trees and cedars of Libanus rejoice at thy fall, saying: Now that thou art laid down, there come no more up to destroy us. Hell also trembleth at thy coming, all mighty men and princes of the earth, step forth before the. All kings of the earth stand up from their seats, that they may all (one after another, sing and speak unto thee: Art thou wounded also as we? art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp and thy pride is go down to hell. Mo●●hes shallbe laid under thee, and worms shallbe thy covering. How art thou fallen from heaven (O Lucifer) thou fair morning child? hast thou got a fall even to the ground, thou that (not withstanding) didst subdue the people? And yet thou thoughtest in thine heart: I will climb up into heaven, & make my seat above the stars of God, I will sit upon the glorious mount toward the North, I will climb up above the clouds, and willbe like the highest of all. Yet dare I say, that thou shalt be brought down to the deep of hell. They that see thee, shall narrowly look upon thee, and think in themselves, saying: Is this the man, that brought all lands in fear, and made the kingdoms afraid? Is this he that made the world in a manner waste, and laid the cities to the ground, which let not his prisoners go home? How happeneth it, that the kings of all people lie, every one at home in his own palace, with worship, and thou art cast out of thy grave like a wild branch, like as dead men's raiment that are shot thorough with the sword, as they that go down to the stones of the deep, as a dead coarle that is trodden under feet, & art not buried with them? Even because that thou haste wasted thy land, and destroyed thy people. ☞ For the generation of the wicked shallbe without honour, for ever. There shall a way be sought to destroy their children, for their father's wickedness, they shall not come up again to possess the land, and till the world full of castles & towns. I will stand up against them (sayeth the Lord of Hosts) & root out the name and generation of Babylon (sayeth the Lord) and will give it to the Otters, and will make water poddels of it. And I will sweep them out with the bosom of destruction, sayeth the Lord of Hosts. The Lord of Hosts hath sworn an oath, saying: It shall come to pass as I have determined, and shallbe fulfilled, as I have devised. The Assyrians shallbe destroyed in my land, and upon my mountains will I tread them under foot. Where thorough his yoke shall come from you, and his burden shallbe taken from your shoulders. This devise hath God taken thorough the hole world, and thus is his hand stretched out over all people. For if the Lord of Hosts determen a thing, who will dysanulle 〈◊〉? And if he stretch for●h his hand, who will hold it in again? The same year that king Achaz died, God threatened by Isaiah on this manner: Rejoice not (thou hole Palestyna) as though the rod of him that beateth the were broken, for out of the serpent's rote, there shall ware a kocka●rice, and the fruit shallbe a fiery worm. But the poor shall feed of the best things, and the simple shall devil in safety. Thy rotes will I d●stroye wi●●●hough, and it that slay thy remnant. Mourn you pore●●, weep you cities, & fear thou (O hole Palestyna), or there shall come from the North a smoke whose power no man may abide. Who shall then maintain the messages of the gentiles? But the Lord stablysheth Zion and the poor of my people shall put their trust in him. ¶ A prophecy against Moab, CAPI. XU. THis is the heavy burden upon Moah, Are of Moab was destroyed. (as me thought) in the night season. The walls of Moab perished in the night, and vanyshed away. They went to Baith and clibon in the high places, for to weep. Moab did mourn from Nebo to Medba. jere xlviii. f Ozec vii e All their heads were colled, and all their beards shaven. In their streets were they girded about with sack cloth. In all the tops of their houses and streets was there nothing, but mourning and weeping. Hesebon and Eseale cried, that their voice was heard unto jahaz. The worthies also of Moab bleared and cried for very sorrow of their minds. Woe is my heart for Moabs' ●a●●. They fled unto the city of Zoar, which is like a ●●●●e fruitful bullock, they went up to Lu●●th, weeping. The way toward Horon●●● was full of lamentation for the hurt. The waters of Nimrim were dried up, the grass was withered, the herbs destroyed, and what necessary green thing there was beside. In like manner the thing that was left them of their substance, they carried it by water to Araby. The cry went over the hole land of Moab, from Eglaim unto B●●●, was there nothing but mourning. The waters of Dimon were full of blood, for the enemy hath sent thither a bond of men, which as a lion lay a wait for the remnant of the land, and for them that were escaped. ¶ The destruction of Moab. CAPI. XVI. THen sent the Lords of the land a man of war from the rock that lieth toward the desert, unto the hill of the daughter Zion. (For as for the daughters of Moab they were as it had vine a trembling bird, that is put out of her ●este by the ferry of Arnon,) which messaun●● 〈◊〉 h●r your counsel, ●ome ●●●ther. 〈…〉 your shadow in the myd●aye, 〈…〉 doth: hide the chased, and 〈…〉 that are fled, l●●●e the 〈…〉 dwell among you, be 〈…〉 the destroyer, for the adversary 〈…〉 the robber undo the us, and the 〈…〉 ●ueth us out of our land. 〈…〉 of your kingdom is 〈…〉 he that sitteth upon it 〈…〉 and truth in the house of David, know the thing, and do his diligence to help shortly, according to equity and righteousness. As for Moabs' pride (shall they answer) it is well known. And all though they be excellent, proud, arrogant, and high minded, yet is their strength nothing like. And therefore Moab complaineth unto Moab, jere xlviii c where thorough they come all to mourn, and now that they be smitten, they take their device venethe by the bryckwall, and make their complaint. The suburbs also of Hesebon were made brickwall, and the Princes of the gentiles hewed down the vineyards of Sibma, which were planted with noble grapes, and spread unto jazer, and went unto the end of the deseree, whose branches stretched theyr selues forth beyond the see. Therefore I mourned for jazer, and for the vineyards of Sibma with great sorrow I poured my tears upon Hesebon and Eleale, for all their songs were laid down, in their harvest and gathering of their grapes. Mirth and there was go out of the field and vineyards, in so moche, that no man was glad nor song. There went no treader into the winepress, their merry cheer was laid down. Wherefore my belie rombled (as it had been a lute) for Moabs' sake, jere xlviii e. & mine inward membres, for the bryckwalles sake. For it happened thus also, when Moab saw that she was turned upside down, she went up on high in to her Sanctuary, to make her prayer there, but she might not be helped. This is the device, which the Lord took in hand at that time against Moab. But now the Lord saith thus: In three year shall the power of Moab with their pomp (which is great) be minished, like as the burden of an hired servant. And as for the remnant of them, they shallbe less then a few, and not reckoned much worth. ¶ A prophecy against Damascus. CAPI. XVII. THis is the heavy burden upon Damascus. Behold, Damascus shall be no more a city, but an heap of broken stones. The cities of Aroer shallbe waste: the cacell shall lie there, & noman shall fray them away. Ephraim shall no more be strong, and Damascus shall no more be a kingdom. And as for the glory of the remnant of the Syrians it shallbe as the glory of the children of Israel, sayeth the Lord of Hosts. At that time also shall the glory of jacob be very poor, and ●●e saints lean. It shall happen to them, as when one sheareth in harvest, which cutteth his hand full with the sickle, and when one gathreth the sheaves together in the valley, of Ra●●●haun, there remaineth yet some ears over. Or as when one shaketh a● olive tree, which findeth but two or three olive berries above in the top, and four or s●●● 〈◊〉 the branches. Thus the Lord God of Israel hath spoken. Then shall man convert again unto his maker, and turn his eyes to the holy one of Israel. And shall not turn to the altars that are the work of his own hands, neither shall he look upon groves and images, which his fingers have wrought. At the same time shall their strong cypress be desolate, like as were one's the forsaken ploughs & corn, which they forsook, for fear of the children of Israel. So shalt thou (O Damascus) be desolate, because thou haste forgotten Go thy saviour, and hast not called to remembrance the rock of thy strength. Wherefore thou hast also fet a fair plant, & grafted a strange branch. In the day when thou didst plant it, it was great, & gave soon the fruit of thy seed. But in the day of harvest, thou shalt reap an heap of sorrows and miseries. We be to the multitude of moche people, that rush in like the see, & to the heap or folk, that run over all like great waters. For though so many people increase as the flowing waters, & though they be armed, yet they flee far of, and vanish away like the dust with the wind upon an hill, and as the whirl wind thorough a storm. Though they be fearful at night, yet in the morning it is go with them. This is their portion, that do us harm, and heritage of them, that rob us. ¶ A prophecy against egypt. CAPI. XVIII. WOE be to the land of flying ships, which is of this side the flood or Ethiopia, which sendeth her message over the see in ships of reeds upon the water, and saith: go son, and do your message unto a strange and hard folk, to a fearful people, and to a people that is further than this, to a desperate and pilled folk, whose land is divided from us with rivers of water. Yea all you that sit in the compass of the world, and devil upon the earth, when the token shallbe given upon the mountains, then look up, & when the horn bloweth, then hearken to, for thus hath the Lord said unto me. I laid me down, & pondered the matter in my house, at the Noon bay when it was hot. And there fallen a mysling shower, like a dew, as it happeneth in Harvest But the fruits were not yet ripe cut of, and the grapes were but young and green. Than one smote of the grapes with an hook, yea he hewed down also the doughes and the branches, and did cast them away. And thus they were laid waste, for the fowls of the mountains, and for the beasts of the earth together. So that the fowls sat thereupon, and the beasts of the earth wintered there. Then shall there be a present brought unto the Lord of Hosts: even that hard folk that fearful folk and that further is then this: that desperate and peeled folk (whose land is divided from us with floods of water) unto the place of the name of the Lord of Hosts: then unto the hill of S●yon. ¶ He prophecyeth still against egypt. CAPI. XIX. THis is the heavy burden upon Egypt. Behold, the Lord will ride upon a swift cloud, & come into Egypt. And the gods of egypt shall tremble at his coming, & the heart of Egypt shall quake within her. For thus saith the Lord: I will steer up the Egyptians one against another among themselves, so that one shallbe ever against his brother & neighbour, yea one city against another, & one kingdom against another. And Egypt shallbe chokes in herself. When they ask council at their gods, at their prophets, at their soothsayers and wytches, then will I bring their council to nought. I will deliver egypt also in to the hands of grievous rulers, and a cruel king shall have the rule of them. The water of the see shallbe drawn out. Nilus shall sink away, and be drunken up. The rivers also shall be drawn out, the wells shall decrease & dry away. Reed and rush shall fail, the grass by the water's side, or upon the rivers bank, yea and whatsoever is sown by the waters, shallbe withered, destroyed, and brought to nought. The fysshers shall mourn, all such as cast angles in the water, shall complain, & they that spread their nets in the water, shallbe faint hearted. Such as labour upon flax and sylck, shall come to poverty, and they also that weeve tine works. All the pounds of egypt, all the policy of their Motes and dyches shall come to nought. Yea the undiscrete Princes of Zoan, the council of the wise Senatoures of Pharaoh, shall turn to foolishness. Those that dare host and say of Pharaos' behalf, I am come of wise people, I am come of the old regal progeny. But where are now thy wise men? Let them tell the & show thee, what the Lord of Hosts hath taken in hand against Egypt. Fools are those Princes of Zoan, & proud are the princes of Noph, yea they deceive egypt with the nobility of their stock. For the Lord hath made egypt drunken with the spirit of error, & they shall use it in all matters, even like as a drunken man goeth spuing about. For egypt shall lack good council, so that they shall not know what to do, neither beginning nor end, neither upon the land ne water. Then shall the Egypcians be like unto women, afraid and astonied, at the lifting up of the head, which the Lord of Hosts shall life up over them. The land of juda also shall make the Egyptians afraid, who so doth but speak upon it, shall put them in fear. And that because of the council, which the Lord of hosts hath devised against them. Then shall the five cities of egypt speak with the Cananytes ●unge, and swear by the Lord of Hosts, & Heliopolis shall be one of them. At the same time shall the Lord of Hosts have an altar in the midst of the land of Egypt, with this title thereby: Unto the Lord. This shall be a token or testimony unto the Lord of Hosts in the land of egypt, when they shall cry unto him, because of those that oppress them, that he shall send them a capitain & a saviour to deliver them. Moreover, egypt shall be brought unto the Lord, & the Egyptians also shall know the Lord at the same time, they shall do him reverence with peaxe offerings, & with meatoffrynges, they shall promise him offerings, yea & pay him also. Thus the Lord shall smite Egypt, & heal it again, & so shall they turn to the Lord, & he also shall have mercy upon them, & save them. Then shall there be a comen way out of egypt in to Assyria. The Assyrians shall come into egypt, & the Egyptians into Assyria. The Egyptians also and the Assyrians shall both have one Gods service. Then shall Israel with honour be the third to egypt & Assur. And the Lord of Hosts shall bless them, saying: Blessed is my people of the Egyptians, Assur is the work of my hands, but Israel is mine inheritance. ¶ Against Egypt and Ethiopia. CAPI. XX. IN the same year that Tharthan came to Asdod, where Sargon the king of the Assyrians lent him, what time as he also besieged Asdod, & wa●ne it the same season. Then spoke the Lord unto Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying: go & loose of that sack from thy loins, & put of thy shoes from thy feet. And so he did, going naked & barefoot. Then said the Lord: where as my servant Isaiah goeth naked & barefoot, it is a token & signifying of the thing, that after three year shall come upon egypt and Ethiopia. For even thus shall the king of the Assyrians drive both young and old, as presoners naked and barefore, out of egypt and Ethiopia. And shall discover the shame of egypt. They shallbe also at their wits end, and ashamed one of another, the Egyptians of the Morions. and the Morions or the Egyptians, at the sight of their glory. Moreover they that devil in the Isles shall see even the same day: behold, this is our hope, to whom we fled to seek help, that we might be delivered from the king of the Assyrians. How will we escape? ¶ Against Babylon, Idumea, and Arabia. CAPI. XXI. THis is the heavy burden of the waste see. A grievous vision was showed unto me, like as when a storm of wind and rain russheth in from the wilderness, Abacur ii ● that terrible land. Who so may deceive (said the voice) let him deceive. Who so may destroy, let him destroy. Up Elam, besiege it O Madai, for I will still all their gronynges. With this, the reins of my back were full of pain. Pangs came upon me, as upon a woman in her travail. When I heard it I was abashed: and when I looked up, I was afraid. Mine heart panted, I trembled for fear. The darkness made me fearful in my mind. Yea soon make ready the table (said this voice) keep the watch, eat and drink. Up you captains, take you to your shield, for thus the Lord hath charged me, go thy way, and set a watchman, that he may tell what he seethe. And when he had waited diligently, he saw two horsemen, the one riding upon an Ass, the other upon a Camel. And the Lyon cried: Abacu● ii a Lord, I have stand waiting all the hole day, and have kept my watch all the night. With that came there one riding upon a chariot, jeremy li a Apoca xiiii a which answered, and said: Babylon is fallen, she is turned upside down, and all the images of her gods are smitten to the ground. This (O my fellow thresshers and fanner●) have I heard of the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel, to show it unto you. ¶ The heavy burden of Duma. One of Seir cried unto me: Watch man, what hast thou espied by night, watch man, what hast thou espied by night? The watch men answered: The day breaketh on, and the night is coming. If your request be earnest, then ask and come again. ¶ The heavy burden of Arabia. At even you shall abide in the wood, in the way toward Dedanim. Meet the thirsty with water (O you citizens of Hema) meet those with bread that are fled. For they shall run away from the weapon, from the drawn sword, from the bend bow, and from the great battle. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, over a year shall all the power of Cedar be go, like as when the office of an hired servant goeth out. And the remnant of the good Archers of Cedar, shallbe very few. For the Lord God of Israel hath spoken it. ¶ A prophecy against jerusalem. CAPI. XXII. THe heavy burden upon the valley of visions. What hast thou there to do, that thou clymmeste up in to the house top, O thou city of miracles, seditious & wyl●ull? seeing thy slain men are neither killed with sword, nor dead in battle? For all thy Captains got them to their horses from the ordinance, yea they are all together ridden away, and fled far of. When I perceived that, I said: away fro me, that I may weep bitterly. Take no labour for to comfort me, as touching the destruction of my people. For this is the day of the Lord of Hosts, wherein he will plague, tread down, and weed out the valley of visyons, & break down the walls, with such a crack, that it shall give a sound in the mountains. I saw the Elamytes take the qu●uers to cart and to horse, and that the walls were bore from harness. The goodly valleys were full of charettes, the horse men made them soon to besiege the gates. Then was the covering of juda put from thence, & then was seen the siege of the cymbre house. There shall you see the ryftes in the walls of the city of David, whereof there shall be many. You shall gather together the waters of the lower pole, and tell the houses of jerusalem, and break of some of them to keep the walls And you shall make a pit betwixt the two walls of the water of the old pole, & nothing regard him, that took it in hand, and made it. And at the same time shall the Lord of Hosts call men to weeping, mourning, to baldness and putting on of sack clot. But they to fulfil their lust & wilfulness, slaughter oxen, they kill sheep, they eat costly meat, and drink wine, * S●● 〈…〉 E●● let us eat & drink, for to morrow we shall die. Nevertheless when the Lord of Hosts heard of it, he said: yea, if this wickedness of yours shallbe remitted, you must die for 〈◊〉. This hath the Lord God of Hosts spoken. Thus saith the Lord God of Hosts: Go in to the treasury unto Sobna the governor and say unto him: What hast thou here to do? and from whence comest thou? that thou hast made the a grave here? For he had caused a costly tomb of stone to be made for himself, and a place to lie in to be heaven out of a rock Behold, the Lord shall cast the out by violence, he will deck the of another fashion, and put upon the a strange clot. He shall carry the into a far country, like a vai● with his hands. There shalt thou die, there shall the pomp of thy charettes have an end, thou villain of the house of the Lord. I will shut the out of thine office, and put the from thine estate. After this will I call my servant Eliakim, the son of He●kiah, & array him with thy ●●te, and gird him with thy girdle, and I will give thy power in to his hand. He shallbe a father of the citizens of jerusalem, and of the kindred of juda. I will also say the job. ●● key of David's house upon his shoulders, and if he open, no man shall shut, & if he do shut, no man shall open. I will fasten him to a nail in the place of the most high faith fullness, & he shallbe upon the glorious throne of his father's house. They shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, of the children & childers children, all apparel small and great, all instruments of measure & music. This shall come to pass (saith the Lord of Hosts,) when the nail that is fastened to the place of the highest faithfulness, shallbe plucked of. And when the weight that hangeth upon it, shall fall, be broken, and hewn in pieces. For the Lord himself hath said it. ¶ A prophecy against Tyrus, and a promise to restore it again. CAPI. XXIII. AN heavy burden upon Tyrus. Mourn you ships of Tharsis, for she is thrown down to the ground, & conquered of them that are come from Ceth●●. The indwellers of the Islands, the merchants of Sidon, and they that occupy the see, (of whom thou wast full sometime) are at a point. For by see were there fruits brought unto thee, and all manner of corn by water. Thou wast the comen market of all people. Sidon is sorry for it, yea and all the power of the see complaineth, and saith: O that I had never travailed with child, that I had never born any, that I had neither nourished boy, nor brought up daughter. As soon as egypt perceiveth it, she will be as sorry as Titus itself. Go over the see, mourn you that devil in the Iles. Is not that the glorious city, which hath been of long antiquity? whose natives dwelling far of, commend her so greatly? Who hath devised such things upon Tirus the crown of all cities, whose merchants and captains were the highest and principal of the world? Even the Lord of Hosts hath devised it, that he may put down all pomp, and minish all the glory of the world. Go thorough thy land (O thou daughter of the see) as men go over the water, and there is not a girdle more. Thus the Lord that removeth the kingdoms, and hath taken in hand against that mighty Canaan to rote it out, hath stretched out his hand over the see, and said: from hence forth shalt thou make no more mirth (O thou daughter of Sidon,) for thou shalt be put down of the Cethens. Stand up therefore, and go where the enemy will carry thee, where thou shalt also have no rest. Behold, (for thine ensample.) The Chaldees were such a people, that no man was like them, Assur builded them, he set up his castles and palaces, and broken them down again. And therefore mourn (you ships of the see,) for your power shallbe thrown down. After that, shall the lxx years of Tirus (even as long as their Kings life was) be forgotten. And after lxx years, i● shall hap to Tirus as with an harlot that playeth upon a lute. Take thy lute (say men to her) & go about the city, thou ar●e yet an unknown wench, make pastime with diverse balettes, whereby thou mayst come in to acquaintance. Thus shall it happen after lxx years. The Lord shall visit the city of Tyrus, & it shall come again to her merchandise, & shall occupy with all the kingdoms that be in the world. But all her occupying and winning shallbe hallowed unto the Lord For then shall they say up nothing behind them nor upon heaps, but the merchandise of Titus shall belong unto the cytelyns of the Lord, to the feeding and sustaining of the hungry, and to the clothing of the aged. ¶ A prophecy upon the tribulation that shall fall upon the world, because of sin. CAPI. XXIIII. Behold, the Lord shall waste & plague the world, he shall make the face of the earth desolate, and answer abroad the inhabitors thereof. Then shall the pressed be as the people, the master as the servant, the dame like the maid, the se●ler like the bier, he that dareth upon usury, like unto him that borroweth upon usury, the creditoure, as the debtor. Yea miserably shall the world be wasted & clean destroyed. For the Lord hath so determined in himself. The earth shallbe heavy and decay. The face of the earth shall perish and fall away, the proud people of the world shall come to nought. For the earth is corrupt of her indwellers. For why? they have offended the law changed the ordinances, and made the everlasting testamante of none effect. And therefore shall the curse devour the earth, for they that dwell thereon have sinned, wherefore they shallbe brent also, and those that remain shall be very few The swear wine shall mourn, the grapes shall be weak, and all that have been merry in heart, shall sigh. The mirth of tabrettes shallbe laid down, the cheer of the joyful shall cease, and the pleasure of lutes shall have an end, there shall no more wine be drunk with mirth, the beer shallbe bitter to them that drink it, the wicked cities shallbe broken down, all houses shallbe shut, that no man may come in. In the streets shall there be lift up a cry because of wine, all men's there shall vanish away, and all joy of the earth shall pass. Desolation shall remain in the cities, and the gates shallbe smitten with wasteness. For it shall hap unto all lands and to all peo-people, like as when a man smiteth down the olives, that are left upon the tree, or seeketh after grapes, when the wine gathering is out. And those same (that remain) shall lift up their voice, and be glad, and shall magnify the glory of the Lord, even from the see, and praise the name of the Lord God of Israel, in the valleys and Islands. We hear songs song to the praise of the righteous, from all the ends of the world. Therefore I must speak: O mine unfrutefulnesse, O my poverty. Woe is me, all is full of sinners, which offend of purpose and malice. And therefore (O thou that dwellest upon the earth) there is at hand for thee, fear, pit, and snare. Who so escapeth the terrible cry, shall fall into the pit. jere xlviii g And if he come out of the pit, he shall be taken with the snare. For the windows above shallbe opened, and the foundation of the earth shall move. The earth shall give a great crack, it shall have a sore ruin, and take an horrible tall. The earth shall stacker like a drunken man, and be taken away like a tent. Her misdeeds shall lie so heavy upon her, that she must fall, and never rise up again. At the same time shall the Lord muster together the high host above, and the kings of the world upon the earth. These shallbe coupled together as prisoners be, and shall be shut in one ward and punished innumerable days. The Moon & the Sun shallbe ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall rule them at Jerusalem upon the mount Zion, before, & with his excellent council. ¶ A thanksgiving to god for his works, CAPI. XXV. O Lord, thou art my God, I will praise thee, and magnify thy name. For thou bryngeste marvelous things to pass, according to thine old counsels, truly and steadfastly. Thou makest of towns, heaps of stone, and of head cities, broken walls. The palaces of the wicked destroyest thou out of the city, that they shall never be builded again. Therefore the very rude people must magnify thee, and the cities of the cruel heathen must fear the. For thou art the poor man's help, a strength for the needful in his necessity. Thou art a defence against evil wether, a shadow against the heat. But unto the presumptuous, thou art like a strong whirl wind, that casts down the boasting of the ungodly, thou keepest men from heat, with the shadow of the clouds, thou cuttest of the branches of tyrants. Moreover the Lord of Hosts shall once prepare a feast for all people upon the hill. A plenteous, costly, pleasant feast, of fat and well fed beasts, of sweet & most pure things. Upon the hill shall he take away the side vale that hangs before the face of all people, and the covering wherewith all gentiles are covered. As for death, he shall utterly consume it. The Lord God shall wipe away the tears from all faces, & take away the confusion of his people thorough the hole world. Apoca vii d and xxi b For the Lord himself hath said it. At the same time shall it be said: lo, this is our God in whom we put our trust, and he hath healed us. This is the Lord that we have waited for. Let us rejoice and delight in his health. For the hand of the Lord ceaseth upon this hill. But Moab shall be thresshen down under him, like as the straw is trodden under feet in a dung hill. For he shall stretch out his hands upon him, like as a swymmer doth to swim. And with the power of his hands shall he cast down his high pomp. As for his strong holds and high walls, he shall bow them, cast them down, & fallen them to the ground in to dust. ¶ A song for the deliverance of the people, CAPI. XXVI. THen shall this song be song in the land of juda: We have a strong city, the walls and the ordinance shall keep us. Open the gates, that the good people may go in, which laboureth for the troth. And thou, which art the door, & hast the matter in hand, shalt provide for pe●re, even the peaxe that men hope for in the. Hope still in the Lord, for in the Lord God is everlasting strength. For why, it is he, that bringeth low the high minded citizens, & casts down the proud cities. He casts them to the ground, yea even into the mire, that they may be trodden under the feet of the simple, & with the steps of the poor. Thou (Lord) consydrest the path of the righteous, whether it be right, whether the way of the righteous be right. Therefore (Lord) we have a respect unto the way or thy judgements, thy name and thy remembrance rejoice the soul. My soul lusteth after the all the night long, and my mind hasteth freely to the. For as soon as thy judgement is known to the world, than the inhabitors of the earth learn righteousness. But the ungodly (though he have received grace) yet learneth he not righteousness, but in that place where he is punished, he offendeth, and fears not the glory of the Lord. Lord, they will not see thine high hand, but they shall see it, & be confounded, when thou shalt devour them with the wrath of thy people, & with the fire of thine enemies. But unto us, O Lord, provide for peaxe, for thou workest in us all our works. O Lord our God, though such lords have domination upon us as know not thee, yet grant that we may hope only in thee, & kept thy name in remembrance. The malicious tyrants when they die, are neither in life nor in the resurrection, for thou vysytest them & rootest them out, & destroyest all the memorial of them. Again, thou increasest the people, (O Lord) thou encreasest the people, thou shalt be praised and magnified in all the ends of the world. The people that seek unto the in trouble, that same adversity which they complain of is unto them a chastening before the. Like as a wife with child (when her travail cometh upon her) is ashamed, crieth, & suffereth the pain. Even so are we, O Lord, in thy sight. We are with child, we travail, and hear, & with the spirit we bring forth health where thorough the earth is undestroyed, and the inhabitors of the world perish not. But as for thy dead men & ours, that be departed, they are in life & resurrection. They lie in the earth, they wake, & have joy, for thy dew is a dew of life and light. But the place of the malicious tyrants is fallen away. So go now my people into thy chamber, and shut the door to thee, & suffer now the twinkling of an eye, till the wrath be over past. For behold, the Lord will go out of his habitation, M●●●. ● and visit the wickedness of them that devil upon earth. He will discover the blood that she hath devoured, she shall never hide them, that she hath murdered. ¶ He prophecyeth that all realms shall be destroyed about the coming of christ. CAPI. XXVII. THen the Lord with his heavy, great, & long sword shall viset Leviathan that invincible serpent, even Leviathan that crooked serpent, and shall slay the whalfysh in the see. At the same time shall men sing of the vineyard of Muscatel. I the Lord keep it, and water it in due season. I watch day and night, that no man break into it. I bear no evil will in my mind. Who will compel me, that I greatly forgetting all faithfulness, should burn it up at one's with thorns and bushes? Or who will enforce me to keep or make peaxe? It will come to this point, that jacob shallbe rooted again and Israel shallbe green, and bear flowers, and they shall fill the hole world with their fruit. smiteth he not his smiter, as evil as he is smitten himself. Destroyeth he not the murderers, as he is murdered? Every man recompenseth with the measure that he receiveth: He museth upon his sore wind, as upon the days of extreme heat. And therefore shall the iniquity of jacob be thus reconciled. And so shall he take away all the fruit of his sins. As for altar stones, he shall make them all as stones beaten to powder, the groves and Idols shall not stand. The strong cities shallbe desolate, and the fair cities shall be left like a wilderness. The cattles shall feed and lie there, and the sheep shall eace it up. Their harvest shall be brent, their wives which were their beauty when they came forth, shallbe defiled. For it is a people without understanding, & therefore he that created them, shall not favour them & he that made them shall not be merciful to them. In that time shall the Lord shoot from the swift water of Euphrates, unto the river of egypt. And there shall the children be choose our one by one. Then shall the great trumpet be blown, so that those which have been destroyed in the Assyrians land, and those that be scattered a broad in Egypt, shall come & worship the Lord at jerusalem, upon the holy mount. ¶ Against the pride of Ephraim, and against false Preastes and preachers. CAPI. XXVIII. WOE be to the crown of pride, to the drunken Ephraemytes, and to the fading flower, to the glory of his pomp, that is upon the top of the plenteous valley, which men be overladen with wine. Behold, the strength and power of the Lord shall break into the land on every side, like a tempest of hail, that beareth down strong holds, and like an horrible, mighty, & over flowing water. And the proud crown of the drunken Ephraemites, shall he trodden under foot. And as for the fading flower, the glory of his pomp, which is upon the top of the plenteous valley, it shall happen unto him, as to an untimely fruit before the harvest come. Which as soon as it is seen, is by and by devoured, or ever it come well in a man's hand. And then the Lord of Hosts shall be a joyful crown, and a glorious garland unto the remnant of his people. Unto the lowly, he shallbe a spirit or judgement, and unto them that drive away the enemies from the gates, he shallbe a spirit of strength. But they go wrong by the reason of wine, they fall and stacker because of strong drink. Yea even the priests and prophets themselves go amiss, they are drunken with wine, and weak brained thorough strong drink. They err in saying, & in judgement they fail. For all tables are so full of vomit & filthiness, that no place is clean. What is he among them, that can teach, instruct or inform the children, which are weened from such or taken from the breasts, of any other fashion then. Command that may be commanded, bid that may be bidden, forbid that may be forbidden, keep back that may be kept back, here a little, there a little. And therefore the Lord also shall speak with lisping lips & with a strange language unto this people, i Corin xiiii d to whom he spoke afore of this manner. This shall bring rest, if one refresh the weighed, yea this shall bring rest. But they had no will to hear. And therefore the Lord shall answer their stubbournes. (Command that may be commanded, bid that may be bidden, forbid that may be forbidden, keep back that may be kept back, here a little, there a little) That they may go forth, fall backward, be brosed, snared & taken. Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, you mockers that rule the lords people, which is at Jerusalem. For you comfort yourselves thus: Tush, death & we are at a point, & as for hell, we have made a condition with it, Psalm xi Math. xxi d Actu iiii b i Regum ii a as though there break out any sore plague, it shall not come upon us. For with disobeyed will we escape, & with nimbleness will we defend ourselves. Therefore sayeth the Lord God: Behold, I will say a stone in Zion, a great stone, a costly corner stone for a sure foundation, that who so putteth his trust in him, shall not be confounded. righteousness will I set up again in the balance, and judgement in the weights. The tempest of hail shall take away your refuge, that you have to deceive withal, & the overflowing waters shall break down your strong holds of dissimulation. Thus the appointment that you have made with death, shallbe done away, & the condition that you made with hell, shall not stand. When the great destruction goeth thorough, it shall all to tread you. It shall take you quite away before it. For it shall go forth early in the morning, & continue only that day and that night. And the very fear only shall teach you, when you hear it. For the bed shallbe so narrow that a man can not lie upon it. And the covering to small, that a man may not wind himself therein, For the Lord shall step forth as he did upon the mount two. Pa. xiiii c d Perazim, & shall take on as he did upon the * two. Regum u d joshua ten b c dale of Gabaon, that he may bring forth his device, his strange device, & fulfil his work, his wonderful work. And therefore make no mocks at it, that your captivity increase not, for I have heard the Lord of Hosts say, that there shall come a sudden destruction & plague upon the hole earth. Take heed, & hear my voice, ponder & mark my words well. Goeth not the husband man ever in due season earnestly to his land? he mo●eth & ploweth his ground to sow. And when be hath made it plain, he soweth it with fetches or common, He soweth the wheat and Barley in their place, Milium & Rye also in their place. And that he may do it right, his God teacheth him and showeth him. For he tredeth not the fytches out with a wain, neither bringeth he the cart here & there over the coming but he thressheth the fitches' out with a flail and the common with a rod. But the wheat he gryndeth to make breed thereof: In as much as he can not bring it to pass with treading out. For neither the urosing that the cart wheels make, ne his beasts can grind it. This and such like things come of the Lord of hosts, which is marvelous in counsel, and great in righteousness. ¶ The destruction of jerusalem. Against the commandments of men. CAPI. XXIX. WOE be unto thee, oh Ariel, thou city that David won. Take yet some years, and let some feasts yet pass over: them shall Ariel be besieged, so that she shall be heavy & sorrowful, and shall be unto me even as a lion. For I will say siege to the round above, & keep the in with towers, and grave up dykes against the. And thou shalt be brought l●we, and speak out of the earth, and thy words shall go humbly out of the ground. Thy voice sha●l come out of the earth, like the voice of a witch, and thy talking shall groan out of the wire. For the multitude of thine enemies shall be like meledu●t. And the number of tyrants shall be as the dust that the wind taketh away suddenly. Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hosts with thunder, earthquake, and with a great crack, with the whirl wind, tempest, and with the flame of a consuming fire. But now the multitude of all the people that went out against Ariel the hole host, the strong holds and siege is like a dream which appeareth in the night. It is like as when an hungry man dremeth that he is caring, and when he awaketh, he hath nothing: like as when a thirsty man dremeth that he is drinking, & when he awaketh, he is faint, and his soul unpatient. So is the multitude of all people that muster themselves against the hill of Zion. But you shall be at your wits end, you shall be abashed, you shall stackre and rele to & fro. You shall be drunken, but not of wine. You shall fall, but not thorough drunkenness. For the Lord shall give you an hard sleeping spirit, & hold down your eyes: namely your Prophets and heads which should see, them shall he cover. And all visions shall be unto you, as the words that stand in a sealed letter, when one offereth it to a man that is learned, ☞ and saith: read us this letter. Then he answereth: I can not read it, for it is shut. But if it be given to one that is not learned, or said unto him: read this letter: Then saith he: I can not read. Math. xu a Marck vii b Therefore thus saith the Lord: For as much as the people draweth nigh me with their mouth, and praiseth me highly with their lips (where as their heart nevertheless is far fro me, and the fear which they own unto me, that turn they to men's laws and doctrines) therefore will I also show unto this people a marvelous terrible & great thing. (Namely this:) I will destroy the wisdom of their wise, and the understanding of their learned men shall perish. Woe be unto them that seek so deep, 1. 〈…〉 Ecc●e●● to hide their imagination before the Lord, which rehearse their counsels in the darkness, & say: who seethe us, or who knoweth us? Which imagination of yours is even as when the potter's clay taketh advisement, as though the work might say to the workmaster: make me not, or as when an earthen vessel saith of the potter: he understandeth not. See you not that it is hard by, that Libanus shallbe turned into Charmell, and that Charmell shall be taken as a wood? Then shall dead men understand the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see without any cloud or darkness. The oppressed shall hold a merry feast in the Lord, and the poor people shall rejoice in the holy one of I●ra●ll. Then shall the furious people cease, and the mockers shall be put away, and all they that do wrong● shallbe plucked out, such as labour to draw men unto sin, and that deceive him, which reproveed them in the gate and such as turn good personnes to vanity. 〈…〉 And therefore the Lord (even the defender of Abraham) saith thus unto the house of jacob. Now shall not jacob be ashamed, nor his face confounded, when he seethe among his children (whom my hands have made) such as hallow my name amongs them, that they may sanctify the holy one of jacob, and fear the God of Israel, & that they which afore time were of an erroneous spirit, have now understanding, and that such as before could not speak, are now learned in my law. ¶ A Curse against them that forsake the counsel of God and stick unto the counsel of men. He thretneth the rest of the people, which after the destruction of jerusalem went into Egypt. CAPI. XXX. WOE be to those shrinking children (saith the Lord●) which seek counsel, but not at m●, which take a web in hand, but not after my will, that they may heap one sin upon another. They go down in to egypt, (and ask me no counsel) to seek help at the power of Pharaoh, and comfort in the shadow of th● Egyptians. But Pharaos' help shall be your confu●ion, and the comfort in the Egyptians shadow shallbe your own shame. Your rulers have been at Zoan, and your messaungers came unto Hanes. But you shall all be ashamed of the people that may not help you, which shall not bring you strength or comfort, but shame and confusion. your beasts have born burdens upon their backs toward the south, thorough the way that is full of peril and trouble, because of the lion and lioness, of the cockatrice and shooting dragon. Yea the Mules bore your substance, & the Camels brought your treasure upon their crooked backs, unto a people that can not help you. For the Egyptians help shall be but vain and lost. Therefore I told you also that your pride should have an end. Wherefore go hence and write them this in their tables, and note it in a book: that it may remain by their posterity, and be still kept. For it is an obstinate people, unfaithful children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. They dare say to the Prophets: Meddle with nothing, and unto the soothsayers, tell us of nothing for to come, but speak friendly words unto us, and preach us false things. Trede out of the way, go out of the path, turn the holy out of Israel from us. Therefore thus saith the holy one of Israel: forasmoch as you have cast of your beauty, and comforted yourselves with power and nimbleness, and put your confidence therein: therefore shall you have this mischief again for your destruction and fall, like as an high wall that falls because of some rift (or blast) whose breaking cometh suddenly. And your destruction shall be as an earthen pot, which breaketh, no man touching it, yea and breaketh so sore, that a man shall not find a shiver of it to fetch fire in, or to take water therewith out of the pit. For the Lord God, even the holy one of Israel hath promised thus: With still sitting and rest shall you be healed, in quietness and hope shall your strength lie. Notwithstanding you regard it not, but you will say: Not, 〈◊〉 thus are we constrained to flee upon horses. And therefore shall you flee, we must ride upon swift beestes, and therefore your persecutors shall yet be swifter. A thousand of you shall flee for one, or at the most for five, which do but only give you evil words: till you be desolate as a ship mast upon an high mountain, and as a beacon upon an hill. Yet standeth the Lord waiting, that he may have mercy upon you, and lifteth himself up, that he may receive you to grace. For the Lord God is righteous, happy are all they that wait for him. For thus (oh thou people of Zion, and you citizens of jerusalem) shall you never be in heaviness, for doubtless he will have mercy upon the. As soon as he heareth the voice of thy cry, he will help the. The Lord giveth you the breed of adversity, and the water of trouble. But thine instructor fleeth not far from thee, if thine eyes look unto thine instructor, and thine ears hearken to his word, that crieth after thee, and saith: this is the way, go this, and turn neither to the right hand neither to the left. Moreover if you destroy the silver works of your idols, and cast away the golden copes that you decked them with (as filthiness) an say, get you hence: Then will he give rain to the seed that you shall sow in the earth, and give you breed of the increase of the earth, so that all shall be plenteous and abundant. Thy cattles also shall he feed in the broad meadows, yea thine oxen and Mules that till the ground shall rate good fodder, which is purged with the fan. Goodly rivers shall flow out of all his mountains and hills. In the day of the great slaughter when the towers shall fall, the moon shall shine as the sun, and the sun shine shall be seven fold and have as much shine as in seven days beside. In that day shall the Lord bind up the bruised sores of the people, ☜ and heal their wounds. Behold, the glory of the Lord shall come from ●arre, his face shall burn that no man shall be able to abide it, ●is lips shall wag for very indignation, and his tongue shall be as a consuming fire. His breath like a vehement flood of water, which goeth up to the throat. That he may take away the people, which have turned themselves to vanity, and the bridle of error, that lieth in other folks chaws. But you shall sing, as the use is in the night of the holy solemnity. You shall rejoice from your heart, as they that come with the pipe, when they go up to the mount of the Lord, unto the rock of Israel. The Lord also shall set up the power o● his voice, and declare his terrible arm, with his angry countenance, yea and the flame of the consuming fire, with earthquake, tempest of wind and hail stones. Then shall the Assyrians ●eare also, because of the voice of the Lord, which shall smite him with the rod. And the same rod which the Lord will send upon him, shall move the hole foundation: with trumpet, with noise of war and battle to destroy. For he hath prepared the fire of pain from the beginning, yea even for kings also. This hath be made deep & wide, the nourisshing thereof is fire and would innumerable, which the breath of the Lord kyndleth as it were a match of brimstone. ¶ He curseth them that forsake God, and seek for the help of men. CAPI. XXXI. WOE be unto them that go down in to egypt for help, and trust in horses, & comfort themselves in charettes, because they be many, and in horsemen, because they be lusty and strong. But they regard not the holy one of Israel, and they ask no question at the Lord. Where as he nevertheless plageth the wicked, and yet goeth not from his word, when he steppeth forth and taketh the victory against the household of the froward, and against the help of evil doers. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God, and their horses flesh, and not spirit. And as soon as the Lord stretcheth out his hand, then shall the helper fall, and he that should have been helped, and shall all together be destroyed. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me: Like as the lion or lions whelp roareth upon the pray that he hath got, and is not afraid, though the multitude of shepherds cry out upon him, neither abashed for all the heap of them: So shall the Lord of hosts come down from the mount of Zion, and defend his hill. Like as birds fluttre about their nests, so shall the Lord of hosts keep, save, defend and deliver jerusalem. Therefore, O you children of Israel, turn again, like as you have exceded in your going back. For in that day every man shall cast out his idols of silver and gold, which you have made with your sinful hands. Assur also shall be slain with the sword, not wi●h a man's sword. A sword shall devour him, but not a man's sword. And he shall flee from the slaughter, and his servants shall be taken prisoners. He shall go for fear to his strong holds, and his princes shall flee from his badge. This hath the Lord spoken, whose light burneth in Zion, and his fire in Jerusalem. ¶ The conditions of good rulers and officers. CAPI. XXXII. Behold, the king shall govern after the rule of righteousness, and the princes shall rule according to the balance of equity. He shall be unto men as a defence for the wind, & as a refuge for the tempest, like as a ruer of water in a thirsty place, & the shadow of a great tok in a dry land. The eyes of the saying shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear, shall take diligent heed. The heart of the unwise shall atteyn to knowledge, and the unperfect tongue shall speak plainly & distinctly. Then shall the niggard be no more called gentle, ne the churl liberal. But the churl will be churlyshly minded, and his heart will wo●ke evil and play the hypocrite, and imagine abominations against God, to make the hungry lean, and to withhold drink from the thirsty: These are the perilous weapons of the covetous, these be his shameful counsels: that he may beguile the poor with deceitful works, yea even there as he should give sentence with the poor. But the liberal person ymagineth honest things, and cometh up with honesty. Arise (you rich and idle cities) hearken unto my voice. You careless cities, mark my words. After years and days shall you be brought in fear, O you careless cities. For harvest shall be out, and the grape gathering shall not come. O you rich idle cities, you that fear no peril, you shall be abashed and removed: when you see the barrenness, the nakedness and preparing to war. You shall knock upon your breasts, because of the pleasant field, and because of the fruitful vinyeard. My people's field shall bring thorns and thistles, for in every house is voluptuousness, and in the cities wyl●ulnesse. The palaces also shall be broken, and the greatly occupied cities desolate. The powers and bulwarks, shall become dens for evermore, the pleasure of mules shall be turned to pasture for sheep: unto the time that the spirit be powered upon us from above. Then shall the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the plenteous field shall be reckoned for a wood. Then shall equity devil in the desert, 〈…〉 and righteousness in a fruitful land. And the reward of righteousness shall be peax, and her fruit, rest, and quietness for ever. And my people shall devil in the Inns of peax, in my tabernacle and pleasure where there is enough in th●m all. And when the hail falls, it shall fall in the wood and in the city. O how happy shall you be when you shall safely sow your seed beside all waters, and drive thither the feet of your oxen and asses. ¶ Threatening against the Assyrians. A description of them that shall ●e the Lord. CAPI. XXXIII. Therefore woe be unto thee, oh robber, shalt not thou be rob also? and unto the that sayest wait, as who say, there should no wait be laid for thee? Woe unto the which dost hurt, even so shalt thou be hurt also. And as thou sayest wait, so shall wait be laid for the also. Lord be merciful unto us, we wait for the. Thine arm is at a point to visit us, but be thou our health in the time of trouble. Grant that the people may flee at the anger of thy voice, and that at thy upstanding the gentiles may be scattered abroad, and that their spoil may be gathered, as the greshoppers are commonly gathered together in to the pit. Stand up Lord, thou that dwellest on high. Let Zion be rylied with equity and righteousness. Let truth and faithfulness be in her time: power, health, wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of God are her treasure. Behold, their angels cry without, the messengers of peax weep bitterly. The streets are waste, there walketh no man there in, the appointment is broken, the cities are despised, they are not regarded, the desolate earth is in heaviness. Libanus taketh it but for a sport, that it is hewn down: Satan is like a wilderness: Basan and Charmel are turned upside down. And therefore says the Lord: I will up, now will I get up, now will I arise. You shall conceive stubble and bear ●rawe, and your spirit shall be the tire, that if may consume you: and the people shall be burnt like lime, a●d as thorns burn that are hewn of, and cast in the fire. Now hearken to you that are far of, how I do with them, and consider my glory, you that be at hand. The sinners at Zion are afraid, a sudden fearfulness are come upon the hypocrites. What is he among us, say they, that will dwell by that consuming fire? Which of us may abide that everlasting heat? 〈◊〉 two, a He that leadeth a godly life (say I) and speaketh the truth: He that abhorreth to do violence and disobeyed: he that keepeth his hand that he touch no reward: which stoppeth his ears that he hear no counsel against the innocent: which holdeth down his eyes that he see none evil. He it is that shall devil on high, whose safeguard shall be in the true rock, to him shall be given the right true meat and drink. His eyes shall see the king in his glory: and in the wide world, and his heart shall delight in the fear of God. 〈…〉 What shall then become of the Scribe? of the Senator? What of him that teacheth children? There shalt thou not see a people of a strange tongue to have so diffused a language that it may not be understand: neither so strange a speech, but it shall be perceived. There shall Zion be seen, the heed city of our solemn feasts. There shall thine eyes see jerusalem, that glorious habitation: the tabernacle that never shall remove, whose nails shall never be taken out world without end, whose cords everichone shall never corrupt: for the glorious majesty of the Lord shall there be present among us. In that place where fair broad rivers and streams are, shall neither Galley row, ne great ship sail. For the Lord shall be our capitain, the Lord shall be our law giver. The Lord shall be our king, and he himself shall be our saviour. There are the cords so laid abroad, that they can not be better. The mast set up of such a fashion, that no banner nor sail hangs thereon: but there is dealt great spoil, yea lame men run after the pray. There lieth no man that saith: I am sick, but all evil is taken away from the people that devil there. ¶ The last destruction of the synagogue, in which the kingdom and priesthood o● that people was translated to the Church and congregation of christ. CAPI. XXXIIII. COme you Heathen and hear, take heed you people. hearken thou earth and all that is therein: thou round compass & all that groweth thereupon, for the Lord is angry with all people, and his displeasure is kindled against all the multitude of them, to curse them, and to slay them. So that their slain shall be cast out, and their bodies stink: that even the very hills shall be wet with the blood of them. All the stars of heaven shall be conusmed, & the heaven shall fold together like a roll, and all the stars thereof shall fall, like as the leaves fall from the vines and fig trees. For my sword (saith he) shall be bathed in heaven, and shal● immediately come down upon Idumea, and upon the people which I have cursed for my vengeance. And the lords sword shall be full of blood, and be rusty with the fatness and blood of lambs and goats, with the fatness of the kydneys of wethers. For the Lord shall kill a great offering in Bosra▪ and in the land of Idumea. There shall the Unicorns fall with the Bulls, (that is with the giants) and their land shall be washed with blood, and their ground corrupt with fatness. Isaiah lxiii ● Unto the also (O Zion) shall come the day of the vengeance of God, and the year when thine own judgements shall be recompensed. Thy floods shall be turned to pitch, and thine earth to brimstone, and therewith shall the land be kindled, so that it shall not be quenched day nor night: But smoke evermore, and so forth to lie waste. And no man shall go thorough thy land for ever: But Pelicans, Storks, great oules, and Ravens that have it in possession, and devil therein. For God shall spread out the line of desolation upon it, and weigh it wi●h the stones of emptiness. When kings are called upon, there shall be none, and all princes shall be away. Thorns shall grow in their palaces, nettles and thistles in their strong boldes, that the dragons may have their pleasure therein, and that they may be a court for Ostriches. There shall strange visures and and monstrous beasts meet one an other, and the wild keep company together. There shall the Lamia lie, and have her lodging. There shall the hedgehog build, dig, be there at home, and bring forth his young one's. There shall the kites come together each one to his like. Seek thorough the scripture of the Lord, and read it. There shall none of these things be left out, there shall not one (ne such like) fail. For what his mouth commandeth, that same doth his spirit gather together (or fulfilleth.) Upon whom so ever the lot falls, or to whom he dealeth it with the lyn●: those shall possess the inheritance from generation to generation, and devil therein. ¶ Of the time and kingdom of christ. CAPI. XXXV. But the wilderness shall rejoice, the waste ground shall be glad, and flourish as the lyllye. She shall flourish pleasantly, and be joyful, and ever be giving of thanks more and more. For the glory of Lybanus, the beauty of Charmel and Saron shall be given her. These shall know the honour of the Lord, and the majesty of our God. And therefore strengthen the we●ke hands, and comfort the feeble knees. say unto them that are of a fearful heart: be of good there and fear not. Behold your God cometh to take vengeance and to reward, God cometh his own self, and will deliver you. Math. xv c Then shall the eyes of the blind be lightened, and the ears of the deaf opened. Then shall the lame man leap as an Heart, and the dumb man's tongue shall give thanks. In the wyldern●sse also there shall wells spring, and floods of water in the desert. The dry ground shall turn to rivers, and the thurstye to springs of water. Where as dragons dwelled afore, there shall grow sweet flowers and green rushes. There shall be foot paths and common streets, this shall be called the holy way. Not unclean person shall go thorough it, for the Lord himself shall go with them that way, and the ignorant shall not err. There shall be no lion, and no ravishing be'st shall come therein, nor be there, but men shall go there free and safe. And the redeemed of the Lord shall convert, and come to Zion with thanksgiving▪ Euerlaing joy shall they have, pleasure and gladness shall be among them. And all sorrow and heaviness, shall vanish away. ¶ Jerusalem is assieged by Sennacherib in the time of king Ezechias. CAPI. XXXVI. IN the fourteenth year of king Ezechias, came Sennacherib king▪ of the Assyrians down, iiij. Re. xviii c to say siege unto all the strong cities of juba. two. Par. xxxii a And the king of the Assyrians sent Rabsakeh from Lac●is toward jerusalem against king Ez●chi●s, with a grievous host, which set him by the conduit of the overpole, in the way that goeth thorough the fullers land. And so there came forth unto him Eliakim Helkiahs' son, the Precedent, Sobna the Scribe, and joah Asaphs son the Secretary. And Rabsakeh said unto them: Tell Ezechias that the great king of Assiria saith thus unto him: What presumption is this that thou trustest unto? Thou thinkest peradventure, thou haste counsel and power enough to maintain this war: or else where to trustest thou, that thou castest thyself of fro me? lo, thou puttest thy trust in a broken staff of ●eed (I mean egypt) which he that leaneth upon, it goeth in to his hand, & shoteth him thorough. Even so is Pharaoh the king of egypt, unto all them that trust in him. But if thou wouldest say to me: we trust in the Lord our God: A ●oodly God in deed: whose high places and altars Ezechias took down, and commanded juda and jerusalem to worship only before the altar. Abide thee, thou hast made a condition with my Lord the king of the Assyrians, that he should give the two thousand horses: art thou able to let men upon them? saying now that thou canst not resist the power of the smallest prince that my Lord hath, how darest thou trust in the charettes and horse men of egypt? Moreover, thinkest thou I am come down hither to destroy this land without the Lords will? The Lord said unto me, go down in to the land, that thou mayst destroy it. Then said Eliakim, Sobna and joah unto Rabsakeh: Speak to us thy servants (we pray thee) in the Syrians language, for we understand it well: And speak not ●o us in the jews tongue, least the folk hear, which lieth upon the brickwall. Then answered Rabsakeh: Think you that the king sent me to speak this only unto you? Hath he not sent me to them also that lie upon the brickwall: that they be not compelled to eat their own dung, and drink their own stolen with you? And Rabsakeh stood stiff, and cried with a loud voice in t●e jews' tongue, and said. Now take heed how the great king of the Assyrians giveth you warning. Thus saith the king: Let not Ezechias deceive you▪ for he shall not be able to deliver you. Moreover let not Ezechias comfort you in the Lord, when he saith: The Lord without doubt shall defend us, and shall not give over this city in to the hand of the king of the Assyrians, believe him not. But thus saith the king of Assiria: Obtain my favour, incline unto me: so may every man enjoy his vineyard and fyggetrees, and drink the water of his cistern: unto the time that I come myself, and bring you in to a land that is like your own: wherein is wheat and wine, which is both sown with seed, and planted with vineyards. Let not Ezechias deceive you, when he saith unto you: the Lord shall deliver us. Might the gods of the gentiles keep every man's land from the power of the king of the Assyrians? Where is the God of Hemath and Arphad? Where is the God of Sepharuaim? And who was able to defend Samaria out of my hand? Or which of all the Gods of the lands, hath delivered their country out of my power, so that the Lord should deliver jerusalem fro my hand? Unto this Ezechias messengers held their tongues, and answered not one word: for the king had charged them that they should give him none answer. So came Eliakim Helkiahs' son the Precedent. Sobna the Scribe, & joah Asaphs son the Secretary, unto Ezechias with rend clotheses, and told him the words of Rabsakeh. ¶ Ezechias humbleth himself before the Lord. The army of Sennacherib is slain of the angel of the Lord: and he himself is killed of his own sons. CAPI. XXXVII. WHen Ezechias heard that, he rent his clotheses, ● Reg. xix a and put on a sackcloth, & went in to the temple of the Lord. But he sent Eliakim the Precedent, Sobna the Scribe with the elder priests clothed in sack unto the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, and they said unto him: Thus saith Ezechias: This is the day of trouble, of plague, and of wrath: like as when a child cometh to the birth, but the woman hath no power to bring it forth. The Lord thy God, no doubt, hath well considered the words of Rabsakeh, whom his lord the king of Assyrians hath sent, to defy and blaspheme the living God: with such words as the Lord thy God hath herd right well. And therefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that yet are left. So the servants of king Ezechias came to Isaiah. And Isaiah gave them this answer: Say thus unto your Lord: thus saith the Lord: Be not afraid of the words that thou hast herd, wherewith the king of the Assyrians servants have blasphemed me. Behold, I will 'cause a wind go over him, as soon as he heareth it, he shall go again in to his country, there will I destroy him with the sword. Now when Rabsakeh returned, he found the king of Assiria laying siege to Lobnah, for he had understand, that he was departed from Lachis. For there came a rummour, that Tharhakah king of Ethiopia was come forth to war against him. And when the king of Assiria heard that, he sent other messengers to king Ezechias, with this commandment: Say thus to Ezechias king of juda: Let not thy God di●ceyue the in whom thou hopest, and sayest: jerusalem shall not be given in to the hands of the king of Assiria. For thou knowest well how the kings of Assyria have handled all the lands that they have subverted, and hopest thou to escape? Were the people of the gentiles (whom my progenytours conquered) delivered at any time thorough their gods? As namely, Gozan, Hatan, Rezeph, and the children of Eden, which dwell at Thalassar. Where is the king of Hemah, and the king of Arphad, & the king of the city of Sepharuaim, Ena and Ava? Now when Ezechias had received the letter of the messengers, and read it, he went up in to the house of the Lord, and opened the letter before the Lord. And Ezechias prayed before the Lord, on this manner: O Lord of hosts, thou God of Israel, which dwellest upon cherubin. Thou art the God that only is God of all the kingdoms of the world, for thou only hast created heaven and earth. incline thine ear, Lord, and consider, open thine eyes, oh Lord, and see and ponder all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent his embassage to blaspheme the living God. It is true, O Lord, that the kings of Assiria have conquered all kingdoms ● lands, and cast their gods in the fire. Notwithstanding those were no gods, but the works of men's hands, of kind or stone, therefore have they destroyed them. deliver us then, O Lord our God, from the hands of Sennacherib, that all kingdoms of the earth may know that thou only art the Lord. Then Isaiah the son of Amoz, sent unto Ezechias, saying: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: where as thou hast made thy prayer unto me, as touching Sennacherib this is the answer, that the Lord hath given concerning him: despised art thou and mocked, oh daughter of Zion, he hath shaken his heed at thee, oh daughter of jerusalem. But thou Sennacherib, whom hast thou defied and blasphemed? add against whom thou hast lifted up thy voice, and exalted thy proud looks? even against the holy one of Israel. Thou with thy servants haste blasphemed the Lord, and thus holdest thou of thyself: I cover the high mountains and sides of Libanus with my horsemen. And there will I cut down the high cedar trees, and the fairest fir trees. I will up in to the height of it, and in to the chief of the tymbre woods. If there be no water, I will grave and drink. And as for waters of defence, I shall dry them up with the feet of mine host. Yea (sayest thou) hast thou not herd what I have taken in hand, and brought to pass of old time? That same will I do now also: waste, destroy, and bring strong cities unto heaps of stones. For their inhabitoures shall be like lame men, brought in fear and confounded. They shall be like the grass and green herbs in the field, like the hay upon house tops, that withereth afore it be grown up. I know thy ways, thy going forth, and thy coming home, yea and thy madness against me. Therefore thy full iousnesse against me, and thy pride is come before me. I will put a ring in thy nose, and a bridle bit in the chaws of thee, and turn the about even the same way thou camest. I will give the also this token. O Ezechias, this year shalt thou eat that is kept in store, and the next year such as groweth of himself, and in the third year you shall sow and reap, yea you shall plant vineyards, and enjoy the fruits thereof. And such of the house of juda as are escaped, shall come together, and the remnant shall take root beneath, and bring forth fruit above. For the escaped shall go out of jerusalem, and the remnant from the mount Zion. And this shall the jealousy of the Lord of hosts bring to pass. Therefore thus saith the Lord, concerning the king of the Assyrians: He shall not come in to the city, and shall shout no arrow in to it, there shall no shield hurt it, neither shall they dig about it. The same way that he came, shall he return, and not come at this city, saith the Lord. And I will keep and save the city (saith he) for mine own, and for my servant David's sake. iiii. Reg. xix g Eccle xlviii d Tobye i d i Mach vii f two. Mat viii e The death of Sennacherib. Thus the angel went forth, and slew of the Assyrians host, an hundred four score and five thousand. And when men arose up early (at jerusalem,) behold all lay full of deed bodies. So Sennacherib the king of the Assyrians broke up and dwelled at Ninive. afterward it chanced, as he prayed in the temple of Nesrah his God, and Adramalech and Sarazer his own sons, slew him with the sword, and fled in to the land of Ararat. And Asar Hadon his son reigned after him. ¶ Ezechias is sick unto the death, but is yet revived by the Lord, and liveth xu years after: for which benefit he giveth thanks. CAPI. XXXVIII. NOt long after this, was Ezechias sick unto the death: iiii. Reg. twenty a two. Par. xxxii f and the Prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came unto him, and said: Thus commandeth the Lord: Set thine house in order, for thou must die, and shalt not escape. Then Ezechias turned his face toward the brickwall, and prayed unto the Lord, and said: Remember, O Lord, that I have walked before the in truth, and steadfast heart, and have done the thing that is pleasant to the. And Ezechias wept sore. Then said God unto Isaiah: God and speak unto Ezechias: the Lord God of David thy father sendeth the this word: I have herd thy prayer, and consydred thy tears: behold I will put fifteen years mother unto thy life, and deliver the and the city also, from the hand of the king of Assyria, for I will defend the city. And take the this token of the Lord, that he will do it, as he hath spoken: ☞ Behold I will return the shadow of Achaz dial, that now is laid out with the sun, and bring it ten degrees backward. So the sun turned ten degrees backward, the which he was descended afore. ¶ A thankesgyvinge, which Ezechias king of juda written, when he had been sick and was recovered. I Thought I should have go to the gates of hell in my best age, and have wanted the residue of my years. I spoke within myself: I shall never visit the Lord God in this life: I shall never see man among the dwellers of the world. Mine age is folden up together, and taken away fro me like a shepherds cottage: my life is hewn of, like as a weaver cutteth of his web. While I was yet talking my rest, he hewed me of, and made an end of me in one day. I thought I would have lived unto the morrow: but he brosed my bones like a lion, & made an end of me in one day Then chatred I like a swallow: and like a crane, and mourned as a dove. I lift up mine eyes in to the height: O Lord (said I) violence is done unto me, be thou surety for me. What shall I speak or say, that he may this do? that I may live out all my years, yea in the bitterness of my life? verily (Lord) men should live in bitterness: and all my life must I pass over therein, for thou raisest me up, & wakest me. But loo, I will be well content with this bitterness. Nevertheless my conversation hath so pleased thee, ☜ that thou wouldest not make an end of my life, so that thou hast cast all my sins he hind thy back. For hell praiseth not thee, death doth not magnify the. They that go down in to the grave praise not thy truth: but the living, yea the living knowledge thee, like as I do this day. The father telleth his children of thy faithfulness. deliver us (O Lord) and we will sing praises in the house, all the days of our life. And Isaiah said: take a plaster of figs, and say it upon the sore, so shall it be hole. Then said Ezechias: O what a great thing is this, that I shall go up in to the house of the Lord. ¶ Ezechias is reproved of Isaiah, because he showed his treasure unto the Ambassadors of Babylon. CAPI. XXXIX. AT the same time Merodach Baladam, Baladams' son king of Babylon, iiii. 〈…〉 sent letters and presents to Ezechias. For he understood how he had been sick, and was recovered again. And Ezechias was glad thereof, and showed them the commodities of his treasure, of silver, of gold, of spices and roots of precious oils, all that was in his cupbordes and treasure houses. There was not one thing in Ezechias house, and so thorough out all his kingdom, but he let them see it. Then came Isaiah the Prophet to king Ezechias, and said unto him: What have the men said, and from whence came they unto thee? Ezechias answered: they came out of a far country unto me, out of Babylon. Isaiah said: what have they looked upon in thine house? Ezechias answered: All that is in mine house have they seen: and there is nothing in my treasure, but I showed it them. Then said Isaiah unto Ezechias: Understand the word of the Lord of hosts. Behold the time will come that every thing which is in thine house, and all that thy progenytoures have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried to Babylon, and no thing left behind. This saith the Lord. Yea, and part of thy sons that shall come of thee, and whom thou shalt get, shall be caved hence, and become gelded chamberlains in the king of Babylon's court: Then said Ezechias to Esay: Now God prosper his own word, which he hath spoken. He said moreover: so there be peax and faithfulness in my tyme. ¶ The coming of saint Iohn baptist. The preparation of the Apostles. The calling of the gentiles. CAPI. XL. BE of good cheer my people, be of good cheer (saith your God) comfort jerusalem, and tell her that her travail is at an end, that her offence is pardoned, that she hath received of the lords hand sufficient correction for all her sins. A voice crieth: Prepare the way for the Lord in the wilderness, 〈…〉 make straight the path for our God in the desert. Let all vales be exalted, and every mountain and hill be laid low. What so is crooked, let it be made straight, and let the rough places be made plain fields. For the glory of the Lord shall appear, and all flesh shall see it, for why? the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 〈…〉 The same voice spoke: Now cry. And I said: what shall I cry? Then spoke it: that all flesh is grass, and that all the beauty thereof, is as the flower of the field. The grass is withered, the flower falls away. Even so is the people as grass, 〈…〉 when the breathe of the Lord bloweth upon them. The grass wither, or the flower fade away: But the word of our God endureth for ever. Moreover the voice cried thus: Go up unto the hill (oh Zion) thou that bryngest good tidings, life up thy voice with power, oh thou preacher jerusalem. life it up without fear, and say unto the cities of juda: behold your God, behold the Lord, even the almighty shall come with power, and bear rule with his arm. Behold he bringeth his treasure with him, & his works go before him. 〈…〉. He shall feed his flock like an herdman. He shall gather the lambs together with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall kindly entreat those that bear young. Who hath held the waters in his fist? Who hath measured heaven with his span, and hath comprehended all the earth of the worloe in three fingers? Who hath weighed the mountains and hills? Who hath reformed the mind of the Lord? Romano xi d i Corinth ii d Sapien ten e Or who is of his counsel to teach him? At whom hath he asked counsel, to make him understand, and to learn him the way of judgement: to teach him science: and to instruct him in the way of understanding? Behold, all people are in comparison of him, as a drop to a boket full, and are counted as the least thing that the balance weigheth. Behold, the Isles are in comparison of him, as the shadow of the sun beam. Libanus is not sufficient to minister fire for his offering, and all the beasts thereof are not enough to one sacrifice. All people in comparison of him, are reckoned as nothing, yea vain vanity and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God? or what similitude will you set up unto him? Act xvii d Shall the carver make him a carved image? and shall the goldsmith cover him with gold, or cast him in to a form of silver places? Moreover shall the image maker (that the poor man which is disposed may have some thing to set up also) seek out and chose a tree, that is not rotten, and carve of it an image that moveth not? Know you not this? Heard you never of it? Hath it not been preached unto you from the beginning? Have you not been informed of this sithence the foundation of the earth was laid: that he sitteth upon the circle of the world, and that all the inhabitants of the world are in comparison of him but as greshoppers: That he spreadeth out the heavens as a covering: that he stretcheth them out, as a tent to devil in: that he bringeth Princes to no thing, and the judges of the earth to dust: so that they be not planted nor sown again, neither their stock rooted again in the earth? For as soon as he bloweth upon them, they wither and fade away, like the straw in a whirlwind. To whom now will you liken me, and whom shall I be like, says the holy one? Lift up your eyes on high, and consider. Who hath made those things, which come out by so great heaps? and he can call them all by their names. For there is nothing hid unto the greatness of his power, strength, and might. How may then jacob think, or how may Israel say: My ways are hid from the Lord, and my God knoweth not of my judgements. Knowest thou not, or hast thou not herd, that the everlasting God, the Lord which made all the corners of the earth, is neither weary nor faint: and that his wisdom can not be comprehended: but that he giveth strength unto the weary, and power unto the faint? Children are weary and faint and the strongest men fall: But unto them that have the Lord before their eyes▪ shall strength be increased, 〈◊〉 things shall grow upon them: When they ●unne, they shall not fall: and when they go, they shall not be weary. ¶ Of the goodness and mercy of God toward the people. CAPI. XLI. BE still (you Islands) and hearken unto me. Be strong you people: Come hither and show your cause, we will go to the law together. Who raiseth up the just from the rising of the sun, and calleth him to go forth? Who casts down the people, and subdueth the kings before him: that he may throw them all to the ground with his sword, and scatter them like stubble with his bow? He followeth upon them, and goeth safely himself, and cometh in no foot path with his feet. Who hath made, created, and called the generations from the beginning? Even I the Lord, which am the first, and with the last. Behold you Isles, that you may fear, and you ends of the earth, Isaiah xliiii a xlviii. a. Apo. ii d xxii c that you may be abashed, draw nigh, and come hither. Every man hath exhorted his neighbour, and brother, and bidden him be strong. The smith comforted the moulder, and the iron smith the hammer man, saying: It shall be good that we fasten this cast work: & then they fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. And thou Israel my servant: jacob my choose seed of Abraham my beloved, whom I led from the ends of the earth by the hand: For I called the from far, and said unto thee: Thou shalt b● my servant, I have choose thee, and will not cast the away: be not afraid, for I will be with the. Look not behind thee, for I will be thy God to strength thee, help thee, and to keep the with this right hand of mine. Behold, all they that withstand thee, shall come to confusion and shame: and thine adversaries shall be destroyed and brought to nought. So that who to seeketh after them, shall not ●ynde them. Thy destroyers shall perish, and so shall they that undertake to make battle against the. For I thy Lord and God will strengthen thy right hand. Even I that say unto the. Fear not. I will help the. Be not afraid thou little worm jacob, & thou despised Israel, for I will help thee, saith the Lord and the holy one of Israel thine avenger. Behold, I will make the a treding cart, and a new ●ayle, that thou mayst thrash and grind the mountains, and bring the hills to powder. Thou shalt fan them, & the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind sh●ll scatter them. But thou shalt rejoice in the Lo●de, and shalt delight in praising the holy one of I●rael. When the thirsty and poor seek water and ●ynde none, and when their tongue is dry of thirst: I give it them, saith the Lord. I the God of Israel forsake them not. I bring forth floods in the hills, and wells in the plain fields. I turn the wilderness to rivers, and the dry land to Condites of water. I plant in the waste ground trees of cedar, Box, mire, and Olives. And in the dry, I set Fyrre trees, Elms and Hawthornes together. All this do I, that they all together may see and mark, perceive with their hearts and considre, that the hand of the Lord maketh these things, and that the holy one of Israel bringeth them to pass. Stand at your cause, saith the Lord, & bring forth your strongest ground, counseleth the king of jacob. Let the gods come forth themselves, and show us the things that are past what they be: let them declare them unto us that we may take them to heart, and know them hereafter. Either let them show us things for to come, and tell us what shall be done hereafter: so shall we know that they be gods. Show some thing, either good or bad: so will we both knowledge the same and tell it out. Behold, you gods are of nought, and your making is of nought, but abomination hath choose you. Nevertheless, I have waked up one from the north, & he shall come. And an other from the East, which shall call upon my name, and shall come to the princes, as the potter to his clay, and as the potter tredeth down the mire: Who told that afore? So will we confess and say, that he is righteous. But there is none that showeth or declareth any thing, there is none also that heareth your words. Behold, I will first grant them of Zion and jerusalem to be Evangelists. But when I consider: there is not one among them that prophecyeth, neither (when I ask him) that answereth one word. Lo, wicked are they and vain, with the things also that they take in hand: yea wind are they, and emptiness, with their images together. ¶ The coming of Christ, and his baptism. CAPI. XLII. Behold, now therefore, this is my servant, I will keep to myself: mine elect: In whom my soul shall be pacified. I will give him my spirit, 〈◊〉 xi ● that he may show forth judgement and equity among the gentiles. He shall not be an outcryer, nor an high minded person. His voice shall not be herd in the streets. A brosed reed sha●l he not break, and the smoking flare shall he not quench: but faithfully and truly shall he give judgement. He shall neither be overseen ne hasty, that he may restore righteousness unto the earth: and the gentiles also shall keep his laws. For thus saith God the Lord unto him (even he that made heavens, and spread them abroad, and set forth the earth with her increase: which giveth breathe unto the people that is in it, and to them that devil therein) I the Lord have called the 〈◊〉 righteousness, and led the by the hand. Therefore will I also defend thee, Esay● 〈…〉 and give the for a covenant of the people, and to be the light of the gentiles. That thou mayst open the eyes of the blind, let out the prisoners, and them that sit in darkness, out of the dungeon house. I myself, whose name is the Lord, which give my power to none other, 〈…〉 neither mine honour to the Gods: show you these new tidings, and tell you them or they come, for old things also are come to pass. Sing therefore unto the Lord, a new song of thanks giving: blow out his praise unto the end of the world. They that be upon the see, and all that is therein, praise him, the Isles, and they that devil in them. Let the wilderness with her cities lift up her voice, the towns also that be in Cedar. Let them be glad that sit upon rocks of stone, and let them cry down from the high mountains: ascribing almightiness unto the Lord, and magnifying him among the gentiles. The Lord shall come forth as a giant, and take a stomach to him like as a fresh man of war. He shall roar and cry, & overcome his enemies. I have long held my peax (saith the Lord) should I therefore be still, and keep silence for ever? I will cry like a traveling woman, and one's will I destroy and devour. I will make waste both mountain and hill, and dry up every green thing that groweth thereon. I will dry up the floods of water, and drink up the rivers. I will bring the blind in to a street that they know no●: and lead them in to a fotepath, that they are ignorant in. I shall make darkness light before them, and the thing that is crooked to be straight. These things will I do, and not forget them. And therefore let them convert, and be ashamed earnestly, that hope in idols, and say to fashioned images: you are our gods. Hear, oh you deaf men, and sharpen your sights to it, oh you blind. But who is blinder than my servant? Or so deaf as my messengers whom I sent unto them? For who is so blind as my people, and they that have the rule of them? They are like as if thou understodest moche, and keptest nothing: or if one heard well, but were not obedient. The Lord be merciful unto them for his righteousness sake, and that his word might be magnified and praised. But it is a mischievous and wicked people. Their young men belong all to the snare, and shall be shut in to prison houses. They shall be carried away captive, & no man shall loose them. They shall be trodden under foot, and no man shall labour to byrng them again. But who is he among you that pondreth this in his mind that considereth it, and taketh it for a warning in time to come. Who suffered jacob to be trodden under foot, and Israel to be spoiled? Did not the Lord? Now have we sinned against him, and have had no delight to walk in his ways, neither been obedient unto his law. Therefore hath he poured upon us his wrathful displ●asur●e, and strong battle, which maketh us have to do on every side, yet will we not understand: He burneth us up, yet synketh it not in to our hearts. ¶ God promiseth to sand his christ, which shall deliver his people. He forgiveth sins for his own sake. CAPI. XLIII. But now the Lord that made thee, O jacob, and he that fashioned thee, oh Israel saith thus: Fear not, for I will defend the. I have called the by name, thou art mine own. When thou wentest in the water. I was by thee, that the strong floods should not pluck the away. When thou walkest in the fire, it shall not burn thee, and the flame shall not kindle upon the. For I am the Lord thy God, the holy one of Israel, thy saviour. I gave egypt for thy deliverance, the Morions and the Sabees for thee: because thou wast dear in my sight, and because I set by thee, and loved the. I pilled all men for thee, and delivered up all people for thy sake, that thou shouldst not fear, for I was with the. I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather the together from the West. I will say to the north, let go. And to the south, keep not back: but bring me my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the world: Namely all those that be called after my name: For them have I created, facyoned, and made for mine honour. Bring forth that people, whether they have eyes, or be blind, deaf, or have ears. All nations shall come in one, and be gathered in one people. But which among yonder gods shall declare such things, and tell us what is to come? Let them bring their witnesses, so shall they be free: for then men shall bear it, and say it is truth. But I bring you witnesses (saith the Lord) even those that are my servants, whom I have choose: to th'intent that you might be certyfyed, and give me faithful credence: yea and to consider, that I am he, Osee xiii b before whom there was never any God, and that there shall be none after me. I am only the Lord, and without me is there no saviour. I give warning, I make hole, I teach you that there should be no strange God among you. And this record must you bear me yourselves, saith the Lord that I am God. And even he am I from the beginning, and there is none that can take any thing out of my hand. And what I do, can no man change. Thus saith the Lord, the holy one of Israel your redeemer: For your sake I will send to Babylon, and bring all the strongest of them from thence: Namely the Chaldees that host them of their ships: Even I the Lord your holy one which have made Israel, and am your king. Moreover thus saith the Lord▪ even he that maketh away in the see, and a foot path in the mighty waters: which bringeth forth the charettes and horses, the host and the power, that they may fall a sleep, and never rise, and be extinct, like as tow is quenched. You remember not things of old, and regard nothing that is paste. two. Corint u d Apoca xxi b Therefore behold, I shall make a new thing, and shortly shall it appear: you shall well know it, I have told it you before, but I will tell it you again. I will make streets in the desert, and rivers of waters in the wilderness. The wild beestes shall worship me: the dragon and the Estriche. For I shall give water in the wilderness, and streams in the desert: that I may give drink to my people, whom I chose, this people have I made for myself, and they shall show forth my praise. For thou (jacob) wouldest not call upon me, but thou hadst an unluste toward me, oh Israel. Thou gavest me not thy young beasts for burned offerings, neither didst honour me with thy sacrifices. Thou boughtest me no dear spices with thy money, neither powredest the fat of thy sacrifices upon me. How be it I have not been chargeable unto the in offerings, neither grievous in incense. But thou hast laden me with thy sins: and wearied me with thine ungodliness. Where as I yet am even he only, that for mine own selves sake do away thine offences, and forget thy sins: so that I will never think upon them. Put me now in remembrance (for we will reason together) and show what thou haste for the to make the quite. Thy first father offended sore, and thy rulers have sinned against me. Therefore I either suspended, or slew the chiefest princes: I did curse jacob, and gave Israel in to reproof. ¶ christ promiseth to deliver his church, which he hath redeemed. idolatry and kneeling before Images. etc. are confuted. CAPI. XLIIII. SO hear now, oh jacob my servant, and Israel, whom I have choose. For thus saith the Lord that made thee, fashioned thee, jeremy xxx g and xlvi g and helped the even from thy mother's womb: Be not afraid, oh jacob my servant, thou righteous, whom I have choose. For I shall pour water upon the dry ground, and rivers upon the thirsty. I shall pour my spirit upon my seed, and mine increase upon thy stock. They shall grow together like as the grass, and as the wyllyes by the water's side: One will say I am the Lords. An other will call under the name of jacob. The third shall describe with his hand unto the Lord, and give himself under the name of Israel. Isaiah xli b. ● Esay xlviii b Apo●●● xii e. Moreover thus hath the Lord spoken & even the king of Israel, and his avenger, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and the last, and without me is there no God. For what is he that ever was like me, which am from everlasting? Let him show his name, and do where thorough he may be likened unto me. Let him tell you forth plainly, things that art past, and for to come: yea and that without any fear or stop. For have not I ever told you hitherto, and warned you? You can bear me record yourselves. Is there any God except me? or any maker that I should not know him? Wherefore all carvers of idols are but vain, and their labour lost. 〈…〉 They must bear record themselves, that (seeing they can neither see ne understand) they shall be confounded. Who should now make a God, or fashion an idol, that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all the fellowship of them must be brought to confusion. Let all the workmasters of them come and stand together from among men: they must be abashed and confounded one with an other. Sapi● 〈…〉 The smith taketh iron, and temper it with hot coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and maketh it with all the strength of his arms: yea sometime he is faint for very hunger, and so thirsty that he hath no more power. The carpenter (or image carver) taketh meet of the timber: and spreadeth forth his line: he marketh it with some colour: he plaineth it, he ruleth it, and squareth it, and maketh it after the image of a man, and according to the beauty of a man: that it may stand in the temple. Moreover, he goeth out to hew down cedar trees: He bringeth home Elms and Okes, and other timber of the wood. Or else the fir trees which he planted himself, and such as the rain hath swelled, which wood serveth for men to burn. Of this he taketh and warmeth himself withal: he maketh a fire of it to bake breed. And afterward maketh a God thereof to honour it: and an idol to kneel before it. One piece he burneth in the fire, with an other he roasteth flesh, that he may eat roast his belie full: with the third he warmeth himself, and saith: Aha, I am well warmed. I have been at the fire. And of the residue he maketh him a God and an idol for himself. He kneeleth before it, he worshyppeth it, he prayeth unto it, and saith: deliver me for thou art my God. Yet men neither consider ne understand, because their eyes are stopped, that they can not see: and their hearts, that they can not perceive. They ponder not in their minds, for they have neither knowledge nor understanding, to think thus: I ha●e brence one piece in the fire: I have baked breed with the coals thereof. I have roasted flesh withal, and eaten it: shall I now of the residue ma●e an abomination, and fall down before a rotten piece of wood? The keeping of dust, and fool●s●henesse of heart hath ruined them aside, so that none of them can have a free conscience to think: may not I err? Consydre this, O jacob and Israel, for thou art my servant. I have made thee, that thou mightest serve me. O Israel, forget me not. As for thine offences, I drive them away like the clouds, and thy sins as the mist. Turn the again unto me: & I will deliver the. Be glad you heavens whom the Lord hath made, let all that is here beneath upon the earth be joyful. Rejoice you mountains and woods, with all the trees that are in you: for the Lord shall redeem jacob, and show his glory upon Israel. For thus saith the Lord thy redeemer, even he that fashioned the from thy mother's womb: I am the Lord, which do all things myself alone. I only have spread out the heavens, and I only have laid the foundation of the earth. I destroy the tokens of witches, and make the soothsayers go wrong. As for the wise, I turn them backward, and make their cunning foolishness. But I set up the purpose of my servants, and fulfil the counsel of my messengers. I say to jerusalem: turn again. And to the cities of juda: be you builded again: and I repair their decayed places. I lay to the ground: be dry. And I dry up thy water floods. I say to Cyrus: thou art mine herdman: so that he shall fulfil all things after my will. I say to jerusalem: be thou builded, and to the temple: be thou fast grounded. ¶ The deliverance of the people by Cyrus. The coming of christ and calling of the gentiles CAPI. XLV. THus saith the Lord unto Cyrus his anointed, whom he leadeth by the right hand: that the people may fall down before him: I will loose the girdle of kings: that they shall open the gates before thy face, and not to shut their doors. I will go before thee, and make the crooked straight: I shall break the brazen doors, and burst the iron bars. I shall give the the hid treasure, and the thing which is secretly kept: that thou mayst know that I the God of Israel have called the by name: and that for jacob my servants sake, and for Israel my choose. For I called the by thy name, and ordained the or ever thou knewest me: Even I the Lord, before whom there is none other: for without me there is no God. I have prepared the or ever thou knewest me: that it might be known from the rising of the son, to the going down of the same, that all is nothing without me. For I am the Lord, and there is else none. It is I that created the light and darkness: I make peax and trouble: yea even I the Lord do all these things. The heavens above shall drop down, and the clouds shall rain righteousness. The earth shall open itself, and bring forth health, and thereby shall righteousness flourish. Even I the Lord shall bring it to pass. Woe be unto him that chideth with his maker, the potsherd with the potter: Says the clay to the potter, what makest thou? or thy work serveth for nothing? Roman ix ● Jere xviii a Woe be unto him that says to his father: why begettest thou? And to his mother: why bearest thou? Thus saith the Lord, even the holy one and makes of Israel: Ask me of things for to come, concerning my sons: and put me in remembrance, as touching the works or my hands: I have made the earth, and created man upon it. With mine hands have I spread forth heaven, and given a commandment for all the host thereof. I shall wake him up with righteousness, and order all his ways. He shall build my city, and let out my prisoners, and that neither for gift nor rewards, saith the Lord of hosts. The Lord hath said moreover: The occupiers of Egypt, the merchants of the Moryans and Dabees, shall come unto the with tribute, they shall be thine, they shall follow thee, and go with chains upon their feet. They shall fall down before thee, and make supplication unto the. For God (without whom there is none other God) shall be with the. O how profound art thou, oh God, thou God an● saviour of Israel? Confounded be you, and put to dishonour: go hence together with shame, all you that be workemasters of error: (that is worshippers of idols.) But Israel shall be saved in the Lord, which is the everlasting salvation: They shall not come to shame nor confusion, world without end. For thus saith the Lord: even he that created heaven, the God that made the earth, that fashioned it and set it forth: I have not made it for naught, but I made it to be inhabited. Even I the Lord, without whom there is none other. I have not spoken secretly, neither in dark places of the earth. It is not for nought, that I said unto the seed of jacob: seek me, I am the Lord, which when I speak, declareth the thing that is righteous and true. Let them be gathered and come together, let them draw nigh hither that are escaped of the people: Have they any understanding that set up the stocks of their idols, and pray unto a God that can not help them? Let men draw nigh, let them come hither, & ask counsel one at an other, and show forth: What is he, that told this before? or who spoke of it, ever sense the beginning? Have not I the Lord done it: without whom there is none other God? the true God and saviour, and there is else none but I? And therefore turn you unto me (all you ends of the earth) so shall you be saved, for I am God, and there is else none. I swear by myself: out of my mouth cometh the word of righteousness, Roma xiiii b Philipi ii b and that may no man turn: but all knees shall bow unto me, and all tongues shall swear by me, saying: verily in the Lord is my righteousness and strength. To him shall men come: but all they that think scorn of him shall be confounded, and the hole sede of Israel shall be justified and praised in the Lord. ¶ idolatry is reproved. The health that cometh by Christ as prophesied. CAPI. XLVI. Nevertheless Bell shall fall, and Nabo shall be broken, whose images are a burden for the beestes and cattle to overlade them, and to make them weary. They shall sink down, and fall together, for they may not ease them of their burden, therefore must they go in to captivity. hearken unto me, O house of jacob, and all you that remain yet of the household of Israel, whom I have born from your mother's womb, and brought you up from your birth, till you were grown: I which shall hear you unto your last age: I have made you, I will also nourish you, bear you and save you. Whom will you make me like in fashion or image, that I may be like him? You fools (no doubt) will take out silver and gold out of your purses, and weigh it, and hire a goldesmyth to make a God of it, that men may kneel down and worship it. Yet must he be taken on men's shoulders and born, Baruch vi a and set in his place, that he may stand and not move. Alas that men should cry unto him which giveth no answer: & delivereth not the man that calleth upon him from his trouble. Consydre this well and be ashamed. Go in to your own selves (O you runagates.) Remember the things which are past sense the beginning of the world: that I am God, and that there is else no God, yea and that there is nothing like unto me. In the beginning of a thing, I show the end thereof: and I tell before, things that are not yet come to pass. With one word is my devise accomplished, and fulfilleth all my pleasure. I call a bird out of the East, and all that I take in hand, out of far countries, as soon as I command, I bring it hither: as soon as I think to devise a thing I do it. Hear me, O you that are of an high stomach, but far from righteousness, I shall bring forth my righteousness. It is not far, and my health shall not tarry long away. I will say health in Zion, and give Israel my glory. ¶ The word of the Lord against Babylon. CAPI. XLVII. But as for thee (O daughter, thou virgin Babylon.) Thou shalt sit in the dust, thou shalt sit upon the ground, and not in a throne (O thou maiden of Chaldea) Thou shalt no more be called tender and pleasant. Show shalt bring forth the querne and grind meele, put down thy stomache●, make bore thy knees, and shalt wade thorough the water rivers. Thy shame shall be discovered, and thy pryvytyes shall be seen. For I will avenge me of thee, Nu●●●● iii and no man shall let me, saith our redeemer, which is called the Lord of hosts, the holy one of Israel. Sit still, hold thy tongue, and get the in to some dark corner, O daughter Chaldea, for thou shalt be no more called lady of kingdoms. I was so wroth with my people, that I punished mine inheritance, and gave them in to thy power. Neverthethelesse, thou shewedest them no mercy, but even the very aged men of them didst thou oppress right sore with your yoke, and thou thoughtest thus: I shall be lady for ever. And beside all that, thou haste not regarded these things, Apoca. 〈…〉 Isaiah 〈…〉 neither cast what should come after. Hear now therefore thou wilful, that sittest so careless, and speakest thus in thine heart: I am alone, and without me is there none: I shall never be widow, nor desolate again. And yet both these things shall come to the upon one day, in the twinkling of an eye: namely wydoweherd and desolation. They shall myghtyly fall upon the for the multitude of thy wytches, and for the great heap of thy conjurers. For thou hast comforted thyself in thy disceytfulnesse, and haste said: Not man seethe me. Thine own wisdom and cunning hath deceived the. In that thou hast said: I am alone, and without me there is none. Therefore shall trouble come upon thee, and thou shalt not know from whence it shall arise. Mischief shall fall upon thee, which thou shalt not be able to put of. A sudden misery shall come upon thee, or ever thou be ware. Now go to thy conjurers, and to the multitude of thy wytches (whom thou hast been acqueynted withal from thy youth) if they may help thee, or strengthen the. Thou haste hitherto had many counsels of them: so let the hevengasers, and the beholders of stars come on now and deliver thee: yea and let them show when these new things shall come upon the. Behold they shall be like straw, which if it be kindled with fire, no man may rid it for the vehemency of the flame: and yet it giveth no synders to warm a man by, ne clear fire to sit by. Even so shall they be unto thee, whom thou haste used and occupied from thy youth Every one shall show the his erroneous way, yet shall none of them defend the. ¶ The hypocrisy of the jews is reproved. The Lord alone will be worshipped, which hath choose us, and which souccoureth us for his own sake. CAPI. XLVIII. Hear this, O thou house of jacob, you that are called by the name of Israel, and are come out of one stock with juda, which swear by the name of the Lord, and bear witness by the God of Israel (but not with troth and right) which are called free men of the holy city, as they that look for comfort in the God of Israel, whose name is the Lord of Hosts. The things that I showed you ever sense the beginning. Have I not brought them to pass, immediately as they came out of my mouth, & declared them? And they are come. Howbeit I knew that thou art obstinate, and that thine neck hath an iron vain, and that thy brow is of brass. Nevertheless I have ever sense the beginning showed the of things for to come, and declared them unto thee, or ever they came to pass, that thou shouldest not say: mine Idol hath done it, my carved or cast image hath showed it. Hear and consider all these things whether it was you that prophesied them: But as for me, I told the before at the beginning, new and secret things, that thou knewest not of. And some done now not of old tyme. whereof thou never herdest, before they were brought to pass, that thou canst not say: I knew of them. Moreover there be some whereof thou hast neither herd nor known, neither have they been opened unto thine ears afore tyme. For I knew that thou wouldest maliciously offend, therefore have I called the a transgressor, even from thy mother's womb. Nevertheless for my name's sake, I have withdrawn my wrath, and for mine honour's sake I have overseen thee, so that I have not rooted the out. Behold, I have purged thee, and not for money. I have choose the in the fire of poverty. And that only for mine own sake, for I give mine honour to none other, that thou shouldest not despise me. hearken unto me O jacob, and Israel whom I have called. I am even he that is, I am the first and the last●. 〈…〉 My hand is the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spanneth over the heavens. As soon as I called them they were there. Gather you all together, and hearken: Which of yonder gods hath declared this, that the Lord will do by the king of Babylon (whom he loveth and favoureth) and by the Caldees his arm? I myself alone have told you this before. Yea I shall call him, and bring him forth, and give him a prosperous journey. Come nigh, and hear this: have I spoken any thing darkly sense the beginning? when a thing beginneth, I am there. Wherefore the Lord God with his spirit hath sent me. And thus saith the Lord God thine avenger, the holy one of Israel: I am the Lord thy God, which teach the profitable things, and lead the the way, that thou shouldest go. If thou wilt now regard my commandment, thy wealthiness shall be as the water stream, & thy righteousness as the waves flowing in the see. Thy seed shall be like as the sand in the see, and the fruit of thy body, like the gravel stones thereof. Thy name shall not be rooted out, nor destroyed before me. You shall go away from Babylon, and escape the Caldees with a merry voice. This shallbe spoken of, declared abroad, and go forth unto the end of the world, so that it shallbe said: The Lord hath defended his servant jacob, that they suffered no thirst, Exodi xvii d Numeri twenty b Isaiah lvii d when they travailed in the wilderness. He clave the rocks asunder, and the water gushed out. As for the ungodly, they have no peaxe, saith the Lord. ¶ christ shall gather together all nations be they never so far of. CAPI. XLIX. YOU Isles, hearken unto me, and take heed you people from far. The Lord hath called me fro my birth, and made mention of my name fro my mother's womb, he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, under the shadow of his hand hath he defended me, & did me in his quiver, as a good arrow, and said unto me: Thou art my servant Israel, I willbe honoured in the. Isaiah li. ● Then answered I: I shall lose my labour, I shall spend my strength in vain. Nevertheless, I will commit my cause and my work unto the Lord my God. And now saith the Lord: even he that fashyoned me fro my mother's womb to be his servant, that I may bring jacob again unto him, howbeit, Israel will not be gathered unto him again. In whose sight I am great, which also is my Lord, my God, & my strength. Let it be but a small thing, that thou art my servant, to set up the kynredes of jacob, and to restore the destruction of Israel, if I make the not also the light of the gentiles, Isaiah xlii d Act xiii g that thou mayest be my health unto the end of the world. Moreover thus saith the Lord the avenger and holy one of Israel, because of the abhorring & despising among the gentiles, concerning the servant of all them that bear rule. Kings and Princes shall see, and arise and worship, because of the Lord that he is faithful, and because of the holy one of Israel, which hath choose the. And thus saith the Lord: * two. Cori vi a jeremy xi a In the time appointed will I be present with the. * Esay xlii a And in the hour of health will I help thee, and deliver the. I will make the a pledge for the people, so that thou shalt help up the earth again, and challenge again the scattered heritage's. That thou mayest say to the presonners: go forth, and to them that are in darkness: come into the light, that they may feed in the high ways, and get their living in all places. There shall neither hunger nor thirst, heat nor Sun hurt them. For he that favoureth them, shall lead them, Apoca vii d. & give them drink of the spring wells. I will make ways upon all my mountains, and my foot paths shallbe exalted. And behold, they shall come from far: lo, some from the North and West, some from the south. Isaiah xxxii ● Rejoice you heavens, and sing praises thou earth. Talk of joy you hills, for God will comfort his people, and have mercy upon his, that be in trouble. Then shall Zion say: Roman xi. a God hath forsaken me, and the Lord hath forgotten me. Doth a wife forget the child of her womb, and the son whom she hath born? And though she do forget, yet will not I forget the. Behold, I have written the upon my hands, thy walls are ever in my sight. They that have broken the down, shall make haste to build the up again, and they that made the waste, shall devil in the. life up thine eyes, & look about thee, all these shall gather them together, and come to the. As truly as I live (saith the Lord) thou shalt put them all upon thee, as an apparel, and gird them to thee, as a bride doth her jewels. As for thy land that lieth desolate, wasted and destroyed, it shallbe to narrow for them, that shall devil in it. And they that would devour thee, shallbe far away Then the child whom the barren shall bring forth unto thee, shall say in thine ear: this place is to narrow, sit nigh together, that I may have room Then s●alt thou think by thyself: Who hath begotten me these? seeing I am barren and alone, a captive and an outcast? And who hath norysshed them up for me? I am desolate and alone, but from whence come these? And therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will stretch out mine hand to the gentiles, and set up my token to the people. They shall bring the thy sons in their laps, and carry thy daughters unto the upon their shoulders. For kings shallbe thy nursing fathers, and Queens shallbe thy nursing mothers. They shall fall before the with their faces flat upon the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet, that thou mayest know, how that I am the Lord * Roma ii b And who so putteth his trust in me, shall not be confounded. Who spoileth the giant of his pray? or who taketh the prisoner from the mighty? And therefore thus saith the Lord: The presoners shallbe taken from the giant, & the spoil delivered from the violent, for I will maintain thy cause against thine adversaries, & save thy sons. And will feed thine enemies with their own flesh, and make them drink of their own blood, as of sweet wine. And all flesh shall know (O jacob) that I am the Lord thy saviour, & strong avenger. ¶ The jews are reproved, and also called. CAPI. L. THus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, that I sent unto her, or who is the usurer, to whom I sold you? Behold, for your own offences are you sold, & because of your transgression, is your mother forsaken. For why would no man receive me, when I came? and when I called, no man gave me an answer. Was my hand clean smitten of, that it might not help? or had I not power to deliver? lo, at a word I drink up the see, and of water floods I make dry land, so that for want of water, the fish corruppt and die of thirst. E●aye. 〈…〉 As for heaven, I cloth it with darkness, and put a sack upon it. The Lord God hath given me a well learned tongue, so that I can comfort them which are troubled, yea and that in due season. He waked mine ear up by times in the morning (as the scolemasters do) that I might hearken. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, therefore can I not say nay, nor withdraw myself, but I offer my back unto the smyters, and my cheeks to the nippers. Math. x● I turn not my face from shame and spitting, for the Lord God helpeth me, therefore shall I not be confounded. I have hardened my face like a flint stone, for I am sure, that I shall not come to confusion. Mine advocate speaketh for me, who will then go with me to law? Let us stand one against another, if there be any that will reason with me, let him come here forth to me. Behold, the Lord God standeth by me, what is he that can condemn me? lo, they shallbe all like as an old cloth, which the moths shall eat up. Therefore who so fears the Lord among you, let him hear the voice of his servant. Who so walketh in darkness, and no light shineth upon him, let him hope in the Lord, and hold him by his God. But take heed, you have all kindled a fire, and girded yourselves with the flame. you walk in the glistering of your own fire, and in the flame that you have kindled. This cometh unto you fro my hand, namely that you shall sleep in sorrow. ¶ Consolation and comfort is promised unto the faithful CAPI. LIVELY hearken unto me, you that hold of righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Take heed unto the stone, whereout you are hewn, and to the grave whereout you are digged. consider Abraham your father, and Sara that bore you, how that I called him alone, prospered him well, and increased him, how the Lord comforted Zion, and repaired all her decay, making her desert as a paradise, and her wilderness as the garden of the Lord. Mirth and joy was there, thanksgiving and the voice of praise. Have respect unto me then, O my people, and lay thine ear to me, for a law & an ordinance shall go forth fro me, to lighten the gentiles. It is at hand, that my health and my righteousness shall go forth, and the people shallbe ordered with mine arm. The Islands (that is the gentiles) shall hope in me, and put their trust in mine arm. life up your eyes toward heaven, and look upon the earth beneath. For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall tear like a cloth, 〈…〉 & they that devil therein, shall perish in like manner. But my health endureth for ever, and my righteousness shall not cease. Therefore hearken unto me, you that have pleasure in righteousness, thou people that bearest my law in thine heart. Fear not the curse of men, be not afraid of their blasphemies and revilings, for worms and moths shall eat them up like clot & will. But my righteousness shall endure for ever, and my saving health from generation to generation. Wake up, wake up, and be strong, O thou arm of the Lord, wake up, like as in times passed, ever and sense the world began. Art not thou he, that haste wounded that proud Lucifer, and hewn the dragon in pieces? Art not thou even he, which hast dried up the deep of the see? which hast made plain the see ground, that the delivered might go thorough? 〈…〉 That the redeemed of the Lord, which turned again, might come with joy unto Zion, there to endure for ever? That mirth and gladness might be with them, that sorrow and woe might i'll from them? Yea I, I am even he, that in all things giveth you consolation. What art thou then, that fearest a mortal man, the child of man, which goeth away as doth the flower? And forgettest the Lord that made thee, that spread out the heavens, and laid the foundation of the earth. But thou art ever afraid for the sight of thine oppressor, which is ready to do harm. Where is the wrath of the oppressor? It cometh on fast, it maketh haste to appear. It shall not perish, that it should not be able to destroy, neither shall it fail for fault of nourishing. I am the Lord thy God, that make the see to be still, and to rage, whose name is the Lord of Hosts. I shall put my word also in thy mouth, and defend the with the turning of my hand, that thou mayest plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion: thou art my people. Awake, awake, and stand up, O Jerusalem, thou that from the hand of the Lord haste drunken out the cup of his wrath, 〈…〉 thou that hast supped of, and sucked out the slombring cup to the bottom. For among all the sons whom thou haste begotten, there is not one that may hold the up, & not one to lead the by the hand, of all the sons that thou hast nourished. 〈…〉 b Both these things are happened unto thee, but who is sorry for it? Yea, destruction, wasting, hunger, & sword, but who hath comforted thee? Thy sons lie comfortless at the head of every street, like a taken venison, and are full of the terrible wrath of the Lord, and punishment of thy God. And therefore thou miserable and drunken (how be it not with wine.) Hear this: Thus saith the Lord: thy Lord and God, the defender of his people: Behold, I will take the slombring cup out of thy hand, even the cup with the dregs of my wrath, that from hence forth thou shalt never drink it more, and will put it in their hand that trouble thee, which have spoken to thy soul: stoop down, that we may go over thee, make thy body even with the ground, and as the street to go upon. ¶ A consolation and comfort to the people of God. CAPI. LII. UP Zion up, take thy strength unto thee, put on thine honest raiment, O jerusalem, thou city of the holy one. For from this time forth, there shall no uncircumcised nor unclean person come in the. Shake the from the dust, arise, and stand up, O jerusalem. Pluck out thy neck from the bond, O thou captive daughter Zion. For thus saith the Lord: you are sold for naught, therefore shall you be redeemed also without any money. For thus hath the Lord said: My people went down afore time in to egypt, Gene. xlvi a there to be strangers. afterward did the king of the Assyrians oppressed them, for nought. And now what profit is it to me (saith the Lord) that my people is freely carried away, and brought in to heaviness by their rulers, & my name ever still blasphemed? saith the Lord. But that my people may know my name, Roma ii g Iere xxxvi d Roma. ●. f Numeri i d I myself will speech in that day. Behold, here am I O how beautiful are the fece of the Ambassador, that bringeth the message from the mountain, and proclaimeth peaxe, that bringeth the good tidings, and preacheth health, and saith unto Zion Thy God is the King. Thy watchmen shall lift up their voice, with loud voice shall thy preach of him for they shall see him present, when the Lord shall come again to Zion. Be glad, O thou desolate jerusalem, and rejoice together, for the Lord will comfort his people, he will deliver jerusalem. The Lord will make bore his holy arm, & show it forth in the sight of all the gentiles, and all the ends of the earth shall see the saving health of our God. Away, away, Psalm xcvii get you out from thence, and touch no unclean thing. Go out from among such. And be clean, you that bear the vessel of the Lord. But you shall not go out with sedition, nor make haste as they that i'll away, for the Lord shall go before you, and the God of Israel shall keep the watch. Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, therefore shall he be magnified, exalted, and greatly honoured. Like as the multitude shall wonder upon him, because his face shallbe so deformed, and not as a man's face, and his beauty like no man. Even so shall the multitude of the gentiles look unto him, Roman xu e and the kings shall shut their mouths before ●im. For they that have not been told of him, shall see him, and they that heard nothing of him, shall behold him. ¶ He prophecyeth evidently of the passion of our saviour jesus christ. CAPI. LII●. B * Roma x c johan xii f Vt who giveth credence unto our preaching? Or to whom is the arm of the Lord known? He shall grow before the Lord like as a branch, & as a rote in a dry ground, he shall have neither beauty nor favour. When we look upon him, there shallbe no fairness, we shall have no lust unto him. He shallbe the most simple, and despised of all, Mark ix b which yet hath good experience of sorrows and infirmities. We shall reckon him so simple and so vile, that we shall hide our faces from him. How be it (of a troth) he only taketh away our infirmity, and beareth our pain. Yet we shall judge him, as though he were plagued & cast down of God, where as he (not withstanding) shallbe wounded for our offences, and smitten for our wickedness. For the pain of our punishment shallbe laid upon him, and with his stripes shall we be healed. As for us, we go all astray (like sheep) every one turneth his own way. But thorough him, the Lord pardoneth all our sins. Math. four e i Petri ii d i corinth xu a He shallbe pained and troubled, and shall not open his mouth. He shallbe led as a sheep to be slain, yet shall he be as still as a lamb before the shearer, and not open his mouth. He shall be had away, his cause not herd, and without any judgement. Whose generation yet no man may number, Math. xxvi f jeremy xi d Act viii f when he shallbe cut of from the ground of the living. Which punishment shall go upon him, for the transgression of my people. His grave shallbe given him with the condemned, and his crucyfyenge with the thieves. Where as he did never violence nor unright, neither hath there been any disceatfulnesse in his mouth. Yet hath it pleased the Lord to smite him with infirmity, that when he had made his soul an offering for sin, he might see long lasting seed. And this device of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. i Petri ii d i john iii a With travail & labour of his soul, shall he obtain great riches. My righteous servant shall with his wisdom justify and deliver the multitude, for he shall bear away their sins. Therefore will I give him the multitude for his part, and he shall divide the strong spoil, because he shall give over his soul to death, * Marc xv c ●. Luc xxii b and shallbe reckoned among the transgressors, which nevertheless shall take away the sins of the multitude, and make intercession of the mysdoers. ¶ Of the great dominion of christ. The indignation of God endureth but a short space, but his mercy is everlasting. CAPI. liv. Therefore be glad now, thou barren that bearest not. Galath four d Luke xxiii d Rejoice, sing and be merry, thou that art not with child. For the desolate hath more children, than the married wife, saith the Lord. Make thy tent wider, and spread out the hangings of thine habitation, spare not, lay forth thy cords, & make fast thy stakes, for thou shalt break out on the right side and on the left, & thy seed shall have the gentiles in possession, & devil in the desolate cities. Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded. Be not ashamed, for thou shalt not come to confusion. Yea thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth and shalt not remember the dishonour of thy wedowhead. For he that made thee, shallbe thy Lord and husband, (whose name is the Lord of Hosts,) and thine avenger shall be even the holy one of Israel, the Lord of the hole world. For the Lord shall call thee, being as a desolate sorrowful woman, and as a young wife that hath broken her wedlock, saith thy God. A little while have I forsaken thee, but with great mercifulness shall I take the up unto me. When I was angry, I hid my face from the for a little season, but thorough everlasting goodness shall I pardon thee, saith the Lord thine avenger. * Ge●▪ 〈…〉 And this must be unto me, as the water of No, for like as I have sworn that I will not bring the water of No any more upon the world, so have I sworn that I will never be angry with thee, nor reprove the. The mountains shall remove, and the hills shall fall down, but my loving kindness shall not move, & the bond of my peaxe shall not fall down from thee, saith the Lord thy merciful lover. Behold thou poor, vexed, and despised. I will make thy walls of precious stones, and thy foundation of sapphires, thy windows of Crystal, thy gates of fine clear stone, and thy borders of pleasant stones. * 〈…〉 Thy children shall all be taught of God, and I will give them plenteousness of peaxe. In righteousness shalt thou be grounded, & be far from oppression, for the which thou needest not be afraid, neither for hindrance, for it shall not come nigh the. Behold, the aleaunte that was far from thee, shall devil with thee, and he that was sometime a stranger unto thee, shallbe joined with the. Behold, I make the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and he maketh a weapon after his handy work. I make also the waster to destroy, but all the weapens that are made against thee, shall not prosper. And as for all tongues, that shall resist the in judgement, thou shalt overcome them and condemn them. This is the heritage of the lords servants, & the righteousness that they shall have of me, saith the Lord. ¶ A consolation and comfort to the people. The fruit and profit of the word of God. CAPI. LU. COme to the waters all you that be thirsty, and you that have no money. Ecles●. 〈…〉 Come buy, that you may have to eat. Come, buy wine and milk, without any money, or money worth. Wherefore do you say out your money, for the thing that feedeth not, and spend your labour about the thing that satisfieth you not? But hearken rather unto me, and you shall eat of the best, and your soul shall have her pleasure in plentousnes. ●nclyne your ears, and come unto me, take ●ede, and your soul shall live. For I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I shall give him for a witness among the folk, for a Prince and Captain unto the people. Lo, thou shalt call an unknown people, and a people that had no knowledge of thee, shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, the holy one of Israel, which glorifyeth the. Seek the Lord, while he may be found, and call upon him while he is nigh. Let the ungodly man forsake his ways, and the unryghtous his imaginations, and turn again unto the Lord, so shall he be merciful unto him and to our God, for he is ready to forgive. For thus saith the Lord: my thoughts are not your thoughts, & your ways are not my ways, but as far as the heavens are higher than the earth, so far do my ways exceed yours, & my thoughts yours. And like as the rain and snow cometh down from heaven, ☞ and returns not thither again, but watereth the earth, maketh it fruitful, and green, that it may give corn and bread unto the sour. So the word also that cometh out of my mouth shall not turn again void unto me, but shall accomplish my will and prosper in the thing, whereto I ●ende it. And so shall you go forth with joy, and be led with peace. The mountains and hills shall sing with you for joy, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. For thorns, there shall grow. Fyrre trees, and the Myrrh tree in the stead of breres. And this shall be done to the praise of the Lord, and for an everlasting token, that shall not be taken away. ¶ An exhortation to judgement and rightounesse, and to the spiritual keeping of the Sabbath. Against shepherds that devour their flock. CAPI. LVI. THus saith the Lord: Keep equity, and do right, 〈…〉 i a for my saving health shall come shortly, and my righteousness shallbe opened. Blessed is the man that doth this, and the man's child which keepeth the same. He that taketh heed, that he unhalowe not the Sabbath, (that is) he that keepeth himself that he do no evil. Then shall not the stranger, which cleaveth to the Lord, say: Alas, the Lord hath shut me clean out from his people. Neither shall the gelded man say: lo, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord, first unto the gelded that keepeth my Sabbath: Namely, that holdeth greatly of the thing that pleaseth me, and keepeth my covenant. Unto them will I give in my household and within my walls, a better heritage & name then if they had been called sons & daughters. I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not perish. Again, he saith unto the strangers that are disposed to stick to the Lord, to serve him, and to love his name. That they shallbe no ●●nd● men. And all they, which keep themselves, that they unhalowe not the Sabbath, namely, that they fulfil my covenant. Then will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their h●●●re offerings and sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar, Math. xxi b Math. xi c Luke xix b for my house shallbe an house of prayer for all people. Thus saith the Lord God which gathereth together the scattered of Israel. I will bring yet another congregation to him. All the beasts of the field, and all the beasts of the wood, shall come to devour him. For his watch men are all blind, they have all together no understanding, they are all dumb dogs, not being able to bark, they are sleperye, slogysh are they, and lie snorting, they are shameless dogs, that be never satisfied. The shepherds also in like manner have no understanding, but every man turneth his own way, every one after his own covetousness with all his power. jeremy vi a Come (say they) I will fetch wine, so shall we fill our s●lues, that we may be drunken. And do to morrow, like as to day, yea & much more. Sapience ii b ¶ The jews are rebuked for their injury done to christ. CAPI. LVII. But in the mean season the righteous peryssheth, and no man regardeth it in his heart. Good godly people are taken away, and no man consydreth it. Namely, that the righteous is conveyed away thorough the wicked, that he himself might be in rest, lie quietly upon his bed, and live after his own pleasure. Come hither therefore you charmers children, * Math. xii d you sons of the adulterer and the whore. Wherein take you your pleasure? Upon whom gape you with your mouth, and blear out your tongue? Are you not children of adultery, and a seed of dissimulation? You take your pleasure under the oaks, and under all green trees, the child being slain in the valleys and dens of stone. Thy part shallbe with the stony rocks by the river. Yea even these shall be thy part. For there thou haste poured meat and drink offerings unto them. Should I oversee that? Thou hast made thy bed upon high mountains, thou wentest up thither, and there haste thou slain sacrifices. Behind the doors and posts, hast thou set up thy remembrance. When thou hadst discovered thyself to another than me, when thou wentest down and made thy bed wider (that is) when thou didst carve the certain of yonder Idols, and lovedest their couches, where thou sawest them. Thou wentest straight to kings with oil and diverse ointments, (that is) thou hast sent thy messengers far of, and yet art thou fallen into the pit thereby. Thou haste had trouble for the multitude of thine own ways, yet saidest thou never: I will leave of. Thou thinkest to have life (or health) of thyself, and therefore thou believest not that thou art sick. For when wilt thou be abashed or fear, seeing thou hast broken thy promise, and remember'st not me, neither hast me in thine heart? thinkest thou, that I also will hold my peaxe, jeremy ii d duty xxxii d (as afore time) that thou fearest me not? Yea verily I will declare thy goodness and thy works, but they shall not profit the when thou criest, let thy choose heap deliver the. But the wind shall take them all away, and carry them in to the air Nevertheless, they that put their trust in me, shall inherit the land, and have my holy hill in possession. And therefore thus he saith: Make ready, make ready, and cleanse the street, take up what you can out of the way that leadeth to my people. For thus saith the high and excellent, even he that dwelleth in everlastingness, whose name is the holy one. * Psalm l b Isaiah lxi a I devil high above and in the Sanctuary, and with him also, that is of a contrite and humble spirit, that I may heal a troubled mind, and a contrite heart. For I chide not ever, and am not wroth without end. But the blasting goeth fro me, though I make the breath. I am wroth with him for his covetousness and lust, I smite him, I hide me, and am angry, when he turneth himself, and followeth the by way of his own heart. But if I may see his right way again, I make him hole, I lead him and restore him unto them whom he maketh joyful, & that were sorry for him. I make the fruits of thanksgiving. I give peaxe unto them that are far of, & to them that are nigh, say I the Lord, that make him ho●●. But the wicked are like the raging see, that can not rest, whose water foameth with the mire & gravel. Even so the wicked have no peaxe, Esay xlviii d saith my God. ¶ The Lord (by the mouth of the Prophet) reproveth the people, for their fastings, which were full of hypocrisy. CAPI. LVIII. ANd therefore cry now, as loud as thou canst. Leave not of, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, * Ezechi iii e jeremy xix a and show my people their offences, and the house of jacob their sins. For they seek me daily & will know my ways, even as it were a people that did right, and had not forsaken the statures of their God. They argue with me concerning right judgement, and will pleat at the law with their God. Wherefore fast we (say they) and thou seest it not? we put our lives to straightness, and thou regardest it no●. Behold, when you fast, your lust remaineth still, for you do no less violence to your debtors, lo, you fast to strife and debate, and to smite him with your fist that speaketh unto you. You fast not (as some time) that your voice might be heard above. Zachari vii b think you this fast pleaseth me, that a man should chasten himself for a day, and to writhe his head about like an hook in an hearty cloth, 〈◊〉 to lie upon the earth? Should that he call●● fasting, or a day that pleaseth the Lord●▪ But this fasting pleaseth not me, till the time be thou loose him out of bondage, that is in thy danger, that thou break the oath of wicked bargains, that thou let the oppressed go free, and take from them all manner of burdens. It pleaseth not me, 〈…〉 till th●n deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the poor fatherless home into thy house, when thou s●ist the naked that thou cover him, and hide not thy face from thine own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health flourish right shortly, thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall embrace the. Then if thou callest, the Lord shall answer thee: if thou criest, he shall say: here I am. Yea if thou layest away thy burdens, and holdest thy fingers, and ceasest from blasphemous talking, if thou hast compassion upon the hungry, and refresshest the troubled soul. Then shall thy light spring out in the darkness, and thy darkness shallbe as the none day. The Lord shall ever be thy guide, and satisfy the desire of thine heart, & fill thy bottles with marrow. Thou shalt be like a fresh watered garden, and like the fountain of water, that never leaveth running. Then the places that have ever been waste, shallbe builded of thee, there shalt thou say a foundation for many kynredes. Thou shalt be called the maker up of hedges, and the builder again of the way of the Sabbath. Yea if thou ruane thy feet from the Sabbath, so that thou do not the thing which pleaseth thyself in my holy day, then shalt thou be called unto the pleasant, holy, and glorious Sabbath of the Lord, where thou shalt be in honour, so that thou do not after thine own imagination, neither seek thine own will, no● speak thine own words. Then shalt ●hou have thy pleasure in the Lord which shall carry the high above the earth, and feed the with the heritage of jacob thy father, for the Lords own mouth hath so promised. ¶ The Lord is mighty to save, and ready to here our requests. CAPI. LIX. Behold, the lords hand is not so shortened that it can not help, 〈…〉 neither is his ear so stopped that it may not hear. But your misdeeds have separated you from your God, and your sins hide his face from you, that he heareth you not. For your hands are defiled with blood, 〈…〉 & your fingers with unrighteousness. Your lips speak lesynges▪ and your tongue setteth out wickedness. No man regardeth righteousness, and no man judgeth truly. Every man hopeth in vain things, and ymagyneth deceit, conceiveth weariness, Ioh. x● and bringeth forth evil. They breed cockatrice eggs, and weave the spiders web. Who so eateth of their eggs, dieth. But if one tread upon them, there cometh up a serpent. Their web maketh no cloth and they may not cover them with their labours. Their deeds are the deeds of wickedness, and the work of robbery is in their hands. 〈◊〉 i b. 〈◊〉 iij c Their feet run to evil, and thy make haste to shed innocent blood Their counsels are wicked counsels, harm and destruction are in their ways. But the way of peaxe they know not. In their goings is no equity, their ways are so crooked that whosoever goeth therein, knoweth no thing of peaxe. And this is the cause that equity is so far from us, and that the righteousness cometh not nigh us. We look for light, lo, it is darkness: for the morning shine, se, we walk in the dark. We grope like the blind upon the brickwall, we grope even as one that hath none eyes. We stumble at the none day, as though it were toward night: in the falling places, like men that are half deed. We roar all like Bears, & mourn still like doves. We look for equity, but there is none: for health, but it is far from us. For our offences are many before thee, and our sins testify against us. Yea we must confess that we offend & knowledge that we do amiss: Namely transgress & dissemble against the Lord, & fall away from our God: using presumptuous and traitorous imaginations, & casting false matters in our hearts. And therefore is equity go aside, & righteousness standeth far of: truth is fall down in the street, & the thing that is plain and open may not be showed. Yea the truth is laid in prison, & he that refraineth himself from evil must be spoiled. When the Lord see this, it disposed him sore, that there was no where any equity. He saw also: that there was no man/ which had pity thereof, or was grieved at it. And he held him by his own power, and cleaved to his own righteousness. 〈◊〉 vi. b 〈…〉. He put righteousness upon him for a breast place, & set the helmet of health upon his head. He put on wrath in stead of clothing, & took jealousy about him for a cloak (like as when a man goeth forth wrothfully to recompense his enemies, & to be avenged of his adversaries) Namely, that he might recompense & reward the Islands where thorough the name of the Lord might be feared, from the twinge of the Sun, and his majesty, unto the going down of the same. For he shall come as a violent waterstreame, which the wind of the Lord hath moved. But unto Zion there shall come a redeemer, 〈…〉 & unto them in jacob that turn from wickedness, saith the Lord. I will make this covenant with them (saith the Lord) My spirit that is come upon thee, and the words which I have put in thy mouth, shall never go out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy childers children, from this time forth for evermore. ¶ A consolation and comfort to jerusalem. CAPI. LX. ANd therefore get the up betimes, for thy light cometh, and the glory of the Lord shall rise up upon the. For lo, while the darkness and cloud covereth the earth and the people, the Lord shall show the light, and his glory shall be seen in the. The gentiles shall come to thy light, & kings to the brightness that springeth forth upon the. life up thine eyes, & look round about the. Albina these gather themselves, isaiah xlv a & come to the. Sons shall come unto the from far, and daughters shall gather themselves to the on every side. When thou seist this thou shalt marvel exceedingly, and thine heart shallbe opened: when the power of the see shallbe converted unto thee (that is) when the strength of the gentiles shall come unto the. The multitude of Camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: All they of Saba shall come, bringing gold & incense, & showing the praise of the Lord All the cattle of Cedar shallbe gathered unto thee, the rams of Nabaioth shall serve thee, to be offered upon mine altar, which I have choose, and in the house of my glory which I have garnished. But what are these that i'll here like the clouds and as the doves flying to their windows? The Isles also shall gather them unto me, and specially the ships of the see: that they may bring the sons from far, and their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, unto the holy one of Israel, that hath glorified the. Strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall do the service. For when I am angry, I smite thee: & when it pleaseth me, I pardon the. Apoca xxi ● Thy gates shall stand open still both day and night, and never be shut: that the host of the gentiles may come, and that their kings may be brought unto the. For every people and kingdom that serveth not thee, shall perish, & be destroyed with the sword. The glory of Lybanus shall come unto thee: The fir trees Boxes & cedars together to garnish the place of my Sanctuary, for I will glorify the place of my feet. Moreover those shall come kneeling unto thee, that have vexed thee: & all they that despised thee, shall fall down at thy foot. Thou shalt be called the city of the Lord, the holy Sion of Israel. Because thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went thorough thee: I will make the glorious for ever and ever, and joyful thorough out all posterities. Thou shalt suk the milk of the gentiles, and kings breasts shall feed the. And thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy saviour and defender, the mighty one of jacob. For brass, will I give the gold, and for iron silver: for would brass, and for stones iron. I will make peaxe thy ruler, and righteousness thine office. Violence and robbery shall never be herd of in thy land, neither harm and destruction within thy borders. Thy walls shall be called health, and thy gates the praise of God. Apoca xxi g. The son shall never be thy day light, & the light of the Moon shall never shine unto thee: but the Lord himself shall be thy everlasting light, and thy God shall be thy glory. Apoca xxii b. Thy son shall never go down, and thy Moon shall not be taken away, for the Lord himself shall be thy everlasting light and thy sorrowful days shall be rewarded the. Thy people shall be all godly, and possess the land for ever: the flower of my planting, the work of my hands, whereof I will rejoice. The youngest and least shall grow into a thousand, and the symplest into a strong people. I the Lord shall shortly bring this thing to pass in his tyme. ¶ He prophesieth that christ shallbe anointed and sent to preach. CAPI. LXI. T Luke iiij c He spirit of the Lord God is with me, for the Lord hath anointed me, & sent me, to preach good tidings unto the poor, that I might bind up the wounded hearts, that I might preach deliverance to the captive, and open the prison to them that are bound: that I might declare the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of the vengeance of our God: that I might comfort all them that are in heaviness, that I might give unto them that mourn in Zion beauty in the stead of ashes, joyful ointment for sighing, pleasant raiment for an heavy mind: That they might be called excellent in righteousness, a planting of the Lord for him to rejoice in. They shall build the long rough wilderness▪ and set up the old desert. They shall repair the waste places, and such as have been void throughout many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your cattle, and the Aleauntes shall be your plowmen and reapers. But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, and men shall call you the servants of our God. You shall enjoy the goods of the gentiles, and triumph in their substance. For your great reproof & shame, shall they have joy that you may have part with them. For they shall have double possession in their land, and everlasting joy shall be with them, For I the Lord, which love right and hate robbery (though it were offered me) shall make their works full of faithfulness, and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their seed also and their generation shallbe known among the gentiles, and among the people. All they that see them, shall know that they are the high blessed seed of the Lord. And therefore I am joyful in the Lord, and my soul rejoiceth in my God. For he shall put upon me the garment of health, and cover me with the mantle of righteousness. He shall deck me like a bridegroom, and as a bride that hath her apparel upon her. For like as the ground bringeth forth fruit, and as the garden shuteth forth seed: So shall the Lord God cause righteousness, & the fear of God to flourish forth before all the heathen. ¶ A prophecy of the coming of christ. CAPI. LXII. FOr Zion's sake therefore will I not hold my tongue, and for jerusalems' sake I will not cease: until their righteousness break forth as the shining light, and their health as a burning lamp. Then shall the gentiles see thy righteousness and all kings thy glory. Thou shalt be named with a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall show. Thou shalt be a crown in the hand of the Lord, and a glorious garland in the hand of thy God. From this time forth thou shalt never be called the forsaken, and thy land shall no more be called the wilderness. But thou shalt be called Hephribah, & thy land Beula: for the Lord loveth thee, & thy land shallbe inhabited. And like as a young man taketh a daughter to marriage, so shall God marry himself unto thy sons. And as a bridegroom is glad of his bride, so shall God rejoice over the. I will set watchmen upon thy walls (O jerusalem) which shall neither cease day nor night to preach the Lord. And you also shall not keep him close, nor leave to speak of him until jerusalem be set up, & made the praise of the world. The Lord hath sworn by his right hand & by his strong arm, that from hence forth he will not give thy corn to be meat for thy enemies, ne thy vine (wherein thou haste laboured) to be drink for the strangers. But they that have gathered in the corn, shall eat it, & give thanks to the Lord and they that have born in the vine, shall drink it in the court of my Sanctuary. Stand back, and depart asunder, you that stand under the gate: make room you people repair the street, and take away the stones, & set out a token for the people. Behold, the Lord proclaimeth in the ends of the world: tell the daughter Zion: se, thy salvation cometh: behold, he bringeth his treasure with him, and his works go before him. For they whom the Lord delivereth, Esay. ●●i. ● zach●●i. 〈…〉 Math. 〈…〉 shallbe called the holy people: and as for thee, thou shalt be named the greatly occupied, and not the forsaken. ¶ Of the redemption promised to the people. CAPI. LXIII. WHat is he this, that cometh from Edom, with stained read clotheses of Bos●a: (which is so costly clot (& cometh in so nymbly with all his strength: I am he that teacheth righteousness & am of power to help. Wherefore then is thy clothing read, & thy raiment like his the tredeth in the wine press? Apoc●. 〈…〉 I have trodden down mine enemies in my wrath, and set my feet upon them in my indignation: And their blood sprang upon my clotheses, and so have I strained all my raiment. For the day of vengeance that I have taken in hand, and the year of my deliverance is come. I looked about me, and there was no man to show me any help, I fallen down, and no man held me up. Then I held me by mine own arm, and my ferventness sustained me. And thus have I trodden down the people in my wrath, and bathed them in my displeasure: In so much that I have shed their blood upon the earth. I will declare the goodness of the Lord, yea and the praise of the Lord for all that he hath given us, for the great good that he hath done for Israel: which he hath given them of his own favour, and according to the multitude of his loving kyndnesses. For he said: These no doubt will be my people, and no shrinking children, and so he was their saviour. In their troubles he forsook them not, but the angel that were forth from his presence delivered them: Of very love & kindness that he had unto them, redeemed he them. He hath born them, & carried them up ever sense the world began. But after they provoked him to wrath and vexed his holy mind, he was their enemy, & fought against them himself. Yet remembered he the old time of Moses and his people: 〈…〉 d. How he brought them from the water of the see, as a shepherd doth with his sheep: how he had given his holy spirit among them: how he had led Moses by the right hand with his glorious arm: how he had divided the water before them (whereby he gate himself an everlasting name) how he led them in the deep, as an horse is led in the plain, that they should not stumble. The spirit of the Lord led them, as a tame beast goeth in the field. Thus (O God) hast thou led my people, to make thyself a glorious name with all. Look down then from heaven, 〈…〉 b. and behold the dwelling place of thy sanctuary and thy glory. How is it, that thy jealousy, thy strength, the multitude of thy mercies and thy loving kindness, will not be sa●e●ated of us. Yet art thou our father: For Abraham knoweth us not, neither is Israel acquainted with us. But thou Lord art our father and redeemer, & thy name is everlasting. O Lord wherefore hast thou led us out of thy way? wherefore hast thou hardened our hearts, that we fear the not? Be at one with us again, for thy servants sake that are of the generation of thine heritage. Thy people hath had but little of thy Sanctuary in possession, for our enemies have taken it in. And we are become even as we were from the beginning: but thou art not their Lord, for they have not called upon thy name. ¶ The Prophet (under the person of the jews) bewaileth their exile and bannyshment. Man's ryght●●ylnesse is like a clothe filed with the flowers of a w●man. CAPI. LXIIII O That thou wouldest cleave the heaven in sondre, and come down: that the mountains might melt away at thy presence, like as at an hot fire, & that the malicious might boil, as the water doth upon the fire: Whereby thy name might be known among thine enemies, and that the gentiles might tremble before the. That thou mightest come down with thy wondrous strange works, than should thy hills melt at thy presence. For sense the beginning of the world there was none (except thou O God) that heard or perceived, * i Cor ii ●. neither hath any eye seen what thou dost for them, that put their trust in the. Thou helpest him that doth right with cherfulnesse, and them that think upon thy ways. But lo, thou art angry, for we offend and have been ever in sin, Rome iii b. & Psal xii a and there is not one hole. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our ryghtousnesses are as the clotheses stained with the flowers of a woman: we fall everichone as the leaf, for our sins carry us away like the wind. There is no man that calleth upon thy name, that standeth up to take hold by the. Therefore hidest thou thy face from us, and consumest us, because of our sins. But now O Lord, thou father of ours: Rome ix c ● Eccle. xxxiij ● Psa. lxxviij ● we art the clay, and than ar●e our potter & we all are the work of thy hands. Be not to sore displeased (O Lord) and keep not our offences to long in thy remembrance, but consider that we all are thy people. The cities of thy Sanctuary lie waist, Zion is a wilderness, and Ierus●lem a desert. Our holy house which is our beauty, where our fathers praised thee, is brent up: yea all our commodities and pleasures are wasted away. Will't thou not be entreated (Lord) for all this? Wilt thou hold thy peaxe, and scourge us so sore? ¶ The felicity of jerusalem, and the calling of the Heathen. CAPI. LXV. T Esay lii a. Rome ten d. hay shall seek me, that hitherto have not asked for me: they shall find me, that hitherto have not sought me. Then shall I say immediately to the people that never called upon my name: I am here, I am here. For thus long have I ever held out my hands to an unfaithful people, that go not the right way, but after their own imaginations: To a people that is ever defying me to my face. Deut. xii a. ● Deut. xiiii b. They make their oblations in gardens, and their smoke upon altars of brick, they lurk among the graves and lie in the dens all night. They eat swyneflesh & unclean broth is in their vessels. If thou comest nigh them, they say: touch me not, Deut. xiiij a levit xi a. for I am holier than thou. All these men when I am angry shall be turned to smoke and fire, that shall burn for ever. Behold it is written before my face, jeremy vij ● & shall not be forgotten, but recompensed. I shall reward it them in to their bosom: Esay lvij a. & Esech● twenty d. I mean your misdeeds, and the misdeeds of your father together (saith the Lord) which have made their smokes upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their old deeds in to their bosom again. Moreover thus saith the Lord: like as when one would gather holy grapes, men say unto him: break it not of, for it is holy: even so will I do also for my servants sakes, that I will not destroy them all: But I will take a seed out of jacob, and out of juda one, to take possession of my hill. My choose shall possess these things, and My servants shall devil there. Saron shall be a sheepfold, and the valley of Anchor shall give the stalling for the cattles of my people that fear me. Prouer. i c jeremy vij c But as for you, you are they, that have forsaken the Lord, & forgotten my holy hill. You have set up an aultare unto fortune, and given rich drynckofferynges unto treasure. Therefore will I number you with the sword, that you shall be destroyed all together. For when I called, no man gave me answer: when I spoke you hearkened not unto me, but did wickedness before mine eyes, & chose the thing that pleased me not. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold my servants shall eat, but you shall have hunger. Behold, my servants shall drink but you shall suffer thirst. Behold, any servants shall be merry, but you shall be confounded. Behold, my servants shall rejoice for very quietness of heart: But you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and complain for vexation of mind. Your name shall not be sworn by among my choose, for God the Lord shall slay you, and call his servants by an other name. Who so rejoiceth upon earth, shall rejoice in the true God. And who so sweareth upon earth, shall swear in the true God. For the old emnyte shall be forgotten, and taken away out of my sight. For lo, I shall make a new heaven, & a new earth. And as for the old, they shall never be thought upon, ne kept in mind: but men shall be glad and evermore rejoice, for the things that I shall do. For why: Behold, I shall make a joyful Ierusal●m, Apoca xxi a. yea I myself will rejoice with jerusalem, and be glad with my people: And the voice of weeping and wailing shall not be herd in her from thence forth. There shall never be child ne old man, that have not their full days. But when the child cometh to an hundredth year old, it shall die. And if he that is an hundredth year of age do wrong, he shall be cursed. They shall build houses▪ and devil in them: they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, & another possess. They shall not plant & other eat: But the life of my people shallbe like a tree, & so shall the work of their hands. My choose shall live long, they shall not labour in vain, nor beget with trouble: for they are the high blessed seed of the Lord, and their fruits with them. And it shall be, that or ever they call, I shall answer them. Psal▪ 〈…〉 While they are yet but thinking how to speak, I shall hear them. The Wolf and the Lamb shall feed together, and the Lion shall eat hay like the bullock. Esay xxi. ● But earth shall be the serpents meat. There shall no man hurt ne slay an other, in all my holy hill, saith the Lord. ¶ God dwelleth not in temples, made by man's hand. He despiseth sacrifices done without mercy and faith. God comforteth them that are troubled for his sake. Among the Christian, the Sabbath is continual. CAPI. LXVI. THus saith the Lord: Heaven is my seat, and the earth is my foot stolen. Act vij ● Where shall now the house stand that you will build unto me? And where shall be the place▪ that will I devil in? As for these things, my hand hath made them all, and they are all created, saith the Lord. Which of them shall I then regard? Even him that is of a lowly troubled spirit, and standeth in awe of my words. For who so slayeth an ox for me, doth me so great dishonour, as he that killeth a man. He that killeth a sheep for me choketh a dog. He that bringeth me meat offerings, offereth swines blood: Who so maketh me a memorial of incense, praiseth the thing that is unright. Yet take they such ways in hand, and their soul delighteth in these abominations. Therefore will I also have pleasure in laughing them to scorn, Po●● 〈…〉 Iere●y 〈…〉 Esay 〈…〉 and the thing that they fear, will I bring upon them. For when I called, no man gave answer: when I spoke they would not hear: But did wickedness before mine eyes, and chose the things that displease me. Hear the word of God all you that fear the thing which he speaketh. Your brethren that hate you, and cast you out for my name's sake, say Let the Lord magnify himself, that we may see your gladness: & yet they shall be confounded. For as touching the city and the temple I hear the voice of the Lord, that will reward, and recompense his enemies: like as when a wise bringeth forth a man child, or ever she suffer the pain of the birth and anguish of the travail. Who ever heard or saw such things? doth the ground bear in one day? Or are the people born all at one's, as Zion beareth her sons? For thus saith the Lord: Am I he that maketh other to bear, and bore not myself? Am not I be that beareth, and maketh barren? saith thy God. Rejoice with jerusalem, and be glad with her, all you that love her. Be joyful with her, all you that mourned for her. For you shall suck comfort out of her breasts, and be satisfied. You shall taste, & have delight in the plenteousness of her power. For thus saith the the Lord: Behold, I will let peax ●n to her, like a water flood, and the might of the Heathen like a flowing stream. Then shall you suck, you shall be born upon her sides, and be joyful upon her knees. For like as a child is comforted of his mother, so shall I comfort you, and you shallbe comforted in jerusalem. And when you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb. Thus shall the hand of the Lord be known among his servants, and his indignation among his enemies. For behold, the Lord shall come with fire, and his chariot shall be like a whirl wind, that he may recompense his vengeance in his wrath, and his indignation with the flame of fire. For the Lord shall judge all flesh with the fire, and with his sword, and there shall be a great number slain of the Lord. Such as have made themselves holy and clean in the gardens, and those that have eaten swine flesh, mice, and other abominations, shallbe taken away together, saith the Lord. For I will come to gather all people and tongues with their works and imaginations, these shall come, and see my glory. Unto them shall I give a token, and send certain of them (that he delivered) among the gentiles, in to Celycia, Afryca and Lidya (where men can handle bows) in to italy also and Greek land. The Isles far of, that have not heard speak of me, and have not seen my glory. shall preach my praise among the gentiles, and shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord, out of all people, upon horses, charettes and horse lytters, upon Mules and carts to jerusalem my holy hill (saith the Lord) like as the children of Israel bring the offering in clean vessels, to the house of the Lord. And I shall take out certain of them for to be priests and levites, saith the Lord. Apoca xxi ● For like as the new heaven and the new earth which I will make, shallbe fast stablished by me, (saith the Lord.) So shall your seed and your name continue, and there shall be a new Moon for the other, and a new Sabbath for the other, & all flesh shall come to worship before me, (saith the Lord.) And they shall go forth and look upon the earyons of them that have transgressed against me. Mar. ●x. ● For their worms shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and all flesh shall abhor them. ¶ The end of the book of the Prophet Isaiah. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMYE. ¶ The flock of jeremy, and in what time he prophesied. He excuseth himself and would refuse the office of a Prophet, because he is young and unexpert. He is taught of the Lord, and becometh bold. God openeth unto him, that the destruction of the jews, by the Babylonians, is at hand. jeremy is commanded to speak the word of God unto the jews, without fear. CAPI. I THese are the Sermons of jeremy the son of Helkiah the priest, one of them that dwelt at Anathoth in the land of BenIamin, when the Lord had first spoken with him, in the time of josiah the son of Amon king of juda, in the xiii. year of his kingdom, and so during unto the time of jehoakim the son of josiah king of juda, and until the xj years of Zedekiah the son of josiah king of juda were ended, when jerusalem was taken, even in the fifth month. The word of the Lord spoke thus unto me: Before I fashyoned the in thy mother's womb, I did know the. Andrea or ever thou wast born, I sanctified thee, and ordained thee, to be a Prophet unto the people. Then said I: O Lord God, I am unmeet, for I am yet but young. And the Lord answered me thus: Say not so, I am to young. For thou shalt go to all that I shall send the unto, and whatsoever I command thee, that shalt thou speak. Be not afraid of their faces, for I willbe with thee, to deliver thee, saith the Lord. And with that, the Lord stretched out his hand, and touched my mouth, & said moreover unto me: Behold, I put my words in thy mouth, jere xviii a and this day do I set the over the people and kingdoms, that thou mayst rote out, break of, destroy, and make waste, and that thou mayest build up and plant. After this, the Lord spoke unto me, saying: jeremy, what seest thou? And I said: I see a waking rod. Then said the Lord: thou haste seen right, for I will watch diligently upon my word, to perform it. It happened afterward, that the Lord spoke to me again, and said: What seest thou? And I said: I see a seething pot, looking from out of the North hither ward. jeremy four a Then said t●e Lord unto me: Out of the North shall come a plague upon all the dwellers of the land. For lo, I will call all the officers of the kingdoms of the North (saith the Lord.) And they shall come, & every one shall set his ●eate in the gates of jerusalem, & in all their walls round about & thorough all the cities of juda. And thorough th●m shall I ●eclare my judgement, upon all the wickedness of those men that have forsaken me, that have offered unto strange gods and worshipped the works of their own hands. And therefore gird up thy loins, arise, and tell them all, that I give the in commandment. Fear them not, I will not have the to be afraid of them. For behold, this day do I make the a strong fenced town, an iron pillar, & a wall of steel against the hole land, against the kings and mighty men of juda, against the priests & people of the land. They shall fight against thee, but they shall not be able to overcome thee, for I am with thee, to deliver thee, saith the Lord. ¶ God rehearseth his benefits done unto the jews. Against priests and Prophets, or preachers that contemn and despise God. The jews are destroyed, because they forsook God, and because they ran a whore hunting after Idols. CAPI. II Moreover, the word of the Lord commanded me thus: Go thy way, cry in the ears of jerusalem, and say: Thus saith the Lord: I remember the for the kindness of thy youth, & because of thy steadfast love, in that thou folowdest me thorough the wilderness, in an untilled land. Thou Israel wast hallowed unto the Lord, and so was his first fruits. All they that devoured Israel, offended: misfortune fallen upon them, saith the Lord. Hear therefore the word of the Lord, O thou house of jacob, and all the generation of the house of Israel. Thus saith the Lord unto you. What unfaithfulness found your fathers in me, t●at they went so far away fro me, falling to lightness, & being so vain? They thought not in their hearts: Where have we left the Lord, that brought us out of the land of Egypt, that led us thorough the wilderness, thorough a desert & rough land, thorough a dry & a deadly land, yea a land that no man had go thorough, & wherein no man had dwelled? And when I had brought you into a pleasant welbuylded land, that you might enjoy the fruits & all the commodities of the same, you went forth & defiled my land, and brought mine heritage to abomination. The priests themselves said not once: Where is the Lord? They that have the law in their hands, know me not. The shepherds offend against me. The Prophets do service unto Baal, and follow such things as shall bring them no profit. Wherefore I am constrained (saith the Lord) to make my complaint upon you, and upon your children. Go in to the Isles of Cethim, and look well, send unto Cedar, take diligent heed, and see, whether such things be done there, whether the gentiles them selves deal so falsely & untruly with their gods, (which yet are no gods in de●e.) But my people hath given ou●e their high honour, for a thing that may not help them. Be astonished, oh you heavens, be afraid and abashed at such a thing, saith the Lord. For my people hath done two evils. They have forsaken me the well of water of life, and digged them pits, yea vile and broken pits that hold no water. Is Israel a bond servant, or one of the household? Why is he then so spoiled? Why do they roar and cry then upon him as a lion? They have made his land waste, his cities are so brent up, that there is no man dwelling in them. Yea the children of Noph and Taphnes' have defiled thy neck. cometh not this unto thee, because thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, ever sense he led the by the way? And what hast thou now to do in the street of egypt? to drink foul water? Either what makest thou in the way of Assiria? To drink water of the flood? Thine own wickedness shall reprove thee, and thy turning away shall condemn thee: that thou mayst know and understand how evil and hurtful a thing it is, that thou haste forsaken the Lord thy God, and not feared him says the Lord God of hosts. I have ever broken thy yoke of old, and burst thy bonds: yet saist thou, I will no more serve, 〈…〉. b but (like an harlot) thou runnest about upon all high hills, and among all green trees, 〈…〉 xxi d where as I planted the out of noble grapes, and good rotes. How art thou turned then in to a bitter, unfruitful, and and strange grape? Yea, and that so sore: that though thou wasthe the with Nitrus, & make thyself to savour with that sweet smelling herb of Borith: yet in my sight thou art stained with thy wickedness, saith the Lord thy God. say not now: I am not unclean, and I have not followed the Gods. Look upon thine own ways in the woods, valleys, & dens: so shalt thou know what thou hast done. Thou art like a swift Dromedary that goeth easily his way: and thy wantonness is like a wild ass that useth the wilderness, and that snoffeth and bloweth at his will. Who can tame thee? All they that seek thee, shall not fail, but find that in thine own uncleanness. Thou keepest thy foot from nakedness, and thy throat from thirst, and thinkest thou in thyself: tush, I will take no sorrow, I will love the strange gods, and hang upon them. Like as a thief that is taken with the deed cometh to shame, even so is the house of Israel come to confusion: the comen people, their kings and rulers, 〈…〉 c 〈◊〉 ●●xxii. d 〈…〉 their priests and prophets. For they say to a stock: thou art my father, and to a stone: thou hast begotten me: yea they have turned their back upon me, & not their face. But in the time of their trouble, when they say: stand up and help us, I shall answer them: Where are now thy gods, that thou hast made thee? bid them stand up and help the in the time of need. For look how many cities thou hast (O juda) so many gods hast thou also. Wherefore then will you go to law with me, jeremy xi e seeing you all are sinners against me saith the Lord? It is but lost labour, that I smite your children, for they receive not my correction. your own sword destroyeth your Prophets, like a devouring lion. If you be the people of the Lord, then hearken unto his word: Am I then become a wilderness unto the people of Israel? or a land that hath no light? Wherefore saith my people then: we are fallen of, and we will come no more unto thee? Doth a maiden forget her raiment, or a bride her stomacher? And doth my people forget me so long? Why boostest thou thy ways so highly (to obtain favour there thorough) when thou hast yet stained them with blasphemies? Upon thy wings is found the blood of poor and innocent people, duty xviii b jeremy vii a Ezech. twenty d and that not in corners and holes only, but openly in all places. Yet darest thou say I am guiltless: tush, his wrath can not come upon me. Behold, I will reason with thee, because thou darest say: I have not offended. O how evil will it be for the to abide it: when it shall be known how oft thou hast go backward? For thou shalt be confounded as well of egypt, as of the Assyrians: Yea, thou shalt go thy way from them, and smite thine hands together upon thy heed: Because the Lord shall bring that confidence and hope of thine to naught, and thou shalt not prosper withal. ¶ God being merciful, calleth unto repentance his people, which he had forsaken for their whoredom with idols. He exhorteth Israel unto repentance, promising them shepherds that should have the true knowledge of God. The return of Israel unto God, confessing their offence. CAPI. III commonly when a man putteth away his wife, and she goeth from him and marrieth with an other, than the question is: Should he resort unto her any more after that? Is not this field then defiled and unclean? But as for thee, thou hast played the harlot with many lovers, yet turn again to me saith the Lord life up thine eyes on every side, and look if thou be not defiled. Thou hast waited for them in the streets, & as a murderer in the wilderness. Thorough thy whoredom and shameful blasphemies is the land defiled. This is the cause, that the rain and evening dew hath ceased Thou haste got an hoores' forehead, and canst not be ashamed. Else wouldest thou say unto me: O my father, thou art he that hast brought me up, and led me fro my youth: wilt thou then put me away, and cast me of for ever? Or wilt thou withdraw thyself clean fro me? Nevertheless thou speakest such words, but thou art ever doing worse and worse. * jeremy i a jeremy ii d iiii. Re. xvii b The Lord said also unto me: in the time of josiah the king: Haste thou seen what that shrinking Israel hath done? how she hath run up upon all the hills and among all thick trees, and there played the harlot? Haste thou seen also (when she had done all this) how I said unto her: that she should turn again unto me, and yet she is not returned? juda that unfaithful sister of hers also saw this: Namely that after I had well seen the aduou●rye of the shrinking harlot Israeli, I put her away, and gave her a bill or divorcement. For all this her unfaithful sister juda was not ashamed, but went back and played the whore also. Yea, and the noise of her whoredom hath defiled the hole land. For she hath committed her adultery with stones and stocks. Nevertheless her unfaithful sister juda is not covened again unto me with her hole heart, but feignedly▪ saith the Lord. And the Lord said unto me. The bakslyder Israel is more righteous than the unfaithful juda: and therefore go preach these words toward the north, and say: Thou shryncking Israel, turn again (saith the Lord) and I will not turn my face from you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not alway beat displeasure against thee: but on this condition, that thou know thy great bla●phemye: Namely, that thou haste unfaithfully forsaken the Lord thy God, and haste made thyself part taker of strange Gods under all green trees, but haste had no will to hear my voice, saith the Lord. Ezechiel ii c O●ee xiiii a O you shrinking children, turn again, saith the Lord: a●●o I will be married with you. For I will take one out of the city, and two out of one generation from among you, and bring you out of Zion: and will give you herdemen after mine own mind, which shall feed you wi●h learning and wisdom. Moreover, when you be increased and multiplied in the land, than (saith the Lord) there shall no more boast be made of the ark of the lords Testament: No man shall think upon it, neither shall any man make mention of it: for from thence forth it shall neither be visited, ne honoured with gifts. Then shall jerusalem be called the Lords ●eare, and all Heathen shall be gathered unto it, for th● Lords names sake, which shall be set forth, they shall follow no more the imagination of their own froward heart. Then those that be of the house of juda, shall go unto the house of Israel: and they shall come together out o● the north in to the same land that I have given your fathers. I have showed also how I took the up, being but a child, and gave the a pleasant land for thine heritage: yea, and a goodly host of the Heathen: and how I commanded the that thou shouldest Math. 〈…〉 call me father only, and not to shrink fro me. But like as a woman faileth her lover, so are you unfaithful unto me (O you house of Israel) saith the Lord. And therefore the voice of the children of Israel was herd on every side, weeping and wailing: for they have de●iled their way, and forgotten God their Lord. O you shryncking children, turn again (saying: lo, we are thine, for thou act the Lord our God:) And so that I heal your backeturnynges. The hills fall, and all the high pride of the mountains, but the health of Israel standeth only upon God our Lord. Confusion hath devoured our father's labour from our youth up: yea, their sheep and bullocks, their sons and daughters. So do we also sleep in our confusion, and shame covereth us: for we and our fathers from our youth up unto this day, have sinned against the Lord our God, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God. ¶ The true repentance or returning to God. He exhorteth to the circumcision of the heart. The destruction of jewrye is prophesied, for the malice of their hearts. CAPI. FOUR O Israel, if thou wilt turn thee, then turn unto me, saith the Lord. And if thou will't put away thine abominations out of my light, thou shalt not be moved: And shalt sw●re. The Lord liveth: in truth, in equity and righteousness: and all people shall be fortunable and joyful in him. For thus saith the Lord, to all juda and jerusalem: plough your land, and sow not among the thorns. Be circumcised in the Lord, and cut away the foreskin of your hearts, Ose x. d all you of juda, and all the indwellers of jerusalem: that my indignation break not out like fire, and kindle, so that no man may quench it, because of the wickedness of your imaginations. Preach in juda and jerusalem: Iere●▪ ● cry out and speak: blow the trumpets in the land: cry that every man may hear, and say: Gather you together, and we will go in to strong cities. Set up the token in Zion, speed you, and make no carrying: for I will bring a great plague, & a great destruction from the north. For the spoiler of the gentiles is broken up from his place, as a lion out of his den, that he may make the land waste, and destroy the cities, so that no man may devil therein. Wherefore gird yourselves about with sack cloth●, mourn and weep, for the fearful wrath of the Lord shall not be withdrawn from you. At the same time (saith the Lord) the heart of the king and of the Princes shall be go, the priests shall be astonisshed, and the Prophets shall you sore afraid. Then said I: O Lord God, hast thou then deceived this people, and jerusalem, saying: you shall have peax, and now the sword goeth thorough their lives? Then shall it be said to the people, and to jerusalem: there cometh a warm wind from the north thorough the way of my people, but neither to fan, ne to cleanse. After that there shall come unto me a strong wind, and then will I also give sentence upon them. For loo, he cometh down like as a cloud, and his charettes are like a stormy wind: his horsemen are swifter than the Egle. Woe unto us, for we are destroyed. O jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayst be helped. How long shall thy noisome thoughts remain with thee? For a voice from Dan, and from the hill of Ephraim speaketh out, and telleth of a destruction. Behold the Heathen give jerusalem warning, and preach unto her, that her destroyers are coming from far countries. They tell the cities of juda the same also, they shall give them warning in every place, like as the watch men in the field. For they have provoked me to wrath, saith the Lord. Thy ways and thy thoughts, have brought the unto this: 〈…〉 this is thine own wickedness and disobedience that hath possessed thine heart: Ah my belly, ah my belly, (shalt thou cry) how is my heart so sore? my heart panteth within me, I can not be still, for I have herd the crying of the trumpets and peals of war. They cry murder upon murder, the hole land shall perish. Immediately my tents were destroyed, and my hangynges in the twinkling of an eye. How long shall I see the tokens of war, and hear the noise of the trumpets. Nevertheless, this shall come upon them, because my people is become foolish, and hath utterly no understanding. 〈…〉. d. They are the children of foolishness, and without any discretion. To do evil, they have wit enough: but to do well, they have no wisdom. I have looked upon the earth: and see, it is waste and void. I looked toward heaven, and it had no shine. I beheld the mountains and they trembled, and all the hills were in a fear. I looked about me, and there was no body, and all the birds of the air were away. I marked well, and the ploughed field was become waste: yea all their cities were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and indignation of his wrath. For thus hath the Lord said: The hole land shall be desolate, yet will I not then have done. And therefore let the earth mourn, and let the heaven be sorry above: for the thing that I have purposed and taken upon me to do, shall not repent me, and I will not go from it. The hole land shall i'll for the noise of horse men and bowmen: they shall run in to dens in to woods, and climb up the stony rocks. All the cities shall be void, & no man dwelling therein. What wilt thou now do, thou being destroyed? jeremy ii c For though thou clothest thyself with scarlet, & deckest the with gold: though thou paintest thyself with colours, yet shalt thou trim thyself in vain. For those that hitherto have been thy great favourers shall abhor thee, and go about to slay the. For (me think) I hear a noise, like as it were a woman traveyling, or one labouring of her first child: Even the voice of the daughter Zion, that casts out her arms, and soundeth, saying: Ah, woe is me, how sore vexed and faint is my heart, for them that are slain? ¶ In jewrye is there no righteous or faithful man found, either amongst the people, or the rulars, for whose sake the Lord should spare the city: wherefore jewrye is destroyed of the Assyrians. CAPI. ●. Look thorough jerusalem: behold and see: Seek thorough her streets also within, if you can find one man that doth equal and right, or that laboureth to be faithful: and I shall spare him (saith the Lord.) For though they can say: the Lord liveth, yet do they swear to deceive: Where as thou (oh Lord) lookest only upon faith and truth. Thou hast scourged them, but they took no repentance: thou hast correct them for amendment, but they refused thy correction. They made their faces harder than a stone, & would not amend. Therefore I thought in myself: peradventure they are so simple and foolish, that they understand nothing of the lords way, and judgements of our God. Therefore will I go unto their heeds and rulers, and talk with them: if they know the way of the Lord, and the judgements of our God. But these (in like manner) have broken the yoke, and burst the hands insunder. Wherefore a lion out of the wood shall hurt them, and a wolf in the evening shall destroy them. The cat of the mountain shall lie lurking by their cities, to tear in pieces all them that come thereout. For their offences art many, and their departing away is great. Should I then for all this have mercy upon thee? Thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods. And albeit they were bound to me in marriage, yet they fallen to adultery, and haunted harlots houses. In the desire of uncleanly lust they are become like the stoned horse, every man neyeth at his neyghbourss wife: should I not correct this saith the Lord? Should I not be avenged of every people, that is like unto this? Ezechi xxij c Climb up upon their walls beat them down, but destroy them not utterly: cut of their branches, because they are not the Lords. For unfaithfully hath the house of Israel and juda forsaken me, saith the Lord. They have denied the Lord, and said: it is not he. tush, there shall no misfortune come upon us: we shall see neither sword nor hunger. As for the warning of the Prophets, they take it but for wind: yea there is none of these, which will tell them, that such things shall happen unto them. Wherefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts: because you speak such words: behold: The words that are in thy mouth will I turn to fire, and make the people to be wood, that I may consume them. Lo, I will bring a people upon you from far, O house of Israel (saith the Lord) a mighty people, an old people, a people whose speech thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say. Their arrows are sudden death: yea they themselves be very giants. This people shall eat up thy fruit and thy meat: yea they shall devour thy sons and thy daughters, thy sheep and thy bullocks. They shall eat up thy grapes and figs. As for thy strong and well sensed cities wherein thou didst trust, they shall destroy them with the sword. Nevertheless I will not have done with you, saith the Lord But if ●hey say: Wherefore doth the Lord our God all this unto us? Then answer them: because that like as you have forsaken me, jeremis xvi b and served strange gods in your own land: even so shall you serve other gods also in a strange land. Preach this unto the house of jacob▪ and cry it out in juda, and say thus: H●are this (thou foolysshe and undiscrete people) Esay vi b. Iohn ix d. you have eyes, but you see not: ears have you, but you hear not. Fear you not me, saith the Lord? Are you not ashamed to look me in the face? which bind the see with the sand, so that it can not pass his bounds: For though it rage, yet can it do nothing, and though the waves thereof do swell, yet may they not go over. But this people hath a false and obstinate heart, they are departed and go away fro me. They think not in their hearts: O let us fear the Lord our God that giveth us rain early and late, when need is: which keepeth ever still the harvest for us yearly. Nevertheless your myldes have turned these from you, and your sins have rubbed you hereof. For among my people are found wicked personnes, that privily lay snares, and wait for men, to take them and destroy them. And like as a net is full of birds, so are their houses full of that which they have got with falsehood and disobeyed. Hereof cometh their great substance and richesse: hereof are they fat and wealthy, and are run away fro me with shameful blasphemies. They minister not the law, they make no end of the fatherlesses cause, they judge not the poor according to equity. Should I not punish these things, Esay 〈…〉 Zach. 〈…〉 saith the Lord? should I be avenged of all such people as these be? Horrible and grievous things are done in the land. The Prophets teach falsely, and the priests follow them, and my people hath pleasure therein. What will come thereof at the last? ¶ The sins for which jerusalem is afflict. Vncircumcysed ears. Covetousness. disobeyed. The Lord reiecteteh the sacrifices of the jews. The coming of the Babylonyans is prophesied again. CAPI. VI COme forth of jerusalem, you strong children of BenIamin: blow up the trumpets you Tecuites, set up a token unto Bethcarem, for a plague and a great misery bursteth out from the North. I will liken the daughter of Zion to a fair and tender woman, & to her shall come the shepherds with their flocks. Their tents shall they pitch round about her, and every one shall feed them that are under his hand. Make battle against her (shall they say.) Arise, let us go up, while i● is yet day. Alas, the day goeth away, and the night shadows fall down: Arise, let us go up by night, and destroy her strong holds: for thus hath the Lord of hosts commanded. Hew down her trees, and set up bulwark against jerusalem. This is the city that must be punished, for in her is all lyciousnesse. Like as a conduit aboundeth in water, even so this city aboundeth in wickedness. robbery and unryghtousnes is herd in her, sorrow and wounds are ever there in my sight. amend thee, O jerusalem, jest I withdraw my heart from thee, and make the desolate: and thy land also, that no man dwell in it. For thus saith the Lord of hosts: The residue of Israel shall be gathered as the remnant of grapes. And therefore turn thine hand again in to the basket, like the grape gatherer. But unto whom shall I speak, whom shall I warn, that he may take heed? Their ears are so uncircumcised, that they may not hear. Behold, they take the word of God but for a scorn, and have no lust thereto. And therefore I am so full of indignation, oh Lord, that I may suffer no longer. shed out thy wrath upon the children that are without, and upon all young men. Yea the man must be taken prisoner with the wife, and the aged with the cripple. Their houses with their lands and wives shall be turned unto strangers, when I stretch out mine hand upon the inhabitants of this land, 〈…〉. d. 〈◊〉 viii▪ d. saith the Lord. For from the least, unto the most, they hang all upon covetousness: and from the Prophet unto the Priest, they go all about with falseheed and lies. And beside that, they heal the hurt of my people with sweet words, saying: peax peax, when there is no peax at all. Therefore they must be ashamed, for they have committed abomination. But how should they be ashamed, when they know nothing, neither of shame, nor of good nurture? And therefore they shall fall among the slain: and in the hour when I shall visit them, they shall be brought down, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord: go in to the streets, consider and make inquisition for the old way, and if it be the good and right way: then go therein, that you may find rest for your souls. But they say: we will not walk therein, 〈…〉 and I will set watch men over you, and therefore take heed unto the voice of the trumpet: But they say we will not take heed. Hear therefore you gentiles, and thou congregation shalt know, what I have devised for them. Hear thou earth also: behold, I will 'cause a plague come upon this people, even the fruit of their own imaginations. For they have not been obedient unto my words, and to my law, but abhorred them. Wherefore bring you me incense from Saba, 〈…〉 and sweet smelling Calamus from far countries? your burnt offerings displease me, and I rejoice not in your sacrifices. And therefore thus saith the Lord: behold, I will make this people fall, and there shall fall from among them the father with the children, one neighbour shall perish with an other. Moreover thus saith the Lord: Behold there shall come a people from the North, and a great people shall arise from the ends of the earth, with bows and with darts shall they be weapened: It is a rough and fierce people, an unmerciful people: their voice roareth like the see, they ride upon horses well appointed to the battle against thee, oh daughter Zion. Then shall this cry be heard: Our arms are feeble, heaviness and sorrow is come upon us, as upon a woman traveling with child. No man go forth in to the field, no man come upon the high street/ for the sword and fear of the enemy shall be on every side. Wherefore gird a sack cloth about the (O thou daughter of my people) sprynckle thyself with ashes, Amos eight b. mourn and weep bitterly, as upon thy only beloved son: For the destroyer shall suddenly fall upon us. The have I set for a prover of my hard people, to seek out, and to try their ways. For they are all unfaithful and fallen away, they hang upon filthy lucre, they are clean brass and iron, for they hurt and destroy every man. The bellous are brent in the fire, the lead is consumed, the melter melteth in vain, for the evil is not taken away from them. Therefore shall they be called naughty silver, because the Lord hath cast them out. ¶ jeremy is commanded to show unto the people the word of God, which trusteth in the outward service of the temple, that helpeth nothing. The evils that shall happen to the jews for the despising of their prophets. Sari●yces doth not the Lord chiefly require of the jews, but that they should obey his word. Topheth. CAPI. VII. THese are the words that God spoke unto jeremy: Stand under the gates of the lords house, and cry out these words there with a loud voice, and say: Hear the word of the Lord all you of juda that go in at this door, to honour the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel. amend your ways and your counsels, jere xxvi d. and I will let you dwell in this place. Trust not in false dying words, saying: here is the temple of the Lord, here is the temple of the Lord, here is the temple of the Lord. Exod. xxii c zacha viij c levit xix g. job xxiiij a. For if you will amend your ways and counsels, if you will judge right betwixt a man and his neighbour: if you will not oppress the stranger, the fatherless and the widow: if you will not shed innocent blood in this place: if you will not cleave to strange gods to your own destruction: then will I let you devil in this place: yea, in the land that I gave afore time unto your fathers for ever. But take heed, you trust in counsels that beguile you, and do you no good. For when you have stolen, murdered, committed adultery, and perjury: When you have offered unto Baal, following strange and unknown Gods: Then come you, and stand before me in this house, (which hath my name given unto it) and say: tush we are absolved quite, though we have done all these abominations. Esay lvi b. What, think you this house that beareth my name, is a den of thieves? And these things are not done privyly, but before mine eyes saith the Lord. Go to my place in * job ii b. Math. xxi b. Jere xxxii f. joshua xviij a jere xxvi a i Reg. iii iiii, five and vi Siloh, whereunto I gave my name afore time, and look well what I did to the same place for the wickedness of my people of Israel. And now, though you have done all these deeds (saith the Lord) and I myself rose up ever bytymes to warn you, and to common with you, yet would you not hear me: I called, Prouer. i c Isa lxu b c i Regum four b. Jere xiiij b you would not answer. And therefore even as I have done with Siloh, so will I do to this house, that my name is given unto, (and that you put your trust in) you unto the place that I have given to you and your fathers. And I shall thrust you out of my sight as I have cast out all your brethren the hole sede of Ephraim. Therefore thou shalt not pray for this people, thou shalt neither give thanks nor bid prayer for them: thou shalt make no intercession to me for them: for in no wise will I hear the. Seest thou not what they do in the cities of juda, and without jerusalem? The children gather styckes, the fathers kindle the fire, the mothers knead the dowghe, to bake cakes for the queen of heaven. They pour out drynckeofferynges unto strange Gods, to provoke me unto wrath: How be it they hurt not me (saith the Lord) but rather confound and shame themselves. And therefore thus saith the Lord God: behold, my wrath and my indignation shall be poured out upon this place, upon men and cattle, upon the trees of the field, & all fruit of the land, & it shall burn so that no man may quench it. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: You heap up your burnt-offerings with your sacrifices, and eat the flesh. But when I brought your fathers out of Egypt, I spoke no word unto them of burned offerings and sacrifices: but this I commanded them, saying: hearken and obey my voice, and I shall be your God, and you shall be my people: so that you walk in all the ways which I have commanded you, that you may prosper. jere xvi ● But they were not obedient, they inclined not their ears thereunto, but went after their own imaginations, and after the motions of their own wicked heart, and so turned themselves away, and converted not unto me. And this have they done, from the time that your fathers came out of Egypt unto this day. Nevertheless I sent unto them my servants all the Prophets: I rose up early & sent them word, yet would they not hearken ne offer me their ears, but were obstinate and worse than their fathers. And thou shalt now speak all these words unto them, but they shall not hear thee: thou shalt cry upon them, but they shall not answer the. Therefore shalt thou say unto them: this is the people, that neither heareth the voice of the Lord their God, ne receiveth his correction. Faithfulness and truth is clean rooted out of their mouth. Wherefore cut of thine here, and cast it away, take up a complaint in the hole land: for the Lord shall cast away and scatter the people, that he is displeased withal. For the children of juda have done evil in my sight, saith Lord. They have set up their abominations in the house that hath my name, and have defiled it. They have also builded an altar at Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hennon: that they might burn their sons and daughters, which I never commanded them, neither came it ever in my thought. and therefore behold, the days shall come (saith the Lord) that it shall no more be called Topheth, or the valley of the children of Hennon, but the valley of the slain, for in Topheth they shall be buried, because they shall else where have no room. Yea, the deed bodies of this people shall be eaten of the fowls of the air, and wild beestes of the earth, and man shall fray them away. Ezech▪ 〈…〉 And as for the voice of mirth and gladness of the cities of juda and jerusalem, the voice of the bridegroom, and of the bride: I will make them cease, for the land shall be desolate. ¶ The destruction of the jews. The Lord moveth the people to amendment, reckoning up their sins. Reproveth the lying doctrine of the Prophets and priests, and their covetise. CAPI. VIII. AT the same time, saith the Lord, the bones of the kings of juda, the bones of his Princes, the bones of the priests and Prophets, yea and the bones of the citezyns of jerusalem, shallbe brought out of their graves, and laid against the sun, the moon, and all the heavenly host, whom they loved, whom they served, whom they ran after, whom they sought and worshipped. They shall neither be gathered together, ne buried, but shall lie upon the earth to their shame and despising. And all they that remain of this wicked generation, shall desire more to die then live: Luc. 〈…〉 where so ever they remain, and where as I scatter them, saith the Lord of hosts. This shalt thou say unto them also: Thus saith the Lord: Do men fall so, that they arise not up again? And turn they so far away that they never convert? Wherefore then is this people and jerusalem go so far back, Ezech. 〈…〉 that they turn not again. They are ever the longer, the more obstinate, and will not be converted. For I have looked and considered: but there is no man that speaketh a good word: there is no man that taketh repentance for his sin, that will so much as say: wherefore have I done this? But every man (as soon as he his turned back) runneth forth still, like a wild horse in a battle. The Stork knoweth his appointed time, the turtle dove, the swallow and the crane consider the time of their travail, but my people will not know the time of the punishment of the Lord? How dare you say then: we are wise, we have the law of the Lord among us? Behold, the deceitful pen of the scribes, setteth forth lies: therefore shall the wise be confounded, they shall be afraid and taken: for lo, they have cast out the word of the Lord: what wisdom can then be among them? Wherefore I will give their wives unto strangers, and their fields to destroyers. For from the lowest unto the highest, they follow all filthy lucre: 〈…〉. d 〈…〉 and from the prophet unto the priest, they dealt all with lies. Nevertheless, they heal the hurt of my people with sweet words, ☞ saying: peax peax, where there is no peax at all. Fie for shame, how abominable things do they? & yet they be not ashamed, yea they know of no shame. Wherefore in the time of their visitation, they shall fall among the deed bodies says the Lord. Moreover I will gather them in, saith the Lord, so that there shall not be one grape upon the vine, ne one fyg upon the fig tree, & the leaves shall be plucked of. Then will I 'cause them to departed and say: why prolong we the time? Let us gather ourselves together, and go in to the strong city, there shall we be in rest: For the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and given us water mixed with gall, to drink, because we have sinned against him. We looked for peax, and we far not the better, we waited for the time of health, and lo, here is nothing but trouble. Then shall the noise of his horses be herd from Dan, the hole land shall be afraid at the neying of his strong horses: for they shall go in and devour the land, with all that is in it: 〈…〉. d the cities, and those that devil therein. Moreover, I will send Cockatrices and serpents among you (which will not be charmed) and they shall bite you, saith the Lord. Sorrow is come upon me, and heaviness vexeth my heart: for loo, the voice of the crying of my people, is herd from a far country: Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not the king in her? Wherefore then have they grieved me (shall the Lord say) with their images, and foolysshe strange fashions? The harvest is go, the summer hath an end, and we are not helped. I am sore vexed, because of the hurt of my people: I am heavy, and abashed: for there is no more Tyracie at Galaad. and there is no physician that can heal the hurt of my people. ¶ The complaint and bewailing of the Prophet for the malice of the people. In the knowledge of God aught we only to rejoice. The uncircumcision of the heart. CAPI. IX. O Who will give my heed water enough, and a well of tears for mine eyes: that I may weep night and day, for the slaughter of my people? Would God that I had a cottage some where far from folk, that I might leave my people, and go from them: for they be all adulterers and a shrinking sort. They bend their tongues like bows, to shoot out lies. As for the truth, they may nothing away withal in the world. For they go from one wickedness to an other, and hold nothing of me, saith the Lord. Yea, one must keep himself from an other, jermy xii b. Math. ● c Mich vii a no man may safely trust his own brother: for one brother undermineth an other, and one neighbour begyleth an other. Yea, one dissembleth with an other, and they deal with no truth. They have practised their tongues to lie, and taken great pains to do mischief. They have set their stole in the midst of disobeyed, and for very dissembling falsehood they will not know me, saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts: behold, I will melt them and try them, for what should I else do to my people? Prou. xviii a Psal xviii a Their tongues are like sharp arrows to speak deceit. With their mouth they speak peaceably to their neighbour, but privily they lay wait for him. Psal xxvii b Should I not punish them for these things, saith the Lord? Or should I not be avenged of any such people as this? Upon the mountains will I take up a lamentation & sorrowful cry, and a mourning upon the fair plains of the wilderness: Namely, how they are so brent up, that no man goeth there any more: yea a man shall not hear one be'st cry there. Birds and cattle are all go from thence. 〈◊〉 ill make jerusalem also an heap of stones, and a den of venomous worms. Psal lxxix a. Mich iii c And I will make the cities of juda so waste, that no man shall dwell therein. What man is so wise, as to understand this? Or to whom hath the Lord spoken by mouth, that he may show this and say: O thou land why perisshest thou so? Osee xiiii d Wherefore art thou so brent up, and like a wilderness, that no man goeth thorough? Yea the Lord himself told the same unto them that forsook his law, and kept not the thing that he gave them in commandment, neither lived thereafter: but followed the wickedness of their own hearts, and served strange gods, Deut. xxix b. joshua xxiiii c as their fathers taught them. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will feed this people with wormewod, and give them gall to drink. I will scatter them also among the Heathen, Deu xxxii c jerem xxiii c whom neither they ne their fathers have known: and I will send a sword among them, to persecute them, till I bring them to nought. Moreover thus saith the Lord of hosts: look you call for mourning wives, and sand for wise women: that they come shortly, and sing a mourning song of you: that the tears may fall out of our eyes, and that our eye lyddes may gusshe out of water. For there is a lamentable noise heard of Zion: O how are we so sore destroyed? O how are we so piteously confounded? We must forsake our own natural country, and we are shut out of our own lodgynges. Yet hear the word of the Lord (O you women, and let your ears regard the words of his mouth: that you may learn your daughters to mourn, and that every one may teach her neighbours to make lamentation. Namely thus: Death is climbing up in at our windows, he is come in to our houses, to destroy the child before the door, and the young man in the street. But tell thou plainly, thus saith the Lord: The deed bodies of men shall lie upon the ground, as the dung upon the field, and as the hay after the mower, and there shall be no man to take them up. i Corinth i d ii Corint ten d. Moreover, thus saith the Lord: Let not the wise man rejoice in his wisdom, ne the strong man in his strength, neither the rich man in his riches: But who so will rejoice let him rejoice in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me: for I am the Lord, which do mercy, equity and righteousness upon the earth. Therefore have I pleasure in such things, saith the Lord. Behold, the time cometh (saith the Lord) that I will visit all them, whose foreskin is uncircumcised. The Egyptians, the jews, the Edomites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, and the shaven Madianites that dwell in the wilderness. For all the gentiles are uncircumcised in the flesh, but all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. ¶ The constellations of the stars are not to be feared. Of the weakness of Idols, and of the power of God. Of evil curates. CAPI. X. Hear the word of the Lord, that he speaketh unto thee, O thou house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord: You shall not learn after the manner of the Heathen, & you shall not be afraid for the tokens of heaven: isaiah xlvii e. for the Heathen are afraid of such: yea all the customs and laws of the gentiles are nothing but vanity. Esay xliiii b. They hew down a tree in the wood with the hands of the workman, Sapien xiiii & fashion it with the axe: they cover it over with gold or silver, they fasten it with nails and hammers, that it move not. It standeth as stiff as the palm tree, it can neither speak ne go, Baruch vi iiii. Re. xvii g Iudi vi b. Apoca xxv b. but must be born. Be not you afraid of such, for they can do neither good ne evil. But there is none like unto to thee, O Lord, and great is the name of thy power. Who would not fear thee? Or what king of the Panymes would not obey thee? For among all the wise men of the Panymes, and in all their kingdoms, there is none that may be likened unto the. They are all together unlearned & unwise. All their cunning is but vanity: namely would, silver, which is brought out of Tharsis, and beaten to plates: and gold from Ophir, a work that is made with the hand of the crafts man and the caster, clothed with yellow silk and scarlet: even so is the work of their wise men all together. But the Lord is a true God, a living God, and an everlasting king. If he be wroth, the earth shaketh: all the gentiles may not abide his indignation. As for their gods, it may well be said of them: they are gods that neither made heaven ne earth: therefore shall they perish from the earth, and from all things under heaven. But (as for our God) he made the earth with his power, Iere●▪ 〈…〉 and with his wisdom hath he finisshed the hole compass of the world, with his discretion hath he spread out the heavens. At his voice the waters gather together in the air, he draweth up the clouds from the uttermost parts of the earth: he turneth lightning to rain, and bringeth forth the winds out of their treasures. Psa. 〈…〉 His wisdom maketh all men fools. And confounded be all casters of images, for that they cast, is but a vain thing, and hath no life. The vain craftsmen with their works, that they in their vanity have made, shall perish one with an other in the time of visitation. Nevertheless jacobs' portion is not such: but it is he that hath made all things, and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The Lord of hosts is his name. Put away thine uncleanness out of the land, thou that art in the strong cities. For thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will now thrust out the inhabitants of this land a great way of, and trouble them in such sort, as they shall no more be found. Alas how am I hurt? Alas how painful are my scourges unto me? For I consider this sorrow by myself, and I must suffer it. My tabernacle is destroyed, and all my cords are broken. My children are go fro me, and can no where be found. Now have I none to spread out my tent, or to set up my hangynges. For the herdemen have done foolyshly, that they have not sought the Lord. Therefore have they dealt unwisely with their cattles, and all are scattered abroad. Behold, the noise is hard at hand, and great sedition out of the North: to make the cities of juda a wilderness, and a dwelling place for dragons. Now I know, O Lord, ☜ that it is not in man's power to order his own ways, Psal. 〈…〉 Psa●▪ 〈…〉 or to rule his own steps and goings. Therefore chasten thou us, O Lord, but with favour and not in thy wrath, bring us not utterly to naught. Pour out thine indignation rather upon the Heathen that know the not, & upon the people that call not on thy name: And that because they have consumed, devoured and destroyed jacob, and have rooted out his glory. ¶ A curse of them that obey not the word of God's promise. The people of juda following the steps of their fathers, worshyppeth strange gods. The Lord saith he will not hear the jews, and forbiddeth also jeremy to pray for them. CAPI. XI. THis is an other sermon, which the Lord commanded jeremy to preach, saying: Hear the words of the covenant and speak unto all juda, and to all them that devil at jerusalem. And say unto them: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: Cursed be every one that is not obedient unto the words of this covenant: which I commanded unto your fathers, what time as I brought them out of Eyypte, from the iron furnace, saying: Be obedient unto my voice and do● according to all that I command you: so shall you be my people, and I will be your God, and will keep my promise that I have sworn unto your fathers: Namely that I would give them a land which floweth with milk and honey, as you see, is come to pass this day. Then answered I, and said. Amen. It is even so, Lord, as thou sayest. Then the Lord said unto me again: preach this in the cities of juda, and round about jerusalem, and say: Hear the words of this covenant, that you may keep them. For I have diligently exhorted your fathered, ever sithence the time I brought them out of the land of egypt, unto this day. I gave them warning bytymes, laying: hearken unto my voice: Nevertheless they would not obey me, nor incline their ears unto me, but followed the wyc-ymaginations of their own hearts. And therefore have I accused them as transgressors of all the words of this covenant that I gave them to keep, which they (not withstanding) have not kept. And the Lord said unto me: It is found out, that hole Israel, and all these citezyns of jerusalem are go back. They have turned themselves to the blasphemies of their fore fathers, which had no lust to hear my word. Even likewise have these also followed strange gods, and worshipped them. The house of Israel and juda have broken my covenant, which I made with their fathers. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will send a plague among you, which you shall not be able to escape: and though you cry unto me, I will not hear you. Then shall the towns of juda, and the citezyns of jerusalem go and call upon their gods unto whom they made their oblations, but they are not able to help them in time of their trouble. For as many cities as thou hast, jeremy ii f O juda, so many god's haste thou also. And look how many streets there be in thee, O jerusalem, so many shameful altars have you set up, to offer upon them unto Baal. jere xiiii b. But pray not thou for this people: bid neither praise ne prayer for them, for though they cry unto me in their trouble, yet will I not hear them. O thou beloved, why dost thou so shameful great blasphemies in my house? Even as though that holy flesh might absolve thee, specially when thou hast made thy boast of thy wickedness. The Lord called the a green olive tree, a fair one, a fruitful one, a goodly one: but now that there is a contrary report of the abroad, he will burn the up, and destroy thy branches. For the Lord of hosts that planted thee, hath devised a glage for thee (O thou house of Israel and juda, for the evil that you have done to provoke him to wrath, in that you did service unto Baal. This, O Lord, have I learned of thee, and understand it: for thou hast showed me their imaginations. But I (as a meek lamb) was carried away to be slain: not knowing that they had devised such a counsel against me, saying: we will destroy his meat with wood, and drive him out of the land of the living, that his name shall never be thought upon. Therefore I will beseech the now, Esay liii c O Lord of hosts, thou righteous judge, thou that triest the reins and the hearts: let me see the avenged of them, for unto the have I committed my cause. The Lord therefore spoke thus of the cityzyns of Anathoth, Sapien ii d. jeremy .xx c that sought to slay me, saying: Preach not unto us in the name of the Lord, or else thou shalt die of our hands. Thus (I say) spoke the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will visit you. your young men shall perish with the sword, your sons and your daughters shall utterly die of hunger, so that none shall remain. For upon the citezyns of Anathoth will I bring a plague, the year of their visitation. ¶ The Prophet marueyleth at the prosperity of the wicked, although he confess God to be righteous. The jews are forsaken of the Lord. He speaketh against Curates and preachers that reduce the people. The Lord threteneth destruction unto the nations that bordered jewrye, which troubled and vexed it. CAPI. XII. O Lord, thou art more righteous, then that I should dispute with thee: Nevertheless, let me talk with the in things reasonable. How happeneth it that the way of the ungodly is so prosperous? job xxi a. Abacuc i b. and that it goeth so well with them which (without any shame) offend and live in wickedness? Thou plantest them, they take root, they grow, and bring forth fruit. They booste moche of thee, yet dost thou not punish them. But thou Lord (to whom I am well known) thou that hast seen, and proved my heart, take them away, like as a flock is carried to the slaughter house, and appoint them for the day of slaughter. How long shall the land mourn, and all the herbs of the field perish, for the wickedness of them that devil therein? The cattle and the birds are go, yet they say: tush, God will not destroy us utterly. seeing thou art weary in running with the foot men, how wilt thou then run with horses? In a peaceable sure land thou mayst be safe, but how wilt thou do in the ●urious pride of jordane? for thy brethren and thy kyneed have all together despised thee, and cried out upon the in thine absence. believe them not, though they speak fair words to the. As for me (say I) I have forsaken mine own dwelling place, and left mine heritage. By life also that I loved so well, have I given in to the handis of mine enemies. Mine heritage is become unto me, as a lion in the wood. It cried out upon me, therefore have I forsaken it. Mine heritage is unto me, as a speckied bird, a bird of divers colours is upon it. Go hence and gather an that beesies of the field together, that they may eat it up. divers herdemen have broken down my vinyeard, and trodden upon my portion. Of my pleasant portion, they have made a wilderness. They have laid it waste: and now that it is waste, it sygheth unto me. Yea, the hole land lieth waste, and no man regardeth it. The destroyers come over the heeth every way, for the sword of the Lord shall consume from the one end of the land to the other, and no flesh shall have test. They shall sow where, and reap thorns. They shall take heritage in possession, but it shall do them no good. And you shall be confounded of your own wynnynges, because of the great wrath of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord upon all mine evil neighbours, that lay hand on mine heritage, which I have given my people of Israel: Behold, I will pluck them (namely Israel) out of their land, and put out the house of juda from them. And when I have rooted them out, I will be at one with them again, and will have mercy upon them: and bring them again (every man to his own heritage, and in to his land. And if they (namely that trouble my people) will learn the ways of them to swear by my name: The Lord liveth (like as they learned my people to swear by Baal) then shall they be reckoned among my people. But if they will not obey, then will I rote out the same folk, and destroy them saith the Lord. ¶ The destruction of the jews is prefygured, and their sparpling abroad. why Israel was received to be the people of God, and why they were forsaken. CAPI. XIII. Moreover, thus said the Lord unto me: go thy way and get the a linen breach, and gird it about thy loins, and let it not be wet. Then I got me a breach, according to the commandment of the Lord, and put it about my loins. After this the Lord spoke unto me again: Take that breach that thou hast prepared, about thee, and get the up, and go unto Euphrates, and hide it in a hole of the rock. So went I, and hid it, as the Lord commanded me. And it happened long after this, that the Lord spoke unto me: Arise, and get the to Euphrates, and fet the breach thence, which I commanded the to hide there. Then went I to Euphrates, and digged up, and took that breach from the place where I had hid it: & behold the breach was corrupt, so that it was profitable for nothing. Then said the Lord unto me: thus saith the Lord: even so will I corrupt the pride of juda, and the haughty mind of jerusalem. This people is a wicked people, they will not heart my word, Ierem● 〈…〉 they follow the wicked imaginations of their own heart, and hang upon strange gods, them have they served and worshipped: and therefore they shall be as this breach that serveth for nothing. For as straightly as a breach lieth upon a man's loins, De●●●● 〈…〉 so straightly did I bind the hole house of Israel, and the hole house of juda unto me, saith the Lord: that they might be my people: that they might have a glorious name: that they might be in honour: but they would not obey me. Therefore lay this ●ydle before them, and say: A ry●●● Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: Every pot shall be filled with wine. And they shall say: thinkest thou we know not that every pot shall be filled with wine? Then shalt thou say unto them: Thus saith the Lord: Behold, I shall fill all the inhabitants of this land with drunkenness, the kings that sit upon David's stole, the priests and Prophets, with all that devil at jerusalem. And I will shoot them one against an other, yea the fathers against the sons, saith the Lord. I will not pardon them, I will not spare them: ne have pity upon them: but destroy them. Be obedient, give ear, take no disdain at it, for it is the Lord himself that speaketh: Honour the Lord your God herein, or he take his light from you, and or ever your feet stumble in darkness at the hill: least when you look for the light, he turn it in to the shadow and darkness of death. But if you will not hear me, that give you secret warning. I will mourn from my hole heart, for your Nubbornnesse. 〈…〉. Piteously will I weep, and the tears shall gusshe out of mine eyes. For the lords flock shall be carried away prisoners. Tell the king, and the rulers: Humble yourselves, set you down to we: for the crown of your glory shall fall from your heed. The cities toward the south shall be shut up, & no man shall open them. Albina juda shall be carried away prisoners, so that none shall remain. life up your eyes and behold them that come from the North: Like a fat flock shall they fall upon the. To whom wyste thou make thy moan, 〈◊〉 nineteeen. a 〈◊〉. x●●●. b 〈◊〉. xx●. ●. when they come upon thee? for thou hast taught them thyself, & made them masters over the. Shall not sorrow come upon thee, as on a woman traveling with child? And if thou wouldest say then in thine heart. Wherefore come these things upon me? Even for the multitude of thy blasphemies, shall thy hinder parts and thy recede discovered. For like as the man of Ind may change his skin, ☞ and the cat of the mountain her spots: so may you that be exercised in evil, do good. Therefore will I scatter you, like as the stubble that is taken away with the South wind. 〈…〉. This shall be your portion, and the portion of your measure, wherewith you shall be rewarded of me, saith the Lord: because you have forgotten me, and put your trust in deceitful things. Therefore shall I turn thy clotheses over thy heed, and discover thy thighs, that thy privities may be seen, thy adultery, thy deadly malice, thy be●stlynesse and thy shameful whoredom. For upon the fields and hills I have seen thy abominations. Woe be unto thee (O jerusalem) when wilt thou ever be cleansed any more? ¶ Of the dearth that should come in jewrye. The prayer of the people, asking mercy of the Lord. The unfaithful people are not heard. Of prayer, fasting, and of false Prophets that deceive the people. CAPI. XIIII. THe word of the Lord showed unto jeremy, concerning the dearth of the fruits. juda shall mourn: men shall not go moche more thorough his gates: the land shall be no more had in regard, & the cry of jerusalem shall break out. The lords shall send their servants to fetch water, and when they come to the wells, they shall find no water, but shall carry their vessels home empty. They shall be ashamed and confounded, and shall cover their heeds. For the ground shall be dried up, because there cometh no rain upon it. The plowmen all so shall be ashamed, and shall cover their heeds. The Hind shall forsake the young fawn that he bringeth forth in the field, because there shall be no grass. The wild asses shall stand in the moss, and draw in their wind like the dragons, their eyes shall sail for want of grass. Doubtless our own wickedness reward us: But Lord do thou according to thy name, though our transgressions and sins be many. For thou are the comfore and help of Israel in the time of trouble. Why wilt thou be as a stranger in the land, and as one that goeth over the field, and cometh in only to remain for a night? Why, will't thou make thyself a coward, and as it were a giant that yet may not help? For thou art ours (oh Lord) and we bear thy name, therefore forsake us not. Then spoke the Lord, concerning this people, that have pleasure to go so ●ymbly with their fece, and leave not of, and therefore displease the Lord: in so much that he will now bring again to remembrance all their misteces, and punish all their sins. Yea, even thus said the Lord unto me: jermy vii c Thou shalt not pray to do this people good. For though they cast, I will not hear their prayers. And though they offce burn offerings and sacrifices, yet will not I accept them. For I will destroy them with the sword, hunger and pestilence. Then answered I: O Lord God, the Propheces say unto them: Tush, you shall see no sword, and no hunger shall come upon you, jere xxiii a xxvii c xxix e. but the Lord shall give you continual rest in this place. And the Lord said unto me: The Propheces preach lies unto them in my name. I have not spoken with them, neither gave I them any charge, neither did I sand them: yet they preach unto you false visions, charming, vanity, and disceytfulnesse of their own heart: Therefore thus saith the Lord: As for those Propheces that preach in my name (whom I nevertheless have not sent) and that say: tush there shall neither battle ne hunger be in this land: With sword and with hunger shall those Prophets perish, and the people to whom they have preached, shall be cast out of jerusalem, die of hunger, and be stain with the sword (and there shall be no man to bury them) both they and their wines, their sons and their daughters. For thus will I pour their wickedness upon them. This shalt thou say also unto them: Threns i f. ● two. f. Mine eyes shall weep without ceasing, day and night. For my people shall be destroyed with great harm, and shall perish with a great plague, for if I go in to the field: lo, it lieth all full of slain men: If I come in to the city: lo, they be all famisshed of hunger. Yea, their Prophets also and priests shall be led in to an unknown land. Haste thou then utterly forsaken juda? (said I) Dost thou so abhor Zion? Or hast thou so plagued us, that we can be healed no more? We looked for peax, Iremis viii c and there cometh no good, for the time of health: and lo, here is no thing but trouble. We knowledge (O Lord) all our mysoedes, and the s●n●es of our fathers, that we have off●noed the. He not displeased (O Lord) for thy name's sake, forget not thy loving kindness: Remember the throne of thine honour, break not the covenant that thou hast made with us. Are there any among the Gods of the Panyms, that sand rain, or give the showers of heaven? Dost not thou it, O Lord our God, in whom we trust? Yea Lord, thou dost all these things. ¶ The Lord will not hear Moses or Aaron, if they pray for the people, but will wrap them in many miseries. The cause of such great miseries. CAPI. XU. THen spoke the Lord unto me, and said: Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, jeremis vii b xi c ● xiiii b. Ezech. xiiii c yet have I no heart to this people. drive them away, that they may go out of my sight. And if they say unto thee: Whither shall we go, then tell them: The Lord giveth you this answer: ●acha xj b. Some unto death, some to the sword, some to hunger, some in to captivity. For I will bring four plagues upon them, saith the Lord. The sword shall strangle them, the dogs shall devour them, the fowls of the air, and breasts of the earth shall eat them up, and destroy them. I will scatter them ob●ur also, in all kingdoms and lands to be plagued, because of Manasses the son of Ezechias king of juda, for the things that he did in jerusalem. Who shall then have pity upon thee, O jerusalem? Who shall be sorry for thee? Or who shall make intercession to obtain peaxe for thee: seeing thou goest fro me, and toucuest backward, saith the Lord? Therefore I will stretch our my hand against thee, to destroy thee, and I will not be entreated. I will scatter the abroad with the fan on every side of the land, I will waste my people and destroy them, for they have had no lust to turn from their own ways. I will make their widows more in number than the sands of the see. Upon the mothers of their children, I shall bring a destroyer in the noon day. suddenly and unwares shall I send a fear upon their cities. She that hath born seven children shall have none, her heart shall be full of sorrow. The sun shall fail her in the clear day, when she shall be confounded and faint for very heaviness. Amos viii e. As for those that remain, I will deliver them unto the sword of their enemies, saith the Lord. O mother, alas that ever thou didst bear me, an enemy & hated of the hole land: Though I never lente ne received upon usury, yet all men speak evil upon me. And the Lord answered me: lead not I the then unto good? Come not I to the when thou art in trouble, and help the when thine enemy oppresset is thee? Doth one iron hurt an other, or one metal that cometh from the north another? As for your riches and treasure, A will give them out in to a pray, not for any money, but because of all your sins that you have done in all your costs. And I will bring you with your enemies in to a land that you know not: for the fire that is kindled in my indignation, shall burn you up. O Lord (said I then) thou knowest all things, therefore remember me, and visit me, deliver me fro my persecutors: receive not my cause in thy long wrath, yet thou knowest that for thy sake I suffer rebuke. When I had found thy words, I ate them up greedily: they have made my heart joyful & glad. For I call upon thy name, oh Lord God of hosts. I dwell not among the scorners, neither is my delight therein: but I devil only in the fear of thy hand, for thou hast filled me with bitterness. Shall my heaviness endure for ever? Are my plagues then so great, that they may never be healed? Will't thou be as a water that falls, and can not continued? Upon these words, thus said the Lord unto me: If thou wilt turn again, I shall set the in my service: and if thou wilt take out the thing that is precious from the vile, thou shalt be even as mine own mouth. They shall convert unto thee, but turn not thou unto them: & so shall I make the a strong brickwall of style against this people. They shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail. For I myself will be with the to help thee, and deliver the saith the Lord. And I will rid the out of the hands of the wicked, and deliver the out of the hand of tyrants. ¶ He prophecyeth the misery of the jews. He showeth/ that the worshipping of Idols and the contempt of God's law/ is the cause of their misery. He prophesieth the captivity of Babylon/ and their deliverance from thence again. The calling of the Gentiles. CAPI. XVI. Moreover thus said the Lord unto me: Thou shalt take the no wife, ne beget children in this place: For of the children that are born in this place, of their mothers that have born them, and of their fathers that have begotten them in this land, thus saith the Lord: Leui● i ● jere. 〈◊〉 They shall die an horrible death, no man shall mourn for them, ne bury them: but they shall lie as dung upon the earth. They shall perish thorough the sword and honher, Psa. 〈◊〉 Iere●●● and their bodies shall be meat for the fowls of the air, and beestes of the earth. Again, thus saith the Lord: Go not unto them, that come together for to mourn and weep: for I have taken my peaxe from this people (saith the Lord) yea my favour and my mercy. And in this land shall they die, old and young, and shall not be buried: no man shall bewail, no man shall clip or shave himself for them. There shall not one visit an other, to mourn with them for their deed, or to comfort them. One shall not offer an other the cup of consolation, to forget their heaviness for father and mother. Thou shalt not go in to their feast house, to sit down, much less to eat or drink with them. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: Be hold, I shall take away out of this place, the voice of mirth and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride: yea and that in your days, that you may see it. Now when thou showest this people all these words, and they say unto thee: Wherefore hath the Lord devised all this great plague for us? Or what is the offence and sin that we have done against the Lord our God? Then make thou them this answer: Because your fathers have forsaken me (saith the Lord) & have cleaved unto strange gods, whom they have honoured and worshipped: but me have they forsaken, and have not kept my law. 〈◊〉 vi f. And you with your shameful blasphemies, have exceded the wickedness of your fathers. For every one of you followeth the froward and evil imagination of his heart, and is nor obedient unto me. 〈◊〉 xxiii b. 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 xxii b. Therefore will I cast you out of this land, into a land that you and your fathers know not: and there shall you serve strange god's day and night, there will I show you no favour. Behold therefore (saith the Lord) the days are come, that it shall no more be said: The Lord liveth, which brought the children of Israel out of the land of egypt: but, it shall be said, the Lord liveth, that brought the children of Israel from the north, and from all lands where I had scattered them. For I will bring them again in to the land, that I have unto their fathers. Behold (saith the Lord) I will send out many fysshers to take them, and after that will I send out many hunters to hunt them out, from all mountains and hills and out of the caves of stones. For mine eyes behold all their ways, and they can not be hid fro my face, neither can their wicked deeds be kept close out of my sight. But first will I sufficiently reward their shameful blasphemies & sins, wherewith they have defiled my land: Namely with their stinking Idols and abominations, wherewith they have filled mine heritage, O Lord, my strength, my power, and refuge in time of trouble. The gentiles shall come unto thee, from the ends of the world, and say: Verily our fathers have cleaved unto lies, their Idols are but vain and unprofitable. How can a man make those his gods, whiare not able to be gods. And therefore I will once teach them, saith the Lord, I will show them my hand and my power, that they may know that my name is the Lord. ¶ The frowardness of the jews. Cursed be those that put their confidence in man, and those blessed that trust to God. Man's heart is wicked. God is the searcher of the heart, The living waters are forsaken. The hallowing of the Sabbath is commanded. CAPI. XVII. Your sin (O you of the tribe of juda) is written in the table of your hearts, and graven so upon the edges of your altars with a pen of iron and with an Adamant claw: that your children also may think upon your altars, woods, thick trees, high hills, mountains and fields. wherefore I will make all your substance and treasure be spoiled, for the great sin that you have done upon your high places thorough out all the coostes of your land. You shall be cast out also from the heritage, that I gave you. And I will subdue you under the h●uy bondage of your enemies, in a land that you know not. For you have ministered fire to my indignation, which shall burn evermore. Thus saith the Lord: jere xlviii ● Cursed be the man that putteth his trust in man and that taketh flesh for his arm: and he, whose heart departeth from the Lord. He shallbe like the heeth, that groweth in the wilderness. As for the good thing that is for to come ●e shall not see it: but devil in a dry place of the wilderness, in a salt and unoccupied land. * O blessed is the man, that putteth his trust in the Lord, Psal ii b. Prou. xxii ● and whose hope is the Lord himself. * For he shall be as a tree, that is planted by the water side: which spreadeth out the rote unto moistness, Psal i▪ ●. whom the heat can not harm, when it cometh, but his leaves are green. And though there grow but little cruce because of drought, yet is he not careful but he never leaveth of to bring forth fru●e. Among all things living, man hath the most deceitful and unsearchable heart. Who shall then know it? Even I the Lord search out the ground of the heart, and try the reins, and reward every man according to his ways, Roma ii c and according to the fruit of his counsels. The deceitful maketh a nest, but bringeth forth no young: He cometh by riches but not ryghtously. Apoca ii a. Psal vii c i Reg. xvi b. In the midst of his life must he leave them behind him, and at the last be found a very fool. But thou (O Lord) whose throne is most glorious, excellent and of most antyquite, which dwellest in the place of our holy rest: Thou art the comfort of Israel. All they that forsake thee, shall be confounded: all they that depart from thee, shall be written in earth, for they have forsaken the Lord the very conduit of the waters of life. heal me, O Lord, and I shall be hole: save thou me, and I shall be saved, for thou art my praise. Behold, these men say unto me: Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come. Where as I nevertheless leading the flock in thy ways, have compelled none by violence. For I never desired any man's death, this knowest thou well. My words also were right before the. Be not now terrydle unto me, O Lord, for thou art he in whom I hope, when I am in peril. Let my persecutors be confounded, but not me: let them be afrayede, and not me. Thou shalt bring upon them the time of their plague, and shalt destroy them right sore. Again, thus hath the Lord said unto me: Go and stand under the gate, where thorough the people and the kings of juda go out and in, yea under all the gates of jerusalem, and say unto them: Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of juda, and all thou people of juda, and all you cices●ns of jerusalem, that go thorough this gate: Thus the Lord commandeth: Take heed for your lives, that you carry no burden upon you in the Sabbath, to bring it thorough the gates of jerusalem: you shall bear no burden also out of your houses in the Sabbath. You shall do no labour therein, but hallow the Sabbath, as I commanded your fathers. How be it they obeyed me not, neither herkened they unto me: but were obstinate and stubborn, and neither obeyed me, nor received my correction. Nevertheless, if you will hear me (saith the Lord) and bear no but then in to the city thorough this gate upon the Sabbath: If you will hallow the Sabbath, So that you do no work therein: then shall ever go thorough the gates of this city, kings and princes, that shall sit upon the stool of o● David: They shallbe carried upon charettes and tide upon horses, both th●y and their princes. Yea whole juda and all the citesins or jerusalem shall go here thorough, and this city shall ever be the more and more inhabited. There shall com● men also from the cities of juda, from about jerusalem, and from the land of BenIamin, from the plain fields, from the mountains and from the wilderness: which shall bring burned offerings, sacrifices, oblations, and incense, and offer thanckesgyving in the house of the Lord. But if you will not be obedient unto me, to hallow the Sabbath, so that you will bear your burdens thorough the gates of jerusalem upon the Sabbath: Then shall I set fire upon the gates of jerusalem, and it shall burn up the the houses of Jerusalem, and no man shallbe able to quench it. ¶ God showeth by the example of a potter, that it is in his power to destroy the despisers of his word, and to help them again when they amend. The conspiracy of the jews against jeremies. His prayer against his adversaries. CAPI. XVIII. THis is an other communication, that God had with jeremy, saying: Arise, and go down in to the Potter's house, and there shall I tell the more of my mind. Now when I came to to the Potter's house I found him making his work upon a wheel. The vessel that the Potter made of clay, broke among his hands: So he began a new, and made an other vessel, according to his mind. Then said the Lord thus unto me: May not I do with you, as this Potter doth, O you house of Israel, saith the Lord? Behold, you house of Israel: Rome. 〈◊〉 Esa●. xl●●● you are in my hand, even as the clay in the Potter's hand. When I take in hand to rote out, to destroy, or to waste away any people or kingdom: jermy 〈◊〉 if that people (against whom I have thus devised) convert from their wickedness: Immediately, I repent of the plague that I devised to bring upon them. Again when I take in hand, to build, or to plant a people or a kingdom: if the same people do ●uell before me, and hear not my voice: immediately, I repent of the good, that I divide to do for them. Speak now therefore unto hole juda, I●●●. 〈◊〉 Ierem●. 〈◊〉 an●. xx●●● and to them that devil at jerusalem: Thus saith the Lord: Behold, I am devyling a plague for you, and am taking a thing in hand against you. Therefore let every man turn from his evil way, take upon you the thing that is good, and do right. But they say: Not more of this, we will follow our own imaginations, and do every man according to the wilfulness of his own mind. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Ask among the Heathen, if any man heard such horrybl● things, as the daughter of Zion hath done. Shall not the snow (that m●l●eth upon the stony rocks of Lybanus) moisten the fields? Or may the springs or waters be so graven away, that they run no more give moistness, ne mak● fruitful? But my people hath ●o forgotten me, that they have made sacrifice unto vain goods. And while they followed their own ways, they are come ou●e of the high stre●e, and go in to a fore way not used to be trodden. Where thorough they have brought their land into an everlasting wilderness and scorn: So that whosoever teauay●eth thereby, shall be abashed, and wag their heads. With an east wind will I sca●ter them, 〈…〉 xl. e. 〈◊〉 before their enemies. And when their destruction cometh I will turn my back upon them, but not my face. Then said they: come, let us imagine some thing against this jeremy. Ier●●y. 〈◊〉 Yea this did even the priests, to whom the law was committed: the Senators, that were the wisest: an● the Prophets which wanted not the word of God. Come (said they) le●te us cut out his tongue, and let us not regard his words. consider me, O Lord, Psa●. 〈◊〉 Psa● 〈◊〉 & hear the voice of mine enemies. So they not recompense evil for good, when they dig a pit for my soul? Remember, how that I stood before th●, to speak for them, and to turn away thy wrach from them. Therefore set their children die of hunger, and let them be oppressed with the ●●icarde. Let their wines be rob of their children, and become widows: let their husbands be slain, let their youge men be killed with the sword in the field. Let their noise be herd out of their houses, when that murderer cometh suddenly upon them: For they have digged a pit to take me, and laid snares for my feet. Yet Lord, thou knowest all their council, 〈◊〉 xi d. that they have devised to slay me. And therefore forgive them not their wickedness, and let not their sin be put out of thy sight: but let them be judged before the as the guilty: This shalt thou do unto them in the time of thy indignation. ¶ He prophecyeth the destruction of jerusalem. for contempt and despising of the word of God, CAPI. XIX. Moreover, thus said the Lord unto jeremy: So thy way, and buy the an earthen pitcher, and bring forth the Senators, and chief priests into the valley of the children of Hennon, which lieth before the port that is made of brick, and show them there the words, that I shall tell thee, and say thus unto them: Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of juda, and you cytezins of jerusalem: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: 〈…〉. Behold, I will bring such a plague upon this place, that the ears of all that hear it, shall glow. And that be cause they have forsaken me, and unhallowed this place, and have offered in it unto strange gods: whom neither they, their fathers, ne the kings of juda have known. They have filled this place also with the blood of innocentes, for they have set up an altar unto Baal, to burn their children for a burned offering unto Baal, which I neither commanded, ne charged them, neither thought one's thereupon. Behold therefore, the time cometh (says the Lord) that this place shall no more be called Topheth, ne the valley of the children of Hennom, but the valley of slaughter. For in this place will I slay the Senatoures of juda and jerusalem, and kill them down with the sword in the sight of their enemies, and of them that seek their lives. And their deed carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the air, and beasts of the field. And I will make this city so desolate, and despised: 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 c that who so goeth thereby, shall be abashed and jest upon her, because of all her plagues. 〈…〉. b I will feed them also with the flesh of their sons and their daughters. Yea every one shall eat up an other in the beseginge & straightness, wherewith their enemies (that seek their lives) shall keep them in. And the pitcher shalt thou break in the sight of the men, that shall be with thee, and say unto them: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: even so will I destroy this people and city: as a Potter breaketh a vessel, that can not be made hole again. In Topheth shall they be buried, for they shall have none other place. iii Reg. xxiii ● This will I do unto this place also, saith the Lord, and to them that devil therein: Yea I will do to this city, as unto Topheth (For the houses of jerusalem and the houses of the kings of juda are defiled, like as Topheth) because of all the houses, in whose parlours they did sacrifice unto all the host of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto strange gods. And so jeremy came from Topheth where the Lord had sent him to prophecy & stood in the court of the house of the Lord and spoke to all the people: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon every town about it, all the plagues that I have devised against them: for they have been obstinate, and would not obey my warnings. ¶ jeremy is smitten and cast in to preson, for preaching of the word of God. He prophecyeth the captivity of Babylon. He complaineth that he is a mocking stock, for the word of God. He is compelled by the spirit to preach the word, will he will he not. CAPI. XX. WHen Phashur the preaste, the son of Emer, chief in the house of the Lord, heard jeremy preach so steadfastly: he smote jeremy, and put him in the stocks, that are by the high gate of BenIamin, in the house of the Lord. The next day following Phathur brought jeremy out of the stocks again. Then said jeremy unto him: The Lord shall call the no more Phathur (that is excellent and increasing) but Mogul (that is fearful and afraid) every where. For thus saith the Lord: behold, I will make the afraid, the thyself, and all that favour thee: which shall perish with the sword of their enemies, even before thy face. And I will give hole juda under the power of the king of Babylon, which shall carry some unto Babylon prisoners, and stay some with the sword. Moreover, all the substance of this land, all their precious and gorgeous works, all costliness, and all the treasure of the kings of juda: will I give into the hands of their enemies which shall spoil them, and carry them unto Babylon. But as for thee (O Phashur) thou shalt be carried unto Babylon with all thy household, and to Babylon shalt thou come where thou shalt die, and be buried: thou and all thy favourers, to whom thou hast preached lies. O Lord, thou makest me weak, but thou refreshest me, and makest me strong again. All the day long am I despised and laughed to scorn of every man: because I have now preached long against malicious tyranny, and showed them of destruction. For the which cause they cast the word of the Lord in my teeth, and take me ever to the worst. Wherefore, I thought from hence forth not to speak of him, ne to preach any more in his name. But the word of the Lord was a very burning fire in my heart and in my bones, which when I would have stopped I might not. For why, I heard so many detisyons and blasphemies, yea turn of mine own companions, and of such as were coversaunt with me: which went about, to make me afraid, saying: upon him, let us go upon him, to fear him, and make him hold his tongue: that we may overcome him and be avenged of him. But the Lord stood by my me, like a mighty giant: therefore my persecutors fell, and could do nothing. jere xxiii b They shallbe ●ore confounded, for they have done unwisely, they shall have an everlasting shame. And now, O Lord of Hosts, thou righteous serchee (which knowest the reins and the very hearts) let me see them punished, for unto the I commit my cause. jeremy xi d. Sing unto the Lord and praise him, for he hath delivered the soul of the oppressed, from the hand of the violent. Cursed be the day, wherein I was born: unhappy be the day wherein my mother brought me forth. job iii a. Cursed be the man, that brought my father the tidings, to make him glad, saying: thou hast got a son. Let it happen unto that man, as to the cities which the Lord turned upside down (when he had heard long the wicked tumour of them) because he slew me not, as soon as I came out of my mother's womb, and because my mother was not my grave herself, that the birth might not have come out, but remained still in her. Wherefore came I forth of my mother's womb? To have experience of labour and sorrow? and to lead my life with shame? ¶ He prophesyeth that zedekiah shall be taken, and the city burned. CAPI. XXI. THese are the words that the Lord spoke unto jeremy what time as king Zedekiah sent unto him Phashur the son of Melchiah, and Sophoniah the son of Maastah preaste, saying: Ask counsel at the Lord (we pray thee) of our behalf, for Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon besiegeth us, if the Lord (peradventure) will deal with us, according to his marvelous power, and take him from us. Then spoke jeremy. give Zedekiah this answer. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: behold, I will turn back the weapons, that you have in your hands, wherewith you fight against the king of Babylon and the Caloces, which besiege you round about the walls, and I will bring them together into the midst of this city, and I myself will fight against you, with an out stretched hand, and with a mighty arm, in great displeasure and terrible wraths and will smite them, that dwell in this city: yea both men and cattle shall die of the pestilence. And after this (saith the Lord) I shall deliver Zedekiah the king of juda and his servants, his people (and such as are escaped in the city, from the pestilence, sword, and hunger) into the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Bablion: yea in to the hands of their enemies, in to the hands of those that follow upon their lives, which shall smite them with the sword: they shall not pity them, they shall not spare them, they shall have no mercy upon them. And unto this people thou shalt say: Thus saith the Lord: * behold, Deut. 〈◊〉 Ie. xix●●● Jere. xx●● I lay before you the way of life and death. Whoso abideth in this city, shall perish: either with the sword, with hunger, or with pestilence. But who so goeth out to hold on the Chaldees part, that besiege it, he shallsave his life, and shall win his soul for a pray. For I have set my face against this city (saith the Lord) to plague it, and to do it no good. It must be given in to the hand of the king of Babylon, and be brent with tire. And unto the house of the king of juda, say thus: Hear the word of the Lord (O thou house of David) for thus saith that Lord: Mynystre righteousness, and that soon, deliver the oppressed from violent power: or ever my certyble wrath break out like a fire, and burn so, that no man may quench it, because of the wickedness of your imaginations. Behold, (saith the Lord) I will come upon you, that devil in the valleys, rocks and fields, and say: Tush: who will make us afraid? or who will come in to our houses? For I will vizor you (saith the Lord) because of the wickedness of your inventions, and will kyndse such a fire in your wood, as shall cosume all, that is about you. ¶ He exhorteth the king of juda to judgement and righteousness, why jerusalem is brought in to captivity. The death of Selum the son of Io●ua is prophesied. CAPI. XXII. THus said the Lord also: Go down into the house of the king of juda, & speak there these words, and say: Hear the word of the Lord, thou king of juda that sittest in the kingly seat of David: thou and the servants and the people that go in and out at this gate. jeremy 〈◊〉 Thus the Lord commandeth: keep equity and righteousness, deliver the oppressed from the power of the violent: do not give ne oppress the stranger, the fatherless ne the widow and shed no innocent blood in this place. And if you keep these things faithfully then shall there come in at the door of this house kings to fit upon David's ●eare: they shall be carried in Chariots and ride upon horses, both they and their servants, and their people. 〈◊〉 xxix d. 〈…〉. b. But if you will not be obedient unto these commandments, I swear by mine own self (saith the Lord) this house shall be waste. For thus hath the Lord spoken upon the kings house of juda: Thou art the head, as Balaad is in Lybanus: What wilt thou lay of it, if I make the not so waste (and thy cities also) that no man shall dwell therein? I will prepare a destroyer with his weapons for thee, to hew down thy special cedar trees, and to cast them in the fire. And all the people that go by this city, shall speak one to another: 〈◊〉 xxix 〈…〉. xx●●i. b 〈◊〉 vii d wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this noble city? Then shall it be answered: * because they have broken the covenant of the Lord their God, and have worshipped & served strange gods. Mourn not over the deed, and be not woe for them, but be sorry for him that departeth away: for he cometh not again and seethe his native country no more. For thus saith the Lord, as touching Selum the son of josiah king of juda, which reigned after his father, and is carried out of this place: He shall never come hither again, for he shall die in the place, whereunto he is led captive, & shall see this land no more. Do worth him, that buildeth his house with unryghtousnes, and his parlours with the good that he hath got by violence: which never recompenseth his neighbours labour ne payeth him his hire. He thinketh in himself: I will build me a wide house and gorgeous parlours: He causeth windows to be hewn therein, and the selynges & geastes maketh he of cedar, and payneteth them with Zenober. thinkest thou to reign now that provokest me to wrath with the cedar trees? Did not thy father eat and drink, and prosper well, as long as he dealt with equity and righteousness? Yea when he helped the oppressed & poor to their right then prospered he well. From whence came this, but only because he had me before his eyes, saith the Lord. Nevertheless, as for thine eyes and thine heart, they look upon covetousness, to shed innocent blood, to do wrong and violence. And therefore thus saith the Lord against jehoakim, the son of josiah king of juda: They shall not mourn for him (as they use to do) alas brother, alas sister: neither shall they say unto him: Alas sir, alas for that noble prince. But as an Ass shall he be buried, corrupt and be cast without the gates of jerusalem. climb up the hill of Lybanus (O thou daughter Zion) lift up thy voice upon Basan, cry from all parts: for all thy lovers are destroyed. I gave the warning, while thou waste yet in prosperity. Bust thou say-best: I will not hear. And this manner hast thou used from thy youth, that thou wouldest never hear my voice. All thy herdsmen shall be driven with the wind, and thy declynges shall be carried away into captivity: Then shalt thou be brought to shame and confusion, because of all thy wickedness: thou that dwellest upon Lybanus, and makest thy nest in the cedar trees. O how great shall thy mourning be, when thy sorrows come upon thee, as a woman traveling with child? As truly as I live (saith the Lord) Though Conaniah the son of jehoakim king of juda were the signet of my right hand, yet will I pluck him of: And I will give the into the power of them that seek to slay thee, and into the power of them that thou fearest: in to the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, and in to the power of the Calders. Moreover, I will send thee, and thy mother that bore thee, in to a strange land, where you were not born and there shall you die. But as for the land that you will desire to return unto, you shall never come at it again. This man Conaniah shall be like an image rob and torn in pieces, which pleaseth no man, for all his apparel. Wherefore both he and his seed shall be sent away, and cast out into a land, that they know not. O thou earth, earth, earth: hear the word of the Lord: Write this man among the outlaws, for no prosperity shall this man have all his life long. Neither shall any of his seed be so happy, as to sit upon the seat of David, and to bear rule in juda. ¶ He speaketh against evil curates that make havoc of the flock of the Lord. Of the conversion of the remnant of the jews to the faith. The coming of the true shepherd christ is prophesied. Against false prophets, when a prophet preacheth the word of God. God converteth the hearts of the hearers. Against prophets that preach lies under the name of God. The miracles of false prophets. CAPI. XXIII. WOE be unto the shepherds, that destroy and scatre my flock, saith the Lord. Wherefore, this is the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, Eze. xxxiiii ●. unto the shepherds that fede my people: You scatre and thrust out my flock, and look not upon them. Therefore now will I visit the wickedness of your imaginations, saith the Lord: And will gather together the remnant of my flock from all lands that I had driven them unto, and will bring them again to their pastures, that they may grow and increase. I will set shepherds also over them, which shall feed them: They shall no more fear and dread, for there shall none of them be lost, saith the Lord. Behold, jere xxxiii c Esay four b xl c &. xlu.v. the time cometh, saith the Lord, that I will raise up the righteous branch of David, which shall bear rule, and discus matters with wisdom, and shall set up equity and righteousness a gain in earth. Isaiah xi a. Ezech. xxxiiii Dam. ic. g. Deu xxxiii a. Iohn i g. Deu xxxiii. d i Corinth i d. jeremy xvi c In his time shall juda be saved and Israel shall devil without fear. And this is the name that they shall call him: even the Lord our righteous maker. And therefore behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said: the Lord liveth, which brought the children of Israel out of the land of egypt: But the Lord liveth, which brought forth, and led the seed of the house of Israel, out of the North land, and from all countries where I had scattered them and they shall devil in their own land again. My heart breaketh in my body, because of the false Prophets, all my bones shake: I am become like a drunken man (that by the reason of wine can take no rest) for very fear of the Lord, jerem xiiii a and of his holy words: Because the land is full of adulterers, where thorough it is destroyed and mourneth, and the pleasant pastures of the desert are dried up. Yea the way that men rake, is wicked, and their governance is nothing like the holy word of the Lord. For the prophets & the priests themselves are polluted hypocrites, and their wickedness have I found in my house, saith the Lord. Wherefore, their way shall be slypperye in the darkness, wherein they may s●a●k ere and fall. For I will bring a plague upon them, even the year of their vycitation, saith the Lord I have seen folly among the Prophets of Samaria, that they preached for Baal, & discryved my people of Israel. I have seen also among the Prophets of jerusalem foul adultery, and presumptuous lies. They take the most shameful men by the hand, flattering them, so that they can not return from their wickedness. All these with their cytezyns are unto me, as Sodom, and as the inhabytoures of Gomorre. jeremy ix b Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall. For from the prophets of jerusalem is the sickness of hypocrisy come into all the land. jeremis xxvii & xxiii b. And therefore the Lord of Hosts giveth you this warning: Hear not the words of the prophets, that preach unto you, and deceive you: for they speak the meaning of their own heart, and nor out of the mouth of the Lord. They say unto them, that despise me: jeremy xii a Sophon xii a The Lord hath spoken it: Tus●, you shall prosper right well. And unto all them, that walk after the just of their own heart, they say: Tush, there shall no misfortune happen you. For who hath sitten in the counsel of the Lord, that he hath herd and understand, what he is about to do: Who hath marked his device, an heard it? Behold, the stormy wether of the Lord (that is, his indignation) shall go forth, and shall fall down upon the heed of the ungodly. And the wrath of the Lord shall not turn again, till he perform and fulfil the thought of his heart. And in the latter days you shall know his meaning. I have not sent these Prophets (saith the Lord) and yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, and yet they preached. jere. 〈◊〉 xxvii. ● xx● c But if they had continued in my counsel and heard my works: they had turned my people from their evil ways and wicked imaginations. Am I then God that seethe but the thing, which is nigh at hand, and not that is far of? saith the Lord. May any man hide himself so, that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fulfil heaven and earth? saith the Lord. I have herd well enough, what the Prophets say, that preach lies in my name, saying: I have dreamt, I have dreamt. How long will this continue in the prophets hearts, to tell lies, & to preach the crafty subtlety of their own heart? Whose purpose is (with the dreams that every one tell) to make my people forget my name, as their fore fathers did, when Baal came up. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell it: and he that understandeth my word, let him show it faithfully. For what hath chaff and wheat to do together? saith the Lord. Is not my word like a fire, saith the Lord, and like an hammer, that breaketh the hard stone? Therefore thus saith the Lord: behold, I will upon the Prophets, that steal my word prpuylye from every man. Behold, here am I (saith the Lord) against the Prophets, that take upon their ●unges to speak: The Lord hath said. Behold, here am I (saith the Lord) against those Prophets, that dare prophecy lies, and deceive my people with their vanities, & miracles, whom I never sent, ne commanded them. They shall do this people great harm, saith the Lord. If this people, either any Prophet or pressed ask thee, and say: what is the burden of the Lord? Thou shalt say unto them: What burden? Therefore will I cast you fro me (saith the Lord) because you your selves are a burden. And the Prophet, priest or people that useth this term (the burden of the Lord) him will I visit, and his house also. But thus shall you say, every one to an other: What answer hath the Lord given? or, what is the lords commandment? And as for the burden of the Lord, you shall speak no more of it: for every man's own word is his burden, because you have altered the words of the living God the Lord of Hosts our God. Thus shall every man say to the prohetes: what answer hath the Lord given thee? Or what saith the Lord? And nor once to name the burden of the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord: For so moche as you have used this term (the burden of the Lord) where as I not withstanding sent unto you and forbade you to speak of the lords burden. Behold therefore I will repute you as a burden, and will cast you out of my presence: yea and the city also, that I gave you & your fathers: 〈◊〉 x c and will bring you to an everlasting confusion, and in to such a shame as shall never be forgotten. ¶ The vision of the two pannyers of figs. The first vision signyfyeth, that part of the people should be brought again from captivity. The second, that Sedechias and the rest of the people should be destroyed. CAPI. XXIIII. THe Lord showed me a vision: Behold there stood two maundes of figs before the temple of the Lord, after that Nubuchodonosor king of Babylon had led away captive jechoviah the son of joakim king of juda, the mighty men also of juda, with the work masters, and cunning men of jerusalem unto Babylon. 〈◊〉 xxiii d In the one mand were very good figs, even like as those that be first type. In the other mand were very naughty figs, which might not be eaten, they were so evil. Then said the Lord unto me: What seest thou jeremy? I said: figs, whereof some be very good, and some so evil, that no man may eat them. Then came the word of the Lord unto me, after this manner: Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: like as thou knowest the good figs, so shall I know the men led away, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Caldees, for their profit: and I will set mine eyes upon them for the best, for I will bring them again into this land: I will build them up, and not break them down: I will plant them, and not root them out. And I will give them an heart, to know how that I am the Lord. They shall be my people, and I will be their God, 〈…〉 for they shall return unto me with their hole heart. And like as thou knowest the naughty figs, 〈◊〉. d. which may not be eaten, they are so evil: Even so will I (saith the Lord) let Sedechias the king of juda, (you and all his princes, and the residue of jerusalem that remain over in this land, and them also that devil in Egypt) to be vexed and plagued in all kingdoms and lands. And will make them to be a reproof, a common by word a laughing stock and shame, in all the places where I shall scatter them. I will send the sword, hunger, and pestilence among them, until I have clean consumed them out of the land that I gave unto them and their fathers. ¶ jeremy prophecyeth, that they shall be in captivity three score and ten years, because they contemned and despised the word of God. He showeth that after three score and ten years, the Babylonyans should be destroyed. The destruction of all nations is prophesied. He moveth the priests of the nations to wailing. CAPI. XXV. A Sermon that was given unto jeremy, upon all the people of juda. In the fourth year of joakim the son of josias king of juda, that was in the first year of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon. Which sermon jeremy the Prophet made unto all the people of juda, and to all the inhabitoures of jerusalem on this manner. From the thirteenth year of josias the son of Amon king of juda, unto this present day (that is even three and twenty year) the word of the Lord hath been committed unto me. And so I have spoken to you, I have risen up early, I have given you warning in season, but you would not hear me. Though the Lord hath sent his servants, all the Prophets unto you in season: Yet would you not obey, you would not incline your ears to hear. He said: turn again every man from his evil way, and from your wicked imaginations, and so shall you dwell for ever in the land, iiii. Re. xvii & Jere xviii c Iere xxxv c that the Lord promised you and your forefathers: and go not unto strange gods, serve them not, worship them not, and anger me not with the works of your hands: then will not I punish you. Nevertheless, you would not hear me (saith the Lord) but have defiled me with the works of your hands, to your own great harm. Wherefore thus saith the Lord of hosts: Because you have not hearkened unto my word: so, I will send out and call for all the people that devil in the North, saith the Lord, and will prepare Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon my servant, and will bring them upon this land, and upon all that devil therein, and upon all the people that are about them, and will utterly root them out. I will make of them a wilderness, a mockage, and a contyavall desert. Moreover, I will take from them the voice of gladness and solace, the voice of the bridegroom and the bride, the voice of the anointed, with the cresshettes: and this hole land shall become a wilderness, and they shall serve the said people, and the king of Babylon three score years and ten. jeremis xxix c two. Pa. xxx ci. d i Eldr i ●. Daniel ix a. When the three score and ten years are expired, I will visit also the wickedness of the king of Babylon and his people, saith the Lord: yea and the land of the Caldees, and will make it a perpetual wilderness, and will fulfil all my words upon that land, which I have devised against it: yea, all that is written in this book, which jeremy hath prophesied of all people: so that they also shall be subdued unto divers nations & great kings, job xxxiiii b for I will acquit toeym according to these deeds and works of their own hands. For thus hath the Lord God of Israel spoken unto me: Esay●. 〈◊〉 Take this wine cup of indignation fro my hand, Psal lxxu b. that thou mayst 'cause all the people to whom I send thee, for to drink of it: that when they have drunken thereof, they may be mad and out of their wits, when the sword cometh, that I will find among them. Then took I the cup from the lords hand, and made all the people, drink thereof, unto whom the Lord had seen me. But first the city of jerusalem, and all the cities of juda, their kings and princes: to make them desolate, waste, despised and cursed, as it is come to pass this day. Yea, and Pharaoh king of egypt, his servants, his princes, and his people all together one with an other, and all kings of the land of Hus, all kings of the Philistines land, Ascalon: Azah, Accaron and the rest of Asdod, the Edomites, the Moabites, and the Ammonites, all the kings of Tyrus and Sidon: the kings of the Isles, beyond the see: Dedan, Thema, Buz, and the shaven Ismaelites: all the kings of araby, and (generally) all the kings that devil in the wilderness: all the kings of Zamri, all the kings of Elam, all the kings of Medes, all kings toward the north, far or nigh, every one with his neighbours: Yea, all the kingdoms that are upon the hole earth. The king of S●zach, said he, shall drink with them also. And say thou unto them: This is the commandment of the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Drink and be drunken, spew and fall that you never rise: and that thorough the sword, which I will send among you. But if they will not receive the cup of thy hand, and drink it, then tell them: Thus hath the Lord of hosts threaten you: drink it you shall, jerem xlix b Ezech. lx b i Pet. iiii c and that shortly. For lo, I begin to plague the city that my name is given unto: think you then, that I will leave you unpunished? You shall not go quite. For why, I call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts. joel three c 〈…〉. Therefore tell them all these words, and say unto them: The Lord shall cry from about, and let his voice be herd from his holy dwelling place. With a great noise shall he cry from his court regal. He shall give a great voice (like the grape gatherees) and the sound thereof shall he heard unto the ends of the world. For the Lord hath a judgement to give upon all people, and will hold his court of justice with all flesh and punish the ungodly, saith the Lord. For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Behold, a miserable plague shall go from one people to an other, jeremis xxx ● and a great stormy water shall arise from all the ends of the earth. And the same day shall the Lord himself slay them, from one end of the earth to an other. There shall no lamentation be made for any of them, none gathered up, none buried: but shall lie as dung upon the ground. Mourn, oh you shepherds, and cry: sprinkle yourselves with ashes, oh you rams of the flock: for the time of your slaughter is fulfilled, and you shall fall like vessels cunningly made for pleasure. The shepherds shall have no way to i'll, Psal. ● and the rams of the flock shall not escape. Then shall the shepherds cry horribly, and the rams of the flock shall mourn: for the Lord shall consume their pasture, and their best fields shall lie deed, because of the horrible wrath of the Lord. They shall forsake their folds, like as a lion. For their lands shall be waste, because of the wrath of the destroyer, and because of his fearful indignation. ¶ jeremy moveth the people to amendment. He is taken of the Prophets and Preastes, and brought to judgement. He being accused before the Princes, answereth: that he had preached only the words of God. The rulers and the people deliver jeremy, against the wills of the priests and Prophets: after the example of Ezechias, which had delivered Micheas, that had preached the same things that jeremy had preached. Vriah the Prophet is killed of joakym, contrary to the will of God. CAPI. XXVI. IN the beginning of the reign of joakim the son of josias king of juda, came this word from the Lord, saying: Thus saith the Lord: Stand in the court of the lords house, and speak unto all them which (out of the cities of juda) came to do worship in the lords house, all the words that I command the to say. Look thou keep not one word back, if (peradventure) they will hearken and turn every man from his wicked way: that I may also repent of the plague, which I have determined to bring upon them, because of their wicked inventions. And after this manner shalt thou speak us to them: Thus saith the Lord: if you will not obey me, to walk in my laws, which I have given you, and to hear the words of my servants the Prophets, whom I sent unto you, rising up timely, and still sending: If you will not follow them (I say) then will I do to this house, as I did unto Siloh, i Re●. ●ii▪ ● and will make this city to be abhorred of all the people of the earth. And the priests, the Prophets, and all the people heard jeremy preach these words in the house of the Lord. Now when he had spoken out all the words, that the Lord commanded him to preach unto all the people, than the priests, the Prophets, and all the people laid hold upon him, and said: thou shalt die. How darest thou be so bold, as to say in the name of the Lord: it shall happen to this house as it did to Siloh: and this city shall be so waste, that no man shall dwell therein? And when all the people had gathered about jeremy in the house of the Lord, the princes of juda heard of this rumour, and they came forthwith out of the kings palace in to the house of the Lord, ● Reg. xu g 〈◊〉▪ xxxvi. b. and sat them down before the new door of the Lord. Then spoke the priests and the Prophets unto the rulers, and to all the people, these words: 〈◊〉 xix a This man is worthy to die, for he hath preached against this city, as you your selves have herd with your ears. Then said jeremy unto the rulers and to all the people: The Lord hath sent me to preach against this house, and against this city all the words that you have herd. Therefore amend your ways, and your advisements, 〈◊〉 vii a and be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God: so shall the Lord repent of the plague, that he had devised against you. Now as for me: I am in your hands, do with me as you think expedient and good. But this shall you know: if you put me to death, you shall make yourselves, this city and all the inhabitors thereof, guilty of innocent blood. 〈◊〉 xxii c For this is of a truth: that the Lord hath sent me unto you, to speak all these words in your ears. Then said the rulers and the people unto the priests and Prophets: This man may not be condemned to death, for he hath preached unto us in the name of the Lord our God. The elders also of the land stood up, and said thus unto all the people: Micheah the Morasthite, 〈…〉 which was a Prophet under Ezechias king of juda, spoke to all the people of juda: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: 〈…〉 c Zion shall be ploughed like a field, jerusalem shall be an heap of st●nes, and the hill of the lords house, shall be turned to an high wood. Did Ezechias the king of juda and the people of juda put him to death for this? Not verily, but rather feared the Lord, and made their prayer unto him. For which cause also the Lord repent of the plague that he had devised against them. Should we then do such a shameful deed against our souls? There was a Prophet also, that preached styflye in the name of the Lord called Vriah the son of Semeiah of Cariathiarim: this man preached also against this city and against this land, according to all as jeremy saith. Now when joakim the king with all the estates and princes had heard his words, 〈◊〉 ●●●i. d the king went above to slay him. When Vriah perceived that, 〈…〉 he was afraid, and fled, and departed in to Egypt. Then joakim the king sent servants in to the land of Egypt: Namely Elnathan the son of Achabor, and certain men with him in to egypt, which fetched Vriah out of egypt, and brought him unto king joakim that slew him with the sword, and cast his deed body in to the common people's grave. But Akikam the son of Saphan helped jeremy that he came not in to the hands of the people to be slain. ¶ jeremy, at the commandment of the Lord, sendeth bonds to the King of juda, and to the other Kings that were nigh, whereby they are monysshed to become subjects unto Nabuchodonosor. He warneth the people and the Kings and rulers, that they believe not false Prophets. CAPI. XXVII. IN the beginning of the reign of joakim the son of josiah king of juda, came this word unto jeremy from the Lord, which spoke thus unto me: Make the bonds and chains, and put them about thy neck, and send them to the the king of Edom, the king of Moab, the king of Ammon, the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Sydon, & that by the messengers which shall come to jerusalem unto Sedechias the king of juda, & bid them say unto their masters: Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, speak thus unto your masters: I am he that made the earth, the men, and the cattles that are upon the ground, with my great power and stretched out arm, & have given it unto whom it pleased me. And now will I deliver all these lands in to the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, my servant. Eccle. ten a judicum xi d Jere xxxii a Daniel liiii c jeremis twenty-five. b jerem xxii b xxxv. two. a & xiii c The beestes also of the field shall I give him to do him service. And all people shall serve him, and his son, and his chyldes' children, until the time of the same land be come also: yea many people, and great kings shall serve him. Moreover, that people and kingdom which will not serve Nabuchodonosor, and that will not put their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon: the same people will I visit with the sword, with hunger, with pestilence, until I have consumed them in his hands, saith the Lord. And therefore follow not your Prophets, sothesayers, expounders of dreams, jermi xxiii c xxxix. b. charmers and wytches, which say unto you: you shall not serve the king of Babylon. For they preach you lies: to bring you far from your land, and that I might cast you out, and destroy you. But the people that put their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, those I will let remain still in their own land (saith the Lord) and they shall occupy it and devil therein. All these things told I Sedechias king of juda, and said: Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, Ier. xxxviii c and serve him and his people, that you may live. Why, wilt thou and thy people perish with the sword, with hunger, with pestilence: like as the Lord hath devised for all people that will not serve the king of Babylon? jere xxiii c Iere xxix b Therefore give no care unto those Prophets (that tell you: You shall not serve the king of Babylon) for they preach you lies, jerem xiiii c xiii. d. & xxix. b. neither have I sent them, saith the Lord: how be it they are bold, falsely to prophecy in my name: that I might the sooner drive you out, and that you might perish with your preachers. I spoke to the priests also, and to all the people: Thus saith the Lord: Hear the words of those Prophetis that preaches unto you, and say: Behold the vessels of the Lords house, shall shortly be brought hither again from Babylon: For they prophecy lies unto you. Hear them not but serve the king of Babylon, that you may live. Wherefore will you make this city to be destroyed? But if they be true Prophets in very deed, and if the word of the Lord be committed unto them, then let them pray the Lord of hosts, that the remnant of the ornaments (which are in the house of the Lord, and remain yet in the house of the king of juda, and at jerusalem) be not carried to Babylon also. For thus hath the Lord of hosts spoken concerning the pyllers, the laver, the seat and the residue of the ornaments that yet remain in this city, which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon took not, when he carried away jechoniah the son of joakim king of juda, with all the power of juda and jerusalem, from jerusalem unto Babylon captive. iiii. Re. xxv a Yea, thus hath the Lord of hosts the God of Israel spoken, as touching the residue of the ornaments of the lords house, of the king of judas house, and of jerusalem: They shall be carried unto Babylon, and there they shall remain until I visit them, saith the Lord. Then will I bring them hither again. And this was done in the same year: even in the bebegynning of the reign of Sedechias king of juda. ¶ The false prophecy of Hananiah the Prophet. jeremy showeth that the prophecy of Hananiah is false, by the example of other Prophets. He being inspired of the Lord, reproveth Hananiah, prophesying his death. CAPI. XXVIII. But in the fourth year of the reign of Sedechias king of juda, in the fifth month: It happened that Hananiah the son of Assur the Prophet of Gabaon spoke to me in the house of the Lord, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, and said: Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon: and after two year will I bring again in to this place, all the ornaments of the lords house, that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon carried away from this place unto Babylon. Yea, I will bring again jechoniah the son of joakim the king of juda himself, with all the prisoners of juda (that are carried unto Babylon) even in to this place, saith the Lord, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Then the Prophet jeremy gave answer unto the Prophet Hananiah, before the priests, and before all the people that were present in the house of the Lord. And the Prophet jeremy said: Amen. The Lord do that, and grant the thing which thou hast Prophesied: that he may bring again all the ornaments of the lords house, and restore all the prisoners from Babylon in to the place. Nevertheless hearken thou also what I will say, that thou and all the people may hear: The Prophets that were before us in times pass, which prophesied of war or trouble, or pestilence, either of peax upon many nations and great kingdoms were proved by this, (if God had send them in very deed) when the thing came to pass, which that Prophet told before. And Hananiah the Prophet took the chain from the Prophet jeremyes' neck, Deut. xviii▪ ● Num●. xv● and broke it, and with that said Hananiah that all the people might hear: Thus hath the Lord spoken: Even so will I break the yoke of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, from the neck of all nations, yea and that within this two year. And so the Prophet jeremy went his way. Now after that Hananiah the Prophet had taken the chain from the Prophet jeremies' beck, and broken it: The word of the Lord came unto the Prophet jeremy saying: Go and tell Hananiah these words: Thus saith the Lord: Thou hast broken the chain of wood, but in stead of would thou shalt make chains of iron. For thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: I will put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all this people, that they may serve Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, yea and so shall they do. And I will give him the beestes in the field. Ierem●. x● Then said the Prophet jeremy unto that Prophet Hananiah: Hear me (I pray thee) Hananiah: The Lord hath not sent thee, but thou bryngest this people in to false belief. And therefore thus saith the Lord: behold, I will sand the out of the land, and within a year thou shalt die, because thou hast falsely spoken against the Lord. Hananiah ●eth. So Hananiah the Prophet died the same year in the seventh month. ¶ The epistle of jeremy, sent unto them that were in captivity in Babylon. He prophecyeth their return from captivity after three score and ten years. He prophecyeth the destruction of the King and of the people that remained in jerusalem. He threteneth two Prophets that seduced the people. The death of Semeiah the Nehelamyte is prophesied. CAPI. XXIX. THis is the copy of the letter, that jeremy the Prophet sent from jerusalem unto the prisoners: the Senatoures priests, Prophets, and all the people whom Nabuchodonosor had led unto Babylon after that time that king jechoniah, and his queen, his chamberlains the princes of juda and jerusalem, the workemasters of jerusalem were departed thither. Which letter Elasah the son of Saphan and Gamariah the son of Helkiah did bear, whom Sedechias the king of juda sent unto Babylon to Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon. These were the words of jeremyes' letter: Thus hath the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel spoken unto all the prisoners that were led from jerusalem unto Babylon: build your houses to devil therein: plant you gardens, that you may enjoy the fruits thereof: take you wives to bear you sons and daughters: provide wives for your sons, and husbands for your daughters, that they may get sons and daughters, and that you may multiply there. Labour not to be few, but seek after peax, and prosperity of the city wherein you be prisoners, & pray unto God for it. For in the peax thereof shall your peax be. For thus saith the Lord of hosts, 〈◊〉 xiiii▪ c the God of Israel: Let not those Prophets and sothesayers that be among you, deceive you: and bi●eue not your own dreams. For why, they preacche you lies in my name, and I have not sent them, saith the Lord. 〈◊〉 xxv c 〈◊〉 xxvi 〈…〉. a 〈…〉. a But thus saith the Lord: When you have fulfilled three score and ten years at Babylon, I will bring you home, and of mine own goodness I will carry you hither again unto this place. For I know what I have devised for you, saith the Lord. My thoughts are to give you peax, and not trouble (which I give you all ready) and that you might have hope again. You shall cry unto me, you shall go and call upon me, and I shall hear you. You shall seek me, and find me. Yea if so be that you seek me with your hole heart, I will be found of you (saith the Lord) and will deliver you out of prison, and gather you together again out of all places wherein I have scattered you, saith the Lord: and will bring you again to the same place, from whence I caused you to be carried away captive. But where as you say, that God have raised you up prophets at Babylon: thus hath the Lord spoken (concerning the king that sitteth in the stolen of David, and all the people that dwell in this city, your brethren that are not go with you in to captivity.) Thus, 〈…〉 I say, speaketh the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will sand a sword, hunger, and pestilence upon them, and will make them like untimely figs, that may not be eaten for bitterness. And I will persecute them with the sword, with hunger and death. I will deliver them up to be vexed of all kingdoms, to be cursed, abhorred, laughed to scorn, and put to confusion of all the people among whom I have scattered them: and that because they have not been obedient unto my commandments, says the Lord, which I sent unto them by my servants the Prophets. I stood up early, and sent unto them, but they would not hear, saith the Lord. Hear therefore the word of the Lord, all you prisoners, whom I sent from jerusalem unto Babylon: Thus hath the Lord of hosts the God of Israel spoken of Achab the son of Colaiah, and of Sedechias the son of Maasiah, which prophecy lies unto you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them in to the hand of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, that he may slay them before your eyes. And all the prisoners of juda that are in Babylon, shall take upon them this term of cursing, and say: Now God do unto thee, as he did unto Sedechias and Achab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire, because they sinned shamefully in Israel. For they have not only defiled their neighbour's wives, but also preached lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them. This I testify and assure, saith the Lord. But as for Semeiah the Nehelamyte thou shalt speak unto him: Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Because thou hast sealed letters under thy name, unto all the people that is at jerusalem, and to Sophoniah the son of Maasiah the priest: yea, and sent them to all the priests: wherein thou wrytest thus unto him: The Lord hath ordained the to be priest in stead of jorada the priest, iiii. Res xi a two. Par. xxiii a that shouldest be the chief in the house of the Lord above all Prophets, and preachers, and that thou mightest put them in prison, or in the stacks. How happeneth it then, that thou hast not reproved jeremy of Anathoth, which never leaveth of his prophesying? And beside all this, he hath sent us word unto Babylon, and told us plainly, that our captivity shall long endure: that we we should build us houses to devil therein, and to plant us gardens that we may enjoy the fruits thereof. Which letter Sophoniah the priest did read, and let jeremy the Prophet hear it. Then came the word of the Lord unto jeremy, saying: jeer xxviii c Send word to all them that are in captivity, on this manner: Thus hath the Lord spoken concerning Semeiah the Nehelamyte: Because that Semeiah hath prophesied unto you without my commission, and brought you in to a false hope, therefore thus the Lord doth certify you: Behold, I will visit Semeiah the Nehelamyte, and his seed: so that none of his shall remain amongs this people, and none of them shall see the good that I will do for this people, saith the Lord. For he hath preached falsely of the Lord. ¶ The return of the people from Babylon. God by his chastening showeth that the people is sinful. The destruction of the enemies of Israel. CAPI. XXX. THese are the words that the Lord showed unto jeremy, saying: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: Writ up diligently all the words that I have spoken unto thee, in a book. For loo, the time cometh (saith the Lord) that I will bring again the prisoners of my people of Israel and juda, saith the Lord: For I will restore them unto the land, that I gave to their fathers, and they shall have it in possession. Again, these words spoke the Lord concerning Israel and juda: thus saith the Lord: We hear a terrible cry, fear and disquietness. For what else doth this signify, that I see? Namely that all strong men smite every man his hand upon his loins, as a woman in the pain of her travail. Who ever saw a man travail with child? jeremis xiii d inquire thereafter, and see. Yea, all their faces are marvelous pale. joel ii e. Amos v c Sophon ii d Alas for this day, which is so dreadful that none may be likened unto it: and alas for the time of jacobs' trouble, from the which he shall yet be delivered. For in that day, saith the Lord, I will take his yoke from thy neck, and break thy bonds. They shall no more serve strange gods under him, but they shall do service unto God their Lord, and to David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. Isaiah xliiij a Luke i g Eze xxxiiii d jerem xlvi g * And as for thee, oh my servant jacob, fear not (saith the Lord) and be not afraid, oh Israel. For lo, I will help the also from fatree, and thy seed from the land of their captivity. And jacob shall turn again, he shall be in rest, and have a prosperous life, and no man shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, to help thee, saith the Lord. And though I shall destroy all the people amongs whom I have scattered thee, yet will I not destroy thee, but correct thee, and that with discretion. For I know that thou art in no wise without fault. jeremy ten d Exo xxxiiii a Nahum i a. Therefore thus saith the Lord: I am sorry for thy hurt and wounds. There is no man to meddle with thy cause, or to bind up thy wounds: there may no man help the. All thy lovers have forgotten thee, and care nothing for the. For I have given the a cruel stroke, and chastened thee roughly: and that for the multitude of thy misdeeds, for thy sins have had the over hand. Why makest thou moon for thy harm? jerem xiii d I myself have pity of thy sorrow, but for the multitude of thy misdeeds and sins, I have done this unto the. jere ii a twenty d And therefore all they that devour thee, shall be devoured, and all thine enemies shall be led in to captivity. All they that make the waste shall be waste themselves: and all those that rob thee, will I make also to be rob. For I will give the thy health again, and make thy wounds hole, saith the Lord: because they reui●ed the as one cast away and despised, O Zion. For thus saith the Lord: behold, I will set up jacobs' tents again, Num xxiiii a and defend his dwelling place. The city shall be builded in her old estate, and the houses shall have their right foundation. And out of them shall go thanksgiving, and the voice of joy. I will multiply them, and they shall not minish: I shall endue them with honour, and no man shall subdue them. Their children shall be as a fore time, and their congregation shall continued in my sight. And all those that vex them will I visit. A captain also shall come of them, Mich u ●. and a prince shall spring out from the midst of them: him will I challenge to myself, and he shall come unto me. For what is he, joan vi c. that giveth over his heart oh come unto me, saith the Lord? You shall be my people also, jeremis. x●●▪ xxiiii. b. 〈◊〉 jerem. xx●● and xxv●. and I will be your God. Behold, on the other side shall the wrath of the Lord break out as a stormy water, as a mighty whirl wind: and shall fall upon the heeds of the ungodly. The terrible displeasure of the Lord shall not leave of, until he have done and performed the intent of his heart, which in the latter days you shall understand. At the same time, saith the Lord, shall I be the God of all the generations of Israel, and they shall be my people. ¶ He prophecyeth that the people of Israel shall be restored again unto their prosperity. To be turned from sin is the gift of God. The birth of christ is prophesied. All the wicked shall die in their wickedness. The new Testament and covenant is prophesied. The christian are taught and instruct of the Lord. Our sins shall so be remitted, that they shall not once be thought on. God promiseth that he will cast of the jews. The building again of jerusalem. CAPI. XXXI. THus saith the Lord: The people of Israel, Nu●. xii●● which escaped in the wilderness from the sword, found grace to come in to their rest. Even so shall the Lord now also appear unto me from far, two. Co●●●▪ ● Ezech. x●● and say: I love the with an everlasting love, therefore do I spread my mercy before the. I will repair the again (O thou daughter of Israel) that thou mayst be fast and sure. Thou shalt take thy tabrettes again, and go forth with them that lead the dance. Thou shalt plant wines again upon the hills of Samaria, and the grape gatherers shall plant and sing. And when it is time the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry: Arise, Isaiah ii▪ ● let us go unto Zion to our Lord God, for thus saith the Lord: Rejoice with gladness, because of jacob, cry unto the heed of the gentiles: speak out, sing, and say: The Lord shall deliver his people, the remnant of Israel, and make them hole. Behold, I will bring them again from out of the North land, and gather them from the end of the world, with the blind and lame that are among them, with the women that be great with child, and such as be also delivered: and the company of them that come again, shall be great. They departed from hence in heaviness, but with joy will I bring them hither again. I will lead them by the rivers of water in a straight way, where they shall not stumble: 〈◊〉 xxxii. a 〈◊〉 xl●iii. d For I will be Israel's father and Ephraim shall be my first-born. Hear the word of the Lord, O you Gentiles, preach in the Isles, that lie far of, and say: he that hath scattered Israel, shall gather him together again, and shall keep him as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord shall redeem jacob, and rid him from the hand of the violent. And they shall come, & rejoice upon the hill of Zion, and shall have plenteousness of goods, which the Lord shall give them: Namely, wheat, wine, oil young sheep & calves. And their conscience shall be as a well watered garden, for they shall no more be hungry. Then shall the maid rejoice in the dance, yea both young and old folks. For I will turn their sorrow in to gladness, and will comfort them and make them joyful, even from their hearts. I will pour plenteousness upon the hearts of the priests, and my people shall be satisfied with good things, says the Lord. Thus saith the Lord: 〈◊〉 iii ● 〈…〉 The voice of heaviness, weeping and lamention came into heaven: even of Rachel mourning for her children, & would not be comforted because they were away. But now saith the Lord: leave of from weeping and crying, withhold thine eyes from tears, for thy labour shall be rewarded saith the Lord. And they shall come again out of the land of their enemies: Yea even thy posterity shall have consolation in this (saith the Lord) that thy children shall come again in to their own land. Moreover I heard Ephraim, that was led away captive, complain on this manner: O Lord, thou hast correct me, and thy chastening have I received, as an untamed calf. Convert thou me, and I shall be converted, for thou art my Lord God: Yea as soon as thou turnest me, I shall reform myself: and when I understand, I shall smite upon my thigh. For verily I have committed shameful things: O let my youth bear this reproof and confusion. Upon this complaint, I thought thus by myself: is not Ephraim my dear son? Is he not the child, with whom I have had all mirth and pastime? For sense the time that I first communed with him, I have him ever in remembrance: therefore my very heart driveth me unto him, gladly and lovingly will I have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Get the watchmen, provide teachers for thee, set thine heart upon the rightway, that thou shouldest walk, and turn again (O thou daughter of Israel) turn again to these cities of thy. How long wily thou go astray, O thou shrinking daughter? For the Lord will work a new thing upon earth A woman shall compass a man. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: It will come thereto, that when I have brought juda out of captivity, these words shall be herd in the land & in his cities: The Lord, which is the fair bridegroom of righteousness, make the fruitful, O thou holy hill: And there shall devil juda, and all her cities, the shepherds and husband men: For I shall feed the hungry soul, and refresh all faint hearts. When I herd this I came again ●o myself, and mused, like as I had been waked out of a swear sleep. Behold (saith the Lord) the days come, that I will ●owe the house of Israel and the house of juda, with men and with cattle. Yea it shall come thereto, that like as I have go about in times pass to rote them out, to scatre them, to break them down, to destroy them and chasten them: Even so will I also go diligently about, to build them up again and to plant them saith the Lord. Then shall it no more be said: Ezech. xviii ● the fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge: for every one shall die for his own misdeed, so that who so eateth a sour grape, his teeth shall be let on edge. Behold, the days come (saith the Lord) that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of juda: not after the covenant that I made with their fathers, Hebre ten d. Isaiah li b. Jere xxiiii b and xxx o. when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt: which covenant they broke, wherefore I punished them sore, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will plant my law in the inward parts of them, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God and they shall be my people. And from thence forth shall no man teach his neighbour or his brother, & say: know the Lord: But they shall all know me, from the lowest unto the highest, saith the Lord. For I will forgive their misdeeds, Act ten g. and will never remember their sins any more. Thus saith the Lord which gave the sun to be a light for the day, and the moon and stars to shine in the night: which moveth the see, so that the floods thereof wax fierce: his name is the Lord of Hosts. Like as this ordinance shall never be taken out of my sight, saith the Lord: So shall the seed of Israel never cease, but alway be a people before me. Moreover, thus saith the Lord: like as the heaven above can not be measured, and as the foundations of the earth beneath may not be sought out: So will I also not cast out the hole sede of Israel, for that they have committed, saith the Lord Behold, the days come saith the Lord, that the city of the Lord shall be enlarged from the tower of Hananeel, unto the gate of the corner brickwall. ●i. Esdra iii a zachar xiiii b from thence shall the right measure be taken before her unto the hill top, of Gareb, and shall come about Gaath, and the hole valley of the deed carcases, and of the ashes, & all Ceremoth unto the broken of Cedron: and from thence unto the corner of the horsgate toward the east, where as the Sanctuary of the Lord also shall be set. And when it is now builded and set up of this fashion it shall never be broken, nor cast down any more, ¶ jeremy is cast in to preson, because he prophesied that the city should be taken of the king of Babylon. By the field that jeremy bought at the commandment of the Lord, is sygnifyed, that the people should come again to their own possession. The people of God are his servants, and he is their Lord. To fear God is God's gift, to th'intent that sins may be eschewed. CAPI. XXXII. THese words spoke the Lord unto jeremy, in the tenth year of Sedechias king of juda, which was the xviij year of Nabuchodonosor, what time as the king of Babylon's Host laid siege unto jerusalem. But jeremy the Prophet lay bound in the court of the prison, which was in the king of judaes' house: where Sedechias the kynse of juda caused him to be said, because he had prophesied of this manner: Thus saith the Lord: Behold: I will deliver this city in to the hands of the king of Babylon which shall take it. jere xxxiiii a xxvii. a xxxvii. a As for Sedechias the king of juda, he shall not be able to escape the Caldees, but surely he shall come in to the hands of the king of Babylon: which shall speak with him mouth to mouth and one of them shall look an other in the face. And Sedechias shall be carried unto Babylon, and there shall he be, until the time that I vysyt him, saith the Lord. But if thou taken in hand to fight against the Caldees thou shalt not prosper. And jeremy said: Thus hath the Lord spoken unto me: Behold, Hananeel the son of Selum thine uncles son shall come unto thee, and require the to redeem the land, that lieth in Anathoth unto thyself: for by reason of kindred it is thy part to redeem it, and to die it out. Leviti xxv d. Num xxvii a and xxxvi a. Ruth four a. And so Hananeel mine uncles son came to me in the court: of the prison (according to the word of the Lord) and said unto me: Buy my land (I pray thee) that lieth in Anathoth in the country of BenIamin: for by heritage thou hast right to lose it out for thyself, therefore redeem it. Then I perceived, that this was the commandment of the Lord, and so I loosed the land from Hananeel of Anathoth, mine uncles son, and weighed him there the many: even seven sycles, and ten silver pens. I caused him also to make me a writing and to seal it, and called record thereby, and weighed him there the money upon the weights. So I took the evidence with the copy (when it was orderly sealed and read over) & I gave the evidence unto Baruch the son of Neriah the son of Maasiah in the sight of Hananeel my cozen, and in the presence of the witnesses, that be named in the evidence, and before all the jews that were thereby in the court of the prison. I charged Baruch also before them saying: the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel commandeth thee, to take this sealed evidence with the copy, and to lay it in an earthen vessel, that it may long continue. For the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel hath determined, that houses, fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land. Now when I had delivered the evidence unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I besought the Lord, saying: O Lord God: It is ay that haste made heaven and earth with thy great power and high arm, and there is nothing to hard for the. Thou showest mercy upon thousands, Exo. xxx●●. ● thou recompensest the wickedness of the fathers, into the bosom of the children that come after them Thou art the great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of Hosts: great in counsel, and infinite in thought: Thine eyes look upon all the ways o● men's children, 〈…〉 to reward every one after his way and according to the fruits of his inventions. Thou haste done great tokens and wonders in the land of egypt (as we see this day) upon the people of Israel an upon those men: to make thy name great, Exo. 〈…〉 the. x●●●● as it is come to pass this day: Thou hast brought thy people of Israel out of the land of egypt, with tokens, with wonders, with a mighty hand, with a stretched out arm, and with great terryblenesse: and haste given them this land, like as thou hadst promised unto their fathers: Namely that thou wouldest give them a land, that floweth with milk and honey. Now when they came therein, and possessed it, they followed not thy voice, and walked not in thy law: but all that thou commaundedest them to do, that have they not done, and therefore come all these plagues upon them. Behold, there are bulwark made now against the city to take it: and it shall be wone of the Caldees that besiege it, with sword, with hunger and death, and l●ke what thou hast spoken, that same shall come upon them. For lo, all things are present unto thee: Yet sayest thou unto me (O Lord God) and commandest me, that I shall loose a piece of land unto myself, and take witnesses thereto: and yet in the mean season the city is delivered in to the power of the Caldees. Then came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God of all flesh, is there any thing then to hard for me? Therefore thus said the Lord: behold, I shall deliver this city in to the power of the Caldees, and in to the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, they shall take it. 〈◊〉 xv. b. b. 〈…〉. For the Caldees shall come, and win this city, and set fire upon it, and burn it: with the gorgeous houses, in whose parlours they have made sacrifice unto Baal, and poured drynck offerings unto strange gods to provoke me unto wrath. For seeing the children of Israel, and the children of juda have wrought wickedness before me ever from their youth, what have they else done, but provoked me with the works of their own hands? saith the Lord. Or what hath this city been else, but a provoking of my wrath, ever sense the day that I builded it unto this hour? Wherein I cast it out of my sight, because of the great blasphemies of the children of Israel and juda, which they have done to provoke me: yea they, their kings, their princes, their priests, their prophets, hole juda, and all the citizens of jerusalem. When I stood up early, and taught them and instruct them, they turned their backs to me, ●●aye ii d and not their faces. They would not hear, to be reformed and correct. They have set their gods in the house, that is hallowed unto my name, to defile it. They have builded high places for Baal in the valley of the children of Hennom, 〈◊〉 vii a. d ● Reg. xxi a to vow their sons & dougters unto Moloch: which I never commanded them, neither came it ever in my thought, to make juda sin with such abomination. Moreover thus hath the Lord God of Israel spoken, concerning this city, which (as you yourselves confess) shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, when it is won with the sword, with hunger and with pestilence. Behold, I will gather them together from all lands, 〈◊〉 thirty. a wherein I have scattered them in my wrath, in my fearful and great displeasure: and will bring them again unto this place, where they shall dwell safely. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 〈◊〉 xi c And I will give them one heart and one way, 〈◊〉 ●x c that they may fear me all the days of their life, that they and their children after them may prosper. And I will set up an everlasting covenant with them Namely: that I will never cease to do them good, and that I will put my fear in their hearts, so that they shall not run away from me. Yea I will have a lust and pleasure to do them good, and faithfully to plant them in this land with my hole heart, and with all my soul. For thus saith the Lord: like as I have brought all this great plague upon this people: so will I also bring upon them all the good, that have I promised them. And men shall have their possessions in this land, whereof you say now, that it shall neither be inhabited of people ne of cattles, but be delivered in to the hands of the Caldees: Yea land shall be bought for money, and evidences made thereupon and sealed before witnesses in the country of BenIamin, and round about jerusalem: in the cities of juda, in the cities that are upon the mountains, and in them that lie beneath, yea & in the cities that are in the desert. For I will bring their prisoners hither again, saith the Lord. ¶ The Prophet is monysshed of the Lord, to pray for the deliverance of the people, which the Lord promiseth. God forgiveth sins, and doth graciously to the people, for his own renown. Of the birth of christ. The kingdom of christ in the church shall never be ended. CAPI. XXXIII. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto jeremy on this manner, jeremy. xx●●▪ xxxii. a. when he was yet bound in the court of the prison: Thus saith the Lord, which fulfilleth the thing that he speaketh, the Lord which performeth the thing that he taketh in hand even he, whose name is the Lord: thou hast Exod. xiiii d i Reg. vii b. cried unto me, and I have heard thee: I hue showed grate an high things, which were unknown unto you. Thus (I say) spoke the Lord God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, & the houses of the kings of juda: that they shall be broken thorough the ordinance and weapons, when the Caldees come to besiege them: and they shall be filled with the deed carcases of men, whom I will slay in my wrath and displeasure: when I turn my face from this city because of all her wickedness. Behold, (saith the Lord) I will heal their wounds and make them hole, I will open them the treasure of peaxe and truth. And I will return the captivity of juda and Israel: and will set them up again as they were afore, From all misdeeds (wherein they have offended against me) I will cleanse them: And all their blasphemies which they have done against me, when they regarded me not. I will forgive them. And this shall get me a name, a praise & honour, among all people of the earth, which shall hear all the good, that I will show unto them: yea they shall be afraid and astonied at all the good deeds and benefits, that I will do for them. Moreover thus saith the Lord: in this place, whereof you say that it shall be a wilderness, wherein neither people ne cattle shall devil: in like manner in the cities of juda and without jerusalem (which also shall be so void, that neither people ne cattle shall devil there) shall the voice of gladness be herd again, the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride the voice of them that shall sing: Praise the Lord of Hosts, for he is loving and his mercy endureth for ever, and the voice of them that shall offer up gifts in the house of the Lord. For I will restore the captivity of this land, as it was afore, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts It shall come yet thereto, that in this land, which is void from men and cattles, and in all the cities of the land, there shall be set up shepherds cottages ●in the cities upon the mountains: and in the cities that lie upon the plain, and in the desert. In the land of BenIamin, in the fields of jerusalem, and in the cities of juda shall the sheep be numbered again, under the hand of him, that telleth them, saith the Lord. Behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing, jere xiii a. Jere xxiii a. which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of juda. In those days, and at the same time, I will bring forth unto David, the branch of righteousness, & he shall do equity and righteousness in the land. In those days shall juda be helped, & jerusalem shall devil safe, and he that shall call her is even God our righteous maker. For thus the Lord promiseth: David shall never want out, to sit upon the stole of the house of Israel: neither shall the priests & levites want one to offer alway before me burned offerings, to kindle the meat offreynges, and to prepare the sacrifices. And the word of the Lord came unto jeremy after this manner: Thus saith the Lord: Gene. viii d Jere xxiii a. May the covenant which I have made with day and night be broken, that there should not be day and night in due season? Then may my covenant also be broken which I made with David my servant, and so he not to have a son to reign in his Throne. So shall also the priests and Levites never fail, Gene. xu a and xxii c but serve me. For like as the stars of heaven may not be numbered, neither the sand of the see measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and of the Levites my ministers. Moreover, the word of the Lord came to jeremy, saying: Consydrest thou not what this people speaketh? Two kindreds (say they) had the Lord choose, and those same two hath he ●as●e away. For so far is my people come, that they have no hope to come together any more, & to be one people again Therefore thus saith the Lord: If I have made no covenant with day & night, and given no statute unto heaven and earth: then will I also cast away the seed of David my servant: so that I will take no prince out of his seed, to rule the posterity of Abraham, Isaac, and jacob. But yet I will turn again their captivity, & be merciful unto them. ¶ He threteneth that the city, and King Sedechias also, shall be given into the hands of the King of Babylon. He rebuketh them that brought suck of their brethren into captivity, that were pardoned to go at their liberty. CAPI. XXXIIII. THese are the words which the Lord spoke unto jeremy, what time as Nabuchonosor the king of Babylon, and all his Hosts (out of all the kingdoms that were under his power) and all his people, fought against jerusalem, and all the cities thereof. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: Go, and speak to Sedechias the king of juda, and tell him: The Lord sendeth the this word: Behold, I will deliver this city in to the hand of the king of Babylon, he shall burn it, and thou shalt not escape his hands, but shalt be led away prisoner, and delivered in to his power. Thou shalt look the king of Babylon in the face, & he shall speak with thee, mouth to mouth, then shalt thou go to Babylon. Yet hear the word of the Lord, O Sedechias thou king of juda: Thus saith the Lord unto thee: Thou shalt not be slain with the sword, but shalt die in peaxe. Like as thy forefathers the kings, thy progenitoures, were brent: so shalt thou be brent also, and in the mourning they shall say: O Lord For thus have I determined, saith the Lord. Then spoke jeremy the Prophethe all these words unto Sedechias king of juda in jerusalem: what time as the king of Babylon's host besieged jerusalem, and the remnant of the cities: Namely, Lachis & Azecah, which yet remained of the strong defensed cities of juda. These are the words that the Lord spoke unto jeremy the prophet, when Sedechias was agreed with all the people at jerusalem, that there should be proclaimed a liberty: so that every man should let his servant and handmaid go free, Hebrew and Hebruesse, and no jew to hold his brother as a bond man. Now as they had consented even so they were obedient, and let them go free. But afterward they repented, and took again the servants and handmaidens, whom they had let go free, and so made them bond again. For the which cause the word of the Lord came unto jeremy from the Lord himself, saying: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: 〈…〉 I made a covenant with your fathers, when I brought them out of egypt (that they should no more be bond men) saying: When seven years are out, every man shall let his bought servant an Hebrew go free, if you have served him six years. But your fathers obeyed me not and herkened not unto me. As for you, you were now turned, and did right before me, in that you proclaimed, every man to let his neighbour go free, & in that you made a covenant before me, in the temple that beareth my name: But yet you have turned yourselves again and blasphemed my name: In this, that every man hath required his servant and handmaiden again, whom you had let go quite and free, and compelled them to serve you again, and to be your bond men. And therefore thus saith the Lord: you have not obeyed me, every man to proclaim freedom unto his brother and neighbour: wherefore I will call you unto a freedom, saith the Lord: even unto the sword, to the pestilence, and to hunger, and will make you to be plagued in all the kyngomes of the earth. Yea those men that have broken my covenant and not kept the words of the appoyntmen, which they made before me: when they hewed the calf in two, 〈…〉. b and when there went thorough the two halves thereof: The Princes of juda, the Princes of jerusalem, the gelded men, the priests and all the people of the land, which went thorough te two sides of the calf. Those men will I give in to the power of their enemies, and into the hands of them that follow upon their lives. And their deed bodies shall be meat for the fowls of the air, and beasts of the field As for Sedechias the king of juda and his Princes, I will deliver them into the power of their enemies, and of them that desire to slay them, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's host, which now is departed from you: But thorough my commandment (saith the Lord) they shall come again before this city, they shall fight against it, win it, and burn it. Moreover I will say the cities of juda so waste, that no man shall devil therein. ¶ He propoundeth the obedience of the Rechabytes, and thereby confoundeth the pride of the jews. The commandment of jonadab, the father of the Rechabytes. He thrteneth punishment unto the rebellious jews. He promiseth prosperity unto the Rechabytes, for their obedience unto their father. CAPI. XXXV. THe words which the Lord spoke unto jeremy, in the reign of joakim the son of josiah king of juda are these: 〈…〉 c Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and call them out, and bring them to the house of the Lord in to some commodious place, and give them wine to drink. Then took I jazaniah the son of jeremy, the son of Habaziniah, & his brethren, and all his sons, and the hot household of the Rechabites: and brought them to the house of the Lord, into the closet of the children of Hanan the son of jegedaliah the man of God: which was by the closet of the Princes, that is above the closet of Maasiah the son of Selum, which is the chief of the treasury. And before the sons of the kindred of the Rechabites, I set ports full of wine, and cups, and said unto them: Drink wine. But they said: we drink no wine, for jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us saying: jerem xxix ● you and your sons shall never drink wine, build no houses, sow no seed, plant no wines, yea you shall have no vynyardes: but for all your time you shall devil in tents, that you may live long in the land wherein you be strangers. Thus have we obeyed the commandment, of jonadab the son of Rechab our father: in all that he hath charged us, and so we drink no wine all our life long: we nor our wives, our sons, and our daughters. Neither build we any house to devil therein, we have also amongs us neither vineyards, ne corn land to sow: but we dwell in tents, we obey, and do according unto all that jonadab our father commanded us. But now when Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up in to the land, we said come, let us go to jerusalem, that we may escape the host of the Caldees and the Assicians: & so we devil now at jerusalem. Then came the word of the Lord unto jeremy saying: thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: Go and tell hole juda and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Will you not be reformed, to obey my words? says the Lord. The words which jonadab the son of Rechab commanded his sons, that they should drink no wine, are fast and surely kept: for unto this day they drink no wine, but obey their father's commandment. But as for me, I have stand up early, I have spoken unto you, jere xvii a twenty-five. a. and given you earnest warning: and yet have you not been obedient unto me. Yea I have sent my servants all the prophets unto you, I rose up early, & sent you word, saying: O turn you, every man from his wicked way: amend your lives, and go not after strange gods, to worship them: that you may continue in the land, which I have given unto you & your fathers, but you would neither hear me, ne follow me. The children of jonadab Rechabs' son have steadfastly kept their father's commandment, that he gave them, but this people is not obedient unto me. And therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring upon juda and upon every one that dwelleth in jerusalem, all the trouble that I have devised against them. For I have spoken unto them, but they would not follow: I have called unto them, Prouer. i c Isaiah xlv b jeremy vii b nevertheless they would give me no answer. jeremy also spoke unto the household of the Rechabites: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: For so moche as you have obeyed the commandment of jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath hidden you: Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts, jere xxxiii e the God of Israel: jonadab the son of Rechab shall not fail, but have one out of his stock, to stand alway before me. ¶ Baruch writeth (as jermye indyteth) the book of the curses against juda and Israel. He is sent with the book unto the people, and readeth it before them al. He is called before the rulers, and readeth it before them also. The rulers show unto the king the words of the book. jehudi taketh the book, and readeth a little of it, and after casts it in the fire. There is an other written at the commandment of the Lord. CAPI. XXXVI. IN the four year of joakim the son of josiah king of juda, came the word of the Lord unto jeremy saying: Take a book and write therein all the words, jeremis xxx a that I have spoken to thee, to Israel, to juda, and to all the people from the time that I began for to speak unto thee (in thy reign of josiah) unto this day. That when the house of juda heareth of the plague, which I have devised for them, they may peradventure turn every man from his wicked way, jere xviii a that I may forgive their offences and sins. Then did jeremy call Baruch the son of Neriah, jeremis xlv a & Baruch written in the book at the mouth of jeremy, all the words of the Lord, which he had spoken unto him. And jeremy commanded Baruch, saying: I am in prison, so that I may not come in to the house of the Lord: therefore go thou thither, and read the book, that thou haste written at my mouth: Namely, the words of the Lord, & read them in the lords house upon the fasting day: that the people, hole juda, and all they that come out of the cities may hear. Peradventure they will pray meekly before the face of the Lord, and turn every one from his wicked way. For great is the wrath and displeasure, that the Lord hath taken against this people. So Baruch the son of Neriah did according unto all that jeremy the Prophet commanded him, reading the words of the Lord out of the book in the lords house And this was done in the fifth year of joakim the son of josiah king of juda, jone iii a in the nyneth month when it was commanded that all the people of jerusalem should fast, before the Lord, and they also that were come from the cities of juda unto jerusalem. Then read Baruch the words of jeremy out of the book within the house of the Lord out of the treasury of Gamariah the son of Saphan the Scribe, jere xxvi d which is beside the higher loft of the door of the lords house: that all the people might hear. Now when Micheah the son of Gamariah the son of Saphan had heard all the words of the Lord out of the book, he went down to the kings palace into the Scribes chamber, for there all the princes were set: Elisama the Scribe. Dalaiah the son of Semei, Elnathan the son of Acabor, Gamariah the son of Saphan, Sedechias the son of Hananiah, with all the princes. And Micheah told them all the words, that he heard Baruch read out of the book before the people. Then all the princes sent jehudi the son of Nathaniah, the son of Selamiah, the son of Chusi, unto Baruch, saying: Take in thy hand the book, whereout thou haste read before all the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the book in his hand, and came unto them. And they said unto him: Sit down, & read the book that we may hear also. So Baruch read, that they might here. Now when they had heard all the words, they were abashed one upon an other, and said unto Baruch: We will certify the king of all these words. And they examined Baruch, saying: tell us, how diddest thou write all these words out of his mouth? Then Baruch answered them: He spoke all these words unto me with his mouth, and I alone was with him, and written them in the book. Then said the Princes unto Baruch: Go thy way, and hide the with jeremy, so that no man know where you be. And they went in to the court. But they kept the book in the chamber of Elisama the Scribe, and told the king all the words that he might hear. So the king sent jehudi to fetch him the books, which he brought out of Elisama the scribes chamber. And jehudi read it, that the king and all the princes, which were about him, might hear. Now the king sat in the winter house, for it was in the ninth month, and there was a good fire before him. A●●. x●x. b And when jehudi had read three or four leaves thereof, he cut the book in pieces with a pen knife, and cast it into the fire upon the hearth, until the book was all brent in the fire upon the hearth. Yet no man was abashed thereof, or rent his clotheses: neither the king himself, ne his servants, though they heard all these words. Nevertheless Elnathan, Dalaiah, and Gamariah besought the king, that he would not burn the book: notwithstanding the king would not hear them, but commanded jerahmeel the son of Amalech, Saraiah the son of Ezriel and Selamiah the son of Abdiel, to say hands upon Baruch the Scribe, and upon jeremy the Prophet but the Lord kept them out of sight. After now that the king had brent the book, and the Sermons which Baruch written at the mouth of jeremy: The word of the Lord came unto jeremy, saying: Take an other book, and write in it all the foresaid sermons: that were written in the first book, which joakim the king of juda hath brent. And tell joakim the king of juda: thus saith the Lord: thou haste brent the book, and thoughtest within thyself: Why hast thou written therein, that the king of Babylon shall come, and make this land waste, so that he shall make both people and cattles to be out of it? 〈◊〉 xx●●i. b. Therefore thus the Lord saith of joakim the king of juda: There shall none of his generation sit upon the throne of David. His deed corpse shall be cast out that the heat of the day, 〈…〉 and the frost of the night may come upon him. And I will visit the wickedness of him, of his seed, and of his servants. Moore over all the evil that I have promised them (though they herd me not) will I bring upon them, upon the inhabitants of jerusalem, and upon all juda. Then took jeremy an other book, and gave it Baruch the Scribe, the son of Neriah, which written therein out of the mouth of jeremy: All the sermons that were in the first book, which joakim the king of juda did burn. And there were added unto them many more sermons then before. ¶ Sedechias succeedeth Cononiah. He sendeth unto jeremy to pray for him. jeremy going in to the land of BenIamyn, is taken. He is beaten, and put in prison. He is delivered by king Sedechias. CAPI. XXXVII. SEdechias the son of josiah, which was made king thorough Nabuchodonsor king of Babylon reigned in the land of juda, 〈◊〉 xx●ii. d. in the stead of Conoviah the son of joakim. But neither he, nor his servants, ne the people in the land would obey the words of the Lord, which he spoke by the Prophet jeremy. 〈…〉 Nevertheless Sedechias the king sent jehucal the son of Selemiah, and Sophoniah the son of Maasiah priest to the Prophet jeremy, saying: O pray thou unto the Lord our God for us. Now jeremy walked free among the people at that time, and was not put in prison as yet. 〈…〉 Pharaos' host also was come out of Egypt, which when the Caldees that besieged jerusalem perceived, they departed from thence. Then came the word of the Lord unto jeremy the Prophet, saying: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, this answer shall you give to the king of juda, that sent you unto me for counsel: Behold, Pharaos' host, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt, in to his own land: but the Caldees shall come again, & fight against this city, win it, & set fire upon it. For thus says the Lord: deceive not your own minds, thinking on this manner: tush the Caldees go now their way from us: Not, they shall not go their way. For though you had slain the hole host of the Caldees, that besiege you, and every one of the slain lay in his tent, yet should they stand up and set fire upon this city. Now when the host of the Caldees was broken up from jerusalem for fear of the Egyptians army, jeremy went out of jerusalem toward the land of BenIamin to do certain business there among the people. And when he came under Benjamin'S port, there was a porter called jeriah the son of Selemiah, the son of Hananiah, which fallen upon him, and took him, saying: thy mind is to ●un to the Caldees. Then said jeremy: it is not so, I go not to the Caldees. Nevertheless jeriah would not believe him, but brought jeremy bond before the princes. Wherefore the princes were angry with jeremy, causing him to be beaten, & to be laid in prison in the house of jonathas the scribe, for he was the ruler of the prison. Thus was jeremy put in the dungeon and prison, and so lay there a long tyme. Then Sedechias the king sent for him, and called him, and asked him quietly in his own house saying: thinkest thou this business (that now is in hand) cometh of the the Lord? jeremy answered: yea that it doth, and thou (said he) shalt be delivered in to the king of Babylon's power. Moreover jeremy said unto king Sedechias: what have I offended against thee, against thy servants, or against this people, that you have caused me to be put in prison? Where are your Prophets which have prophesied unto you, and said that the king of Babylon should not come against you and this land? And therefore hear now, O my lord the king: let my prayer be accept before thee, and send me no more in to the house of jonathas the scribe, that I die not there. Then Sedechias the king commanded to put jeremy in the fore entry of the prison, and daily to be given him a cake of breed, and else no dight meat, until all the breed in the city was eaten up. Thus jeremy remained in the fore entry of the prison. ¶ By the motion of the rulers, jeremy is put in to a dungeon. At the request of Abedmelech the Chamberlain, the King commandeth jeremy to be brought forth of the dungeon. jeremy showeth the King how he might escape death. CAPI. XXXVIII. SAphatiah the son of Mathan, Godoliah the son of Phashur, jucah the son of Selemiah, and Phashur the son of Melchiah perceived the words that jeremy had poken unto all the people: namely on this manner: Thus saith the Lord: jeremis xxi ● xxvii. a. Who so remaineth in this city, shall perish, either with the sword, with hunger or with pestilence: But who so falls unto the Caldees, shall escape winning his soul for a pray, and shall live. For thus saith the Lord. This city (no doubt) must be delivered in to the power of the king of Babylon, and he also shall win it. Then said the princes unto the king: Sir, we beseech you let this man be put to death. For thus he discourageth the hands of the soldiers that be in this city, and the hands of all the people, when he speaketh such words unto them. This man verily laboureth not for peax of the people, but mischief. Sedechias the king answered and said: lo, he is in your hands for the king may deny you nothing. Then took they jeremy, and cast him in to the dungeon of Melchiah the son of Hamelech, that dwelt in the fore entry of the prison. And they let down jeremy with cords in to a dungeon, where there was no water, but mire: So jeremy slack fast in the mire. Now when Abedmelech the Morian being a chamberlain in the kings court, understood that they had cast jeremy in to the dungeon: he went out of the kings house, and spoke to the king, (which then sat under the port of BenIamin) these words: My lord the king where as these men meddle with jeremy the Prophet, they do him wrong: Namely in that they have put him in prison, there to die of hunger, for there is no more breed in the city. Then the king commanded Abedmelech the Morian, and said: Take from hence xxx men whom thou will't, and draw up jeremy the Prophet out of the dungeon before he die. So Abedmelech took the men with him, and went to the house of Amalech, and there under an almery he got old rags, & worn clouts, and let them down by a cord in to the dungeon to jeremy. And Abedmelech the Morian said unto the Prophet jeremy: O put these rags and clouts under thine arm holes, betwixt them and the cords: and jeremy did so. So they drew up jeremy with cords, and took him out of the dungeon, and he remained in the fore entry of the prison. Then Sedechias the king sent asd caused jeremy the Prophet be called unto him out of the third entry that was by the house of the Lord Ier. xxxvii c And the king said unto jeremy: I will ask the some what, but hide nothing fro me. Then jeremy answered Sedechias: If I be plain unto thee, thou will't 'cause me suffer death: if I give the counsel, thou will't not follow me. So the king sworn an oath secretly unto jeremy saying: As truly as the Lord liveth, that made us these souls, I will not slay thee, ne give the in to the hands of them that seek after thy life. Then said jeremy unto Sedechias: thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: If case be that thou wilt go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, thou shalt save thy life, jere xxvii b. and this city shall not be brent: yea both thou and thy household shall escape with your lives. But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be delivered in to the hands of the Caldees which shall set fire upon it, and thou shalt not be able to escape them. And Sedechias said unto jeremy: I am afraid for the jews, that are fled unto the Caldees least I come in their hands, and so they to have me in derision. But jeremy answered: Not, they shall not betray thee: O hearken unto the voice of the Lord I (beseech thee) which I speak unto thee, so shalt thou be well, and save thy life. But if thou will't not go forth, the Lord hath told me this plainly: Behold, all the women that are left in the king of judas house, shall go out to the king of Babylon's princes. For they think, that thou art deceived: and that the men in whom thou didst put thy trust, have mastered thee, & set thy feet fast in the mire, and go their way from the. Therefore all thy wives with their children shall i'll unto the Caldees, & thou shalt not escape their hands, but shalt be the king of Babylon's prisoner, and this city shall be brent. Then said Sedechias unto jeremy: look that no body know of these words, & thou shalt not die. But if the princes perceive that I have talked with thee, and come unto thee, saying: O speak, what said the king to thee? hide it not from us, and we will not put the to death. Tell us (we pray thee) what said the king to thee? See thou give them this answer: I have humbly besought the king, that he will let me lie no more in jonathans' house, that I die not there? Then came all the princes unto jeremy, and asked him. And he told them after the manner as the king bade him. Then they held their peax, for they perceived nothing. So jeremy abode still in the fore entry of the prison, until the day that jerusalem was won. ¶ Nabuchodonosor besiegeth jerusalem. Sedechias fleeth. He is taken of the Chaldees. His sons are slain. His eyes are thrust out. jeremy is provided for. Abedmelech is delivered from captivity, because of the confidence that he hath in God. CAPI. XXXIX. NOw when the city of jerusalem was taken (for in the ninth year of Sedechias king of juda, jere. 〈…〉 iii 〈…〉 jere▪ 〈…〉 in the tenth month, came Nabuchodosor the king of Babylon and all his host, and besieged jerusalem, and in the eleventh year of Sedechias, in the fourth month, in the nyneth day of the month he broke in to the city.) Then all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat them down under the port: Neregel, Sarezar, Samegarnabo, Sarsachim, Rabsatis, Neregel, Sarezer, Rabmag, with all the other princes of the king of Babylon. Jere. xx●● And when Sedechias the king of juda, with his soldiers saw them, they fled, and departed out of the city by night thorough the kings garden, and thorough the port that is between the two walls, and so they went toward the wilderness. But the Chaldees host followed fast after them, and took Sedechias in the field of jericho, and brought him prisoner to Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon unto Reblath that lieth in the land of Hemath, where he gave judgement upon him. So the king of Babylon caused the children of Sedechias, and all the nobles of juda be slain before his face at Reblath. And made Sedechias eyes to be put out, and bond him with chains and and sent him to Babylon. Moreover the Caldees brent up the kings palace, 〈◊〉 xxv b 〈◊〉 xxxii. d with the other houses of the people, and broke down the walls of jerusalem. As for the remnant of the people that were in the city, and such as were come to help them (what so ever was left of the common sort) Nabuzardan the chief captain carried them to Babylon. But Nabuzardan the chief captain let the rascal people, (and those that had nothing) devil still in the land of juda, and gave them vineyards and corn fields, at the same time. Nabuchodonosor also the king of Babylon, gave Nabuzardan the chief capiteyn a charge concerning jeremy, saying: take and cherish him, and make moche of him: see thou do him no harm, but entreat him after his own desire. So Nabuzardan the chief capitain, Nabusashan the chief chamberlain, Nergalsarezer the treasurer, 〈◊〉 x●xviii. d and all the king of Babylon's lords sent for jeremy, and caused him be fet out of the fore entry of the prison, and committed him unto Godollah the son of Ahikam, the son of Saphan: that he should carry him home, and so he dwelled among the people. 〈◊〉 xl b. Now while jeremy lay yet bound in the fore entry of the prison, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying: Go and tell Abedmelech the Morian: Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Behold, the cruel and sharp plague that I have devised for this city, will I bring upon them, that thou shalt see it: but I will deliver thee (saith the Lord) and thou shalt not come in the hands of those men whom thou fearest. For doubtless I will save the so that thou shalt not perish with the sword: but thy life shall be saved, and that because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. ¶ jeremy hath licence to go whither he will. He dwelleth with the people that remaineth at jerusalem, over whom Godoliah ruleth. johanan prophecyeth death unto Godoliah. CAPI. XL. THis is the manner how the Lord entreated jeremy, 〈…〉 when Nabuzardan the chief captain had let him go free from Ramah, whither he had led him bond among all the prisoners, that were carried from jerusalem and juda unto Babylon. The chief captain called for jeremy, and said unto him: The Lord thy God spoke mightily before of the misery upon this place: Now the Lord hath sent it, and performed it as he had promised: for you have sinned against the Lord, and have not been obedient unto his voice, therefore cometh this plague upon you. Behold, I lose the bonds from thy hands this day: if thou wilt now go with me unto Babylon: up then, for I will see to thee, and provide for thee: Gene. xiii ● Toby i b. But if thou wilt not go with me to Babylon, then remain here. Behold, all the land is at thy will, look where thou thinkest convenient and good for the to abide, there devil. iiii. Re. xxv c If thou canst not be content to dwell alone, then remain with Godoliah the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan: whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of juda, and devil with him among the people, or remain where so ever it pleaseth the. So the chief captain gave him his expenses with a reward, jere xxxix c and let him go. Then went jeremy unto Godoliah the son of Ahikam to Mazphah, and dwelt there with him among the people that were left in the land. Now when the Captains of the host of juda (which with their fellows were scattered abroad on every side in the land) understood that the king of Babylon had made Godoliah the son of Ahicam governor in the the land, and that man, wife, and child: yea and the poor men in the land (that were not led captive to Babylon? should be under his jurisdiction: They came to Godoliah unto Mazphah: Namely Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, johanan, and jonathath the sons of Careah, Sareah the son of Thanhometh, the sons of Ophai the Netopharhite, jesaniah the son of Maachati with their companions. And Godoliah the son of Ahicam, the son of Saphan sworn unto them & their fellows on this manner: Be not afraid to serve the Caldees, dwell in the land, iiii. Re. xxv c and do the king of Babylon service, so shall you prosper. Behold, I devil at Mazphah to be an officer in the Caldees behalf, and to satisfy such as come to us. Therefore gather you wine, corn and oil, and keep them in your aware houses, and dwell in your cities that you have in keeping. Yea all the jews also that dwelled in Moab under the Ammonites, in Idumea, and in all the countries, when they heard that the king of Babylon had made Godoliah the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan, governor upon them that were left in juda: All the jews (I say) returned out of all places where they were fled unto: and came in to the land of juda to Godoliah unto Mazphah, and gathered wine and other fruits, and that very moche. Moreover johanan the son of Kareah & all the captains of the hosts, that were scattered on every side in the land, came to Godoliah in Mazphah, and said unto him: knowest thou not that Baalam king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nathaniah to slay thee? But Godoliah the son of Ahicam believed them not. Then said johanan the son of Careah unto Godoliah in Mazphah these words secretly: let me go, I pray thee, & I will flee Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, so that no body shall know it. Wherefore will he kill thee, that all the jews which resort unto the might be scattered, and the remnant in juda perish? Then said Godoliah the son of Ahicam to johanan the son of Careah: Thou shalt not do it, for they are but lies, that men say of Ishmael. ¶ Ishmael killeth Godolich gylefully, and many other with him. johanan followeth after Ishmael. CAPI. XLI. But in the seventh moveth it happened that Ishmael the son of Nathaniah the son of Elisama (one of the kings blood) came with them that was greatest about the king, iiii. Re. xxv d and ten men that were sworn with him unto Godoliah the son of Ahicam to Mazphah, and are there together. And Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, with those ten men that were sworn to him, start up and smote Godoliah the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan with the sword and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor of the land. Ishmael also slew all the jews the were with Godoliah at Mazphah, and all the Caldees that he found there waiting upon him. The next day after that he had slain Godoliah (the matter was yet unknown) there came certain men from Sichem, from Siloh and Samaria, to the number of four score, which had shaven their beards, rend their clotheses, and were all heavy, bringing meat offerings, and incense in their hands, to offer it in the house of the Lord. And Ishmael the son of Nathaniah went fo●th of Mazphah weeping to meet them. Now when he met them, he said: Go your way to Godoliah the son of Ahicam. And when they came in the midst of the city. Ishmael the son of Nathaniah (with them that were sworn unto him) slew them even at the midst of the pit. Among these four score men there were ten that said unto Ishmael▪ O slay us not, for we have yet a great treasure in the field, of where, barley, oil and honey. So he spared them, and slew them not with their brechrens. Now the pit wherein Ishmael did cast the deed bodies of the men (whom he slew because of Godoliah) had king Asa caused to be made, iii Reg. xxv c for fear of Baasa the king of Israel, and the same pit did Ishmael fill with slain men. As for the remnant of the people, the kings daughters and all the people that were yet left at Mazphah, upon whom Nabuzardan the chief captain had made Godoliah the son of Ahicam governor: Ishmael the son of Nathaniah carried them away prisoners toward the Ammonites. Gene. xiiii c i Reg. xxx b. But when johanan the son of Careah and all they which had been captains over the kings host with him heard of all the wickedness that Ishmael the son of Nathaniah had done, they took their companions & went out for to fight with Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, and found him by the waters of Rabim in Gabaon. Now when all the people whom Ishmael led captive see johanan the son of Careah and all the other captains of the host, they were glad. So all the people that Ishmael had carried away from Mazphah, were brought again. And when they returned they came to johanan the son of Careah. But Ishmael the son of Nathaniah fled from johanan with eight of his sworn companions, and went to the Ammonites. Then johanan the son of Careah, and all the captains of the host that were with him, took the remnant of the people, whom Ishmael the son of Nathaniah had led away (when he had slain Godoliah the son of Ahicam) whom they had also rescued from him: fighting men, women and children, and gelded men, whom they brought again from Gabaon: and went from thence and sat them down at Geruth Camaam, which lieth beside Bethlehem, that they might go in to Egypt for fear of the Caldees: of whom they were afraid, because that Ishmael the son of Nathaniah had slain Godoliah Ahikams' son, Iere●●. whom the king of Babylon had made governor in the land. ¶ The Captains took counsel of jeremy what they ought to do. jeremy monyssheth the rest of the people not to go in to egypt. CAPI. XLII. SO all the rulers, and johanan the son of Kareah, jezoniah the son of Osaiah came with all the people from the jest unto the most, Iere●●● Jere twenty ● and said unto jeremy the Prophet: hear our petition, that thou mayst pray for us unto the Lord thy God, and for the rest whereof there be very few left of many, as thou seest us: that the Lord thy God may show us away to go in, and tell us what we should do. Then jeremy the Prophet said unto to them: I have heard you. Behold, I will pray unto God your Lord, as you have required me: & look what answer the Lord giveth you, I shall certify you thereof, and keep nothing back from you. And they said unto jeremy: Iosu● i c i Ma●h. 〈…〉 Iere●● The Lord of truth and faithfulness be our record that we will do all that the Lord thy God commandeth us, whether it be good or evil. We will hearken unto the voice of our Lord God to whom we send thee, that we may prosper, when we have followed the voice of the Lord our God. And after ten days came the word of the Lord unto jeremy. Then called he johanan the son of Karee, and all the captains of the people that were with him: yea and all the people from the least to the most, and said unto them: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, unto whom you sent me, to lay forth your prayers before him: If you will devil in this land, I shall build you up, and not break you down: I shall plant you, and not rote you out: for I am pacified as concerning the trouble that I have done to you. Fear not the king of Babylon, of whom you stand in awe: O be not afraid of him, saith the Lord: for I will be with you, to help you, and deliver you from his hand. I will pardon you, I will have mercy upon you, & bring you again in to your own land. Nevertheless, if you purpose not to devil in this land, nor to follow the voice of the Lord your God: but will say thus, we will not devil here, but go in to egypt: where we shall neither see war, hear the noise of battle, ne suffer hunger, there will we devil. Wherefore hear now the word of the Lord, oh you remnant of juda. Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: If you be wholly purposed to go in to egypt, and to be there as strangers: the sword that you fear, shall overtake you in egypt, and the hunger whereof you be here afraid shall hang upon you in to Egypt, and there you shall die. For all they that of set purpose undertake to go in to egypt, there to ease themselves of their misery, shall perish with the sword, with hunger, and pestilence: not one of them shall remain, there shall none escape the plague, that I will bring upon them. For thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: like as my wrath and indignation is come upon the inhabitants of jerusalem, so shall my displeasure go forth upon you also, if you go in to Egypt: For there you shallbe reviled, abhorred, brought to shame and confusion: and as for this place, you shall never see it more. The Lord forbiddeth you, oh you remnant of juda, that you shall not go in to egypt. And forget not that I have warned you earnestly this day, else shall you beguile yourselves. For you sent me unto the Lord your God, and said: O pray thou the Lord our God for us: and look what answer the Lord our God giveth thee, that bring us again, and we shall do thereafter. Now have I showed and declared unto you the voice of the Lord your God, for the which cause he hath sent me to you. If you will not follow it, be sure that you shall perish with the sword, with hunger, and pestilence: even in the same place, where your lust was to go and devil. ¶ johanan carrieth the remnant of the people in to Egypt, contrary to the mind of jeremy. jeremy prophecyeth the destruction of egypt. CAPI. XLIII. Now when jeremy had ended all the words of the Lord God unto the people (for their sakes to whom God had sent him) Azariah the son of Osaiah, and johanan the son of Karee, with all the proud people, said unto jeremy: Thou liest, the Lord our God hath not sent the to speak unto us, that we should not go in to Egypt; & devil there: But Baruch the son of Neriah provoketh the against us, that he might bring us in to the captivity of the Caldees: that they might slay us, and carry us away prisoners unto Babylon. So johanan the son of Karee, and all the capitains of the host, and all the people followed not the commandment of the Lord: Namely to devil in the land of juda: But johanan the son of Kar●e, and all the capitains of the host, carried away all the remnant in juda, that were come together again from the Heythen, (among whom they had been scattered) to devil in the land of juda: Men, jeremis xli ● women children, the kings daughters: all those that Nabuzardan the chief captain had left with Godoliah the son of Ahikam. They carried away also the Prophet jeremy, Baruch the son of Neriah, and so came in to Egypt: for they were not obedient unto the commandment of God. Thus came they to Taphnis. And in Taphnis the word of the Lord happened unto jeremy, saying: Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the brick brickwall, under the door of Pharaos' house in Taphnis, that all the men of juda may see, and say unto them: Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will send and call for Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon my servant, jerem xlvi ● and will set his seat upon the stones that I have hid, and he shall spread his tent over them. And when he cometh he shall smite the land of Egypt with slaughter, with prisonment, and with the sword. He shall set fire upon the temples of the Egyptians gods, and burn them up, and take themselves prisoners. Moreover he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, like as a shepherd putteth on his cote, and shall depart his way from thence in peax. The pyllers also of the temple of the sun that is in egypt: shall he break in pieces, and burn the temples of the Egyptians gods. ¶ He reproveth the people for their idolatry. They that set light by the threatening of the Lord, are chastened. The destruction of egypt and the jews therein, is prophesied. CAPI. XLIIII. THis is the word that was showed to jeremy concerning all the jews, which dwelt in egypt: at Magdal, at Taphnis, at Memphis, and in the land of Patures. Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: you have seen all the misery that I have brought upon jerusalem, and upon all the cities of juda, so that this day they are desolate, and no man dwelling therein: and that because of the great blasphemies which they committed, to provoke me unto anger: In that they went back to do sacrifice and worship unto strange gods: whom neither they, nor you, jerem xxv a and. x●ix c your fathers have known. How be it I sent unto them my servants all the Prophets: I rose up early, and sent unto them, and gave them warning: O do no such abominable things, and things that I hate. But they would not follow ne hearken, to turn from their wickedness, and to do no more sacrifice unto strange gods. Wherefore mine indignation and wrath was kindled, and brent up the cities of juda, the fields with the streets of jerusalem, so that they were made waste and desolate, as it is come to pass this day. Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: How happeneth it that you do so great evil unto your own souls, thus to destroy the men and women, children and babes of juda? so that none of you is left, because you provoke me unto wrath with the works of your own hands: when you offer unto strange gods in the land of egypt, where as you begun to devil: That you might utterly perish, and that you might be reviled, and shamefully entreated of all nations. Or have you now forgotten the wickedness of your forefathers, the wickedness of the kings of juda, and their wives, the wickedness that you yourselves and your wives have done in the land of juda, in the city and in the land of jerurusalem? Yet are you not sorry this day, you fear not neither walk you in my law & in my commandments that I have given unto you and your fore fathers. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: I am steadfastly advised and determined to punish you, and to rote out all juda. As for the remnant of juda that purposely went in to Egypt, Amos ix b there to ease them of their misery: I will take them and they shall all be destroyed. jeremy xlii c and xliiii a. In the land of egypt shall they perish, being consumed with the sword and with hunger. For from the least unto the most, they shall perish with the sword and with hunger. Moreover they shall be reviled, abhorred, shamed, and confounded. For I will visit them that devil in Egypt, jerem xxxix as I have visited jerusalem: with the sword, with hunger, and with pestilence: so that none of the remnant of juda, which are go to devil in egypt shall be left to come again in to the land of juda, although they think to come thither again, & to dwell there. For none shall come again, but such as are fled away. Then all the men which knew that their wives had offered unto strange gods, and a great sort of wives that stood there, yea and all the people that dwelt there in egypt in the city of Patures answered jeremy and said: as for the words that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord we will in no wise heart them: but what so ever goeth out of our own mouth, that will we do: We will do sacrifice, and offer oblations unto the queen of heaven, Iere●● 〈…〉 like as we and our fore fathers, our kings and our deeds have done in the cities of juda, and in the streets and fields of jerusalem. For than had we plenteousness of victuals, than were we in prosperity, & no misfortune came upon us. But sense we left to offer and to do sacrifice unto the Queen of heaven, i Math▪ 〈…〉 we have had scarcenesss of all things, and perish with the sword and hunger. Last of all, when we women did sacrifice and offered unto the Queen of heaven, did we make her takes, and pour unto her drink offerings, to do her service, without our husbands wills? Then said jeremy unto all the people, to the men, to the women, and to all the folk which had given him that answer: Did not the Lord remember the sacrifices that you, your fore fathers, Ier●●. ● your kings and rulers (with all the people) have offered in the cities of juda, in the streets and land of jerusalem? and hath he not consdered this in his mind? In so much that the Lord might no longer suffer the wickedness of your inventions, and the abominable things which you did? Isaiah▪ ●● Is not your land desolate and void, yea and abhorred so that no man dwelleth therein any more, as it is come to pass this day? Did not all this happen unto you because you made such sacrifice, three Re. 〈…〉 Iere●● 〈…〉 three c v c baruch. and sinned against the Lord? You have not followed his voice, to walk in his law, in his ordinances and statutes. Yea this is the cause, that all misfortune happened unto you, as it is come to pass this day. Moreover, jeremy spoke unto all the people, and to all the women: Hear the word of the Lord all juda, you that be in the land of egypt: thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: You and your wives have spoken with your own mouth the thing that you have fulfilled in deed. Yea thus have you said: We will not fail, Jere. li●i. ● but do the thing that pleaseth us: we will do sacrifice, and pour out drink offreynges to the queen of heaven. Purposely have you set up your own good meanings, and hastily have you fulfilled your own intent. And therefore hear the word of the Lord all juda, you that dwell in the land of egypt. Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the Lord, Gene. x● that my name shall not be rehearsed thorough any man's mouth of juda, in all the land of egypt, to say: The Lord God liveth, for I will watch to plague them, and not for their wealth. And all the men of juda that be in the land of egypt, shall perish with the sword, and with hunger, jere. ●● until they be utterly destroyed. Nevertheless those that fled away for the sword, shall come again in to the land of juda, but there shall be very few of them. And all the remnant of juda, that are go into egypt, there to devil, shall know whose words shall be found true: there's or mine. Take this for a token, that I will viset you in this place, saith the Lord, and the you may know, how that I (without doubt) will perform my purpose upon you to punish you. Behold, saith the Lord, I will deliver Pharaoh Hophrea king of egypt in to the hands of his enemies, that seek after his life: 〈…〉 even as I gave Sedechias the king of juda in to the hands of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, which sought after his life. ¶ Baruch is reproved of jeremy. CAPI. XLV. THese are the words that jeremy the Prophet spoke unto Baruch the son of Neriah, 〈…〉 after that he had written these Sermons into a book at the mouth of jeremy, in the fourth year of joakim the son of josiah king of juda. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel unto thee, O Baruch: In so much as thou thoughtest thus, when thou wast writing. Woe is me, the Lord hath given me pain for my travail: I have wearied myself with sighing, and shall I find no rest? Therefore tell him O jeremy, that the Lord says thus: Behold, The thing that I have builded, will I break down again, and rote out the thing, that I have planted, yea this hole land. And seekest thou yet promotion? Look not for it, and desire it not. For I will bring a miserable plague upon all flesh says the Lord. But thy life will I give the for a pray wheresoever thou goest. ¶ He prophecyeth the destruction of Egypt. deliverance is promised to Israel. CAPI. XLVI. HEre follow the words of the Lord to the Prophet jeremy, 〈…〉 which he spoke unto the gentiles. These wores following preached he to the Egypcians concerning the host of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, when he was in Charcamis beside the water of Euphrates: what time as Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon slew him, in the fourth year of of joakim the son of josiah king of juda. You make ready buckler and shield, you go forth to fight: You harness your horses and set yourselves upon them: You set your salads fast on, you bring for the spears, you scour your sweardes and put on your breest plates. But alas, how happeneth it, that I see you so afraid? why shrink you back? wherefore are your worthies slain? Yea they run so fast away, that none of them looketh behind him. Fearfulness is fallen upon every one of them saith the Lord. The lightest of foot shall not i'll away, and the worthies shall not escape. Toward the north by the water of Euphrates, they shall stumble & fall. But what is he this, the swelleth up, as it were a flood, roaring & raging like the streams of water? It is Egypt that riseth up like the flood, and casts out the waters with so great noise. For they say: We will go up, and will cover the earth: we will destroy the cities, with them that dwell therein. Get you to horseback roll forth the charettes, come forth you worthies: you Morions, you Libeans with your bucklers, you Lideans with your bows: So shall this day be unto the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his enemies. The sword shall devour, it shall be satisfied & bathed in their blood: For the Lord God of hosts shall have a slain offering toward the north, by the water of Euphrates. Go up (O Galaad) and bring treacle unto the daughter of egypt: But in vain shalt thou go to surgery for thy wound shall nor be stopped. The heathen shall near of thy shame, and the land shall be full of thy confusion: for one strong man shall stumble upon an other, how then should they not fall both together. These are the words that the Lord spoke to the Prophet jeremy, concerning the host of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, which was sent to destroy the land of Egypt: Preach out thorough the land of Egypt, & 'cause it be proclaimed at Magdol, Memphis and Thaphnis, and say: Stand still, make the ready, for the sword shall consume the round about. How happeneth it that thy mighty worthies are fallen? why stood they not fast? Even because the Lord thrust them down. The slaughter was great, for one fallen ever still upon an other. One cried upon an other: Up, let us go again to our own people, and to our own natural country, from the sword of our enemy, Cry even there: O Pharaoh king of egypt, the time will bring sedition. As truly as I live (saith the king, whose name is the Lord of Hosts) it shall come as the mount of Thabor, and as Lybanus if it stood in the see. O thou daughter of egypt make ready thy gear to flit. For Memphis shall be void and desolate, so that no man shall dwell therein. The land of Egyte is like a goodly fair calf, but one shall come out of the North to prick her forward. Her waged soldiers that be with her, are like fat calves. They also shall i'll away together, and not abide: for the day of their slaughter & the time of their visitation shall come upon them. The cry of their enemies shall make a noise, as the blast of a trumpet. For they shall enter in with their host, and come with axes, as it were hewers down of wood. And they shall cut down her wood, saith the Lord, without any discretion. For they shall be more in number then the gresshoppers, so that no man shall be able to tell them. The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded, when she shall be delivered in to the hands of the people of the North. Moreover thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: Behold I will viset that restless people of Alexandria, Pharaoh and egypt, yea both their gods and their kings: even Pharaoh, and all them that put their trust in him. Yea I will deliver them into the hands of those, that seek after their lives: Namely, into the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, and into the power of his servants. And after all these things it shall be inhabited as afore time saith the Lord. But be not thou afraid (O my servant jacob) fear not thou, O Israel. For lo, I will help the from far, and thy seed from the land of thy captivity. jacob also shall come again, and be in rest: he shall be rich, and no man shall do him harm. Fear thou not (O jacob my servant) saith the Lord, for I am with thee: and will destroy all nations, amongs whom I have scattered thee, Nevertheless I will not consume the but chasten the and correct thee: yea and that with discretion: neither will I spare the as one that were faultless. ¶ The word of the Lord, against the Philystynes. CAPI. XLVII. THese are the words, that the Lord spoke unto jeremy the Prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote the city of Azah. Thus says the Lord: Behold, there shall waters arise out of the North: and shall grow to a great flood, running over, and covering the land, the cities, and them that devil therein. And the men shall cry, and all they that devil in the land shall mourn at the noise and stamping of their strong barbed horses, at the shaking of their charettes and at the tumbling of the wheels. The fathers shall not look to their children, so feeble and weary shall their hands be: at the same time when he shall be there, to destroy the hole land of the Philistines. He shall make waste both Tyrus, Sidon and all other that are sworn unto them. For the Lord will destroy all Palestina, and the other Isles, that be divided from the country. Baldness is come upon Azah, Ascalon with her other valleys shall keep her peax. How long wilt thou slay, O thou sword of the Lord? Turn again in to thy soethe, rest, and leave of. But how can it cease, when the Lord himself hath given him a charge against Ascalon, and raised it up against the cities of the see cost? ¶ The word of the Lord against the Moabites. CAPI. XLVIII. THus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel against Moab: Esay. 〈…〉 Ezech. 〈…〉 Sop●●. Ios●●. x● woe be to the city of Nabo, for it shall be laid waste, brought to contusyon and ●aken. Yea thy strong city of Kariathiarim shall be brought to shame, and afraid: Moab shall no more he had in honour: Wicked counsel shall be taken upon Hesbon. Come (shall they say) let us rote them out, that they may be no more among the number of the gentiles, you that they may no more be thought upon: Thus the sword shall persecute thee: A voice shall cry from Horonaim: With great wasting and destruction, is Moab made desolace. And this cry shall be herd in all her cities. At the going up unto Luith there shall arise a lamentation: and down toward Horonaim, there shall be herd a cruel and a deadly cry: Get you away, save your lives and be like unto the haveth in the wilderness. Ie●re. 〈…〉 For because thou hast trusted in thy strong holds and treasure, thou shalt be taken, Chamos with his priests and princes shall go away into captivity. The destroyer shall come upon all the cities, none shall escape. The valleys shall be destroyed, and the fields shall be laid waste like as the Lord hath determined. Make a token unto Moab, that she get her away speedily: for her cities shall be made so desolate, that no man shall devil therein. Cursed be he that both the work of the Lord negligently, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from shedding of blood. Moab hath never been rich and careless from her youth up, she hath sitten and taken her ease with her treasure. She was never yet put out of one vessel into on other (that is) she never went away in to captivity, therefore her caste remaineth, and her savour is not yet changed. But lo, the time cometh, saith the Lord that I shall send her crussers to truss her up to prepare and season her vessels: yea her tankards rattle and shake to and fro. And Moab shall be ashamed of Chamos, like as Israel was ashamed of Bethel, wherein she put her trust. Wherefore do you think thus: i Reg. 〈…〉 we are mighty, and strong men of war? Moab shall be destroyed, and her cities brent up: her choose young men shall be slain, Isaiah. xv● saith the king, whose name is the Lord of Hosts. The destruction of Moab cometh on a pace, and her fall is at hand. All her neigboures shall mourn for her, and all they that know her name, shall say: O how happeneth it, that the strong staff and, the goodly rod is thus broken? And thou daughter Dibon, come down from thy glory and sit in poverty. For he that destroyeth Moab, shall come up to the also, and break down thy strong holds. And thou that dwellest in Aroer, get the to the street, and look about thee: ask them that are fled and escaped, and say: what thing is happened? O, Moab is confounded and overcome. Mourn and cry, tell it out at Arnon, that Moab is destroyed. And misery shall come upon the plain land: Namely, upon Holon, & jahazah: upon Mephaath & Dibon: upon Nabo and the house of Deblathaim, upon Cariathiarim and Bethgamul, upon Bethmaon and Carioth, upon Bozrah and all the cities in the land of Moab, whether they lie far or near. The horn of Moab shall be smitten down, and her arm broken, says the Lord Make her drunken, for she magnified herself above the Lord, that men may clap their hands at her vomit, and that she also may be laughed to scorn. 〈◊〉 xxvii. a O Israel, shalt thou not laugh him to scorn, when he is taken among thieves? Yea because of thy words that thou hast spoken against him, thou shalt be driven away. You Moabites shall leave the cities, and devil in rocks of stone, & become like doves, that make their nests in holes. As for Moabs' pride, we have herd of it, 〈◊〉 xvi b. 〈…〉. she is very high minded. I know her stoutness, her boasting, her arrogancy, & the pride of her stomach, saith the Lord. For her furiousness may neither uphold her with strength ne deed. Therefore shall there mourning be made for Moab, and every man shall cry for Moabs' sake: a lamentation shallbe made to the men that stand upon the brickwall. So will I mourn for the also, O jazer, and for the. O thou vineyard of Sabamah. Thy wine branches shall come over the see, and the branches of jazer but unto the see: the destroyer shall break into thy harvest and grape gathering: Mirth and cheer shall be taken away from the tymbrefelde, and from the hole land of Moab. There shall be no sweet wine in the press, the treader shall have no stomach to cry, yea there shall be none to cry unto him: which afore time were herd from Hesbon to Eleale & jahaz, which lifted up their voice from Zoar unto Horonaim, that bullock of three year old. The waters also of Memrim shall be dried up. 〈…〉. Moreover I will make Moab cease (saith the Lord) from the offeynges & censing that she hath made unto her gods in high places. Wherefore my heart mourneth for Moab, like a crowd playing an heavy song: and for the men's sake of the brick brickwall my heart mourneth also, even as a pipe that pypeth a doleful song: for they shall be very few, and destroyed. All heads shall be shaven, and all beards clipped of: all hands bound, and all loins girded about with takcloth. Upon all the house tops and streets of Moab, there shall be mourning: For I will break Moab like an unprofitable vessel saith the Lord. O how fearfuel is she? O how mourneth she? O how doth Moab hung down her head, and is ashamed? Thus shall Moab be a laughing stock, and had in derision of all them, that be round about her. For thus saith the Lord: Behold, Deu. xx.viii. ● jerem xlix d. the enemy shall come flying as an Eagle, & spread his wings upon Moab. They shall climb over the walls, and win the strong holds. Then the mighty men's hearts in Moab shall be like the heart of a woman traveling with child, jerem xlix d And Moab shall be made so desolate, that she shall no more be a people, because she hath set up herself against the Lord. Fear, pit, and snare shall come upon thee (O Moab) saith the Lord. Who so escapeth the fear, shall fall in the pit: Isaiah xxiiii d and who so getteth out of the pit, shall be taken in the snare. For I will bring a year of visitation upon Moab, saith the Lord. Esay xxiiii ● They that are able to fly, shall stand under the shadow of Hesebon. For there shall go a fire out of Hesebon, and a flame from Zion, and shall burn up that proud people of Moab, both before and behind. Woe be unto thee (O Moab) for thou people of Chamos shalt perish: Yea thy sons and daughters shall be led away captive. Yet at the last will I bring Moab out of captivity again, saith the Lord. Thus far of the plague of Moab. ¶ The word of the Lord against the Immonytes, against Idumea, Damascus, Cedar, and Elam. CAPI. XLIX. AS concerning the Ammonytes, thus the Lord saith: Ezechi xxi d and xxv a Amos i a. Hath Israel no children, or is he without an heir? Why hath your king then taken Gad in? wherefore doth his people devil in his cities? Behold therefore, the time cometh (saith the Lord) that I will bring a noise of war into Rabah of the Ammonytes. Lahel shall be desolate, and her cities brent up: and the Israelites shall be Lords over those that had them in possession afore, saith the Lord Hesebon shall mourn, for it shall be rooted out of the ground, saith the Lord. The cities of Rabah shall cry out, and gird themselves with sackcloth: they shall mourn, & run about the walls: for their king shall be led away prisoner: yea his priests and princes with him. Wherefore trustest thou in the water streams that flow to and fro, O thou fierce daughter: and thinkest thou art so safe (by reason of thy treasure) that no man shall come to thee? Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord God of hosts, from all those that be about thee: so that you shall be scattered every man from an other, and no man shall gather them together again that be fled. But after that, I will bring the Ammonites also out of captivity again. Isaiah xxi b. Ezechi xxv b xxxii. f xxxv a Upon the Edomites hath the Lord of hosts spoken on this manner: Is there no more wisdom in Theman? Is there no more good counsel among his people? Is their wisdom then turned clean to naught? Get you hence, turn your backs, creep down into the deep, O you cytyzins of Dedan. For I will bring destruction upon Esau, yea & the day of his visitation. If the grape gatherers came upon thee, should they not leave some grapes? If the night robbers came upon thee, should they not take so much as they thought were enough? But I will make Esau bore, and discover his secrets, so that he shall not be able to hide them. His seed shall be wasted away, yea his brethren and his neighbours, and he himself shall not be left behind. jerem xxv b Ezechiel ix b i Petri iiii c Thou shalt leave thy fatherless children behind thee, and I will keep them and thy widows shall take their comfort in me. For thus hath the Lord spoken: Behold, they that men thought were unmere to drink of the cup, have drunken with the first: and thinkest thou then to be free? Not not: thou shalt neither be quite nor free, but thou must drink also: For why, I have sworn by myself (saith the Lord) ● Bozrah shall become a wilderness, an open shame, a laughing slocke and cursing: and her cities shall be a continual desert. For I am perfectly informed of the Lord that he hath sent a message all ready unto the heathen. Gather you together, and go forth against them: Abdi i a Esay xlvii b Iere xlviii d make you ready to the battle, for lo: I will make the but small among the heathen, and little regarded among men. The high stomach and the pride of thy vert have deceived the because thou wilt devil in the holes of stony rocks, and have the high mountains in possession. Nevertheless though thy nest were as high as the Eagles, yet will I cast the down, saith the Lord Moreover Idumea shall be a wilderness: who so goeth by it, shall be abashed, & wonder at all her miserable plagues. Like as Sodom, Gene. xix e Gomor, and the cities that lay there about, were turned up side down (says the Lord) so shall no body devil in Idumea, and no man shall have his habitation there, Behold, like as the Lion cometh up from the pleasant meadows of jordan unto the green pastures of Etham, so will I drive him, and make him tun against her. But who is the young man that I will ordain thereto? job xli a Who is like unto me? What is he that will sleyve with me? What shepherd may stand in my hands? Therefore hear the counsel of the Lord, that he hath taken upon Idumea: and his purpose, that he hath denysed upon the cytezins of The man: The least of the flock shall tear them in pieces, & look what fair thing they have, they shall make it waste, and themselves also: At the noise of their fall the earth shall quake, the cry of their voice shall be herd unto the read see. Behold, the ennmye shall come and flee up hither, like as it were an Eagle, and spread his wings upon Bozrah. Then shall the hearts of the worthies in Edom be as the heart of a woman travailing of child. Upon Damascus, Hemath and Arphad shall come confusion, for they shall hear evil tidings: they shall be tossed to & fro like the see that can not stand still. Damascus shall be sore afraid, and shall flee, trembling shall come upon her. Sorrow and pain shall over take her as a woman traveling of child. But how should so worshipful and glorious a city be forsaken? Hear therefore: her young men shall fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be taken away in that time, say the the Lord of hosts. I will kindle a fire in the walls of Damascus, which shall consume the palace of Benhadad. As for Cedar and the kingdom of Hazor, Esay. 〈…〉 whom Nabuchodonozor the king of Babylon smote down, the Lord hath spoken thus upon them: Arise, and get you up unto Cedar and destroy the people toward the east. Their tents and their flocks shall they take away, yea their hangynges and their vessel. Their camels also shall they carry away with them. They shall come about them on every side with a fearful cry. Flee, get you soon away, creep in to caves, that you may devil there: O you inhabitants of Hazor saith the Lord: for Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon hath held a counsel concerning you and concluded his device against you. Arise, and get you up against yonder rich and careless people (saith the Lord) which have neither gates ne door bars, and that devil not together, Their Camels shall be stolen and the droves of their cattle driven a way. Moreover, these that be shaven will I scatter toward all the winds, and bring them to destruction: yea and that thorough their own famyliers, saith the Lord. Hazor also shall be a dwelling for Dragons, & an everlasting wyldernese: so that no body shall devil there, and no man shall have there his habitation. These are the words, that the Lord spoke to the prophet jeremy concerning Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Sedechias king of juda. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Behold: I will break the bow of Elam, and take away their strength and upon Elam I will bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, & will scatter them against the same four winds. And there shall be no people, but some of Elam shall flee unto them. For I will 'cause Elam to be afraid of their enemies, and of them that seek their lives: and will bring upon them the indignation of my wrath, saith the Lord. And I will persecute them with the sword, so long till I have brought them to nought. I will set my stole in Elam, I will destroy both the king and the princes from thence, saith the Lord. But in process of time, I will bring Elam out of captivity again, says the Lord. ¶ He prophesieth the destruction of Babylon, and the deliverance of Israel, which was in captivity. CAPI. L. THe words that the Lord spoke unto the Prophet jeremy, 〈…〉 concerning Babylon, and the land of the Caldees: preach among the gentiles, let your voice be herd, make a token: cry out, keep no silence, but say: Babylon shall be won, Be! shall be confounded, and Merodach shall be overcome. Yea their gods shallbe brought to shame and their images shall stand in tear. For out of the north there shall come a people against her, which shall make her land so waste, that no body shall devil therein: neither man ne beast, for they shall flee and depart from thence. In those days and at that time says the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of juda, weeping and making haste, and shall seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, thither shall they turn their faces, and come and hang upon thee, in a covenant that never shall be broken. My people hath been a lost flock, my shepherds have deceived them, and have made them go astray upon the hills, They have go from the mountain to the little hill, and forgotten their fold. All they that came upon them, have devoured them: and their enemies said: We have made no fault against them, for they have displeased the Lord, yea even the Lord which is the beauty of their righteousness, and that defended their fathers. Yet shall you flee from Babylon, and depart out of the land of the Caldees, and you shall be as the rams that go before the flock. For lo, I will wake up an host of people from the Northern land, 〈…〉. & bring them upon Babylon: these shall say siege to it, and win it: Their arrows shall not miss, like as a cunning archer shoteth not wrong. And the Caldees shall be spoiled, & all they that spoil them, shall be satisfied saith the Lord: 〈…〉 because you were so cheerful and glad, to tread down mine heritage, and fulfilled your pleasures, as the selves in the grass: and triumphed over the like the bulls, when you had got the victory. your mothers shall be sore confounded and they that bore you, shall come to shame. She shall be the lest set by among the nations, void waste, and dried up. No man shall be able to dwell there, for the fear of the Lord, but he shall be hole desolate. All they that go by Babylon, shall stand still, and be abashed, and shall wonder at all her plagues. Go forth in your array against Babylon round about, all you that can handle bows shoot at her, spare no arrows, jere xviii b xix b xlix c for she hath sinned against the Lord. Cry out: upon her, upon her, against her round about: she shall yield herself, her foundations shall fall and her walls shall come down, for it shall be the vengeance of the Lord Exod. xxi b. levit xxiiii d johel iii b Yea vengeance shall be taken of her, and as she hath done, so shall she be dealt withal. They shall rote out the sour from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in harvest. For fear of the sword of the enemy, every man shall get him to his own people, and every man shall flee to his own land Israel is a scattered flock, the Lions have disperse them. first the king of the Assyrians devoured them, iiii. Rg xvii e Isaiah ten a four Re. xxv b. last of all this Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon hath brosed all their bones. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Behold I will visit the king of Babylon and his kingdom, iiii. Reg. xix g Esay xiiii d. as I have visited the king of the Assyryans and will bring Israel again to his pleasant pasture, that he may feed upon Charmel and Basan, and be satisfied upon the mount of Ephraim and Galaad. In those days and at the same time (saith the Lord) if the offence of Israel be sought for, there shall none be found: If men inquire for the sin of juda, there shall be none: for I will be merciful unto them, whom I suffer to remain over. Go down (O thou avenger) into the enemies land, and visit them that devil therein: down with them, and smite them upon the backs, saith the Lord: do according to all that I have commanded the. There is go about the land a cry of slaughter and great murder, namely on this manner: How happeneth it, that the hammer of the hole world is thus broken and brosed insunder? How chanceth it, that Babylon is become a wilderness among the heathen on this manner? I myself have laid wait for thee, and thou art taken: unwares art thou trapped and snared: for why, thou haste provoked the Lord unto anger: The Lord hath opened his house of ordinance, and brought forth the weapons of his wrath. For the thing that is done in the land of the Caldees, it is the Lord of hosts work. These things shall come upon her at the last, they shall break in to her privy chambers, they shall leave her as bore as stones, that be laid together upon heaps. They shall so destroy her, that nothing shall be left. They shall slay all their mighty soldiers, and put them to death. Woe be unto them, for the day and time of their visitation is at hand. Me think I hear all ready a cry, of them that be fled and escaped out of the land of Babylon, which show in Zion the vengeance of his temple: yea a voice of them, that cry against Babylon: Call up all the archers against Babylon, ●ytch your tents round about her, that none escape. Recompense her, as she hath deserved: and according as she hath done, so deal with her again: for she hath set up herself against the Lord, against the holy one of Israel. Therefore shall her young men fall down in the streets, and all her men of war shall be rooted out in that day, says the Lord. Behold I speak unto thee (O thou proud) says the Lord God of Hosts: for thy day shall come, even the time of thy visitation. And the proud shall stumble & fall, and no man shall help him up. I will burn up his cities with fire, and it shall consume all that is round about him. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: The children of Israel and juda suffer violence together. All they that have them in captivity, keep them fast, and will not let them go: but their avenger and redeemer is mighty, whose name is the Lord of Hosts: he shall maintain their cause, he shall make the land shake, and judge them that devil ther●n, one with an other. The sword shall come upon the Caldees, saith the Lord, upon them that devil in Babylon, upon their princes, and upon their wise men: the sword upon their soothsayers, as for those (they shall be come fools.) The sword upon their worthyts, so that they shall stand in fear: The sword upon their horsemen and charets and upon all the comen people that devil under them: so that they shall all become like women: the sword upon their treasure, so that it shall be stolen away: The sword upon their waters, so that they shall be dried up: For the land worshippeth images and delighteth in strange wonderful things. Therefore shall wild beasts, Apes, and Estryches devil therein: for there shall never man devil there, neither shall any man have his habitation there for evermore. Like as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorre, Gene. xix c jeremy i b. Deu xxviii c with the cities that lay there about, saith the Lord: So shall no man dwell there also, neither shall any man have there his habitation. Behold, there shall come a people from the North, with a great bond of men, and many kings shall stand up from the ends of the earth: They bear bows and bucklers, cruel are they and unmerciful. Their voice roareth like the raging see, they ride upon horses, and come weaponed to fight against thee: O Babylon. As soon as the king of Babylon beareth tell of them his hands shall wax feeble: Sorrow and, heaviness shall come upon him, as a woman traveling with child. jeremis xlix c Behold, like as the Lion cometh up from the pleasant meadows of jordane unto the green pastures of Ethan, so will I dryve them forth, & make them run against her. But whom shall I chose out, and ordain to such a thing? For who is like me, or who will sleyve with me? jov xli a. or what shepherd may stand against me? Therefore hear the counsel that the Lord hath given upon Babylon, and the device that he hath taken upon the land of the Caldees. The least among the people shall tear them in pieces, and look what pleasant thing they have: they shall lay it waste. The noise at the winning of Babylon shall move the earth, and the cry shall be herd among the gentiles. ¶ How Babylon should be overthrown. jeremy giveth his book to Saraiah. CAPI. LIVELY THus hath the Lord said: behold, I will raise up a perilous wind against Babylon and her cytzens, jere. ●●● that bear evil will against me. I will send also into Babylon fanners, to fan her out and to destroy her land: for in the day of her trouble they shall be about her on every side: Moreover, the Lord hath said unto the bow men, and to them that clime over the walls in breast plates: You shall not spare her young men: kill down all her host. Thus the slain shall fall down in the land of the Caldees, and the wounded in the streets. Iere●●● As for Israel and juda, they shall not be forsaken, of their God, of the Lord of hosts, of the holy one of Israel: not, though they have filled all their land full of synnne. Flee away from Babylon, every man save his life. Esay 〈◊〉 Let no man hold his tongue to her wickedness, for the time of the lords vengeance is come, yea he shall reward her again. Babylon hath been in the lords hand a golden cup, Iere●●● that maketh all lands drunken. Of her wine have all people drunken, therefore are they out of their wyties. But suddenly is Babylon fallen and destroyed. Esa●. 〈…〉. x●iii. b. Mourn for her, bring playsteers for her wounds, if she may peradventure be healed again. We would have made Babylon hole (say they) but she is not recovered. Therefore will we let her alone, and go every man into his own country. For her judgement is come in to heaven, and is go up to the clouds. And therefore come on, we will show Zion the work of the Lord our God. Make sharp the arrows, and fill the quivers: 〈…〉 for the Lord shall raise up the spirit of the king of the Medes, which hath already a desire to destroy Babylon. This shall be the vengeance of the Lord, and the vengeance of his temple. Set up tokens upon the walls of Babylon, make your watch strong, set your watch men in array, yea hold pryure watches: and yet for all that shall the Lord go forth with the device, which he hath taken upon them that devil in Babylon. O thou that dwellest by the great waters, O thou that hast so great treasure and riches, thine end is come: Amos. I●●●● and the reckoning of thy wynnynges. The Lord of hosts hath sworn by himself, that he will over whelm the with men l●ke greshoppers in number, Ie●●● which with a courage shall cry Alatum Alarm against the. Yea even the Lord of hosts, that with his power made the earth with his wisdom prepared the round world, and with his discretion spread out the heavens. 〈◊〉 xxxv. b As soon as he letteth his voice be herd the waters in the air wax fierce: He draweth up the clouds from the ends of the earth. He turneth the lyghtenynges to rain, he bringeth the winds out of their secret places. By the reason of wisdom, all men are become fools. 〈…〉. Confounded be all the casters of images: For the thing that they make, is but disobeyed, and hath no breath. Vain is it, and worthy to be laughed at: and in the time of visitation, it shall perish. Nevertheless the portion of jacob is none such: but he that made all, whose name is the Lord of hosts, is the rod of his inderytaunce. Thou breakest my weapons of war, and yet thorough the I have scattered the nations and kingdoms: Thorough the have I scattered horse and horseman, yea the charettes, and such as sat upon them: Thorough the I have scattered man and woman, old and young, bachelor and maiden. Thorough thee, I have scattered the shepherd and his flock, the husband man, and his cattle, the princes and the rulers. Therefore will I reward the city of Babylon, and all her citezyns the Caldees, with all the evil which they have done unto Zion: yea that you yourselves shall see it, saith the Lord. Behold, I come upon thee (thou noisome hill) saith the Lord: thou that destroyest all lands. I will stretch out my hand over thee, and cast the down from the stony rocks: & will make the a brent hill, so that neither corner stones ne pinnacles, ne foundation stones shall be taken any more out of thee, but waste and desolate shalt thou lie for ever more saith the Lord. Set up a token in the land: blow the trumpets among the Heathen, provoke the nayons against her, call the kingdoms of Ararat, Menni, and Ascanes against her: number out Taphsar against her: bring as great a sort of horses against her, as if they were greshoppers. Prepare against them the people of the Medes, with their kings, princes, and all their chief rulers, yea and the hole land that is under them. The land also shall shake and be afraid when the device of the Lord shall come forth against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon so waste, that no man shall devil any more therein. The worthies of Babylon shall leave the battle, and keep themselves in strong holds, their strength hath failed them, they shall be like women. Their dwelling places shall be brent up, their bars shall be broken. One pursuivant shall meet an other, yea one post shall come by an other to bring the king of Babylon tidings: that his city is taken on every side, the fords occupied the fens brent up, and the soldiers fore afraid. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: the d●ughter of Babylon hath been in her time like as a threshing floor, but shortly shall her harvest come. Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon hath devoured and destroyed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he swallowed me up like a dragon, and filled his belie with my delicates: he hath cast me out, he hath taken my substance away, and the thing that was left me, hath he carried unto Babylon, saith the daughter that dwelleth in Zion: yea and my blood also unto the Caldees, saith jerusalem. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold I will defend thy cause, and avenge thee: I will drink up her fee, and dry up her water springs. Babylon shall become an heap of stones, a dwelling place for dragons, Isaiah xxi ● a fearfulness and wondering, vicause no man dwelleth there. They shall roar together like lions, and as the young lions when they be angry, so shall they bend themselves. In their heat I shall set drink before them, and they shall be drunken for joy: jeremy ii d Then shall they sleep an everlasting sleep, and never wake, saith the Lord. I shall carry them down to be slain like sheep, like wethers and goats. O, how was Sesach won? O how was the glory of the hole land taken? How happeneth it that Babylon is so wondered at among the Heathen? The see is risen over Babylon, and hath covered her with his great waves. Her cities are laid waste, the land lieth unbuilded & void: it is a land where no man dwelleth, and where no man traveleth thorough. Moreover I will visit Bel at Babylon: jeremy l a. Esay xlvi a Danie. xiiii d. and the thing that he hath swallowed up: that same shall I pluck out of his mouth. The gentiles also shall run no more unto him: yea and the walls of Babylon shall fall O my people, come out of Babylon, that every man may save his life, from the fearful wrath of the Lord. Be not faint hearted, and fear not at every rumour that shall be herd in the land: for every year bringeth new tidings, yea strange wickedness and lordship. And lo, the time cometh that I will visit the images of Babylon, and the hole land shall be confounded, yea and her slain shall lie in the midst of her: Heaven and earth with all that is therein, shall rejoice over Babylon, when the destroyers shall come upon her from the north, saith the Lord. Like as Babylon hath beaten down and slain many of Israel, so shall there fall many and be slain in all her kingdom. jeremy l ●. You that have escaped the sword, haste you, stand not still, remember the Lord a far of: and think upon jerusalem, for we were ashamed to hear the blasphemies: our faces were covered with shame, because the strange aleauntes came in to the Sanctuary of the Lord. Wherefore behold (saith the Lord) the time cometh that I will visit the images of Babylon, and thorough the hole land they shall mourn and fall. jerem xlix d. Though Babylon climbed up in to heaven, and kept her power on high: yet shall I send her destroyers, saith the Lord. A piteous cry shall be herd from Babylon, and a great misery from the land of the Caldees: when the Lord destroyeth them, and when he driveth out the high stomach, and proud boasting, wherewith they have been as furious as the waves of great water floods, and made great cracks with their words. For the destroyers shall come upon her, (even upon Babylon) which shall take her worthies, and break their bows: for God is disposed to avenge himself upon them, and sufficiently to recompense them. Yea (saith the Lord) I will make their Princes, their wise men, their chief rulers and all their worthies drunken: so that they shall sleep and everlasting sleep, and never wake: Thus saith the king, whose name is the Lord of hosts. Moreover, thus saith the Lord of hosts: The thick brickwall of Babylon shall be broken, and her proud gates shall be brent up. And the thing that the gentiles and the people have wrought with great travail & labour, shall come to naught, and be consumed in the fire. This is the charge that jeremy gave unto Saraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Maasiah, when he went toward Babylon with Sedechias the king of juda, in the forth year of his reign. Now this Saraiah was a peaceable prince. jeremy written in a book all the misery that should come upon Babylon, yea and all these sermons that be written against Babylon, and gave Saraiah this charge: When thou comest unto Babylon, see that thou read all these words and say: O Lord thou art determined to rote out this place, so that neither people nor castle shall dwell there any more, but to lie waste for ever: and when thou hast read out the book, bind a stone to it, and cast it in the wyddest of Euphrates and say: Even thus shall Babylon sink, and be thrust down with the burden of trouble that I will bring upon her: so that she shall never come up again. Thus far are the preachings of jeremy. ¶ He repeateth the taking of Sedechias. jerusalem is taken of the Caldees. Sedechias sons are killed before his face, and his eyes put out. The city is burned. The temple is spoiled and rob. They that were left in jerusalem, are carried to Babylon. King joakym is brought forth of preson, and fed like a king. CAPI. LII. SEdechias was one and twenty year old when he was made king, and he reigned eleven year in jerusalem. iiii. R xxiiii d two Par. x●vi. b His mother's name was Hamural, jeremyes' daughter of Lobnah. He lived wickedly before the Lord even as joakim did. Wherefore the Lord was angry at jerusalem and juda, so long till he had cast them out of his presence. And Sedechias fell from the king of Babylon. But in the nyneth year of his reign, jere. 〈◊〉 iiii. 〈…〉 in the tenth month, the tenth day of the month, it happened that Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon with all his host came before jerusalem, and besieged it, and made them bulwark round about it. And this besieging of the city endured unto the eleventh year of king Sedechias. And in the fourth month, the nyneth day of the month, there was so great hunger in the city, that there were no more victuals for the people of the land. So all the soldiers broke away, and fled out of the city by night thorough the way of the port between the two walls by the kings garden. jer. ●● xxxix. ● Now the Caldees had compassed the city round about, yet went these men their way toward the wilderness. And so the Caldees followed upon them, and took Sedechias the king in the field of jericho, when his host was run from him. So they carried the king away prisoner to Reblath, unto the king of Babylon in the land of Hemath, jere. ●● where he gave judgement upon him. The king of Babylon also caused Sedechias sons to be slain before his face, yea and put all the princes of juda to death at Reblath Moreover he put out the eyes of Sedechias, caused him to be bound with chains, to be carried unto Babylon: and let him lie in prison till he died. Now the tenth day of the fifth month in the nyneth year of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, Nabuzardan the chief captain and the king of Babylon's servants came unto jerusalem, and brent the house of the Lord. He brent also the kings palace, all the houses and all the gorgeous buildings in jerusalem. And the hole host of the Caldees that were with the chief capitain, broke down the walls of jerusalem round about. As for the poor people, and such folk as yet was left in the city, which also were fallen to the king of Babylon, yea and what people as yet remained: Nabuzardan the chief capitain carried them away prisoners. But the poor people of the country did Nabuzardan the thief captain leave in the land, to occupy the vineyards and fields. The Caldees also broke the brazen pillars that were in the house of the Lord, yea the seat and the brazen Laver that was in the house of the Lord: and carried all the metal of them unto Babylon. They took away also the Cauldrons, Shovylles, Flesh hooks, Spryncklers, Spoons, and all the brazen vessel that was occupied in the service: with the basins, coal pans, sprincklers, pots, candelstyckes, spoons, and cups: whereof some were of gold, and some of silver. The chief captain took also the two pyllers, the laver, the twelve brazen bullockꝭ that stood under the seat, which king Solomon made in the house of the Lord: and all the vessel contained so moche metal that it might not be weighed. For every pillar was eighteen cubits high, 〈◊〉 vii and the rope that went about it was twelve cubytes and four fingers thick and round: Now upon the rope were brazen knops, and every knop was u cubits high: and upon the knops were hopes and pomegranettes round about of clean brass. After this manner were both the pyllers fashioned with the pomgranettes, whereof there were an hundred four score and six●ene which hanged upon the hoops round about. The chief capitain also took Saraiah the high priest, and Sophoniah that was chief next him, and the three keepers of the treasury. He took out of the city a chamberlain which was a captain of the soldiers, and seven men that were the kings servants, which were found in the city: and Sepher a captain that used to muster the men of war: with three score men of the country that were taken in the city. These Nabuzardan the chief captain took, and carried them to the king of Babylon unto Reblath: and the king of Babylon caused them to be put to death at Reblath in the land of Hemath. And thus juda was led away captive, out of his own land. This is the sum of the people, whom Nabuchodonosor led away captive. In the seventh year of his reign, he carried away of the jews, three thousand and twenty-three. In the eighteenth year Nabuchodonosor carried away from jerusalem eight hundred and two and thirty people. In the three and twenty year of Nabuchodonosor, Nabuzardan the chief capitain took away seven hundred xlv jews prisoners. The hole sum of all the prisoners, is four thousand and six hundred. In the xxxvij year after that joakim the king of juda was carried away, in the twenty-five. day of the twelve month, Euilineradach king of Babylon (the same year that he reigned) gave joacin the king of juda his pardon, & let him out of prison, and spoke lovingly to him, and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings that were with him in Babylon. He changed also the clotheses of his prison, yea he are with him all his life long. And he had a continual living given him of the king of Babylon, every day a certain thing allowed him all the days of his life, until he died. ¶ The end of the book of the Prophet jeremy. THE LAMENTACYONS OF JEREMYE. These words are read in the lxx Interpreters, but not in the Hebrew. IT happened after Israel was brought in to captivity and jerusalem destroyed, that jeremy the Prophet sat weeping, and sorrowfully bewailed jerusalem: and sighing and howling with an heavy and woeful heart, said: CAPI. I ALEPH. two. Reg. four b four Reg. xu a ALas, how sitteth the city so desolate, that sometime was full of people? How is she become like a widow which was the lady of all nations? How is she brought under tribute that ruled all lands? BETH. jeremy xiii c She weepeth sore in the night, so that the tears run down her cheeks: for among all her lovers, there is none that giveth her any comfort: yea her next friends abhor her, and are become her enemies. GIMEL. juda is taken prisoner, because she was defiled: and for serving so many strange gods, she dwelleth now among the Heathen. She findeth no rest, all they that persecuted her, took her, and so she dwelleth among her enemies. DALETH. The streets of Zion mourn, because no man cometh any more to the solemn feestes. Albina her gates are desolate, her priests make lamentation, her maidens are careful, and she herself is in great heaviness. HERALD Her enemies are fallen upon her heed, and have put her to shame: because the Lord hath chastened her for her great wickedness: her children are led away captive before their enemy. VAV. All the beauty of the daughter Zion is away, her princes are become like wethers that find no pasture. They are driven away before their enemy, so that they have no more power. ZAIN. Now doth jerusalem remember the time of her misery and disobedience, yea the joy and pleasure that she hath haste in times past: saying her people is brought down thorough the power of their enemy, and there is no man for to help her: her enemies stand looking at her, and laugh her Saboth days to scorn. HETH. Jerusalem sinned ever more and more, therefore is she come in decay. All they that had her in honour, despise her: for they have seen her filthiness. Yea she sigheth and is ashamed of herself. TETH. Her skyrtes are defiled, she remembered not what would follow: therefore is her fall so great and there is no man to comfort her. O Lord consider my trouble, for mine enemy hath the upper hand. JOD. The enemy hath put his hand to all the precious things that she had: yea even before her eyes came the Heathen in and out of the Sanctuary whom thou (nevertheless) hast forbidden to come within thy congregation. CAPH. All her people seek their breed with heaviness, and look what precious thing every man hath, that giveth he for meat to save his life. consider, O Lord, and see, how vile I am become. LAMED. O you all that go fore by, behold and see, if there be any sorrow like unto mine, wherewith the Lord hath troubled me in the day of his fearful wrath. MEM. From above hath he sent down a fire in to my bones and chastened me: he hath laid a net for my feet, and thrown me wide open: he hath made me desolate, so that I must ever be mourning. NUN. The yoke of my transgression is come at the last, with his hand hath he taken it up, and put it about my neck. My strength is go: the Lord hath delivered me in to those hands, from which I can not quite myself. SAMECH. The Lord hath destroyed all the mighty men that were in me. He hath proclaimed a feest, to slaughter all my best men. The Lord hath trodden down the daughter of juda, like as it were a wine press. AIN. Therefore do I weep, and mine eyes gush out water: for the comforter that should quicken me, is far fro me. My children are driven away, for why? the enemy hath got the over hand. PHE. Zion casts out her hands, & there is to man to comfort her. The Lord hath laid the enemies round about jacob, and jerusalem is as it were a menstruous woman in the midst of them. ZADE. The Lord is righteous, for I have provoked his φ countenance unto anger. 〈…〉 O take heed all you people, and consider my heaviness: My maidens and my young men are led away into captivity. KOPH. I called for my lovers (but they beguiled me) for my priests and counsellors, but they perished: even while they sought for meat to save their lives. RES. consider (oh Lord) how I am troubled, my womb is disquieted, my heart turneth about in me, and I am full of heaviness. The sword hurteth me without, and within I am like unto death. SIN. They hear my mourning, but there is none that will comfort me. Albina mine enemies have heed of my trouble, & are glad thereof, because thou hast done it. But thou shalt bring forth the time, when they also shall be like unto me. THAV. From the shall come all their adversity, thou shalt pluck them away, even as thou haste plucked me because of all my wickedness. For my sorrow is very great, and my heart is heavy. CAPI. II ALEPH. ALas how hath the Lord darkened the daughter of Zion so sore in his wrath? As for the honour of Israel, he he hath casten it down from heaven: How happeneth it, that he remembered not his own foot stolen, when he was angry? BETH. The Lord hath cast down all the glory of jacob without any favour: all the strong places of the daughter juda hath he broken in his wrath, and thrown them down to the ground: her kingdom and her princes hath he suspended. GIMEL. In the wrath of his indignation he hath broken all the φ Horn here signifieth strength, power, nobylite and dominion. horn of Israel: he hath withdrawn his right hand from the enemy: yea, a flame of fire is kindled in jacob, and hath consumed up all round about. DALETH. He hath bent his bow like an enemy, he hath fastened his right hand as an adversary: and every thing that was pleasant to see, he hath smitten it down. He hath powered out his wrath like a fire, in to the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion. HERALD The Lord is become like as it were an enemy, he hath cast down Israel and all his places: yea, all his strong holds hath he destroyed, and filled the daughter of juda with moche sorrow and heaviness. VAV. Her tabernacle (which was like a garden of pleasure) hath he hestroyed: her high solemn feasts hath he put down. The Lord hath brought it so ●o pass, that the high solemn feestes and Saborhes in Zion, are clean forgotten. In his heavy displeasure hath he made the king and priests to be despised. ZAIN. The Lord hath forsaken his own altar, and is wroth with his own Sanctuary, and hath given the walls of their towers in to the hands of the enemy. Their enemies made a noise in the house of the Lord, as it had been in a solemn feast day. HETH. The Lord thought to break down the walls of the daughter Zion: He spread out his line, and drew not in his hand, till he had destroyed them. Therefore mourn the turrettes and the broken walls together. TETH. Her ports are casten down to the ground, her bars are broken and smitten insunder: her King and Princes are carried away to the gentiles. They have neither law ne Prophets, nor yet any vision from the Lord. JOD. The Senatoures of the daughter Zion sit upon the ground in silence: they have strewed ashes upon their heeds, and girded themselves with sackcloth. The maidens of jerusalem hang down their heeds to the ground. CAPH. Mine eyes begin to fail me thorough weeping, my body is disquieted, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the great hurt of my people, seeing the children and babes did swoon in the streets of the city. LAMED. Even when they spoke to their mothers: where is meat and drink? for while they so said, they fell down in the streets of the city like as they had been wounded, and some died in their mother's bosom. MEM. What shall I say of thee, O thou daughter jerusalem, to whom shall I liken thee? To whom shall I compare thee, O thou daughter Zion, to comfort the withal? Thy hurt is like a main see, who may heal thee? NUN. Thy Prophets have looked out vain and foolish things for thee, they have not showed the of thy wickedness, to keep the from captivity: but have overladen thee, & thorough falsehood scattered the abroad. SAMECH. Albina they that go by thee, clap their hands at thee: hissing and wagging their heeds upon the daughter jerusalem, and say: is this the city that men call so fair, wherein the hole land rejoiceth. AIN. All thine enemies gape upon thee, whispering and biting their teeth: saying: let us de●our, ●or the time that we loved for is come: we have found and seen it PHE. The Lord hath fulfilled the thing that he was purposed to do: Leui●●● Deu. x● and performed that he had devised long ago: he hath destroyed and not spared. He hath caused thine adversary to triumph over thee, and set up the horn of thine enemy. ZADE. Let thine heart cry unto the Lord, Ier●●● two. f. Of 〈◊〉 what 〈◊〉 ●fyeth 〈◊〉 scribe have 〈◊〉 xiiii. ●. Psal. 〈◊〉 O thou city of the daughter of Zion: let thy tears run down like a river, day and night: rest not, and let not the apple of thy eye leave of. KOPH. Stand up and make thy prayer in the first watch of the night: pour out thine heart like water before the Lord: lift up thine hands for the lives of thy young children that die of hunger in the streets. RES. Behold, O Lord, and consider, why hast thou gathered me up so clean? Shall the women than eat their own fruit, even children of a span long? Shall the priests and Prophets be slain thus in the Sanctuary of the Lord? SIN. Young and old lie behind the streets upon the ground, my maidens and young men are slain with the sword: whom thou in the day of thy wrathful indignation hast put to death: yea, even thou hast put them to death, and not spared them. THAV. My neighbours that are round about me, hast thou called, as it were to a feest day: so that in the day of the lords wrath none escaped, neither was any left behind. Those that I dad brought up and nourisshed, hath mine enemy destroyed. CAPI. III ALEPH. I Am the man, that (thorough the rod of his wrath) have experience of misery. He drove me forth, and led me: yea in to darkness, but not in to light. Against me only he turneth his hand, and layeth it ever upon me. BETH. My flesh and my skin hath he made old, and my bones hath he brosed. ●il 〈◊〉 row●● He hath builded round about me, and closed me in with gall and travail. He hath set me in darkness, as they that he deed for ever. GIMEL. He hath so hedged me in, that I can not get out, and hath laid heavy lynckes upon me. Though I cry and call piteously, yet heareth he not my prayer. He hath stopped up my ways with four squared stones, and made my paths crooked. DALETH. He layeth wait for me like a Bear, and as a Lion in a hole. He hath marred my ways, and broken me in pieces, he hath laid me waste altogether. He hath bend his bow, and made me as it were a mark to shout at. HERALD The arrows of his quiver hath he shot, even unto my reins. I am laughed to scorn of all my people, they make songs upon me, all the day long. He hath filled me with byternesse and given me wormwood to drink. VAV. He hath smitten my teeth in pieces, and rolled me in the dust. He hath put my soul out of rest, I forget all good things. I thought in myself: I am undone, there is no hope for me in the Lord. ZAIN. O remember yet my misery and my trouble the wormwood and the gall. Yea thou shalt remember them, for my soul melteth away in me. While I consider these things in my heart I get a hope again. HETH. Namely, that the mercies of the Lord are not clean go, and that his loving kindness ceaseth not. His faithfulness is great, and renueth itself as the morning. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him. TETH. O how good is the Lord unto them, that put their trust in him, and to the soul that seeketh after him. O how good is it with stillness to wait and tarry, for the health of the Lord? O how good is it for a man, to take the yoke upon him from his youth up. JOD. He sitteth alone, he holdeth him still, and dwelleth quietly by himself. He layeth his face upon the earth, if (percase) there happen to be any hope. He offereth his cheek to the smiter, he will be content with reproves. CAPH For the Lord will not forsake for ever. But though he do cast of, yet according to the multitude of his mercies, he receiveth to grace again. For he doth not plague, and cast out the children of men from his heart. LAMED. To tread all the prisoners of the earth under his feet. To move the judgement of man before the most highest. To condemn a man in his cause: The Lord hath no pleasure in such things. MEM. What is he then that saith: there should something be done without the lords commandment? Out of the mouth of the most highest goeth not evil and good? Wherefore then murmureth the living man? let him murmur at his own sin. NUN. Let us look well upon our own ways, and remember ourselves, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto the Lord that is in heaven. We have been dissemblers, and have offended, wilt thou therefore not be entreated? SAMECH. Thou hast covered us in thy wrath, and persecuted us, thou haste slain us without any favour. Thou hast hid thyself in a cloud, that our prayer should not go thorough. Thou haste made us out casts, and to be despised among the heathen. AIN. All our enemies gape upon us. Fear and snare is come upon us, yea despite ad destruction. Hole rivers of water gusshe out of mine eyes, for the great hurt of my people. Mine eyes run, and can not cease, for there is no rest. O Lord when wilt thou look down from heaven, and consider? Mine eye breaketh my heart, because of all the daughters of my city. ZADE. Mine enemies hunted me out sharply, like a bird, yea and that without a cause., They have put down my life in to a pit, and laid a stone upon me. They poured water upon my head, than thought I: now am I undone. KOPH. I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the deep pit Thou haste heard my voice, and haste not turned away thy ears fro my sighing and crying. Thou haste inclined thyself unto me, when I called upon thee, and hast said: fear not. RES. Thou (O Lord) hast maintained the cause of my soul, and haste redeemed my life. O Lord, thou haste seen my blaphemers take thou my cause upon the. Thou hast well consydred how they go about to do me harm, and that all their counsels are against me. SIN. Thou hast heard their dispytfull words (O Lord) yea and all their imaginations against me. The lips of mine enemies, and their devices that they take against me, all the day long. Thou seest their sitting down and their rising up, they make their songs of nothing but of me. THAV. Reward them (O Lord) according to the works of their hands. give them the thing, that their own heart is atrayed of: even thy curse. Persecute them (O Lord) with thine indignation, and rote them out from under the heaven. CAPI. FOUR ALEPH. O How is the gold become so dim? How is the goodly colour of it so sore changed? and the stones of the Sanctuary thus scattered in the corner of every street. BETH. The children of Zion that were alway in honour, and clothed with the most precious gold: how are they now become like the ecthen vessels which be made with the potter's hand. GYMEL. The Lamyes give their young one's suck with bore breasts: But the daughter of my people is cruel, and dwelleth in the wilderness: like the Ostriches. DALETH. The tongues of the sucking children, cleave to the roof of their mouths for very thirst. The young children ask bread, but there is no man, that giveth it them. HERALD They that were wont to far delicately, perish in the streets: they that afore were brought up in purple, make now moche of dung. VAV. The sin of the daughter of my people is become greater than the wickedness of Sodom, that suddenly was destroyed, Gene. ●● and not taken with hands. ZAIN. Her abstayners (or Nazarees) were whiter then the snow or milk: their colour was fresh reed as the Coral, their beauty like the Saphir. HETH. But now their faces are very black: In so much, that thou shouldst not know them in the streets. Psal. 〈…〉 Their skin cleaveth to their bones, It is withered, and bcome like a dry stock. TETH. They that be slain with the sword, are happier than such as die of hunger, and perish away famysshing for the fruits of the field. JOD. The women (which of nature are pitiful) have sodden their own children with their hands that they might be their meat in the miserable destruction of the daughter of my people. Deut. ●● iiii. Re● Chr●●. ● CAPH. The Lord hath performed his heavy wrach: he hath poured our the furyousnesse of his displeasure. He hath kindled a fire in Ston, which hath consumed the foundations thereof. LAMED. Neither the kings of the earth, ne all the inhabitants of the world, would have believed that the enemy & adversary should have come in at the gates of the city of Jerusalem. MEM. Which nevertheless is come to pass for the sins of her prophets, and for the wickedness of her priests that have shed innocentes blood within her. NUN. So that these blind men went stumbling in the streets, and stained themselves with blood, which else would touch no bloody clot. SAMECH. But they cried unto every man: flee the slayving, away, get you hence, touch it not. Yea (said they) you must be brent, you must dwell among the gentiles, & bide no longer here. AIN. The countenance of the Lord hath banisshed them, and shall never look more upon them: For they themselves neither regarded the priests, nor pitied their elders. PHE Wherefore yet our eyes fail us, while we look for vain help: saying we be ever writing upon a people, that can do us no good. ZADE. They lay so sharp wait for us, that we can not go safe upon the streets: for our end is come, our days are fulfilled our end is here. KOPH. Our persecutors re swifter then the Eagles of the air, they followed upon us over the mountains, and laid wait for us in the wilderness. RES. The very breath of our mouth: even the anointed Lord himself shall be taken in our sins, of whom we say: Under his shadow we shall be preserved among the heathen. SIN. And thou O (daughter Edom) that dwellest in the land of Huz, be glad and rejoice: for the cup shall come unto the also, which when thou suppest of thou shalt be drunken. THAV. Thy sin is well punished (O thou daughter Zion) be shall not suffer the to be carried away any more. But thy wickedness (O daughter Edom) shall he visit, and for thy sins sake, he shall lead the into captivity. CAPI. V ¶ The prayer of jeremy. CAll to remembrance (O Lord) what we have suffered, consider and se out confusion. Our inheritance is turned to the strangers, and our houses to the alcauntes, We are become careful and fatherless, & our mothers are as the widows. We are fain to drink our own water for money, and our own wood must we buy with money. Our necks are under persecution, we are weary, and have no rest. Afore time we yielded ourselves to the Egyptians, and now to the Assyrians, only that we might have bread enough. jerem xxxi e Ezech. xviii ● Our fathers (which now are go) have sinned, & we must bare their wickedness. Servants have the rule of us, and no man delivereth us out of their hands. We must get our living with the peril of our lives because of the drought of the wilderness. Our skin is as it had been brent in an oven, for very sore hunger. The wives are ravished in Zion, and the maidens in the cities of juda. The princes are hanged up wi●h the hand of the enemies, they have not spared the old sage men, they have taken young men's lives from them, and the boys are hanged up upon trees. The elders sit no more under the gates, and the young men use no more playing of music. The joy of our heart is go, our merry quere is turned in to mourning. The garland of our heed is fallen: alas, that ever we sinned so sore. Therefore our heart is full of heaviness, and our eyes dim: because of the hill of Zion that is destroyed. In so moche, that the foxes run upon it. But thou, O Lord, that remaynest for ever more, and thy seat world without end: wherefore will't thou still forget us, and forsake us so long? O Lord, turn thou us unto thee, and so shall we be turned. Renew our days as in old times, for thou hast banished us now long enough, and hast been sore displeased at us. ¶ The end of the lamentations of jeremy. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZECHIEL. ¶ The time wherein Ezechiel prophesied, and in what place. His offspring and ●ffyce. The vision of the four beasts. The vision of the wheels. The vision of the throne, and of the image above the throne. CAPI. I IT chanced in the thirty year the fifth day of the fourth month, that I was among the prisoners by the river of Cobar: where the heavens opened, and I saw a vision of God. Now the fifth day of the month made out the fifth year of king joacins captivity. At the same time came the word of the Lord unto Ezechiel the son of Buzi the priest, in the land of the Caldees by the water of Cobar, where the hand of the Lord came upon him. And I looked, and behold a stormy wind came out of the north with a great cloud full of fire, which with his glister lightened all round about. And in the midst of the fire it was all clear, and as it were the likeness of four beasts, which were fasshyoned like a man: saving, that every one had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight, but their feet were like bullocks feet, and they glystered, as it had been fair scoured metal. Under their wings upon all the four corners they had men's hands. Their faces & their wings were toward the four corners: yet were the wings so, that one ever touched an other. When they went, they turned them not about: but eachone went straight forward. Upon the right side of these four, their faces were like the face of a man, and the face of a Lion: But upon the left side, they had the face of an ox, and the face of an Eagle. Their faces also and their wings were spread out above: so that two wings of one touched ever two wings of an other, and with the other they covered their body. Every one when it went, it went straight forward. Where as the spirit led them thither they went, and turned not about in their going. The fashion and countenance of the beasts was like hot coals of fire, even as though burning cressettes had been among the beasts: and the fire gave a glystre, and out of the fire there went lightening. When the beasts went forward and backward, one would have thought it had lightened. Now when I had well considered the beasts, I see a work of wheels upon the earth with four faces also like the beasts. The fashion and work of the wheels was like the see. The four wheels were joined and made (to look upon) as it had been one wheel in an other. When one went forward, they went all four, and turned them not about in their going. They were large, great and horrible to look upon. Their bodies we full of eyes round about them affoure. When the beasts went, the wheels went also with them: And when the beasts life themselves up from the earth, the wheels were lift up also. Wither soever the spirit went thither went they also, and the wheels were lift up, and followed them: for the spirit of life was in the wheels. When the beasts went forth, stood still, or life themselves up from the earth: then the wheels also went, stood still, and were lift up, for the breath of life was in the wheels. About over the heads of the beasts there was a firmament, which was falshyoned as it had been of the most pure Crystal, & that was spread out above upon their heeds: under the same firmament were their wings laid abroad, one toward an other, and two wings covered the body of every be'st. And when they went forth, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as it had been the voice of the great God, & a rushing together as it were of an host of men. And when they stood still, they let down their wings. Now when they stood still, and had let down their wings, if thondred in the firmament that was above their heeds. Above the firmament that was over their heads, there was the fashion of a seat, as it had been made of Saphir. Upon the seat there sat one like a man. I beheld him, and he was like a clear light, as if had been all of fire with in from his loins upward, And beneath when I looked upon him under the loins, me thought he was like a shining fire, that giveth light on every side, Yea the shine & glystre that lightened round about, was like a rainbow, which in a rainy day appeareth in the clouds. Even so was the similitude, wherein the glory of the Lord appeared. When I saw it, I fallen upon my face, and hearkened unto the voice of him that spoke. ¶ The prophet is send to call again the people from their error. CAPI. II ANd then said he unto me: Stand up upon thy feet (oh thou son of man) & I will talk with the. And as he was communing with me, Ezech. ● the spirit came in to me and set me up upon my feet: so that I marked the thing, that he said unto me. And he said: Behold, thou son of man: I will send the to the children of Israel, to those runagates and obstinate people: for they have taken part against me, and are run away fro me: both they and their forefathers unto this day. Yea I will send the unto a people that have rough visages and stiff stomachs: 〈◊〉. d. unto whom thou shalt say on this manner: This the Lord God himself hath spoken, that whether they be obedient or not (for it is a froward household) they may know yet that there hath been a Prophet among them. Therefore (thou son of man) fear them not, 〈…〉 neither be afraid of their words: for they shall rebel against thee, and despise the. Yea thou shalt devil among scorpions: but fear not their words, be not abashed at their looks, for it is a froward household. See that thou speak my words unto them, whether they be obedient or not, for they are obstinate. Therefore thou son of man, obey thou all things, that I say unto thee, & be not thou stiffnecked, like as they are a stiffnecked household. Open thy mouth and eat that I give the. 〈…〉 So as I was looking up, behold, there was sent unto me an hand, wherein was a closed book: and the hand opened it before me, and it was written within and without, full of careful mournynges: alas, and wo. ¶ The Prophet being fed with the word of God with the constant boldness of the spirit, is sent unto the people that were in captivity. The punishment of a curate that showeth not the people their sins. CAPI. III AFter this said he unto me: Thou son of man, eat that, whatsoever it be: yea eat that closed book and go thy way, 〈…〉 and speak unto the children of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the book for to eat, and said unto me: Thou son of man, thy belly shall eat, and thy bowels shallbe filled with the book, that I give thee. Then did I eat the book, & it was in my mouth sweeter than honey. And he said unto me: thou son of man, get the soon unto the house of Israel, and show them the words, that I command thee: for I send the not to the people that hath a strange, unknown, 〈…〉 or hard speech, but unto the house of Israel: Not to many nations, which have diverse speeches and hard languages, whose words thou understandest not Nevertheless, if I sent the to those people they would follow thee: But the house of Israel will not follow thee, 〈…〉 for they will not follow me: yea all the house of Israel have stiff foreheads and hard hearts. Behold therefore, I will make thy face prevail against their faces, and harden thy forehead against their foreheads: so that thy forehead shallbe harder th●n an Adamant or flint stone: 〈…〉 that thou mayst fear them the less, and be less afraid of them, for they are a froward household. He said moreover unto me: thou son of man, take diligent heed with thine ears to the words that I speak unto thee, fasten them in thy heart: and go to the prisoners of thy people, speak unto them, and say on this manner: Thus the Lord God hath sooken: whether you hear, or hear not. With that the spirit took me up. And I heard the noise of a great rushing and removing of the most blessed glory of the Lord out of his place. Ez viii a ten d I heard also the noise of the wings of the beasts, that rushed one against an other yea and the rattling of the wheels, that were by them, which rushing and noise was very great. Now when the spirit took me up: and carried me away. I went with an heavy and a sorrowful mind, but the hand of the Lord comforted me right soon. And so in the beginning of the month Abib, I came to the prisoners/ that dwelled by the water of Cobar, and remained in that place, where they were: And so continued I among them seven days, being very sorry. And when the seven days were expired▪ the Lord said unto me: Ezec xxxiii d Thou son of man I have made the a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore take good heed to the words, and give them warning at my commandment. If I say unto thee, concerning the ungodly man, Preachers. that (without doubt) he must die, and thou givest him not warning, ne speakest unto him, that he may turn from his evil way, and so to live: Then shall the same ungodly man die in his own unrighteousness: but his blood will I require of thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou give warning unto the wicked, and he yet forsake not his ungodliness: then shall he die in his own wickedness, but thou hast discharged thy soul. Now if a righteous man go from his righteousness, and do the thing that is evil: I will say a stumbling block before him. & he shall die, because thou hast not given him warning: yea die shall be in his own sin, so that the virtue, which he did before, shall not be thought upon: but his blood will I require of thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou exhortetest the righteous, that he sin not, and so the righteous do not sin: then shall he live, because he hath received thy warning, and thou haste discharged thy soul, And there came the hand of the Lord upon me: and he said unto me: Stand up, and go into the field, that I may there talk with the. So when I had risen up, and go forth in to the field: Behold, Ezechel i ●. the glory of the Lord stood there, like as I see it afore, by the water of Cobar. Then fallen I down upon my face, and the spirit came in to me, which set me up upon my feet, and said thus unto me: Go thy way and spar thyself in thine house. Behold (O thou son of man) there shall chains be brought for thee, to bind the withal, so that thou shalt not escape out of them. And I will make thy tongue cleave so to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and not be as a chyder with them: for it is an obstinate household. But when I speak unto thee, then open thy mouth, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: who so heareth, let him hear: who so will not, let him leave: for it is an obstinate household. ¶ The besiege of the city of jerusalem is sygnifyed. The long continuance of the captivity of Israel. An hunger is prophesied to come in the captivity. CAPI. FOUR THou son of man: take a tile stone, and lay it before thee, and desrybe upon it the city of jerusalem, how it is besieged, how bulwark and strong dytches are graven on every side of it: describe also centes, and an host of men round about it. Moreover, take an iron pan, and set it betwixt the and the city, in stead of an iron wall. Then set thy face toward it, besiege it, and lay ordinance against it, to win it. This shall be a token unto the house of Israel. But thou shalt sleep upon thy left side, and lay the sin of the house of Israel upon the. Certain days appointed, thou shalt sleep upon that side, and beat their sins. Nevertheless, I will appoint the a time (to put of their sins) & the number of the days: Three hundredth and xc days must thou bear the wickedness of the house of Israel. When thou hast fulfilled these days, lie down again, and sleep upon thy right side xl days, & bear the sins of the house of juda. Nun xiiii f A day for a year, a day (I say) for a year, will I ever lay upon the. Therefore set now thy face against that besieged Jerusalem and discover thine arm, that thou mayst prophesy against it. Behold, I will say chains upon the that thou shalt not turn the from one side to an other, till thou haste ended the days of thy siege. Wherefore, take unto the wheat, barley, beans, growell sede Millium and fytches: and put these, together in a vessel, and make the loves of bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou must lie upon thy side: that thou mayst have bread to eat, for three hundredth and xc days. And the meat that thou eatest, shall have a certain weight appointed: namely twenty sycles every day. This appointed meat shalt thou eat daily, from the beginning to the end. Thou shalt drink also a certain measure of water: Namely, the sixth part of an Hin shalt thou drink daily from the beginning unto the end. Barley takes shalt thou eat, yet shalt thou first struck them over with man's dung, that they may see 〈◊〉. And with that said the Lord: Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread in the midst of the gentiles, among whom I will scatter them. Then said I: O Lord God. Behold, my soul was yet never stained: for fro my youth up unto this hour. I did never eat of a deed carcase, or of that which was slain of wild beasts, neither came there ever any unclean flesh in my mouth. Whereunto he answered me, and said: Well then, I will grant the to take cows dung, for the dung of man, and to struck the breed over withal before them. And he said unto me: Ez●● Ez●●● iiii. ● Behold thou son of man, I will minish all the provision of breed in jerusalem, so that they shall weigh their breed, and eat it with scarcenesss. But as for water, they shall have a very little measure thereof to drink. And when they have no more breed ne water, one shall be destroyed with an other, and famish away for their wickedness. ¶ The riddle of the hears, by which is signified the destruction of the people. The causes of the anger of God toward the people. The Lord discloseth the riddle of the hears. CAPI. V O Thou son of man, take the then a sharp knife, namely a razor. Take that, and shave the here of thy heed & beard: Then take the scales and the weight, and divide the here asunder. And burn the third part thereof in the fire in the midst of the city, and cut the other third part in pieces with a knife. As for the third part that remaineth, cast it in the wind, and then show the bore knife. Yet afterward take a little of the same, and bind it in thy cote lap. Then take a curtsy of it, and cast it in the midst of the fire, and burn it in the fire. Out of the same fire shall there go a flame upon the hole house of Israel. Moreover, thus said the Lord God: this same is jerusalem, I set her in the midst of the Heathen and nations that are round about her: but she hath despised my judgements more than the gentiles themselves, and broken my commandments more than the nations that lie round about her: For they have cast out mine ordinances, and not walked in my laws. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: For so moche as you with your wickedness far exceed the Heathen that devil round about you: 〈…〉 (For you have not walked in my laws, neither have you kept mine ordinances.) Therefore thus saith the Lord God. I will also come upon thee, for in the midst of thee, will I sit in judgement, in the sight of the Heathen, and will handle the of such a fashion as I never did before, and as I never will do from that time forth, and that because of all thine abominations. 〈…〉 For 〈◊〉 the, fathers shall be fain to eat their own sons, and the sons their own fathers. Such a court will I keep in thee, and the hole remnant will I scatter in to all the winds. Wherefore as truly as I live (saith the Lord God) seeing thou hast defiled my Sanctuary with all manner abominations, and with all thy shameful offences. For this cause will I also destroy the. Mine eye shall not oversee thee, neither will I spare the. One third part within thee, shall die of the pestilence and of hunger: An other third part shall be slain down round about thee, with the sword: The other third part that remaineth will I scantle abroad toward all the winds, and draw out the sword after them. Thus I will perform my indignation, and set my wrath against them and ease myself. So that when I have fulfilled mine anger against them, they shall know that I am the Lord, which with a fervent jealousy have spoken it. Moreover I will make the waste and abhorred before all the Heathen that devil about thee, and in the sight of all them that go by thee: so that when I punish the in my wrath, in mine anger, and with the plague of my hoot displeasure, thou shalt be a very abomination, shame, a gazing and wondering stock among the Heathen that lie about the. Even I the Lord have spoken it, & it shall come to pass, when I shoot among them the perylious darts of hunger, which shall be but death: Yea, therefore shall I shoot them, because I will destroy you. 〈…〉 I will increase hunger, and minysh all the provision of breed among you. Plagues and misery will I send you/ yea and wild beasts also to destroy you. Pestilence and bloodsheding shall come upon you, and the sword will I bring over you. Even I the Lord have said it. ¶ He showeth that the people shall be plagued for the sin of idolatry. He prophecyeth the repentance of the remnant of the people, and their deliverance. The destruction of the froward is prophesied. CAPI. VI ANd the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, turn thy face to the mountains of Israel, that thou mayst prophecy unto them, 〈◊〉 c and say: Hear the word of the Lord God, oh you mountains of Israel: Thus hath the Lord God spoken to the mountains, hills, valleys and dales. Behold, I will bring a sword over you, and destroy your high places: I will cast down your altars, and break down your temples. your slain men will I lay before your gods, and the deed carcases of the children of Israel will I cast before their images, your bones will I destroy round about your altars and dwelling places. The cities shall be desolate, the hill chapels laid waste: your altars destroyed, and broken: your gods cast down, and taken away, your temples laid even with the ground, your own works clean rooted out. Your slain men shall lie among you, that you may learn to know how that I am the Lord Barn iii ●. Those that amongs you have escaped the sword will I leave among the Geni●les, for I will scatter you among the nations. And they that escape from you shall think upon me amongs the Heathen, where they shallbe in captivity. As for that hoorisshe and unfaithful heart of there's, wherewith they run away fro me, I will break it: yea and put out those eyes of theirs, that commit fornication with these idols. Then shall they be ashamed, and displeased with their selves, for the wickedness and abominations which they have done, and shall learn to know how that it is not in vain that I the Lord spoke to bring such misery upon them. The Lord said moreover unto me: Smite thine hands together, and stamp with thy feet, and say: woe worth all the abominations and wickednesses of the house of Israel, for because of them they shall perish with the sword, with hunger, & with pestilence. Who so is far of, shall die of the pestilence: he that is nigh at hand, shall perish with the sword/ and the other that be besieged, shall die of hunger. Thus will I satisfy my wrathful displeasure upon them. And so shall you learn to know that I am the Lord, when your slain men lie among your gods, and about your altars: upon all high hills and tops of mountains, among all green trees, among all thick oaks: even in the places where they did sacrifice to all their idols. I will stretch mine hand out upon them, and will make the land waste: so that it shall lie desolate and void, from the wilderness of Deblathath forth, thorough all their habitations, to learn them for to know that I am the Lord. ¶ The end of all the land of Israel shall suddenly come. The cause of the destruction thereof. The prophet is commanded to show the sum of the evils that are at hand. CAPI. VII. THe word of the Lord came unto me on this manner: the I call, oh thou son of man. Thus saith the Lord God unto the land of Israel: The end cometh, yea verily the end cometh upon all the four corners of the earth. But now shall the end come upon thee: for I will send my wrath upon the and will punish thee: according to thy ways, and reward the after all thy abominations. Mine eye shall not oversee thee, Eze. vii b ix c neither will I spare thee, but reward the according to thy ways, and declare thy abominations. Then shall you know that I am the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, one misery and plague shall come after an other: the end is here. The end (I say) that waiteth for thee, is come already, the hour is come against thee, that dwellest in the land. The time is at hand, the day of sedition is hard by, and no glad tidings upon the mountains. Therefore I will shortly pour ou● my sore displeasure upon thee, and fulfil my wrath upon the. I will judge the after thy ways, and recompense the all thy abominations. Eze vii b ix c Mine eye shall not oversee thee, neither will I spare thee: but reward the after thy ways, and show thy abominations, to learn you for to know how that I am the Lord that smiteth. Behold, the day is here, the day is come, the hour is run out, the rod floryssheth, wilfulness waxeth green, malicious violence is grown up, and the ungodly waxed to a staff. Yet shall there no complaint be made for them, nor for the trouble that shall come of these things. The time cometh, the day draweth nigh: Who so bieth, let him not rejoice: he that selleth let him not be sorry, for why? trouble shall come in the midst of all rest: so that the seller shall not come again to the bier, for neither of them both shall live. For the vision shall come so greatly over all that it shall not be hindered: No man also with his wickedness shall be able to save his own life. The trumpets shall you blow and make you all ready, but no man shall go to the battle, for I am wroth with all the hole multitude. The sword shall be without, pestilence and hunger within: so that who so is in the field, shall be slain with the sword: and he that is in the city shall perish with hunger and pestilence. Deut. xxxii d. And such as escape and flee from among them, shall be upon the hills, like as the doves in the field: every one shall be afraid because of his own wickedness. All hands shall be let down, and all knees shall be weak as the water: they shall gird themselves with sack cloth, fear shall fall upon them. Their faces shall be confounded, * Isaiah xu d Jere xlviii b & their heeds bald: their silver shall lie in the streets, and their gold shall be despised: * Sopho i d Eccle. u b Prouer. xi a. Yea their silver and gold may not deliver them, in the day of the fearful wrath of the Lord. They shall not satisfy their hungry souls, neither fill their empty belies therewith: For it is become their own decay thorough their wickedness: because they made thereof not only costly jewels for their pomp and pride, but also abominable images and idols. For this cause will I make them to be abhorred. Moreover I will give it in to the hands of the strangers to be spoiled, and to the wicked for to be rob, and they shall destroy it. My face will I turn from them, my treasury shall be defiled: for the thieves shall go in to it and suspend it. I will make clean ryddaunce, for the land is hole defiled with unrighteous judgement of innocent blood, & the city is full of abominations. Wherefore I will bring the most cruel tyrants from among the Heathen, to take their houses in possession. I will make the pomp of the proud to cease, and they shall take in their Sanctuary. When this trouble cometh, they shall seek peax, but they shall have none. One mischief and sorrow shall follow an other. and one rumour shall come after an other. Then shall they seek visions in vain at their Prophets. The law shall be go from the priests, and wisdom from the elders. The king shall mourn, the princes shall be clothed in heaviness, and the hands of the people in the land shall tremble for fear. I will do unto them after their own ways, and according to their own iudgemenets will I judge them: to learn them for to know that I am the Lord. ¶ An appearance of the similitude of God. Ezechiel is brought unto jerusalem in the spirit. The Lord showeth the Prophet the Idolatries of the house of Israel, and chiefly of the priests. CAPI. VIII. IT happened that in the sixte year, the fift day of the sixte month I sat in my house and the Lords of the counsel of juda with me: and the hand of the Lord God fallen even there upon me. And as I looked up, I see as it were a likeness of fire from his loins downward, and and from his loins upward it shined marvelous clear. This similitude stretched out an hand, and took me by the heery locks of my heed, Daniel. x●. and the spirit lift me up betwixt heaven and earth: and God brought me in a vision to jerusalem, in to the entry of the inner port that lieth toward the north: there stood an image, with whom he that hath all things in his power, was very wroth. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was in the same place: even as I had seen it afore in the field. And he said unto me: Thou son of man. O lift up thine eyes, and look toward the north. Then lift I up mine eyes toward the north: and behold, beside the port northward, there was an altar, made unto the image of provocation in the very entering in. And he said furthermore unto me: Thou son of man, seist thou what these do? Seist thou the great abominations that the house of Israel commit in this place which aught not to be done in my Sanctuary? But turn the about, and thou shalt see yet greater abominations. And with that brought he me to the court gate: and when I looked: behold, there was an hole in the wall. Then said he unto me: thou son of man, dig thorough the brickwall. And when I digged thorough the brickwall: behold, there was a door. And he said unto me: Go thy way in, and look what wicked abominations they do there. So I went in and saw: and behold, there were all manner images of worms and beestes, all idols and abominations of the house of Israel painted every one round about the brickwall. There stood also before the images three score and ten lords of the counsel of the house of Israel: and in the midst of them stood jaazaniah the son of Saphan: And every one of them had a censor in his hand, and out of the incense there went a smoke, as it had been a cloud. Then said he unto me: Thou son of man, hast thou seen what the senators of the house of Israel do secretly, every one in his chamber? For they say: tush the Lord seethe us not, the Lord regardeth not the world. And he said unto me: Turn the yet again, and thou shalt see the great abominations that they do. And with that he brought me to the door of the port of the lords house toward the north. And behold there sat women mourning for Thamus. Then said he unto me: hast thou seen this thou son of man? Turn the about, & thou shalt see yet greater abominations. And so he brought me in to the inward court of the lords house: & behold at the port of the lords house, bitwixte the fore entry and the altar, there were five and twenty men, that turned their backs upon the temple of the Lord, and their fated toward the East, and these worshipped the son. And he said unto me: hast thou seen this the son of man? thinketh the house of Israel that it is but a trysle, to do these abominations here? Should they fill the land full of wickedness, and undertake to provoke me unto unger? Yea and purposely to cast up their noses upon me? Therefore will I also do some thing in my wrathful displeasure, so that mine eye shall not over see them, neither will I spare them. Yea and though they cry in mine ears with loud voice, yet will I not hear them. ¶ The destruction of Idolaters, and the conversation of the righteous. They that shall be saved are marcked. They that are unmarcked are slain. A complaint of the Prophet for the destruction of the people. CAPI. IX. HE cried also with a loud voice in mine eats, saying: Come here you rulers of the city, every man with his weaponed hand to the slaughter. Then came there six men out of the street of the upper port toward the north, and every man a weapon in his hand to the slaughter. There was one amongst them that had on him a linen raiment, and a writers inkhorn by his side. These went in & stood beside the brazen altar / for the glory of the Lord was go away from the Cherub, Exodi xl ● Nume. ix c three Re. viii b. and was come down to the thressholde of the house, and he called the man that had the linen raiment upon him, and the writers inkhorn by his side, and the Lord said unto him: Go thy way thorough the city of jerusalem, Exod. xii c Apoca vii a & set this mark Thau upon the foreheedes of them that mourn and are sorry for all the abominations that be done therein. And to the other he said that I might hear: Go you after him thorough the city, slay, oversee none, spare none/ kill and destroy both old men and young maidens, children and wives. But as for those that have this mark Thau upon them, see that you touch them not/ and begin at my Sanctuary. Ier. xxv d xlix. b i Petri four ● Then they began at the elders which were in the temple, for he had said unto them: when you have defiled the temple, and filled the court with the slain, then go your way forth. So they went out, and slew down thorough the city. Now when they had done the slaughter, and I yet escaped, I fell down upon my face, and cried, saying: O Lord, wilt thou then destroy all the residue of Israel in thy sore displeasure, that thou hast poured upon jerusalem? Then said he unto me: the wickedness of the house of Israel and juda is very great, so that the land is full of blood, and the city full of unfaithfulness. For they say: tush the Lord regargeth not the earth, he seethe us not. Therefore will I upon them, mine eye shall not oversee them, job xxii d Isaiah xxix c Eccles xxiii d Ezech. vii a. neither will I spare them, but will recompense their wickedness upon their heeds. And behold, the man that had the linen raiment upon him and the writers inkhorn by his side, told all the matter how it happened, and said: Lord, as thou hast commanded me, so have I done. ¶ Of the man that took hot burning coals out of the middle of the wheels and of the Cherubyns, in token of the burning of jerusalem. A rehearsal of the vision of the wheels, of the beasts, and of the Cherubyns. CAPI. X. ANd as I looked behold in the firmament that was above the Crerubyns there appeared the similitude of a stolen of Saphir upon them: Ezechiel ix ● Then said he that sat therein to him that had the linen raiment upon him: Creep in bytwen the wheels that are under the Cherubins, and take thy hand full of hot coals out from between the Cherubyns, and cast them over the city. And he crept in that I might see. Now the Cherubyns stood upon the right side of the house, when the man went in, and the cloud filled the innermer court. But the glory of the Lord removed from the Cherubyns, two. Para vii a and came upon the threshold of the house, so that the temple was full of clouds, and the court was full of the shine of the lords glory. Yea and the sound of the Cherubins wings was herd in to the fore court, like as it had been the voice of the almighty God when he speaketh. Now when he had bidden the man that was clothed in linen, to go and take the hot coals from the midst of the wheels, which were under the Cherubyns: he went and stood beside the wheels. Then the one Cherub reached forth his hand from under the Cherubins, unto the fire that was between the Cherubyns, and took thereof, and gave it unto him that had on the linen raiment in his hand: which took it, and went out. And under the wings of the Cherubyns, there appeared the likeness of a man's hand: I saw also four wheels beside the Cherubyns, so that by every Cherub there stood a wheel. And the wheels were (to look upon) after the fashion of the precious stone of Tharsis: yet (unto the sight) they were fashioned and like as if one wheel had been in an other. When they went forth, they went all four together, not turning about in their going: But where the first went thither went they after also, so that they turned not about in their going. Their hole bodies, Ezechiel i b their backs, their hands and wings, yea and the wheels also were all full of eyes round about them all four. And I heard him call the wheels Galgal (that is) a round bowl. Every one of them had four faces: so that the one face was the face of a Cherub, the the second of man, the third of a lion, the fourth of an Eagle, and they were lifted up above. This is the be'st that I see at the water of Cobar. Now when the Cherubyns, went the wheels went with them, and when the Cherubyns shaken their wings to lift themselves upward, the wheels remained not behind, but were with them also. Shortly when they stood, these stood also: And when they were lift up, the wheels were lift up also with them, for the spirit of life was in the wheels. Then the glory of the Lord was lift up from the thresshold of the temple, Ezechiel xi d xl●ii. a. and remained upon the Cherubins: And the Cherubins flackred with their wings, and lift them selves up from the earth: so that I see when they went, and the wheels with them. And they stood at the east side of the port that is in the house of the Lord. So the glory of the Lord was upon them. This is the beast that I saw under the God of Israel, by the water of Cobar. And I perceived, that it was the Cherubyns. Every one had four faces, and every one four wings, and under the wings, as it were men's hands. Now the figure of their faces was, even as I had seen them, by the water of Cobar, and so was the countenance of them: Every one in his going went straight forward. ¶ who they were that made the people of Israel to stray. Against these he prophecyeth, showing them how they shall be dysparpled abroad. The renewing of the heart cometh of God, otherwise can we not walk in his commandments. He threateneth them that lean unto their own counsels. CAPI. XI. Moreover the spirit of the Lord lift me up, and brought me unto the East port of the lords house. And behold there were xxv men under the door among whom I saw jaazaniah the son of Azure, and Pheltiah the son of Bananiah the rulers of the people. Then said the Lord unto me: thou son of man, these men imagine mischief, and a wicked counsel take they in this city, saying: tush, there is no destruction at hand, let us build houses: this jerusalem is the cauldron, & we be the flesh. Therefore shalt thou prophesy unto them, yea prophecy shalt thou unto them, oh son of man. And with that fell the spirit of the Lord upon me; and said unto me: Speak, thus saith the Lord: On this manner have you spoken (O you house of Israel) and I know the imaginations of your hearts. Many one have you murdered in this city, and filled the streets full of the slain. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: The slain men that you have laid on the ground in this city, are the flesh and this city is the cauldron: But I will bring you out of it: Ezec. x●i ● Math. xx● you have drawn out the sword, even so will I also bring a sword over you, saith Lord God: I will drive you out of this city and deliver you in to your enemies hand, and will condemn you. You shall be slain in all the costs of Israel, I will be avenged of you: to learn you for to know, that I am the Lord. This city shall nor be your cauldron, neither shall you be the flesh therein: but in the costs of Israel will I punish you, that you may know, that I am the Lord: Leuit. i● Deut. x●●. d in whole commandments, you have not walked ne kept his laws: but have done after the customs of the Heathen that lie found about you. Now when I preached, Pheltiah the son of Bananiah died, then fallen I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice: O Lord God, wilt thou then utterly destroy all the remnant in Israel? And so the word of the Lord came to me on this manner: thou son of man: thy brethren, thy kinsfolk, and the hole house of juda, which devil at jerusalem, say: they be go far from the Lord, but the land is given us in possession. Therefore tell them, thus saith the Lord God: I will send you far of among the gentiles, and scatre you among the nations, and I will hallow you but a little in the lands where you shall come. Tell them also thus saith the Lord God: I will gather you again out of the nations, and bring you from the countries where you be scattered, and will give you the land of Israel again: and thither shall you come. And as for all impediments, and all your abominations, I will take them away. And I will give you one heart, and I will plant a new spirit within your bowels. 〈…〉. f That stony heart will I take out of your body, and give you a φ fleshy heart: ☞ that you may walk in my commandments, 〈…〉 & keep mine ordinances and do them, that you may be my people, and I your God. But look whose her us are disposed to follow their abominations, and wicked livings: those men's deeds will I bring upon their own heeds, saith the Lord God. After this did the Cherubins lift up their wings, and the wheels went with them, & the glory of the Lord was upon them. So the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mount of the city toward the east. But the wind took me by, and in a vision (which came by the spirit of God) it brought me again in to Caldea among the prisoners. Then the vision that I had seen, vanisshed away fro me. So I spoke unto the prisoners all the words of the Lord which he had showed me. ¶ The parable of the vessels of the captivity. The exposition of the parable, by which the taking of King Sedechias is signified. another parable whereby the distress of hunger and thirst is signified. CAPI. LII. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: 〈…〉 Thou son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a froward household which have eyes to see, and yet see not: ears have they to hear, and yet hear they not, for they are a stubborn household. Therefore (oh thou son of man) make thy gear ready to flit, and go forth by fair day light, that they may see: Yea even in their sight shalt thou go from thy place to an other place: if peradventure they will consider that they be an unobedient household. Thy gear that thou hast made ready to flit withal, shalt thou bear out by fair ●aye light, that they may see: and thou thyself shalt go forth also at even in their sight, as a man doth when he flytteth. Dig thorough the brickwall, that they may see, and bear thorough it the same thing that thou tookest up in their sight. As for thyself, thou shalt go forth in the dark. Hide thy face that thou see not the earth, for I have made the a show token unto the house of Israel. Now as the Lord commanded me, so I did: the gear that I had made ready, brought I out by day. At even I broke down an hole thorough the brickwall with my hand: and when it was dark I took the gear upon my shoulders, and bore them out in their sight. And in the morning came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: Thou son of man, if Israel that froward household ask thee, and say: what dost thou there? Then tell them, thus saith the Lord God: This punishment toucheth the chief rulers at jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that dwell among them. Tell them, I am your show token: like as I have done, so shall it happen unto you. Flir shall you also, and go in to captivity. The chiefest that is among you, shall lad his shoulders in the dark, & get him away. He shall break down the brickwall to carry stuff therthorow. He shall cover his face that he see not the ground with his eyes. My line will I spread out upon him, and catch him in my net and carry him to Babylon, in the land of the Caldees, Ezech. xvii c xxxii. a. which he shall not see, and yet shall he die there. As for all his helpers, and all his Hosts, that be about him, I will scatter them toward all the winds, and draw out a sword after them. So when I have scattered them among the Heathen, and strewed them in the lands, they shall know that I am the Lord. But I will leave a little number of them from the sword, hunger, & pestilence, to tell all their abominations among the Heathen, where they come, that they may know how that I am the Lord. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, with a fearful trembling shalt thou eat thy breed, with carefulness and sorrow shalt thou drink thy water. And unto the people of the land speak thou on this manner. Thus saith the Lord God, to them that devil in jerusalem, and to the land of Israel: You shall eat your breed with sorrow, and drink your water with heaviness: Yea, the land with the fullness thereof shall be laid waste, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. And the cities that now be well occupied, shall be void, and the land desolate, that you may know, how that I am the Lord. Yet came the word of the Lord unto me again, saying: Thou son of man, what manner of byword is that, which you use in the land of Israel, saying: tush seeing that the days are so slack in coming, all the vysions are of none effect Tell them therefore, thus saith the Lord God: I will make that byword to cease, so that it shall no more be commonly used in Israel. But say this unto them: The days are at hand, that every thing which hath been prophesied, shall be fulfilled. There shall no vision be in vain, neither any prophecy fail among the children of Israel: for it is I the Lord that speak it: and what so ever I the Lord speak shall be performed, and not be slack in coming. Yea even in your days (O you froward household) will I devise something, and bring it to pass saith the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Behold thou son of man: the house of Israel say in this manner: Tush as for the vision that he hath seen, it will be many a day or it come to pass: It is far of yet, the thing that he prophesieth. Therefore say unto them: Thus saith the Lord God. All my words shall no more be slack: look what I speak, that same shall come to pass, saith the Lord. ¶ The word of the Lord against false prophets, which teach the people the counsels of their own hearts. CAPI. XIII. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man. Speak prophecy against those Prophets, that preach in Israel: and say thou unto them that prophecy out of their own hearts: Hear the word of the Lord: Thus saith the Lord God: False prophets. Woe be unto those foolish Prophets that follow their own spirit, and speak where they see nothing. O Israel, thy Prophets are like the foxes upon the dry field: For they stand not in the gaps, neither make they an hedge for the house of Israel, that men might abide the peril in the day of the Lord. Vain things they see: and tell lies to maintain their preachings withal. The Lord (say they) hath spoken it, when in very deed the Lord hath not sent them. Vain visions have you seen, and spoken false prophecies, when you say: the Lord hath spoken it, where as I never said it. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Because your words be vain, and you seek out lies: ☞ Behold, I will upon you, saith the Lord. Mine hands shall come upon the Prophets that look out vain things, and preach lies: they shall not be in the counsel of my people, nor written in the book of the house of Israel, neither shall they come in the land of Israel: that you may know, how that I am the Lord God. And that for this cause: jerem viii b they have deceived my people, and told them of peax, where no peax was. One setteth up a wall, and they daub it with lose clay. Therefore tell them which daub it with untempered mortar, Math. vii c that it shall fall. For there shall come a great shower of rain, great stones shall fall upon it, and a sore storm of wind shall break it, so shall the brickwall come down. Shall it not then be said unto you: where is now the mortar, that you daubed it withal? Therefore thus saith the Lord God: I will break out in my wrathful displeasure with a stormy wind, so that in mine anger, there shall come a mighty shower of of rain and haylestones in my wrath, to destroy withal. As for the brickwall that you have daubed with untempered mortar, I will break it down, make it even with the ground: so that the foundation thereof shall remove, and it shall fall: yea and you yourselves shall perish in the midst thereof: to learn you for to know I am the Lord. Thus will I perform my wrath upon this brickwall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar, and then will I say unto you: The brickwall is go, and the daubers are away. These are the Prophets of Israel, which prophecy unto the city of jerusalem, and look out visyons of peax for them, where as no peax is, saith the Lord God. Wherefore (O thou son of man) set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophecy out of their own hearts: and speak thou prophecy against them, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: Woe be unto you that sow pyllowes under all arm holes, and bolsters under the heeds both of young and old, to catch souls withal. For when you have got the souls of my people in your captivity, you promise them life, and dishonour me to my people, Isaiah. ● Mich. ● for an handful of barley, and for a piece of breed: when you kill the souls of them, that die not, and promise life to them that live not: thus you dissemble with my people that believeth your lies. Wherefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will also upon the pillows, wherewith you catch the souls in fleeing: them will I take from your arms, and let that souls go, that you catch in fleeing. your bolsters also will I tear in pieces, and deliver my people out of your hand: so that they shall come no more in your hands to be spoyley, and you shall know that I am the Lord. seeing that with your lies you discomfort the heart of the righteous whom I have not discomforted. Again: For so moche as you courage the hand of the wicked, Ose iiii▪ ● so that he may not turn from his wicked way and live: therefore shall you spy out no more vanity, nor prophecy your own gessynges: for I will deliver my people out of your hand, that you may know how that I am the Lord. ¶ The Lord denieth his word to the people for their sins sake. The dyspysers of the word doth the Lord sometime deceive by false prophets. A comfort of them that tledde unto Babylon. CAPI. XIIII. THere resorted unto me certain of the riders of Israel, 〈◊〉 twenty a. & sat down by me. Then came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: Thou son of man, these men beat their Idols in their hearts, and go purposely upon the stumbling block of their own wickedness: how dare they then ask counsel at me? Therefore speak unto them, and say: thus saith the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel that beareth his Idols in his heart, purposing to stumble in his own wickedness, and cometh to a prophet, to inquire any thing at me by him: unto that man will I the Lord myself give answer, according to the multitude of his Idols. that the house of Israel may be snared in their own hearts, because they be clean go fro me, for their Idols sakes. Wherefore, tell the house of Israel: thus saith the Lord God: Be converted, forsake your Idols, and turn your faces from all your abominations. For every man, (whether he be of the house of Israel or a stranger, that soiourneth in Israel) which departeth fro me, and carrieth Idols in his heart purposing to go still stumbling in his own wickedness, and cometh to a Prophet, to ask counsel at me thorough him: unto that man will I the Lord give answer, by mine own self. I will set my face against that man, and will make him to be an example for other, yea and a comen by word: and will rote him out of my people. that he may know that I am the Lord. 〈◊〉 xxii d 〈…〉 c And if that Prophet be deceived, when he telleth him a word: ☞ then I the Lord myself have deceived that Prophet, 〈…〉. and will stretch forth mine hand upon him, to rote him out of my people of Israel: and they both shall be punished for their wickedness. According to the sin of him that asketh, shall the sin of the Prophet be: that the house of Israel be led no more fro me thorough error, & be no more defiled in their wickedness: but that they may be my people, and I their God, saith the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man when the land sinneth against me, and goeth forth in wickedness: 〈◊〉 ●iii. d. I will stretch out mine hand upon it, and destroy all the provision of their bread, and send dearth upon them to destroy man and best in the land. And though No, Daniel, and job, these three men were among them, 〈◊〉 xii d yet shall they in their righteousness deliver but their own souls saith the Lord God. 〈◊〉 xu a If I bring noisome beasts into the land, to waste it up, and it be so desolate, that no man may go therein for beasts: if these three men also were in the land, as truly as I live (saith the Lord God) they shall save neither sons ne daughters, but be only delivered themselves: and as for the land, it shall be waste. Or if I bring a sword into the land, and charge it to go thorough the land: so that I stay down man & beast in it, and if these three men were therein: As truly as I live (saith the Lord God) they shall deliver neither sons ne daughters, but only be saved themselves. If I send a pestilence into the land, and pour out my sore indignation upon it in blood, so that I rote out of it both man and beast, and if No, Danyel, and job, were therein: as truly as I live (saith the Lord God) they shall deliver neither sons ne daughters, but save their own souls in their righteousness. Moreover thus saith the Lord God: jere xxvii b Though I sand my four troublous plagues upon jerusalem: the sword hunger, perilous beasts and pestilence, to destroy man and beast out of it: yet shall there be a remnant saved therein, which shall bring forth their sons and daughters. Behold they shall come forth unto you, and you shall see their way, and what they take in hand, and you shall be comforted, as touching all the plagues that I have brought upon jerusalem. They shall comfort you, when you see their way and works: and you shall know, how that it is not without a cause, that I have done so against jerusalem, as I did, saith the Lord God. ¶ As the unprofitable wood of the vine tree is cast in to the fire, so (sayeth he) that jerusalem shall be brent. CAPI. XU. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man: What cometh of the vine among all other trees? and of the vine stock among all other timber of the grove? Do men take of it, to make any work withal? Or may there a nail be made of it, to hung any thing upon? Behold, it is cast in the fire to be brent, the fire consumeth both the ends of it, the midst is brent to ashes. Is it meet then for any work? No. Seeing then, that it was meet for no work being hole: moche less may there any thing be made of it, when the fire hath consumed and brent it. And therefore thus saith the Lord God: Like as I cast the vine into the fire for to be brent, as other trees of the wood: Even so will I do with them that devil in jerusalem, and set my face against them: they shall go out from the fire, and yet the fire shall consume them. Then shall you know that I am the Lord, when I set my face against them, and make the hand waste: because they have so sore offended, saith the Lo ●e God. ¶ The prophet intending to speak of the abominations of jerusalem: doth first show the benefits of God toward it. jerusalem is reproved of unkindness, for her fornication with Idols. He justfieth the wickedness of other people in comparison of the sins of jerusalem. The cause of the abominations in to which the Sodomytes fell. Mercy is promised ●o the repentant. CAPI, XVI. Again, the word of the Lord spoke unto me, saying: Thou son of man show the city of jerusalem their abominations, and say: thus saith the Lord God unto jerusalem: Thy progeny and kindred came out of the land of Canaan, thy father was an Amoryte, thy mother a Cethite. In the day of thy birth when thou waste born, the string of thy navel was not cut of: thou waste not bathed in water to make the clean: thou waist neither rubbed with salt, ne swaddled in clouts: Not man regarded the so moche, as to do any of these things for thee, or to show the such favour, but thou wast utterly cast out upon the field, yea despised waist thou in the day of thy birth. Then came I by thee, and saw the trodden down in thine own blood, and said unto thee: thou shalt be purged from thine own blood, from thine own blood (I say) shalt thou be cleansed. So I planted thee, as the blossom of thy field: thou art grown up, and waxed great: thou hast got a marvelous pleasant beauty, thy breasts are come up, thy hear is goodly grown, where as thou wast naked and bore afore. Now when I went by thee, and looked upon thee: behold, thy time was come yea even the time to vow the. Then spread I my clotheses over thee, to cover thy dishonesty: yea I made an oath unto thee, and married myself with thee (saith the Lord God) and so thou becamest mine own. Then washed I the with water, and purged thy blood from the. I anointed the with oil, I gave the change of raymentes, I made the shoes of Taxus leather: I girded the about with white silk, I clothed the with kerchnes, I decked the with costly apparel. I put tinges upon thy fingers: a chain about thy neck, spangs upon thy forehead, ear rings upon thy ears, and set a beautiful crown upon thine head. Thus waste thou decte with silver and gold, and thy raiment was of fine white silk, of needle work and of diverse colours. Thou didst eat nothing but ●ymnels, honey and oil: marvelous goodly waist thou and beautiful, yea even a very Queen wast thou. In so much, that thy beauty was spoken of among the heathen, for thou wast excellent in my beauty, which I put upon the says the Lord God. But thou hast put confidence in thine own beauty, and played the harlot, when thou hadst got the a name. Thou haste committed boredome, with all that went by thee, and hast fulfilled their desires: yea thou haste taken thy garments of diverse colours, and decked thine altars therewith, whereupon thou mightest fulfil thy boredome, of such a fashion, as never was done ne shall be. The goodly ornaments & jewels which I gave the of mine own gold and silver, hast thou taken, and mad the men's images thereof, and committed whoredom with all. Thy garments of divers colours hast thou taken, and decked them therewith mine oil and incense hast thou set before them. My meat which I gave thee, as symnels, oil, and honey (to feed the withal) that hast thou set before them, for a sweet savour. And this came also to pass, saith the Lord God: Thou haste taken thy own sons and daughters, whom thou hadst begotten unto me: and these haste thou offered up unto them, to be their meat. Is this but a small boredome of thine (thinkest thou) that thou slayest my children, and givest them over, to be brent unto them? And yet in all thy abominations and boredome, thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, how naked and bore thou wast at that time, and trodden down in thine own blood. After all these thy wickedness●s (woe woe unto thee, saith the Lord) thou haste builded thy slewes and brodel houses in every place: yea at the heed of every street hast thou builded the an altar. Thou haste made thy beauty to be abhorred, thou haste laid out thy legs to every one that came by, and multyplyed thy boredome. Thou hast committed fornication with the Egyptyans thy neighbours, which had moche flesh and thus hast thou used thine whoredom, to anger me. Behold, I will stretch out mine hand over thee, and will minish thy store of sod and deliver the over into the wills of the Philistines thine enemies, which are ashamed of thy abominable way. Thou haste played the bore also with the Assyrians, which might not satisfy thee: Yea thou haste played the harlot, & not had enough. Thus hast thou still committed thy fornication from the land of Canaan unto the Caldees, and yet thy lust not satisfied. How should I circumcise thy heart (says the Lord God) seeing thou dost all these things, thou precious whore: building thy stews at the head of every street, and thy brothel houses in all places? Thou hast not been as an other whore, that maketh boast of her winning, but as a wife that breaketh wedlock, and taketh other in stead of her husband. Gifts are given to all other hoores, but thou givest rewards unto all thy lovers, and offrest them gifts, to come unto the out of all places, and to commit fornication with the. It is come to pass with the in thy booredomes contrary to the use of other women: yea there hath no such fornication been committed after thee, seeing that thou proferest gifts unto other, and reward is given thee: this is a contrary thing. Therefore hear the word of the Lord, O thou harlot, thus saith the Lord God. For so moche as thou hast spent thy money, and discovered thy shame, thorough thy boredome with all thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations in the blood of thy children, whom thou hast given them: Behold therefore I will gather together all thy lovers, unto whom thou hast made thyself common: yea, and all them whom thou favourest, and every one that thou hatest: & will discover thy shame before them, 〈◊〉 xvi c 〈◊〉 xxxiii b that they all may see thy filthiness. Moreover, I will judge the as a breaker of wedlock and a murderer, and recompense the thy own blood in wrath and jealousy. 〈◊〉 xxv a I will give the over into their power, that shall break down thy stews, and destroy thy brothel houses: they shall stryp the out of thy clotheses, all thy fair and beautiful jewels shall they take from thee, 〈◊〉 twenty b 〈◊〉 xxv b and so let the sit naked and bore: yea they shall bring the common people upon thee, which shall stone thee, and slay the down with their swords. They shall burn up thy houses, and punish the in the sight of many women. Thus will I make thy whoredom to cease, so that thou shalt give out no more rewards. Should I make my wrath to be still, take my jealousy from thee, be content, & no more to be displeased? seeing thou remember'st not the days of thy youth, but hast provoked me to wrath in all these things? Behold therefore, I will bring thine own ways upon thine head, saith the Lord God: how be it, I never did unto thee, according to thy wickedness and all thy abominations. Behold, all they that use common proverbs, shall use this proverb also against thee: such a mother, such a daughter. Thou art even thy mothers own daughter, that hath cast of her husband and her children. Yea thou art the sister of thy sisters, which forsook their husbands and their children. 〈◊〉 xuj. ● Your mother is a Cethite, and your father an Amoryte. Thy elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that devil upon thy left hand. But thy youngest sister that dwelleth on thy right hand, is Sodoma and her daughters. Yet hast thou not walked after their ways ne done after their abominations: but in all thy ways thou hast been more corrupt than they. As truly as I live, saith the Lord God: 〈…〉 Sodoma thy sister with her daughters, hath not done so evil, as thou & thy daughters. 〈…〉. Behold, the sins of thy sister Sodoma were these: Pride, fullness of meat, abundance and idleness: these things had she and her daughters. Besides that, they reached not their hand to the poor & needy, but were proud, and did abominable things before me: 〈…〉 therefore them I took away, when I had seen it. Neither hath Samaria done half of thy sins, yea thou haste exceaded them in wickedness: In so much that in comparison of all the abominations which thou hast done, thou haste made thy sisters good women. As for their captivity, namely the captivity of Sodoma and her daughters: the captivity of Samaria and her daughters: I will bring them again, so will I also bring again thy captivity among them: that thou mayest take thine own confusion upon thee, and be ashamed of all that thou hast done, and to comfort them. Thus thy sisters (namely) Sodoma and her daughters, Samaria and her daughters, with thyself and thy daughters, shall be brought again to your old estate. When thou wast in thy pride, and before thy wickedness came to the light: thou wouldest not hear speak of thy sister Sodoma, until the time that the Syrians with all their towns, & the Philistines with all that lie round about them, brought the to shame and confusion: that thou mightest bear thine own filthiness and abomination, says the Lord. For thus saith the Lord God: I should (by right) deal with thee, as thou hast done. Thou hast despised the oath, and broken the covenant. Nevertheless, I will remember the covenant that I made with the in thy youth, in so much that it shall be an everlasting covenant: so that thou also remember thy ways, and be ashamed of them: them shalt thou receive of me thy elder & younger sisters whom I will make thy daughters, jere xxxi c Hebre viii b & that beside thy covenant. And so I will renew my covenant with thee, that thou mayst know that I am the Lord: that thou mayst think upon it, be ashamed, and excuse thine own confusion no more: when I have forgiven thee, all that thou haste done, saith the Lord God. ¶ The parable of the two Eagles signifieth that Sedechias, which contrary to his oath had forsaken the friendship of Nabuchodonosor, turned himself to the King of Egypt, and therefore perished. An exposition of the parrable. A prophecy of christ. CAPI. XVII. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man: put forth a dark speaking and a parable, unto the house of Israel, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: There came a great Eagle with great wings, yea with mighty long wings, & full of feathers of diverse colours, upon the mount of Lybans, & took a branch from a cedar tree, and broke of the top of his twig, and carried it in to the land of Canaan, and set it in a city of merchants. He took also a branch of the land, & planted it in a fruitful ground, he brought it unto great waters, and set it as a willy tree thereby. Then did it grow, and was a great vine stock, but low by the ground: thus there came of it a vine, and it brought forth blossoms, and spread out branches. But there was an other Eagle, a great one which had great wings and many feathers, and behold, the rotes of this vine had an hunger after him, and spread out his branches toward him, to water his fruits. Nevertheless it was planted upon a good ground beside great waters: so that (by reason) it should have brought out branches & fruit, & have been a goodly vine. Speak thou therefore, thus saith the Lord God: Shall this vine prosper? shall not his rotes be pluck out, his fruit be broken of, his green branches whither and fade away? yea without either strong arm or many people, shall it be plucked up by the rotes. Behold, it was planted: shall it prosper therefore. Shall it not be dried up and withered, yea even in the shuting out of his blossoms, as soon as the east wind bloweth? Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Speak to that froward household: know you not, what these things do signify? Tell them: Behold, the king of Babylon came to jerusalem, and took the king and his princes, & led them to Babylon. He took of the kings seed, and made a covenant with him, and took an oath of him: The Princes of the land took he with him also, that the land might be held in subjection, and not to rebel, but keep the covenant, and fulfil it. But he fallen from him, and sent his Ambassadors in to Egypt that he might have horses and moche people. Should that prosper? Should he be kept safe, that doth such things? Or should he escape, that breaketh his covenant? covenant breakers. As truly as I live saith the Lord God: He shall die at Babylon, in the place where the king dwelleth, that made him king: whose oath he hath despised, and whose covenant he hath broken. Neither shall Pharaoh with his great host and multitude of people, maintain him in the war: when they cast up dytches, and set up bulwark to destroy moche people. For seeing he hath despised the oath, and broken the covenant (where as he yet gave his hand thereupon) and done all these things, he shall not escape. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: As truly as I live, I will bring mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, upon his own head. I will cast my net about him, Ezechie xii d xxii. a. and catch him in my yarn. To Babylon will I carry him, there will I punish him, because of the great offence that he made me. As for those that i'll from him out of the host, they shall be slain with the sword. The residue shall be scattered toward all the winds: and you shall know, that I the Lord have spoken it. Thus saith the Lord God: I will also take a branch from an high cedar tree, and will set it, & take the uppermost twig, that yet is but tender, and plant it upon an high hill: Namely upon the high hill of Zion will I will plant it: that it may bring forth twygges, and give fruit, and be a great cedar tree: so that all manner of fowls may bide in it: and make their nests under the shadow of his branches. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord hath brought down the high tree, and set the low tree up: that I have dried up the green tree, and made the dry tree to flourish: Even I the Lord that spoke it, have also brought it to pass. ¶ He showeth that every man shall bear his own sin. To him that amendeth is salvation promised. Death is prophesied to the righteous which turneth back from the right way. CAPI. XVIII. THe word of the Lord came unto me on this manner: what mean you by this common proverb, that you use in the land of Israel, saying: The fathers have eaten four grapes, 〈…〉 and the children's teeth are set on edge? As truly as I live saith the Lord God, you shall use this by word no more in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine. Like as the father is mine, so is the son mine also. The soul that sinneth, shall die. ☜ If a man be godly, and do the thing that is equal and right, he eateth not upon the hills: he lifteth not his eyes up to the Idols of Israel: he defileth not his neighbour's wife: he meddleth with no menstruous woman: he grieveth no body: he giveth his debtor his pledge again he taketh none other man's good by violence: he parteth his meat with the hungry, he clothed the naked: he dareth nothing upon usury, he taketh nothing over, he withdraweth his hand from doing wrong: he handleth faithfully betwixt man and man▪ he walketh in my commandments, and keepeth ●y laws, & performeth them faithfully: This is a righteous man, he shall surely live says the Lord God. If he now get a son, that is a murderer, a sheder of blood: if he do one of these things (though he do not all) he eateth upon the hills, he defileth his neyhboures' wife, he grieveth the poor and needy, he robbeth & spoileth, he giveth not the debtor his pledge again, he lifteth up his eyes unto Idols, & meddleth with abominable things, he dareth upon usury, & taketh more over. Shall this man live? He shall not live. seeing he hath done all these abominations, he shall die his blood shall be upon him. Now if this man get a son also, that seethe all his father's sins, 〈…〉. which he hath done: and fears, neither doth such like Namely, he eateth not upon the mountains he lifteth not his eyes up to the Idols of Israel: he defileth not his neighbours wife, he vexeth no man, he keepeth no man's pledge he neither spoileth, ne robbeth any man, h● dealeth his meat with the hungry, he clotheth the naked, he oppresseth not the poor, he receiveth no usury, ne any thing out, he keepeth my laws, and walketth in my commandments, This man shall not dye●● his father's sin, but shall live without fail. As for his father: because he oppressed and spoiled his brother, and did wycked●● among his people: lo, he is deed in his own sin. And yet say you: Wherefore then should not this son bear his father's sin? Therefore: because the son hath done equity & right, hath kept all my commandments, and done them: therefore shall he live in deed. The same soul that sinneth, 〈◊〉. x●●ii c ●●eg four b 〈◊〉 xxv b. shall die. The son shall not bear the father's offence, neither shall the father bear the sons offence. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself also. But if the ungodly will turn away from all his sins that he hath done, and keep all my commandments, and do the thing that is equal & right: doubtless he shall live, and not die. As for all his sins that he did before, they shall not be thought upon: but in his righteousness that he hath done, he shall live. For have I any pleasure in the death of a sinner, saith the Lord God: 〈◊〉. xx●x. a 〈◊〉 xxxiii b. but rather that he convert, and live? Again: if the righteous turn away from his righteousness, and do iniquity, according to all the abominations, that the wicked man doth shall he live? All the righteousness that he hath done, shall not be thought upon, but in the fault that he hath offended withal, and in the sin that he hath done, he shall die. 〈◊〉 xxxiii. d And yet you say: Tush, the way of the Lord is not indifferent. Here therefore you house of Israel: Is not my way right? Or are not your ways rather wicked? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and meddleth with ungodliness: he must die therein: yea for the unrighteousness that he hath done, must he die. Again: when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness, that he hath done, and doth the thing which is equal and right: he shall save his soul alive. For in so much as he remembreth himself, and turneth him from all the ungodliness that he hath used, he shall live and not die. And yet saith the house of Israel: Tush, the way of the Lord is not equal. Are my ways unright, O you house of Israel: Are not your ways rather unequal? As for me I will judge every man, according to his ways, O you house of Israel, saith the Lord God. 〈◊〉. ●ii. a. Wherefore be converted, and turn you clean from all your wickedness, so shall there no sin do you harm. Cast away from you all your ungodliness, that you have done: make you new hearts and a new spirit. Wherefore will you die, O you house of Israel? seeing I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God. Turn you then, 〈◊〉 xxxiii c and you shall live. ¶ The captivity of jochaz and joacin is signified by the lions whelps, and by the lion. He setteth out the prosperity of the city of jerusalem that is past, and the misery thereof tha● is present. CAPI. XIX. But mourn thou for the princes of Israel, and say: Wherefore lay thy mother that lioness among the lions, & norysshed her young among the lions whelps? One of her whelps she brought up, & it become a lion: it learned to spoil, and to devour folk. The heathen herd of him, and took him in their nets, and brought him in chains unto the land of egypt. Now when the dam saw that, all her hope and comfort was away, she took an other of her whelps, and made a lion of him: which went among the lions, and become a fierce lion: learned to spoil & to devour folk: he destroyed their palaces, and made their cities waste. In so much that the hole land and every thing therein, were utterly desolate, thorough the very voice of his roaring. Then came the heathen together on every side out of all countries against him, laid their nets for him, and took him in their pit. So they bound him with chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: which put him in prison, that his voice should no more be herd upon the mountains of Israel. As for thy mother, she is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the water side: her fruits and branches are grown out of many waters, her stalks were so strong that men might have made staves thereof for officers: she grew so high in her stalks. So when men saw that she exceaded the height and multitude of her branches, she was rooted out in displeasure and cast down to the ground. The east wind dried up her fruit, her strong stalks were broken of, withered and brent in the fire. Osee xiii d But now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground. And there is a fire go out of her stalks, which hath brent up her branches and her fruit: so that she hath no more strong stalks, to be staves for officers. This is a piteous and miserable thing. ¶ The Lord denieth that he will answer them when they pray, for the offence of unkindness which he here objecteth. He promiseth that his people shall return from captivity. By the wood that should be brent is signified the burning of jerusalem. CAPI. XX. IN the xvij year the tenth day of the u month, it happened, Ezech. xiiii a. that certain of the elders of Israel came unto me, for to ask counsel at the Lord, and sat them down by me. Then came the word of the Lord unto me on this manner: Thou son of man: speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them: Thus saith the Lord God: Are you come to ask any thing at me? As truly as I live (saith the Lord) I will give you no answer. Will't thou not reprove them (thou son of man) will't thou not reprove them? Exod. iii b Show them the abominations of their forefathers, and tell them: Thus saith the Lord God: In the day when I chose Israel, and lift up mine hand upon the seed of the house of jacob, and showed myself unto them in the land of egypt: Yea when I lift up mine hand over them, and said I am the Lord your God, even in the day that I life up mine hand over them, to bring them out the land of egypt, in to a land that I had provided for them, which floweth with milk and honey, and is a pleasant land among all other: Deut. vii a Then said I unto them: Cast away every man the abominations that he hath before him, and defile not yourselves with the Idols of egypt, for I am the Lord your God. But they rebelled against me, and would not follow me: to cast away every man the abominations of his eyes, and to forsake the Idols of egypt. Then I made me to pour my indignation over them, and to satisfy my wrath upon them: yea even in the midst of the land of egypt. But I would not do it, for my name's sake: that it should not be unhallowed before the Heithen, amongs whom they dwelled, and amongs whom I showed myself unto them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt. Now when I had carried them out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness: Exod. x●.xxi.x iii duty liii b Galath iii b levit xviii a Exod. xvi c xxxi c xxxii c I gave them my commandments, and showed them my laws: which who so keepeth shall live in them. I gave them also my holy days, to be a token betwixt me and them, and thereby to know, that I am the Lord, which halloweth them. And yet the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness, they would not walk in my commandments, they have cast away my laws (which who so keepeth should live in them) and my Sabbath days have they greatly unhallowed. Nun xiiii b Exodi xvi f Then I made me to power out my indignation upon them, and to consume them in the wilderness. Yet I would not do it, for my name's sake: jest it should be dishonoured before the heathen, from the which I had carried them away. But I sworn unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land, which I gave them: a land that floweth with milk and honey, and is a pleasure of all lands: and that because they refused my laws, and walcked not in my commandments, but had unhallowed my Sabbothes, for their heart was go after their Idols. Nevertheless mine eye spared than, so that I would not utterly slay them, and consume them in the wilderness. Eze. xviii ●. Moreover, I said unto their sons in the wilderness: walk not in the statutes of your forefathers, keep not their ordinances, Exod. xvi c xxxi c xxx.iis c. and defile not yourselves with their Idols, for I am the Lord your God. But walk in my statutes, keep my laws & do them, hallow my Sabbothes for they are a token betwixt me and you, Nun. ● that you may know how that I am the Lord. Notwithstanding, Levit x● Galath. ● Rom●. ● their sons rebelled against me also: they walked not in my statutes they kept not my laws to fulfil them (which he that doth shall live in them) neither hallowed they my Sabbath days. Then I made me again to pour out my indignation over them, and to satisfy my wrath upon them in the wilderness. Nevertheless I withdrew my hand for my name's sake, seest it should be unhallowed amongs the heathen, before whom I had brought them forth. I lift up mine hand over them also in the wilderness, that I would scatre them among the heathen, and strow them among the nations: because they had not kept my laws, but cast aside my commandments, unhallowed my Sabothes, and lift up their eyes to their father's Idols. Wherefore I gave them also commandments not good, Exod. xii●. ● & laws thorough the which they should not live, & I unhallowed them in their own gifts (when I appointed for myself all their first born) to make them desolate: that they might know, how that I am the Lord. Therefore (O thou son of man) tell the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God: Beside all this, your forefathers have yet blasphemed me more, and greatly offended against me: For after I had brought them in to the land, that I promised to give them, when they saw every high hill and all the thick trees: they made there their offerings, & provoked me with their oblations, making sweet savours there, and poured out their drink offerings. Then I asked them: what have you to do withal, that you go thither? And therefore is it called the high place unto this day. Wherefore, speak unto the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God: you are even as unclean as your forefathers, and commit boredome also with their abominations. In all your Idols, whereunto you bring your oblations, jerem. ● Deut x● d xvii●. b Ezechi. ● iiii. Re. x● xxi. a & to whose honour you burn your children: you defile yourselves, even unto this day: how dare you then come, & ask any question at me? O you household of Israel? As truly as I live (saith the Lord God) you get no answer of me: and as for the thing that you go about, it shall not come to pass, where as you say: two. Para. x● viii. a. we will be as the heathen, and do as other people in the land, would and stone will we worship. As truly as I live, saith the Lord God, I myself will rule you with a mighty hand, with a stretched our arm, and with indignation poured out over you: & will bring you out of the nations and lands, wherein you are scattered: & gather you together with a mighty hand, with a stretched out arm and with indignation poured out upon you/ & will bring you into the wilderness of the people. & there I will reason with you face to face. Like as I punished your forefathers in the wilderness, so will I punish you also saith the Lord God. I will bring you under my jurisdiction, and under the bond of the covenant. The forsakers also and the transgressors will I take from among you, and bring them out of the land of your habitation: as for the land of Israel, they shall not come in it: that they may know how that I am the Lord. 〈…〉 Go now then (saith the Lord God) you house of Israel, cast away and destroy every man his idols: then shall you hear me, and no more blaspheme my holy name with your offerings and idols. But upon my holy hill▪ even upon the high hill of Israel shall all the house of Israel and all that is in the land, 〈…〉 worship me: and in the same place will I favour them, and there will I require your heaveofferynges, and the firstlings of your oblations, with all your holy things. I will accept your sweet savour, when I bring you from the nations, and gather you together out of the lands, wherein you be scattered: that I may be hallowed in you before the Heathen, and that you may know, that I am the Lord, which have brought you in to the land of Israel: yea, in to the same land that I sworn to give unto your forefathers. There shall you call to remembrance your own ways, and all your imaginations, wherein you have been defiled: and you shall be displeased with your own selves, for all your wickedness which you have done. 〈…〉 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I entreat you after my name, not after your wicked ways, ne according to your corrupt works: O you house of Israel, saith the Lord. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, set thy face toward the south, and speak to the south wind, and say to the wood toward the south: Hear the word of the Lord, thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, that shall consume the green trees with the dry. No man shall be able to quench his flame, but all that looketh from the South to the North shall be brent therein: and all flesh shall see that I the Lord have kindled it, so that no man may quench it. Then said I: O Lord, they will say of me: tush, they are but fables that he telleth. ¶ He threateneth the sword, that is to say, destruction to the city of jerusalem. He showeth the fall of king Sedechias. He is commanded to prophesy the destruction of the children of Ammon. After the slaughter of other, at the last the Lord threateneth death unto Nabuchodonozor himself. CAPI. XXI. THe word of the Lord came to me, saying: Thou son of man, set thy face toward jerusalem, speak against the Sanctuary, and prophecy against the land of Israel, say to the land of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God. Behold I will upon thee, and will draw my sword out of the sheathe, and rote out of the both the righteous and the wicked. Seeing then that I will rote out of the both the righteous and wicked therefore shall my sword go out of his sheath against all flesh from the north to the south: that all flesh may know how that I the Lord have drawn my sword out of the sheath, and it shall not be put in again. Mourn therefore (O thou son of man) that thy loins crack withal/ yea mourn bitterly for them: And if they say, wherefore mournest thou? Then tell them: for the tidings that cometh, at the which all hearts shall melt, all hands shall be let down, all stomachs shall faint, and all knees shall wax feeble. Behold, it cometh, and shall be fulfilled, saith the Lord God. Again, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, prophecy and speak: Thus saith the Lord God: speak, the sword is sharpened and well scoured. Sharpened is it for the slaughter, and scoured that it may be bright. O, the destroying staff of my son, shall bring down all wood. He hath put his sword to the dyghting, that good hold may be taken of it. This sword is sharpened and dyghte, that it may be given in to the hand of the manslayer. Cry (O thou son of man) and bowl, for this sword shall smite my people, and all the rulers in Israel, which with my people shall be slain down to the ground thorough this sword. Smite thou upon thy thigh, for wherefore should not the plague and staff of judgement come? Prophecy thou son of man and smite thine hands together: make the sword two edged, yea make it three edged, the mansleers sword, that sword of the great slaughter, which shall smite them, even in their privy chambers: to make them abashed and faint at the hearts, and in all gates to make some of them fall. O how bright and sharp is it/ how well dyghte, and meet for the slaughter. Get the to some place alone either upon the right hand or upon the left, whither so ever thy face turneth. I will smite my hands together also, and satisfy my wrathful indignation. Even I the Lord have said it. The word of the Lord came yet unto me again, saying: Thou son of man, make the two streets, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come. Both these streets shall go out of one land. He shall set him up a place, at the head of the street shall he chose him out a corner. Make the a street, that the sword may come toward Kabath of the Ammonites, and to the strong city of jerusalem. For the king of Babylon shall stand in the turning of the way, Levit xix f xx. a Leut xviii b at the heed of the two streets to ask counsel at the sothesayers, casting the lots with his arrows to ask counsel at the idols, and to look in the liver. But the sothesayinge shall point to the right side upon jerusalem, that he may set men of war to smite it, with a great noise to cry out alarm, to set battelltammes against the gates, to grave up ditches, and to make bulwark. Nevertheless, as for the sothesayenge, they shall hold it but for vanity, even as though a jest were told them: yea, and they themselves remember their wickedness, so that by right they must be taken and won. Therefore saith the Lord God: For so moche as you yourselves show your offence/ and have opened your wickedness, so that in all your works men may see your sins: yea in so much (I say) that you yourselves have made mention thereof, you shall be taken by violence. O thou shameful wicked guide of Israel whose day is come/ even the time that wickedness shall have an end. Thus saith the Lord God: take away the myrrh, and put of the crown, and so is it away: the humble is exalted, and the proud brought low. punish, punish/ yea puny●she them will I, and destroy them: and that shall not be fulfilled until he come, to whom the judgement belongeth, and to whom I have given it. And thou (O son of man) prophecy and speak: Thus saith the Lord God to the children o● Ammon, jere xlix c Ezechie xxi a Amos i c and to their blasphemy speak thou: The the sword, the sword is drawn forth already to the slaughter, and scoured that it glystereth (because thou hast looked the out vanities, and prophesied lies) that it may come upon thy neck, like as upon the other ungodly, which be slain: whose day came, when their wickedness was full. Though it were put up again in to the sheath/ yet will I punish the in the land where thou wast nourished and born, and power my indignation upon thee, and will blow upon the in the fire of my wrath, and deliver the unto cruel people, which are learned to destroy. Thou shalt feed the fire, and thy blood shall be shed in the land, that thou mayst be put out of remembrance. Even I the Lord have spoken it. ¶ The word of the Lord against jerusalem for manslaughter, and denying due honour to their fathers and mothers, and other wyckednesses. Of the wicked doctrine of the false prophets and priests, and of their unlacyable covetousness. The tyranny of rulers. The unkindness of the people. CAPI. XXII. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me and said: thou son of man, wilt thou not reprove this bloudthirstye city? Show them their abominations and tell them: Thus saith the Lord God. O thou city that shedest blood in the midst of thee, that thy time may come also/ and makest the idols to defile the withal. Thou hast made thyself guilty in the blood that thou hast shed: & defiled the in the idols, which thou hast made. Thou hast caused thy days to draw nigh, and made the time of thy years to come. Therefore will I make the to be confounded among the Heathen, and to be despised in all the lands, whether they be nigh or far from thee: they shall laugh the to scorn, thou that hast got the so foul a name, and art full of mischief. Behold, Da●● twenty-five c the rulers of Israel have brought every man his power, to shed blood in the. In the have they despised father and mother, in the have they oppressed the stranger, in the have they vexed the widow and the fatherless. Thou hast despised my Sanctuary, and unhallowed my Saboth. Deut▪ ● Leu●●. ● Murderers are there in thee, that shed blood, and eat up the hills, and in the they use unhappiness. In the have they discovered their father's shame, in the have they v●xed women in their sickness. Every man hath dealt shamefully with his neighbour's wife, and abominably defiled his daughter in law. Ier●● In the hath every man forced his own sister, even his father's daughter: yea gifts have been received in the to shed blood. Thou hast taken usury and increase, thou hast oppressed thy neighbours by extortion, and forgotten me, saith the Lord God. Behold, I have smitten my hands upon thy covetousness that thou haste used, and upon the blood which hath been shed in the. Is thy heart able to endure it, or may thy hands defend themselves in the time that I shall bring upon thee? Even I the Lord that speak it, will bring it to pass. I will utter thyself among the Heathen, and strew the about in the lands, and will 'cause thy filthiness to cease out of thee: yea and I will have the in possession in the sight of the Heathen, that thou mayst know that I am the Lord. And the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, the house of Israel is turned to dross. All they that should be brass, tin, iron, and lead are in the fire become dross. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: For so moche as you all are turned in to dross: behold, I will bring you together unto Jerusalem like as silver, brass, iron, tin, and lead are put together in the furnace, and the fire blown there under to melt them: Even so will I gather you, put you in together, and melt you in my wrath and indignation. I will bring you together, and kindle the fire of my cruel displeasure under you, that you may be melted therein. Like as the silver is melted in the fire, so shall you also be melted therein: that you may know how that I the Lord have poured my wrath upon you. And the word of the Lord came unto me saying. Thou son of man, tell her: Thou art an unclean land, which is not rained upon in the day of thy cruel wrath: the Prophets that are in thee, are sworn together to devour souls, like as a roaring Lion that liveth by his prey. They receive richesse and good, and make many widows in the. Thy priests break my law, and defile my Sanctuary. They put no difference between the holy & unholy, neither discern between the clean and unclean: they turn their eyes fro my Sabothes, and I am unhallowed among them. 〈…〉 Thy rulers in the are like ravishing wolves to shed blood, and to destroy souls for their own covetous lucre. As for thy prophets, they daub with untempered clay/ they see vanities, and prophecy lies unto them, saying: the Lord God saith so, where as the Lord hath not spoken. The people in the land useth wicked extortion and robbery. They vex the poor and needy, and oppress the stranger against right. And I sought in the land for a man that would make up the hedge, and ●et himself in the gap before me, in the lands behalf, that I should not utterly destroy it, but I could lined none. Therefore will I pour out my cruel displeasure upon them, and burn them in the fire of my wrath: their own ways will I recompense upon their heads, saith the Lord God. ¶ Of the fornication, meaning the Idolatry of Samaria and jerusalem: under the names of Oholah and Oholibah. In comparison of Samaria he showeth that the fornication of jerusalem is the fylthyer. The destruction of jerusalem is prophesied. The adultery of both the whores is found out. Their destruction. CAPI. XXIII. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: thou son of man, there were two women that had one mother: These (when they were young) began to play the harlots in egypt. There were their breasts brosed, and the paps of their maydenheed destroyed. The elder of them was called Oholah, and her youngest sister Oholibah. These two were mine, and bore sons and daughters, their names were Samaria, and that was Oholah: and jerusalem that was Oholibah. As for Oholah, she began to go a hooring, when I had taken her to me. She was set on fire upon her lovers the Assyrians, which had to do with her: even the princes and Lords that were decte in costly array: fair young men, lusty riders of horses. Thus thorough her whoredom, she cleaved unto all the young men of Assiria: Yea, she was mad upon them, and defiled herself with all their idols. Neither ceased she from the fornication that she used with the Egyptians: for in her youth they lay with her, they brosed the brestest of her maydenheed, & poured their whoredom upon her. Wherefore I delivered her in to the hands of her lovers, even the Assyrians whom she so loved. Ezechi xvi ● These discovered her shame, took her sons and daughters, and slew her with the sword. An evil name got she of all people, and they punished her. Her sister Oholibah saw this, and destroyed herself with inordinate love, more than she, and exceeded her sister in hoordome, she loved the Assyrians (which also lay with her) namely the princes and great lords, that were clothed with all manner of gorgeous apparel, all lusty horsemen, and fair young personnes. Then I saw that they both were defiled alike. But she increased still in whoredom: for when she saw men painted upon the wall, the images of the Caldees set forth with fresh colours, with fair girdles about them, and goodly bonettes upon their heeds, loving all like Princes (after the manner of the Babylonyans and Caldees in their own land, where they be born) immediately as soon as she saw them, she brent in love upon them, and sent messengers for them into the land of the Caldees. Now when the Babylonians came to her they lay with her, and defiled her with their whoredom, and so was she polluted with them. Isaiah xlvii ● Naum iii d Ezechi xvi c And when her lust was abated from them, her whoredom and shame was discovered and seen, than my heart forsook her, like as my heart was go from her sister also. Nevertheless, she used her hoordome ever the longer the more, and remembered the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt/ she brent in lust upon them, whose flesh was like the flesh of Asses, & their seed like the seed of horses. Thus thou hast renewed the filthiness of thy youth, when thy lovers brosed thy paps, & marred thy breasts in egypt. Therefore (O Oholibah) thus saith the Lord God. I will raise up thy lovers (with whom thou hast satisfied thy lust) against the and gather them together round about thee: namely the Babylonians, and all the Caldees: Pecod, Schoa and Coa, with all the Assyrians, all young and fair lovers, princes and lords, knights, and gentlemen, which be all good horse men: these shall come vopn the with horses, charettes, and a great multitude of heople, which shall be harnessed about the on every side, with breastplates, sheldes and helmettes. I will punish the before them, yea they themselves shall punish thee, according to their own judgement. I will put my jealousy upon thee, so that they shall deal cruelly with the. They shall cut of thy nose and thine ears, and the remnant shall fall thorough the sword. They shall carry away thy sons and daughters, and the residue shall be brent ●●●he fire. They shall stripe the out of thy clothe●s, and carry thy costly jewels away with them. Thus will I make an end of thy filthiness and hoordome, which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt: that thou shalt turn thine eyes no more after them, and cast thy mind no more upon Egypt. For thus saith the Lord: behold, I will deliver t●e in to the hands of them whom thou hadst: yea, even in to the hands of them, with whom thou hast fulfilled thy lust, which shall deal cruelly with the. All thy labour shall they take with them, and leave the naked and bore/ and thus the shame of thy filthy whoredom shall come to light. All these things shall happen unto thee, because of thy whoredom, which thou hast used among the gentiles with whose idols thou hast defiled thyself. Thou haste walked in the way of thy sister, therefore will I give the her cup in thy hand. Thus saith the Lord God: Thou shalt drink of thy sisters cup, how deep and far so ever it be to the bottom. Thou shalt be laughed to scorn, and had as greatly in derision, as is possible. Thou shalt be ●ull of drunkenness and sorrow, for the cup of thy sister Samaria, is a cup of destruction and wasting: the same shalt thou drink and sup it out, even to the dregs: yea thou shalt eat up the broken pieces of it, and so tear thine own breasts: For even I have spoken it saith the Lord God. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: For so moche as thou hast forgotten me, and cast me aside, so bear now thine own fythynesse and whoredom. The Lord said moreover unto me: thou son of man, wilt thou not reprove Oholah, and Oholibah? Show them their abominations: namely that they have broken their wedlock, and stained their hands with blood: yea even with their idols have they committed adultery, and offered them their own children (to be devoured) whom they had born unto me. iiii. Reg. xxi a Ezech. xvi c Yea, and this have they done unto me also: they have defiled my Sanctuary, in that same day, and have unhallowed my Sabbath. For when they had slain these children for their idols, they came the same day in to my Sanctuary to defile it. Lo, this have they done in my house. Beside all this, thou haste sent thy messengers for men out of far countries: and when they came, thou haste bathed, trimmed and set forth thyself of the best fashion: Exod. twenty d. thou sattest upon a goodly bed, and a table spread before thee, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil. Then was there great cheer with her, and the men that were sent from far countries over the desert, unto these they gave bracelets upon their hands, and set glorious crowns upon their heeds: then thought I no doubt, these will use their harlotry also with yonder old whore. And they went in to her, as one unto a common harlot. Even so went they also to Oholah and Oholibah those filthy women. O you all that love virtue and righteousness judge them, and punish them: Levit xx. ● Ezechi. ●● as adulterers and murderers aught to be judged and punished. For they are breakers of wedlock and the blood is in their hands. Wherefore thus saith the Lord God: Bring a a great multitude of people upon them, and make them be scattered and spoiled: these shall stone them, and gore them with their swords. They shall slay their sons and daughters, and burn up their houses with fire. Thus will I destroy all such filthiness out of the land, that all women may learn, not to do after your uncleanness. And so they shall say your filthiness upon your own selves, and you shall be punished for the sins that you have committed with your idols/ and you shall know that I am the Lord. ¶ He proveth the fyring of jerusalem by a parable of a seething pot. The parable of Ezechiels' wife being dead, which he after expoundeth. CAPI. XXIIII. IN the ninth year, in the tenth month, the tenth day of the month, came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: O thou son of man, write up the name of this day, yea even the hour of this present day, when the king of Bylon set himself against jerusalem. E●echi xvi ● Eze●h● x▪ ● Show that stubborn household a parable, and speak unto them. Thus saith the Lord God. Get the a pot, set it on, and pour water in to it/ put all the pieces togy-in it, all the good pieces/ the loin & the shoulder, and fill it with the best bones. Take one of the best sheep, and an heap of bones with all/ let it boil well, and let the bones seethe well therein. With that said the Lord God on this manner: 〈…〉 Woe be unto the bloody city of the pot, whereupon the rustynesse hangs, and is not yet scoured away. Take out the pieces that are in it, one after an other/ there need no lots be cast therefore, for the blood is yet in it. Upon a plain dry stone hath she poured it, and not upon the ground, that it might be covered with dust. And therefore have I let her pour her blood upon a plain dry stony rock, 〈…〉. because it should not be hid, and that I might bring my wrothful indignation and vengeance upon her. Wherefore, thus saith the Lord God: Woe be unto that blood thirsty city, for whom I will prepare a heap of wood: bear thou the bones together, kindle thou the fire, seethe the flesh, let all be well sodden, that the bones may be sucked out. Moreover set the pot empty upon the coals, that it may be warm, and the metal hot, that the filth and rustynesse may be consumed. But it will not go of, there is so moche of it: the rustynesse must be brent out. Thy filthiness is abominable, for I would have cleansed thee, but thou wouldest not be cleansed. Thou canst not be purged from thine uncleanness, till I have poured my wrathful indignation upon the. Even I the Lord have so devised: Yea, it is come thereto already that I will do it. I will not go back I will not spare, I will not be entreated: but according to thy ways and imaginations, thou shalt be punished saith the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, behold, I will take away φ the pleasure of thine eyes with a plague: 〈◊〉, thy 〈…〉. yet shalt thou neither mourn nor weep, ne water thy cheeks therefore: thou mayst mourn by thyself alone: but use no deadly lamentation. Hold on thy bonnet, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, cover not thy face, and eat no mourners breed. So I spoke unto the people bitymes in the morning, and at even my wife died: then upon the next morrow I did as I was commanded. And the people said unto me: will't thou not tell us what that signifieth which thou dost? I answered them, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Tell the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God: behold, I will suspend my Sanctuary: even the glory of your power, the pleasure of your eyes, and the thing that you love: your sons and daughters whom you have left, shall fall thorough the sword. Like as I have done, so shall you do also: You shall not hide your faces, you shall eat no mourners breed: your bonnettes shall you have upon your heeds, and shoes upon your feet. You shall neither mourn nor weep, but in your sins you shall be sorrowful, and one repent with an other. Thus Ezechiel is your show token. For look as he hath done so (when this cometh) you shall do also: that you may learn to know, that I am the Lord God. But behold, O thou son of man: In the day when I take from them their power, their joy and honour, the lust of their eyes, the burden of their bodies: namely their sons and daughters. Then shall there one escape, and come unto thee/ for to show the. In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, that thou mayst speak, and be no more dumb: yea, and thou shalt be their show token, that they may know how that I am the Lord. ¶ The word of the Lord upon the sons of Ammon, which rejoiced at the fall of jerusalem. Against Moab and Seir. Against Idumea. Against the philistines. CAPI. XXV. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: thou son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites: Ezecki xvi d Jere xlix a. prophecy upon them, and say unto the Ammonites: hear the word of the Lord God. Thus saith the Lord God. For so moche as thou speakest over my Sanctuary. A ha', I trow it be now suspended: and over the land of Israel/ I trow it be now desolate, yea and over the house of juda, I trow they be now led away prisoners. Behold, I will deliver the to the people of the east, that they may have the in possession: these shall set their castles and houses in the. They shall eat thy fruit, and drink up thy milk. As for Rabath, I will make of it a stall for camels, and of Ammon a sheep fold: and you shall know, that I am the Lord. For thus saith the Lord God: In so much as thou hast clapped with thine hands, and stamped with thy feet/ yea rejoiced in thine heart over the land of Israel with despite: behold, I will stretch out mine hand over the also, and deliver the to be spoiled of the Heathen, and rote the out from among the people, and 'cause the to be destroyed out of all lands/ yea I will make the be laid waste, that thou mayst know that I am the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God: Esay. xv.xv●. Esay. xlu.ii. a Sophon ii b. For so moche as Moab and Seir do say: As for the house of juda, it is but like as all other Gentiles be. Therefore bebolde, I will make the cities of Moab weaponless, and shall take away their strength: their cities and chief costs of their land, which are the pleasures of the country: As namely Bethiesimoth, Baalmeon, and Cariathaim: these will I open unto them of the east, that they may fall upon the Ammonites: and will give it them in possession/ so that the Ammonites shall no more be had in remembrance among the Heathen. Even thus will I punish Moab also, that they may know how that I am the Lord. Moreover, thus saith the Lord God: Esay xxxiiii a jerem xlix b Ezech. xxxii f xxxv. a. Ps. cxx●vii. b. Gene. xxv d. Because that Edom hath avenged and eased himself upon the house of juda/ therefore thus saith the Lord: I will reach out mine hand upon Edom, and take away man and beast out of it. From Theman unto Dedan will I make it desolate/ they shall be slain with the sword. Thorough my people of Israel will I avenge me again upon Edom: i Macha u a they shall handle him according to my wrath and indignation, so that they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord God. Thus saith the Lord God: For so moche as the Philistines have done this: namely taken vengeance with despiteful stomachs, Es●ye. ●iiii c jere. ●lvii. a Sophoni ii a and of an old evil will set them selves to destroy. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will stretch out mine hand over the Philistines, and destroy the destroyer, and 'cause all the remnant of the see cost to perish. A great vengeance will I take upon them, and punish them cruelly: that they may know how that I am the Lord, which have avenged me of them. ¶ He prophecyeth that Tyrus shall be overthrown, because it re●oyced at the destruction of jerusalem. The wondering and astonyshment of the merchants, for the desolation of Tyrus. CAPI. XXVI. IT happened that in the xi year, the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, because that tire hath spoken upon jerusalem: Isaiah xxiii a jere xlvii b Ezechi xxvii A ha', now I trow the ports of the people be broken, and she turned unto me, for I have destroyed my belly full. Yea, therefore saith the Lord God: Behold, O tire, I will upon thee, I will bring a great multitude of people against thee, like as when the see ariseth with his waves: These shall break the walls of tire, and cast down her towers: I will scrape the ground trome her, and make her a bore stone: yea as the drying place where the fisshers hang up the net●es by the see side. Even I have spoken it, saith the Lord God. The Gentiles shall spoil her/ her daughters upon the field, shall perish with the sword, that they may know how that I am the Lord. For thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will bring hither Nabuchodonosor (which is the king of Babylon, and a king of kings) from the North upon tire, with horses, char●ttes, horsemen, and with a great multitude of people. Thy daughters that are in the land, shall he slay with the sword: but against the he shall make bulwark, and grave up dyches about thee, and lift up his shylbe against the. His stynges and battle tammes shall he prepare for thy walls, and with his weapons break down thy towers. The buste of his horses shall cover thee, they shall be so many, thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horse men, charettes, and wheels, when he cometh to thy ports, as men do in to an open city. With the hoffes of his horse feet, shall he tread down all thy streets. He shall slay thy people with the sword, & break down the pyllers or thy strength. They shall waste away thy richesse, and spoil thy merchandise. Thy walls shall they break down, and destroy thy houses of pleasure. jeremis vii d Thy stones, thy timber and foundations shall they cast in the water. Thus will I bring the melody of thy songs, & the voice of thy mynstrelsye to an end, so that they shall no more be herd. I will make a bore stone of thee/ yea a drying place for nets, and shalt never be builded again: For even I the Lord have spoken it, saith the Lord God: thus hath the Lord God spoken concerning tire. The Isles shall be moved at the noise of thy fall, and at the cry of the slain that shall be murdered in the. All kings of the see shall come down from their seats regal: they shall say away their robes, and put of their costly clothing: Yea with trembling shall they be clothed, they shall sit upon the ground: they shall be afraid at thy sudden fall, and be abashed at the. They shall mourn for thee, and say unto thee: O thou noble city that hast been so greatly occupied of old, 〈…〉. thou that hast been the strongest upon the see with thine inhabitants, of whom all men stood in fear: how art thou now so utterly destroyed? Now at the time of thy fall the inhabitants of the isles/ yea and the isles themselves shall stand in fear at thine end. For thus saith the Lord God: when I make the a desolate city (as other cities be, that no man devil in) and when I bring the deep upon thee, that great waters may cover thee: Then will I cast the down unto them that descend in to the pit: unto a people that hath been long deed, and set the in a land that is been thee, like the old wilderness, with them which go down to their graves, so that no man shall devil more in the. And I will make the to be no more in honour in the land of the living. I will make an end of thee, and thou shalt be go. Though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou not be found for evermore, saith the Lord God. ¶ The Prophet is moved to bewail the desolation of Tyrus. He setteth out the praise of Tyrus for the haunting of merchants thereto. CAPI. XXVII THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: O thou son of man, make a lamentable complaint upon tire, and say upon tire, which is a port of the see, Eze●h▪ 〈◊〉 xxv●●. that occupieth with moche people and many isles: Thus speaketh the Lord God. O tire, thou hast said: What, I am a noble city: Thy borders are in the midst of the see, and thy builders have made the marvelous goodly, all thy tables have they made of Cypre trees of the mount of Sanir. From Libanus have they taken cedar trees to make the masles: and the oaks of Basan to make the rowers. Thy bards have they made of ivory, and of costly would out of the isle of Tethim. Thy sail was of white small needle work out of the land of Egypt, to hang upon thy most: and thy hangynges of yellow silk purple, ou●e of the isles of Elisah. They of Sidon and Arnad were thy mariners, and the wisest in tire were thy shipmasters. The elder & wisest at Gebal were they, that mended and stopped thy ships. All ships of the see with their shypmen occupied their marchaundyes in the. The Perses, Lybians, and Lydians, were in thy host, & helped the to fight: these hanged up their shield and helmettes with thee, these set forth thy beauty. They of Arnad were with thine host round about thy walls, and were thy watchmen upon thy towers, these hanged up their shields round about thy walls, and made the marvelous goodly. Thatsis occupied with the in all manner of wares, in silver, iron, tin, and lead, and made thy market great. javan, Tubal, and Mesech were thy merchants, which brought the men & ornaments of metal for thy occupying. They of the house of Thogarma brought unto the at the time of thy mart, horse, horsemen and mules. 〈◊〉 xxv c They of Dedan were thy merchants: & many other Isles that occupied with thee, brought the wethers. Elephant bones and Paycockes for a present. The Syrians occupied with thee, because of thy divers works, and increased thy merchandise, with Smaragdes, with scarlet, with needle work, with white linen clot, with silk & with Crystal. juda and the land of Israel ocupyed with thee, and brought unto thy markets, wheat balm, honey, oil, and treacle, Damascus also used merchandise with thee, in the best wine and white will: because thy occupying was so great, and thy wares so many. Dan, javan, & Meusal have brought unto thy markets, iron ready made, with Casia & Calamus, according to thine occupying. Dedan occupied with thee, in fair tapestry work and quysshyns. Arabia and all the princes of Cedar have occupied with that, in sheep, wethers and gootes. The merchants of Seba and Rema have occupied also with thee, in all costly soyces in all precious stones and gold, which they brought unto thy markets. Haran, Chene and Eden, the merchants of Saba, Assiria and Chelmad, were all doers with thee, & occupied with thee: in costly raiment, of yellow silk and needle work (very precous▪ & therefore pachte and bound together with ropes) Yea and in cedar would, at the time of of thy markets. The ships of Tharsis were the chief of thy occupying. Thus thus thou art full, and in worship even in the midst of the see. Thy matyners were ever bringing unto the out of many waters. But the east wind shall overbear the into the midst of the see: so that thy wares, thy merchandise, thy riches, thy mariners thy shypmasters, thy helpers, thy occupiers (that brought the things necessary) the men of war that are in thee: yea and all thy commons' shall perish in the midst of the see in the day of thy fall. The suburbs shall shake at the loud cry of thy shypmen. All whirry men, and all mariners upon the see, shall leap once of their boots, and set themselves upon the land. They shall lift up their voice because of that, and make a lamentable cry. They shall cast dust upon their heads, and lie down in the ashes. They shall shave themselves, and put sack clot upon them for thy sake. They shall mourn for the with hertfull sorrow, and heavy lamentation, yea their children also shall weep for the. Alas, what city hath so been destroyed in the see, as tire is? When thy wares and merchandise came from the seas, thou gavest all people enough. The kings of the earth hast thou made rich, thorough the multitude of thy wares and occupying. But thou art now cast down into the deep of the see, all thy resort of people is perished with the. All they that devil in the Isles are abashed at thee, and all their kings are afraid, yea their faces have changed colour. The merchants of the nations wonder at the. In that thou art so clean brought to naught, and comest no more up. ¶ The word of God against the king of Tyrus for his pride. Daniel. The Prophet is moved to bewail the king of Tyrus. The word of the Lord against Sydon. The Lord promiseth to gather together the children of Israel. CAPI. XXVIII. THe word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, tell the prince of tire. Thus saith the Lord God: Ezehie. xxvi.xxvii. because thou haste a proud heart and haste said: I am a God, I have my seat in the midst of the set like a God: where as thou art but a man and not God, Isaiah xiiii a and yet standest in thy own conceit▪ that thou art God: Behold, thou thinkest thyself wiser than Daniel, Daniel ii that there is no secrets hid from the With thy wisdom and thy understanding, thou hast got the great wealthiness and gathered treasure of silver and gold: With thy great wisdom and occupying haste thou increased thy power, and because of thy great riches, thy heart is proud. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: For so much as thou hast lift up chine heart, as though thou were God behold, I will bring enemies upon thee, even the tyrants of the heathen: these shall draw out their sweardes upon thy beauty and wisdom, and shall defile thy glory. They shall cast the down to the pit, so that thou shalt die in the midst of the see as they that be slain. Let se, if thou wilt say then (before them that slay thee) I am God: where as thou art but a man & not God, in the hands of them that slay the. Die shalt thou, even as the uncircumcised in the hands of the enemies: for I myself have spoken it: saith the Lord God. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, make a lamentable complaint over the king of tire, and tell him: Thus saith the Lord God: Thou art a seal of a likeness, full of wisdom and excellent beauty. Thou hast been in the pleasant garden of God: thou are dccr with all manner of precious stones: with Ruby, Topas, Crystal, jacyncre, Onyx, jaspis, Saphir, smaragd, Carbuncle, and gold. Thy beauty and the holes that be in the were set forth in the day of thy creation. Thou art a fair Cherub, stretched wide out for to cover. I have set the upon the holy mount of God, there hast thou been, & walked among the fair glistering stones. from the time of thy creation thou haste been right excellent, till wickedness, was found in the. Because of thy great merchandise, Isaiah ii d. thy heart is full of wickedness, and thou hast offended. Therefore will I cast the from the mount of God (O thou covering Cherub) and destroy the among the glistering stones. Thy heart was proud in thy fair beauty, and thorough thy beauty thou hast destroyed thy wisdom, I will cast the down to the ground, & that in the sight of kings. Thou haste defiled thy Sanctuary, with the great wickedness of thy unrighteous occupying. I will bring a fire from the midst of thee, to consume thee: and will make the to ashes, in the sight of all them that look upon the. All they that have been acqueynted with the amongs the heathen, shall be abashed at the: seeing thou art so clean brought to nought, and comme● no more up. And the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, set thy face against Sidon. prophecy upon it, and speak. Thus says the Lord God: Io●el four a zachary ix a. Behold O Sidon, I will upon thee, and get me honour in thee: that it may be known, how that I am the Lord when I punish her, and get me honour in her. For I will send pestilence and blood shedding into her streets, so that those which be slain with the sword, shall lie round about in the midst of her: and they shall know, that I am the Lord. She shall no more be a pricking thorn, and an hurting breer unto the house of Israel, ne unto them that lie round about her and hate her: and they shall know, that I am the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God: when I gather the household of Israel together again from the nations among whom they be scattered: then shall I be santified in them, in the sight of the gentiles, and they shall devil in the land, that I gave to my servant jacob. They shall devil safely therein, build houses and plant vynyardes: yea safely shall they devil therein, when I have punished all those that despise them round about: and then shall they know, that I am the Lord their God. ¶ He prophecyeth against Pharaoh. He prophesieth the desolation of Egypt, and the sparpling abroad of the Egyptians. The Lord promiseth that he will restore. Egypt again after forty years. egypt is the reward of king Nabuchodonozor for the labour which he took against Tyrus. CAPI. XXIX. IN the tenth year upon the twelfth day of the tenth month, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Esay. x●xx. a. Iere● 〈…〉 Ezechi. ●xxxi. xx●● O thou son of man, set now thy face against Pharaoh the king of egypt, prophecy against him, & against the hole land of egypt: Speak and tell him, thus saith the Lord God: behold, O Pharaoh thou king of egypt, I will upon thee, thou great dragon, that liest in the waters: thou that sayest: the water is mine. I have made it myself. I will put an hook in thy chaws, and hang all the fish in thy waters upon thy scales: after that I will draw the out of thy waters: Yea and all the fish of thy wateres that hang upon thy scales. I will cast the out upon the dry land with the fish of thy waters, so that thou shalt lie upon the field. Thou shalt not be gathered ne taken up: but shalt be meat for the beasts of the field, and for the souls of the air: that all they which devil in egypt, may know, that I am the Lord: because thou hast been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. When they took hold of the with their hand thou brakest & pryckest them on every side: iiii. two. ● Isaiah. ●●▪ xxx●. xx● and if they leaned upon thee, thou brakest and hurtest the reins of their backs. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: behold. I will bring a sword upon thee, and rote out of the both man and beast. Yea the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste, and they shall know, that I am the Lord: Because he said: the watee is mine, I myself have made it: Behold therefore, I will upon thee, and upon thy waters: I will make the land of egypt waste and desolate, from the tower of Syenes, unto the borders of the Morions land so that in xl years there shall no foot of man walk there, neither foot of cattle go● there, neither shall it be inhabited. I will make the land of egypt to be desolate, amongs other waste countries, and her cities to lie void xl years, among other void cities: And I will scatter the Egypcians among the heathen and nations. Again, thus saith the Lord God: When the xl years are expired, I will gather the Egypcians together again, Iere●▪ ● out of the nations, amongs whom they were scattered, & will bring the prisoners of Egypt again into the land of Pathures their own native country, that they may be there a lowly small kingome: yea they shall be the smallest among other kingdoms least they exalt themselves above the heathen: for I will so menisshe them that they shall no more rule the heathen. They shall no more be an hope unto the house of Israel, neither provoke them any more to wickedness, to 'cause than turn back and to follow them: and they shall know that I am the Lord God. In the xxvij year, the first day of the first month, came the word of the Lord unto me saying: Thou son of man. Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon hath made his host, with great travail and labour to come before tire: that every heed may be bald, and every shoulder bore. Yet hath tire given neither him ne his host any reward, for the great travail that he hath taken there. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: behold I will give the land of Egypt unto Nabuchonozor the king of Babylon▪ that he may take away all her substance, rob her robberies, and spoil her spoils, to pay his host their wages withal. I will give him the land of Egypt for his labour, that he took for me before tire. At the same time will I 'cause the horn of the house of Israel to grow forth, and open thy mouth again among them: that they may know, how that I am the Lord ¶ The destruction of egypt and of his cities is bewailed. CAPI. XXX. THe word of the Lord came moreover unto me, saying: thou son of man, prophecy and speak: 〈…〉 thus saith the Lord God: Mourn, woe worth this day, for the day is here, the day of the Lord is come: the dark day of the heathen, the hour is at hand, the sword cometh upon egypt. When the wounded men fall down in egypt, when her people are taken away, & when her foundations are destroyed, the Morions land shall be afraid, yea the morions land, Libya and Lydia, all their common people, and Chubb, all that be confederate unto them, shall fall with them thorough the sword. Thus saith the Lord: the maynteyners of the land of egypt shall fall, the pride of her power shall come down: even unto the tower of Syenes shall they be slain down with the sword, saith the Lord God: among other desolate countries they shall he made desolate, and among other waste cities they shall be wasted. And they shall know, that I am the Lord, when I kindle a fire in egypt, and when all her helpers are destroyed. At that time, shall their messengers go forth fro me in ships, to make the careless Morions afraid, and sorrow shall come upon them in the day of egypt for doubtless it shall come. Thus saith the Lord God: I will make an end of the people of egypt thorough the hand of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon. Stand his people with him, yea and the cruel tyrants of the heathen shallbe brought to destroy the land. They shall draw out their sweardes upon egypt and fill the land full of slain men I will dry up their floods of water, and cell the land into the hands of wicked people. The land and all that is therein, will I destroy thorough the enemies. Even I the Lord have said it. And thus saith the Lord God: I will destroy the Idols, zachar xiii ● and bring the images of Noph to an end. There shall no more be a prince of egypt, and a fearfulness will I send in to the Egipcians land. As for Pathures. I will make it desolate, and kindle a fire in Zoan. Alexandria will I punish, and pour my wrathful indignation upon Sin which is the strength of egypt. All the substance of Alexandria will I destroy, and kindle a fire in Egypt. Sin shall be in great heaviness, Alexandria shall be rooted out, and Noph shall have daily sorrow. The best men of Helyopolis and Bubasta shall be slain with the sword, and carried away captive. At Taphnis the day shall be dark, when I break there the sceptre of the land of egypt, and when the pomp of her power shall have an end. A cloud sha● cover her and her daughters shall be led away into captivity. Thus will I punish Egypt, that they may know, how that I am the Lord. It happened in the xi year, upon the seventh day of the first month, that the lords word came unto me, saying: Behold thou son of man, I will break the arm of Pharaoh king of egypt: and lo it shall not be bond up to be healed, neither shall any plaster be laid upon it, for to ease it, or to make it so strong, as to hold a sword. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will upon Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and brose his strong arm (yet is it but a broken one) and will smite the sword out of his hand. As for the Egypcians, I will scatter them among the heathen, and strew them in the lands about. Again I will strentgh the arm of the king of Babylon, & give him my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaos' arm so that he shall hold it before him piteousely like a wounded man. Yea I will stablish the king of Babylon's arm: Pharaoh. and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down: that it may be known, that I am the Lord, which give the king of Babylon my sword in his hand, that he may draw it out upon the land of egypt: & that when I scatre the Egypcians among the gentiles, and strow them in the lands about, they may know, that I am the Lord. ¶ A comparison of the prosperetye of Pharaoh, with the prosperity of the Assyrians. He proph●cyeth a like destruction unto them both. CAPI. XXXI. Moreover, it happened in the xi year the first day of the third month that the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man speak unto Pharaoh the king of egypt, Ezechie. xxix.xxx.xxxii. and to all his people: Whom art thou like in thy greatness: Behold Assur was like a cedar tree upon the mount of Lybanus with fair branches: so thick, that he gave shadows and shot out very high. His top reached unto the clouds. The waters made him great, & the deep set him up an high. Round about the rotes of him ran there floods of water he sent out his little rivers unto all the trees of the field. Therefore was he higher than all the trees of the field, and thorough the multitude of waters that he sent from him he obtained many long branches. All fowls of the air made their nests in his branches, under his bows gendered all their beasts of the field, and under his shadow dwelled all people. Fair and beautiful was he in his greatness and in the length of his branches, for his rote stood beside great waters no cedar tree might hide him. In the pleasant garden of God, there was no fir tree like his branches, the plain trees were not like the bows of him. All the trees in the garden of God might not be compared unto him in his beauty is fair and goodly had I made him with the multitude of his branches: In so much that all the trees in the pleasant garden of God, had envy at him. Therefore thus saith the God: for so moche as he hath lift up himself so high and stretched his top into the clouds, and seeing his heart is proud in his highness: I will deliver him in to the hands of the mightiest amongs the heathen, which shall rote him out. According to his wickedness will I cast him away, the enemies shall destroy him, and the mighty men of the heathen shall so scatter him that his branches shall lie upon all mountains and in all valleys, his bows shall be broken down to the ground thorough out the land. Then all the people of the land shall go from his shadow and forsake him. When he is fallen, all the fowls of the air shall sit upon him, and all wild beasts of the field shall go about amongs his branches: so that from hence forth, no tree in the water shall attain to his highness, nor reach his top unto the clouds, neither shall any tree of the water stand so high, as he hath done. For unto death shall they all be delivered under the earth, and go down to the grave, like other men. Moreover, thus saith the Lord God: In the day when he goeth down to the grave I will 'cause a lamentation to be made. I will cover the deep upon him, I will staunch his floods, and the great waters shall be restraygned. I shall cause Libanus to be sorrowful for his sake, and all the trees of the field shall be smitten. Isaiah xiiii c Ezech. xxxii c I will make the heathen shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell, with them that descend in to the pit. All the trees of Eden, withal the choose and best trees of Lybanus, yea and all they that are planted upon the waters, shall mourn with him also in the lower habitations: for they shall go down to hell with him, unto them that be slain with the sword, which dwelled afore under the shadow of his arm among the heathen. To whom shalt thou be likened, that art so glorious and great, among the trees of Eden? yet art thou cast down under the earth (amongs the trees of Eden) where thou must lie amongs uncircumcised, with them that be slain with the sword. Even thus is it with Pharaoh and all his people, saith the Lord God. ¶ The Prophet is commanded to bewail Pharaoh. He prophecyeth that destruction shall come unto Egypt through the king of Babylon. CAPI. XXXII. IN the twelve year, the first day of the twelve month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, Ezec●● xx●xx●●. take up a lamentation upon Pharaoh king of egypt, and say unto him: Thou art counted as a lion of the heathen, and as a whalefisshe in the see. Thou castest thy waters about thee, thou troublest the waters with thy feet, and stampest in their floods. Ezech. x●▪ xvii. ●. Thus saith the Lord God: I will spread my net over thee, namely, a great multitude of people: these shall drive the in to my yarn, for I will cast the upon the land, and let the lie upon the field that all the fowls of the air may sit upon thee: I will give all the beasts of the field enough of the. Thy flesh will I cast upon the hills, & fill the valleys with thy highness. I will water the land with the abundance of thy blood even to the mountains, and the valleys shall be full of the. When thou art put out, I will cover the heaven, Eze●● 〈…〉. and make his starts dim. I will spread a cloud over the Sun, and the Moon shall not give her light. All the lights of heaven will I put out over thee, and bring darkness upon thy land saith the Lord God. I will trouble the hearts of many people, when I bring thy destruction amongs the heathen & countries whom thou knowest not. Yea I will make many people with their kings so afraid thorough thee, that their here shall stand up, when I shake my sword at their faces. suddenly shall they be astonied, every man in himself, at the day of thy fall. For thus saith the Lord: God: the king of Babylon's sword shall come upon thee, with the sweardes of the worthies will I smite down thy people. All they that be mighty among the gentiles, shall waste the proud pomp of Egypt and bring down all her people. All the cattle also of egypt will I destroy, that they shall come no more upon the waters: so that neither man's foot ne beasts claw, shall slere them any more. Then will I make their waters clear, and 'cause their floods to run like oil, saith the Lord God: when I make the land of egypt desolate. and when the country with all that is therein. shall be laid waste: and when I smite all them which devil in it, that they may know, that I am the Lord This is the mourning, that the daughters of the heathen shall make: Yea a sorrow and lamentation shall they take up, upon egypt and all her people, saith the Lord God. In the twelve year, the xu day of the month came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: Thou son of man. Take up a lamentation upon the people of egypt, 〈…〉 and cast them down, yea and the mighty people of the heathen also even with them that dwell beneath: and with them that go down in to the grave. Down (how fair so ever thou be) and lay the with the uncrrcumcised. amongs those that be slain with the sword, shall they lie. The sword is given already. he shall be drawn forth and all his people. The mighty worthies & his helpers, that be go down and lie with the uncircumcised & with them that be slain with the sword: shall speak to him out of the midst of hell. Assur is there also with his company, and their graves round about, which were slain and fell all with the sword, whose graves lie be side him in the low pit. His commons are buried round about his grave: all together wounded and slain with the sword, which men afore time brought fear into the land of the living. 〈…〉 There is Elam also with all his people, & their graves round about: which all being wounded and slain with the sword, are go down uncircumcised under the earth, which nevertheless sometime brought fear into the land of the living: for the which they bore their shame, with the other that be go down to the grave. Their burial is given them and all their people, amongs them that be slain. Their graves are round about all them which be uncircumcised, and with them that be slain thorough the sword: for seeing that in times past they made the land of the living afraid, they must now bear their own shame, with them that go down to the pit, & lie among them. that be slain. There is Mesech also and Tubal, & their people, and their graves round about. These all are amongs the uncircumcised, and then that be slain with the sword, because afore time they made the land of the living afraid. Should not they then lie amongs the worthies, and uncircumcised Giants? which with their weapons are go down to hell: whose swords are laid under their heads, whose wickedness is upon their bones: because that as worthies, they have brought fear in to the land of the living? Yea amongs the uncicumcysed shalt thou be destroyed, and sleep with them, that perished thorough the sword. There is the land of Edom with her kings & princes also, jerem xlix b Ezechi xxv b xxxv. a. which with their strength are laid by them that were slain with the sword, yea among the uncircumcised, and them which are go down into the pit. Moreover, there be all the princes of the north, with all the Sidonians, which are go down to the slain. With their fear & strength they are come to confusion, and lie there uncircumcised, amongs those that be slain with the sword and bear their own shame, with them that be go down to the pit. Now when Pharaoh saith this, he shall be comforted over all his people, that is slain with the sword: both Pharaoh and all his host, saith the Lord God. For I have given my tear in the land of the living. But Pharaoh and all his people shall lie amongs the uncircumcised, and amongs them that be slain with the sword saith the Lord God. ¶ He setteth out the office of a preacher. He strengtheneth them that despair, and boldeneth them with the promise of mercy. As the former righteousness helpeth not the righteous, if he give himself again to sin: so the sins done before are not imputed to the wicked that amendeth. The word of the Lord against the rest of the people. Against the mockers of the words of the Prophet. CAPI. XXXIII. Again, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Preachers be watchmen. Thou son of man Speak to the children of thy people, and tell them: When I send a sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their country, and set him to be their watchman: iiii. Reg. ix d. the same man (when he saith the sword come upon the land) shall blow the trumpet, and warn the people. If a man now hear the noise of the trumpet and will not be warned, and the sword come and take him away: his blood shall be upon his own heed: for he heard the sound of the trumpet, and would not take heed, therefore his blood be upon him. But if he will receive warning, he shall save his life. Again, if the watchman see the sword come and show it not with the trumpet, so the the people is not warned: if the sword come then, and take any man from amongs thee: the same shall be taken away in his own sin, but his blood will I require of the watchman's hand. And now (O thou son of man) I have made the a watchman unto the house of Israel: Ezechie iii c that where as thou hearest any thing out of my mouth, thou mayst warn them on my behalf. It I say unto the wicked thou wicked, thou shalt surely die: and thou givest him not warning, that he may beware of his ungodly way: then shall the wicked die in his own sin, but his blood will I require of thy hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the wicked of his way, to turn from it, where as he yet will not be turned from, it then shall he die because of his sin, but thou haste delivered thy soul. Therefore (O thou son of man) speak unto the house of Israel. Yea say thus: Our offences and sins lie upon us, and we be corrupt in them: how should we then be restored unto life? Tell them: As truly as I live saith the Lord God, ☞ Ezech. xviii e I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but moche rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn you, turn you from your ungodly ways, O you of the house of Israel. O, wherefore will you die? Ezec xviii d. Thou son of man, tell the children of thy people: ☞ The righteousness of the righteous shall not save him, when so ever he turneth away unfaithfully: Again, the wickedness of the wicked shall not hurt him, when soever he converteth from his ungodliness. And the righteousness of the righteous shall not save his life, whansoeveuer he sinneth. If I say unto the righteous, that he shall surely live, and so he trust to his own righteousness, and do sin: then shall does righteousness be no more thought upon, but in the wyckenesse that he hath done he shall die. Again, if I say unto the wicked: thou shalt surely die: Isaiah .lv. b Iere xviii ● and so he turn from his sins, and do the thing that is lawful & right: In so much that the same wicked man giveth the pledge again, restoreth that he had taken away by robbery, walketh in the commandments of life, & doth no wrong: Then shall he surly live, and not die. Yea the sins that he hath done, shall never be thought upon. For in so much as he doth now the thing that is lawful and right, he shall live. And yet the children of thy people say: Tush, the way of the Lord is not right, where as their own way is rather unright. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and doth the thing that is wicked, he shall die therefore. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, Ezech. xviii f Roma ii a doing the thing that is lawful and right, he shall live therefore. Yet you say: the way of the Lord is not equal. O you house of Israel, I will judge every one of you after his ways. In the twelfth year the u day of the ten month of our captivity, it happened, that one which was fled out of Jerusalem, came unto me, and said: the city is destroyed. Now the hand of the Lord had been upon me the evening afore this man (which was escaped) came unto me, & had opened my mouth, until the morning that he came to me: yea he opened my mouth, so that I was no more dumb. Then came the word of the Lord unto me, and said: Thou son of man, these that devil in the wasted land of Israel, say Abraham was but one man, and he had the land in possession now are we many, & the land is given us to possess also. And therefore tell them: Thus saith the Lord: In the blood have you eaten, Le● 〈◊〉 your eyes have you lift up to Idols, and have shed blood: shall you then have the land in possession. You lean upon your sweardes, you work abominations, every one defileth his neighbour's wife: and shall you then possess the land? Say thou these words unto them: Thus saith the Lord God: As truly as I live all you that devil in this wilderness, shall be slain with the sword: what so ever is upon the field, will I give unto the berstes to be devoured: those that be in strong holds and dens, shall die of the pestilence. For I will make the land so desolate and waste, and the pomp of her strength shall come to an end. The mountains in Israel shall be so waste that no man shall travail thereby. Then shall they learn to know, that I am the Lord, Ezech ● when I make the land waste and desolate, because of all their abominations, that they have wrought. And thou son of man, the children of thy people that talk of thee, by the walls & in the doors of their houses, saying one to an other: Come let us hear, what word is go forth from the Lord: These come unto thee, after the manner of a great people: you my people sit down before thee, and hear thy words but they do not thereafter: for in their mouths they show themselves, ☜ as though they were fervent, but their heart goeth after their own covetous lucre. And as a ballet that hath a sweet tune, & is pleasant to sing, so shalt thou be unto them: thy words shall they hear, but they will not do thereafter. When this cometh to pass (for lo, it cometh in deed) then shall they know, that there hath been a Prophet among them. ¶ Against bishops and Curates that despise the flock of christ, and seek their own. The Lord saith that he will vysette his dysperpled flock, and gather them together. He reproveth the malice of certain of the flock. He promiseth the true shepherd christ, and with him pea●. CAPI. XXXIIII. ANd the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, 〈…〉 prophecy against the shepherds of Israel, prophecy and sick unto them: 〈…〉 Ie●●● xxii●. ●. Thus saith the Lord God: We be unto the shepherds of Israel, that feed themselves Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You have eaten up the fat, you have clothed you with the will: the best fed have you slain, but the flock have you not nourished. The weak have you not held up, the sick have you not healed: the broken have you not bound together, 〈…〉 the outcasts have you not brought again: the lost have you not sought, but churlyshly, and cruelly have you ruled them. Thus are they scattered here and there without a shepherd: 〈◊〉 yea all the beasts of the field devour them, and they go astray. My sheep go wand'ring upon all mountains, and upon every high hill. Yea they be scattered abroad in all fields, and there is no man that careth for them, or seeketh after them. Therefore, O you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God. As truly as I live, for as much as my sheep are rob, and devoured of all the wild beasts of the field having no shepherd: and seeing that my shepherds take no regard of my sheep, but feed themselves only and not my sheep. Therefore hear the word of the Lord, oh you shepherds: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold▪ I myself will upon the shepherds, and require my sheep from their hands, and make them cease from feeding of my sheep: yea the shepherds shall feed them selves no more: For I will deliver my sheep out of their mouths, so that they shall not devour them after this. For thus saith the Lord God: 〈…〉 Behold, I will look to my sheep myself, and seek them. Like as a shepherd amongs the flock, seeketh after the sheep that are scattered abroad, even so will I seek after my sheep, and gather them together out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. I will bring them out from all people, and gather them together out of all lands. I will bring them in to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of irael by the rivers, and in all the places of the country. I will feed them in right good pastures, & upon the high mountains of Israel shall there folds be. There shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed: even upon the mountains of Israel. 〈…〉 I will feed my sheep myself, and bring them to their rest, saith the Lord God. Such as be lost, will I seek/ such as go astray, will I bring again/ such as be wounded, will I vine up/ such as be weak, will I make strong/ such as be fat and well liking, those will I preserve. and feed them with the thing that is lawful. And as for you, O my sheep, saith the Lord God: I will put a difference among the sheep, amongs the wethers and the goats. 〈…〉 Was it not enough for you to eat up the good pasture, but you must tread down the residue of your pasture with your feet also? Was it not enough for you to drink clear water. but you must trouble the residue also with your feet? Thus my sheep must be fain to rate the thing, that you have trodden down with your feet, and to drink it, that you with your feet have defiled. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God unto them: Behold, I will sever the fat sheep from the lean/ for so moche as you have shot the weak sheep upon the sides and shoulders, and run upon them with your horns, so long till you have utterly scattered them abroad. I will help my sheep, so that they shall be no more spoiled: yea I will discern one sheep from an other. I will raise up unto them one only shepherd: even my servant David, job xu Isaiah xv c xlv. b Deut. ix g he shall feed them, & he shall be their shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David shall be their prince: Even I the Lord have spoken it. Moreover, I will make a covenant of peaxe with them, and drive all evil beasts out of the land, so they that may dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. Good fortune and prosperity will I give them, and unto all that be round about my hill. A prosperous shower and rain will I send them in one season, that the trees in the wood may bring forth their fruits, and the ground her increase. They shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, which have broken their yoke, and delivered them out of the hands of those that held them in subjection. They shall no more be spoiled of the Heathen, nor devoured with the beasts of the land/ but safely shall they devil, and no man shall fray them. I will set up an excellent plant for them, so that they shall suffer no more hunger in the land, neither beat the reproof of the Heathen any more. Thus shall they understand that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they (even the house of Israel) are my people, saith the Lord God. You men are my stock, Iohn ten b Psal xc a. b c you are the sheep of my pasture: and I am your God, saith Lord God. ¶ The destruction that shall come on the hill Seir, that is on the Idumeans, because they troubled the people of the Lord. CAPI. XXXVIII. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, turn thy face toward the mount Seir, prophecy upon it, & say unto it: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, O thou mount Seir, I will upon the. I will reach out mine hand over thee/ yea waste and desolate will I make the. Thy cities will I break down, and thou shalt lie void/ that thou mayst know how that I am the Lord For so moche as thou bearest an old enimitye against the the children of Israel/ and with a cruel hand haste made them afraid, what time as they were troubled and punished for their sin. Therefore as truly as I live, saith the Lord God. I will prepare the unto blood/ yea blood shall follow upon thee: seeing thou layest wait for blood, therefore shall blood persecute the. Thus will I make the mount Seir desolate and waste, and bring to pass that there shall no man go thither, ne come from thence. His mountains will I fill with his slain men: thy hills, dales, and valleys shall lie full of them that are slain with the sword. I will make the a perpetual wilderness, so that no man shall devil in thy cities: that you may know how that I am the Lord. And because thou hast said: what, both these nations, and both these lands must be mine, and I will have them in possession, where as the Lord was there. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: As truly as I live I will handle the according to thy wrath and jealousy, like as thou hast dealt cruelly with them: that I may be known among them, how I have punished the. Yea, and that thou must be sure that I the Lord● have herd all thy despytfull words, which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying: Lo, they are made waste, and given us to devour. Thus with your mouths you have made your booste against me, yea, and multiplied your proud words against me▪ which I have herd all together. Ezechi xxii c Whereunto thus saith the Lord God: When the hole world is in wealth, then will I make the waste. And like as thou (O mount Seir) wast glad, because the heritage of the house of Israel was destroyed: even so will I do unto the also, that thou and hole Edom shall be destroyed, and know that I am the Lord. ¶ He promiseth deliverance from the gentiles unto Israel. The benefits done unto the jews are to be ascribed to the mercy of God, not unto their deservings. God renueth our hearts that we may walk in his commandments. CAPI. XXXVI. THou son of man, prophecy upon the mountains of Israel, Ezech. vi c and speak. Hear the word of the Lord. O you mountains of Israel. Thus saith the Lord God: Because your enemy hath said upon you: Aba, the high everlasting places are now become ours: prophecy therefore and speak: thus saith the Lord God: Seeing you be wasted and trodden down on every side, and become a possession unto the residue of the Gentiles, which have brought you in to men's mouths, and unto an evil name amongs the people. Therefore hear the word of the Lord God, O you mountains of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God unto the mountains and hills, valleys and bales, to the void wyldernesses, and desolate cities, which are spoiled, and had in derision on every side, among the residue of the Heathen: Yea, even thus saith the Lord God: In the fire of my jealousy have I taken a device, against the residue of the gentiles, and against all Edom: which have taken in my land unto themselves for a possession, 〈◊〉 which also rejoiced from their hole heart, with a despiteful stomach to waste it and to spoil it. prophecy therefore upon the land of Israel, speak unto the mountains and hills, to valleys and dales, thus saith the Lord God. Behold, this have I devised in my jealousy and terrible wrath: For so moche as you have suffered reproof of the Heathen: therefore, thus saith the Lord God: I have sworn that the gentiles which lie about you, shall bear your confusion them selves. And as for you (O mountains of Israel) you shall shout out your branches, and bring forth your fruit to my people of Israel/ for it is hard by that will come. Behold, I come unto you, and unto you will I turn me, that you may be tilled and sown. I will send you moche people, which shall be all of the house of Israel: the cities shall be inhabited, and the decayed places shall be repaired again. I will provide you with moche people & cattle, which shall increase and bring fruit. I will restore you also to your old estate, and show you more kindness than ever you had before/ whereby you shall know that I am the Lord. Yea, people will I send unto you (O my folk of Israel) which shall have the in possession, and thou shalt be their inheritance, so that thou shalt no more be without them. Again, thus saith the Lord God: for so moche as they say unto you: thou art an eater up of men, & a waster of thy people: therefore thou shalt eat no more men, neither destroy thy people any more, saith the Lord God. And I will not suffer the for to hear thine own confusion among the gentiles from henceforth. Thou shalt not bear the reproof of the nations, nor cast out thine own people any more, saith the Lord God. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: O thou son of man, when the house of Israel dwelled upon their own ground they defiled themselves with their own ways and imaginations/ so that in my sight their way was like the uncleanness of a menstruous woman. Wherefore I poured my wroth full displeasure upon them, because of the blood that they had shed in the land, and because of their idols, wherewith they had defiled themselves. I scattered them also among the heathen, so that they were strewed about in the lands. According to their ways, and after their owns inventions, so did I punish them. Now when they were go unto the Heathen, and come in amongs them, they dishonoured my holy name: 〈…〉 so that it was said of them: Are these the people of God, and must go out of their own land? Then spared I my holy name which the house of Israel had dishonoured amongs the gentiles, to whom they came. Therefore tell the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God: I do not this for your sakes (O house of Israel) but for my holy names sake, which you dishonoured among the Heathen, when you came to them. Therefore, I will hallow my great name again, which among the Gentiles is evil spoken of: for you yourselves have dishonoured it among them. And the Gentiles shall know that I am the Lord, when I am honoured in you before their eyes, saith the Lord God. As for you, I will take you from amongs the Heathen, and gather you together out of all countries, and bring you again in to your own land. Then will I pour clear water upon you, and you shall be clean: yea from all your uncleanness, and from all your Idols shall I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, 〈…〉 and a new spirit will I put in to you: As for that stony heart, I will take it out of your body, and give you a fleshly heart. 〈…〉 I will give my spirit among you, and cau●e you to walk in my commandments, to keep my laws, and to fulfil them. And so you shall devil in the land that I gave to your forefathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will help you out of all your uncleanness. I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and will let you have no hunger. I will multiply the fruits of the trees, and the increase of the field for you, so that you shall bear no more reproof of hunger among the Heathen. Then shall you remember your own wicked ways, and your imaginations, which were not good: so that you shall take displeasure at your own selves, by reason of your sins and abominations. But I will not do this for your sakes (saith the Lord God) be you sure of it. Therefore, O you house of Israel be ashamed of your sins. Moreover, thus saith the Lord God: what time as I shall cleanse you from all your offences, then will I make the cities to be occupied again, and will repair the places that be decayed. The desolate land shall be builded again, which afore time lay waste in the sight of all them that went by. Then shall it be said: this waste land is become like a garden of pleasure, and the void, desolate and broken down cities are now strong and fenced again. Then the residue of the Heathen that lie round about you, shall know that I am the Lord which repair that was broken down, and plant again that was made waste. Even I the Lord have spoken it, and will do it in deed. Thus saith the Lord God: I will yet once be found again of the house of Israel, and do this for them: I shall increase them as a flock of men. 〈…〉 Like as the holy flock, and the flock of jerusalem are in the high solemn feasts: so that also the wild wasted cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord. ¶ He prophecyth the bringing again of the people being in captivity. He showeth the unyon of the ten tribes with the two. christ is the king of the christian people alone, and the only everlasting shepherd thereof. CAPI. XXXVII. THe hand of the Lord came upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, & let me down in a plain field, that lay full of bones, and he led me round about by them: and behold the bones that lay upon the field were very many, and marvelous orye also. Then said he unto me: Thou son of man: thinkest thou these bones may live again? I answered: O Lord God, thou knowest. And he said unto me: Prophecy thou upon these bones, and speak unto them: You dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones: Behold I will put breath in to you, that you may live: I will give you sinews, and make flesh grow upon you and cover you over with skin, Gene. ii d. and so give you breath that you may live and know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as he had commanded me. And as I was prophesying, i Corint xu ● there came a noise and a great motion, so that the bones can every one to an other. Now when I had looked, behold, they had sinews, and flesh grew upon them, and above they were covered with skin, bu● there was no breath in them: Then said he unto me: Thou son of man, prophecy thou toward the wind: prophecy, and speak to the wind: Thus saith the Lord God: ●ome (O thou air) from the ●our winds, and blow upon these slain, that they may be restored to life. So I prophesied, as he had commanded me, than came the breath in to them, and they received life, and stood up upon their feet, a marvelous great sort. Moreover, he said unto me: Thou son of man, these bones are the hole house of Israel. Behold, they say: Our bones are dried up, our hope is go, we are clean cut of. Therefore prophecy thou, Ezec xxxiii ● and speak unto them: thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves (O my people) and take you out of your sepulchres, and bring you in to the land of Israel again. So shall you know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you out of them. My spirit also will I put in you, and you shall live: I will set you again in your own land, and you shall know, that I am the Lord, which have said, and fulfulled it in deed. The word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, take a stick and write upon it: Unto juda and to the children of Israel his companions. Then take an other stick, and write upon it: Unto joseph the stok of Ephraim, and to all the household of Israel his companions. And then take both these together in thine hand, so shall there be one stick thereof. Now if the children of thy people say unto thee: wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these? then give them this answer: thus saith the Lord God: behold I will take the stock of joseph, Osee i b which is in the land of Ephraim, and of the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them to the stock of juda, and make them one stock, and they shall be one in my hand. And the two styckes whereupon thou writest shalt thou have in thine hand, that they may see, and shalt say unto them: Thus saith the Lord God: behold, I will take away the children of Israel from among the Hearthen, unto whom they be go and will gather them together on every side, and bring them again in to their own land. yea I will make one people of the in the land, upon the mountains of Israel, and they all shall have but one king. They shall no more be two peoples from henceforth, neither be divided in to two kingdoms: they shall also defile themselves no more with their abominations, idols, and all their wicked doings. I will help them out of all their dwelling places wherein they have sinned, & will so cleanse them, that they shall be my people, and I their God. David my servant shall be their king, and they all shall have one shepherd only. Eze. xxxiiii d john ten b. They shall walk in my laws and my commandments shall they both keep and fulfil. They shall devil in the land that I gave unto jacob my servant, where as your fathers also have dwelled. Yea even in the same land shall they, their children, and their childers children devil for ever more: and my servant David shall be their everlasting prince. Moreover, I will make a bond of peax with them, which shall be unto them an everlasting covenant. I will settle them also, and multiply them, my Sanctuary will I set among them for evermore. My dwelling shall be with them: yea I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Thus the Heathen also shall know that I the Lord am the holy maker of Israel: when my sanctuary shall be amongs them for ever more. ¶ He prophecyeth that Gog and Magog shall come with an appointed host in to the land of promise. Their intent. He rehearseth that the coming of Gog was before prophesied of the Prophets. The destruction of him. CAPI. XXXVIII. ANd the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, turn thy face toward Gog in the land of Magog, which is the chief prince at Mesech and Tubal: prophecy against him, Ezech. xxx●x. and say: Thus saith the Lord God: O Gog thou chief prince Mesech and Tubal: Apoca .xx c Behold, I will upon thee, and will turn the about, and put a bit in thy chaws: I will bring the forth and all thine host, both horse and horse men, which be all weaponed of the best fashion, a great people, that handle all together spears, shyldes, and swords: the Perses, Morions, and with them the Lybians, which all bear shyldes and helmettes: Gomer and all his hosts: the house of Thogorma out of the north quarters, and all his hosts, yea and much people with the. Therefore prepare thee, set thyself in array with all thy people that are come unto the by heaps, and be thou their defence. After many days thou shalt be vysited, and in the latter years thou shalt come in to the land, that hath been destroyed with the sweede, and now is replenished again with divers people upon the mountains of Israel, which have long lyen waste. Yea, they be brought out of the nations, and devil all safe. Thou shalt come up like a stormy wether, to cover the land, and as it were a dark cloud: thou with all thine hosts, and a great multitude of people with the. Moreover, thus faith the Lord God: At the same time shall many things come in to thy mind, so that thou shalt ymagen mischief and say: I will up to yonder plain land seeing they sit at ease, and devil so safely (for they dwell all without any walls, they have neither bars nor doors) to spoil them, to rob them, to lay hand upon their so well inhabited wilderness: against that people, that is gathered together from among the Heathen, which have got cattle and good, and devil in the midst of the land. Then shall Saba and Dedan, and the merchants of Tharsis with all their worthies say unto thee: Art thou come to rob? Hast thou gathered thy people together, because thou wilt spoil? to take silver and gold: to carry away cattles and good: and to have a great pray? Therefore, O thou son of man, thou shalt prophecy, and say thus unto Gog: Thus saith the Lord God: In that day thou shalt know that my people of Israel dwelleth safe: and shalt come from thy place out of the North parts: thou & moche people with thee, which ride upon horses, whereof there is a great multitude and an innumerable sort. Yea, thou shalt come upon my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land. This shall come to pass in the latter days. I will bring the up in to my land, that the Heathen may know me. when I get me honour upon thee, O Gog, before their eyes. Thus saith the Lord God: Thou art he, of whom I have spoken afore time, by my servants the Prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days and years, that I should bring the upon them. At the same time, when Gog cometh up in to the land of Israel (saith the Lord God) shall my indignation go forth in to my wrath. For in my jealousy and hoot displeasure I have devised, that there shall be a great trouble in the land of Israel at that tyme. The very fishes in the see, 〈…〉. the fowls of the air, the beasts of the field, and all the men that are upon the earth, shall tremble for fear of me. The hills also shall be turned up side down, the stairs of stone shall fall, and all walls shall sink to the ground. I will call for a sword upon them in all my mountains, saith the Lord God: so that every man's sword shall be upon an other. With pestilence and blood will I punish him: stormy rain and hail stones, fire & brimstone will I 'cause to rain upon him, and all his heap: yea and upon all that great people that is with him. Thus will I be magnified, honoured. and known amongs the Heathen: that they may be sure how that I am the Lord. ¶ He showeth the destruction of Gog and Magog. The grave of Gog and of his host. He prophesieth that Gog and his company shall be devoured of birds and beasts. wherefore the house of Israel is wasted. Their bringing again from captivity is promised. CAPI. XXXIX. Therefore, O thou son of man, prophecy against Gog, and speak. Thus saith the Lord God: 〈◊〉 ●●viii. 〈…〉. Behold, oh Gog thou chief prince at Mesech and Tubal: I will upon thee, and turn the about, and carry the forth, and lead the from the North parts, and bring the up to the mountains of Israel. As for thy bow I will smite it out of thy left hand, and cast thine arrows out of thy right hand. Thou with all thine heap and all the people that is with thee, must fall upon the mountains of Israel. Then will I give the unto the fowls and wild beestes of the field, to be devoured: there must thou lie upon the field: for even I the Lord have spoken it, saith the Lord God. In to Magog, and among those that sit so careless in the isles: will I send a fire, and they shall know, that I am the Lord. I will make also the name of my holiness to be known amongs my people of Israel: & I will not let my holy name to be evil spoken of any more: but the very Heathen also shall know that I am the Lord, the holy one of Israel. Behold it cometh and shall be fulfilled in deed, saith the Lord God. This is the day whereof I have spoken: They that devil in the cities of Israel, shall go forth and set fire upon the weapons, and burn them: shyldes and spears, bows and arrows hills and clubs: seven years shall they be burning thereof, so that they shall else bring no styckes from the field, neither have need to hew down any out of the wood: For they shall have weapons enough to burn. They shall rob those that rob them, and spoil those that spoiled them, says the Lord God, At the same time will I give unto Gog a place to be buried in, in Israel: even the valley, wherethrough men go from the East to the see ward. Those that travail thereby shall abhor it: There shall Gog and all his people be buried: and it shall be called the valley of the people of Gog. Seven months long shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land. Yea all the people of the land shall bury them. O it shall be a glorious day, when I get me that honour, saith the Lord God. They shall ordain men also to be deed buryers, ever going thorough the land, and appoint them certain places to bury those in which remain upon the field, that the land may be cleansed. From end to end shall they seek, & that seven months long. Now those that go thorough the land, where they see a man's bone, they shall set up a token by it, till the deed buryers have buried it also, in the valley of the people of Gog. And the name of the city shall be called p That is multitude. Hamonah: Thus shall they make the land clean. And thou son of man: thus saith the Lord God: Speak unto all the fowls, and every bird/ yea and to all the wild beast's, of the field/ heap you together and come, gather you round about upon my slaughter, that I have slain for you: even a great slaughter upon the mountains of Israel: eat flesh. and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the worthies, Apoca xix d and drink the blood of the princes of the land: of the wethers, of the lambs, of the goats, and of the oxen that be all slain at Basan. Eat the fat your belly full, and drink blood till you be drunken of the slaughter which I have slain unto you. Fill you at my table, with horses an strong horse men: with captains and all men of war saith the Lord God. I will bring my glory also amongs the gentiles, that all the Heathen may see my judgement that I have kept, and my hand which I have laid upon them: that the house of Israel may know how that I am the Lord their God, from that day forth. And the Heathen shall know, that where as the house of Israel were led in to captivity: it was for their wickedness sake, because they offended me. For the which cause I hid my face from them, and delivered them in to the hands of their enemies, that they might all be slain with the sword. According to their uncleanness, and unfaithful dealynges, so have I entreated them, and hid my face from them. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Now will I bring again the captives of jacob, and have mercy upon the hole house of Israel, and be jealous for my holy names sake. All their confusion and offence that they have done against me, shall be taken away/ and so safely shall they dwell in their land, that no man shall make them afraid. And when I have brought them again from amongs the people, when I have gathered them together out of their enemies hands, and am praised in them before many Heathen: then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, which suffered them to be led in to captivity among the Heathen, but now have brought them again in to their own land, and not let one of them yonder. After that will I hide my face no more from them, Ezec xxxvi d but will pour out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God. ¶ The restoring of the city and of the temple that was to come is showed unto the Prophet. CAPI. XL. IN the xxv year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, the tenth day of the month: that is the xiiij year after that the city was smitten down: the same day came the hand of the Lord upon me, and carried me forth, even in to the land of Israel brought be me in the visions of God: & set me down upon a maru●ylous high mountain, whereupon there was a building (as it had been of a city) toward the north. Thither he carried me: and behold, there was a man, whose similitude was like brass which had a thread of flax in his hand, and a meterod also. He stood in the door and said unto me: mark well with thine eyes, hearken to with thy ears, and fasten it in thy heart what so ever I shall show thee, for to the intent that they might be showed thee, therefore art thou brought hither, and what so ever thou se●st, thou shalt certify the house of Israel thereof. Behold, there was a brickwall on the outside round about the house: the meterod that he had in his hand was six cubits long and a span. So he measured the breadth of the building, which was a meterod, & the height also a meterod. Then came he unto the East door, and went up the steyres, and measured the posts of the door, whereof every one was a meterod thick. Every chamber was a meterod long and broad, between the chambers were five cubits. The post of the door within the porch, was one meterod. He measured also the porch of the innermer door, which contained a meterod. Then measured he the entry of the door that contained eight cubits, and his pillars two cubits: and this entry stood inward. The chambers of the door Eastward, were three on every side, alike broad and long. The pyllers also that stood of both the sides, were of one mea●ure. After this, he measured the wideness of the door, which was ten cubits, and the height of the door thirteen cubytes. The edge before the chambers was one cubit broad upon both the sides, and the chambers six cubits wide of either side. He measured the door from the ridge of one chamber to an other, whose wideness was xxv cubits, and one door stood against an other. He made pillars also three score cubits high, round about the court door. Before the inward part unto the fore entry of the innermer door, were fifty cubits. The chambers and their pillars within, round about unto the door, had side windows: So had the fore entries also, whose windows went round about within. And upon the pillars there stood date trees. Then brought he me in to the fore court, where as were chambers and paved works, made in the fore court round about thirty chambers upon one paved work. Now the paved work was a long beside the doors, and that was the lower paved work. After this, he measured the breadth from the lower door unto the innermer court of the out side which had an hundred cubits upon the East and the north part. And the door in the uttermost court toward the north, measured he after the length and breadth▪ his three chambers also on either side, with his pillars and fore entries, which had even the measure of the first door. His height was fifty cubits, the breadth xxv cubits: his windows and porches with his date trees, had even like measure as the door toward the East, there were seven steps to go up upon and their porch before them. Now the door of the innermer court stood straight over against the door that was toward the North East. From one door to an other he measured an hundred cubits. After that, he brought me to the south side, where there stood a door toward the South: whose pillars and porches he measured, these had the first measure, and with their porches, they had windows round about, like the first windows. The height was l cubits, the breadth xxv with steps to go up upon: his porch stood before him, with his pyllers and date trees on either side. And the door of the innermer court stood toward the South, and he measured from one door to an other an hundred cubits. So he brought me in to the innermer court thorough the door of the South side, which he measured, and it had the measure afore said. In like manner his chambers, pyllers, & fore entries, had even the foresaid measure also. And he had with his porches round about windows of fifty cubits height, and five and twe●tye cubits broad. The porches round about were xxv cubits long, and five cubytes broad: and his porch reached unto the uttermost court: upon his pyllers there were date trees, and eight steps to go up upon. He brought me also in to the inmooste court upon the East side, and measured the door, according to the measure afore said. His chambers, pyllers, and porches had even the same measure as the first had: and with his porches he had windows round about. The heygthe was fifty cubits, the breadth twenty-five. cubits: His porches reached unto the uttermost court: his pyllers also had date trees on either side, and eight steps to go up upon. And he brought me to the north door, and measured it, which also had the foresaid measure. His chambers, pyllers and porches had windows round about: whose height was l cubits, & the breadth xxv His pillars stood toward the uttermost court, and upon them both were date trees, and eight steps to go up upon. There stood a chamber also, whose entrance was at the door pyllers and there the burnt-offerings were washed. In the door porch, there stood on either side two tables for the slaughting: to slay the brentofferynges, synneoffrynges and trespaceofferynges thereupon. And on the outside as men go forth to the north door, there stood two tables. Four tables stood on either side of the door, that is eight tables, whereupon they slaughted. Four tables were of hewn stone for the burntoffrynges, of a cubit and a half long & broad, and one cubit high: whereupon were laid the vessels and ornaments, which were used to the burned and slain offerings, when they were slaughted. And within there were books four fingers broad fastened round about, to hung flesh upon and upon the tables was laid the offering flesh. On the outside of the innermer door were the syngers chambers in the inward court beside the north door over against the south. There stood one also, beside the east door northward. And he said unto me: This chamber on the South side belongeth to the priests that keep the habitation: 〈…〉. and this toward the North, is the priests that wait upon the altar: which be the sons of Sadoch, that do service before the Lord in stead of the children of Levi. So he measured the fore court, which had in length an. C. cubytes, and as much in breadth by the four corners. Now the altar stood before the house: And he brought me to the fore entry of the house and measured the walls by the entry door: which were five cubytes long on either side. The thickness also of the door on either side was three cubytes. The length of the porch was twenty cubytes, the breadth xi cubytes, and upon steps went men up to it: by the walls also were pyllers, on either side one. ¶ The disposition and device of building again the temple, and of the other things thereto belonging. CAPI. XLI. AFter this he brought me to the temple and measured the posts: which were of both the sides vi cubits thick, according to the wideness of the tabernacle. The breadth of the door was ten cubytes & the walls of the door on either side five cubits. He measured the length thereof, which contained forty cubytes, and the breadth twenty Then went he in, & measured the door posts, which were two cubytes thick: but the door itself was two cubits, and the breadth of the door was seven cubytes. He measured the length & breadth thereof, which were every one xx. cubits before the temple. And he said unto me: this is the holiest of all. He measured also the brickwall of the house, which was six cubytes. The chambers that stood round about the house, were every one four cubytes wide, and one stood hard upon another, whereof there were thirty and three. And there stood posts beneath by the walls round about the house, to bear them up: but in, the wall of the house, they were not fastened. The side chambers were the higher the wider, and had steps thorough them round above the house. Thus was it wider above, that from the lowest men might go to the highest and mid chambers, I saw also that the house was very high round about. The foundation of the side chambers was a meterod (that is vi cubytes) broad. The thiknesse of the side brickwall without contained u cubytes, and so did the out brickwall of the chambers in the house. Between the chambers, was the wideness xx. cubytes round about the house. The chamber doors stood over against the out-wall, the one door was toward the north, the other toward the South: and the thickness of the out-wall was five cubytes round about. Now the building that was separated toward the west, was three score and ten cubits wide: the brickwall of the building was v cubits thick round about, and the length four score cubits and ten. So he measured the house which was an. C. cubytes long, and separated building with the wall were an. C. cubytes long also. The wideness before the house and of it that was separated toward the east, was an. C. cubytes. And he measured the length of the building before and behind with the chambers upon both the sides: and it contained an. C cubytes. The innermer temple, the porch of the fore court, the side posts, these three had side windows, and pyllers round about over against the posts, from the ground up to the windows. The windows themselves were syled over with boards: and thus was it above the door, unto the inmost house, and without also: Yea the hole brickwall on every side both within and without was syled over with great boards. There were Cherubyns and date trees made also, so the one date tree stood ever betwixt two Cherubyns: One Cherub had two faces, the face of a man looking aside toward the date tree, and a lions face on the other side. Thus was it made round about in all the house: Yea the Cherubins and date trees were made from the ground up above the door and so stood they also upon the brickwall of the temple. The by posts of the temple were four squared, & the fashion of the Sanctury was even as it appeared unto me afore in the vision. The table was of wood three cubytes high and two cubytes long: his corners, the length and the walls were of wood. And he said unto me: This is the table that shall stand before the Lord. The temple and the holiest of all had either of them two doors & every door had two little wickettes which were folden in one upon an other, on every side two. And upon the doors of the temple there were made Cherubins & date trees, like as upon the wales: & a great thick baulk of wood was before on the out side of the porch. Upon both the sides of the walls of the porch, there were made deep windows and date trees, having beams & balks, like as the house had. ¶ Of the chambers of the temple for the priests, and the holy things. CAPI. XLII. THen carried he me out in to the fore court toward the north and brought me into the chamber that stood over against the dacke building northward, which had the length of an. C. cubytes whose door turned toward the north. The wideness contained l cubits: over against the xx. cubits of the innermer court▪ and against the paved work that was in the fore court. Beside all these three, there stood pyllers, one over against an other: And before this chamber, there was a walking place of x cubits wide, and within was a way of one cubit wide, and their doors toward the north. Thus the highest chambers were always na tower then the lowest and mydlemost of the building: for they bore chamber upon chamber & stood three together one upon an other not having pyllers like the forecourt: therefore were they smaller than those beneath & in the midst, to reckon from the ground upward. The brickwall without that stood by the chambers toward the uttermost court upon the foreside of the chambers, was i. cubytes long for the length of the uttermost chambers in the fore court was l cubytes also: but the length thereof before the temple was an. C. cubits. These chambers had under them and entrance of the east side, whereby a man might go in to them our of the fore court, thorough the thick brickwall of the fore court toward the cast, right over against the separated building. Before the same building upon this side there were chambers also which had away unto them, like as the chambers on the north side, of the same length & wideness. Their entrance, fashion and doors were also of the same manner. Yea even like as the other chamber doors were, so were those also of the southside. And before the way toward the syngers steps on the east side, there stood a door to go in at. Then said he unto me: The chambers toward the north and the south which stand before the back building those be holy habitations, wherein the priests that do service before the Lord, must eat the most holy offerings: and there must they say the most holy offerings: meat offerings, sin offerings & trespaceoffringes for it is an holy place. When the priests come therein, they shall not go out in to the fore court: but (seeing they be holy) they shall leave the clotheses of their ministration, and put on other garments, when they have any thing to do with the people. Now when he had measured all the innermer house, he brought me forth thorough the east port, and measured the same round about. He measured the east side with the meterod, which round about contained five HUNDRED meteroddes. And the north side measured he, which contained round about even so moche. The other two sides also toward the south and the west (which he measured) contained either of them u C. meteroddes. So he measured all the four sides where there went a brickwall round about u C. meteroddes long, and as broad also which separated the holy from the unholy. ¶ He saith the glory of God going in to the temple, from whence it had before departed. He mentioneth the idolatry of the children of Israel, for which they were consumed and brought to naught. He is commanded to call them again to repentance. CAPI. XLIII. SO he brought me to the door, that turneth toward the east. Behold, then came the glory of the God of Israel from out of the east, whose voice was like a great noise of waters, and the earth was lightened with his glory. Ezechi● His sight to look upon was like the first, that I saw, when I went in, what time as the city should have been destroyed: and like the vision that I saw by the water of Cobat. Ezechi● 〈…〉 Eze● 〈…〉 Then fallen I upon my face, but the glory of the Lord came in to the house thorough the east door. So a wind took me up, and brought me in to the innermer court: and behold, the house was full of the glory of the Lord. I heard one speaking unto me out of the house, and there stood one by me, that said unto me: O thou son of man, this room is my seat, and the place of my fotesteppes: 〈…〉 where as I will devil among the children of Israel for ever more: so that the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name: neither they, ne their kings, thorough their whoredom thorough their high places, and thorough the dead bodies of their kings: which have builded their thresholdes in manner heart upon my thresholdes, and their posts almost at my posts: so that there is but a bore brickwall betwixt me and them. Thus have they defiled my holy name with their abhomynacins, that they have committed. Wherefore I have destroyed them in my wrath: But now they shall put away their whoredom and the dead bodies of their kings out of my sight, that I may devil among them for evermore. 〈…〉 Therefore (O thou son of man) show thou the household of Israel a temple, that they may be ashamed of their wickedness, and measure them selves an example thereat. And when they be ashamed of all their works, then show them the form and fashion of the temple: the coming in, the going out, all the manner and description thereof, yea all the uses and ordinances of it, that they may keep and fulfil all the fashions and customs thereof. This is the description of the house: Above upon the mount round about all the corners, it shall be the holiest of all. Behold, that is the description and fashion of the house: This is the measure of the altar (after the true cubit: which is a span longer than an other cubit) his bottom in the midst was a cubit long and wide, & the ledge that went round about it, was a span broad. This is the height of the altar: From the ground to the lower steps the length is two cubytes, and the breadth one cubit: and from the lower steps to the higher are four cubits, and the breadth but one cubit. 〈◊〉 The altar was four cubytes high, and from the altar upward stood four horns, and it was twelve cubytes long and twelve cubytes broad, upon the four corners: the covering of the aultare was xiiij cubytes long and broad upon the four corners, and the ledge that went round about, had half a cubit: and the bottom thereof round about one cubit: his steps stood toward the east. And he said unto me: Thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God: These are the ordinances & laws of the altar, in the day when it is made to offer burntoffrynges, and to sprinkle blood thereupon. To the priests, to the Levites that be of the seed of Sadoch and tread before me to do me service, saith the Lord God: Unto these give thou a young bullock, for a sin offering: and take the blood of him and sprinkle his four horns withal and the four corners of the altar covering, with the ledge that goeth round about: here with shalt thou cleanse it, and reconsile it. Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sinoffringe, & burn him in a several place without the Sanctuary. The next day, take a gocebuck without blemyssh for a sin-offering, to reconcile the altar withal: like as it was reconciled with the bullock. Now when thou hast made it clean then offer a young bullock without blemisshe, and a ram out of the flock with out blemyssh also: Offer them before the Lord and let the priest cast salt thereupon, and give them so unto the Lord for a burntoffering. Seven days shalt thou bring, every day a gootebucke. A young bullock and a ramme of the flock (both without blemish) shall they offer. Seven days shall they reconcile and cleanse the altar, and offer upon it. When these days are expired, then upon the eight day and so forth, the priests shall offer their burnt-offerings and health offerings upon the altar: so will I be merciful unto you saith the Lord God. ¶ He showeth what door of the temple is shut: He is commanded to upbraid the people with their offence. The uncircumcised in heart and in the flesh. who are to be admitted to the service of the temple, and who to be refused. He showeth what priests he would have admitted in to the holy place, and also their office. CAPI. XLIIII. AFter this, he brought me again to the outward door of the Sanctuary on the east side, and that was shut. Then said the Lord unto me: This door shall be still shut, and not opened for any man to go thorough it, but only for the Lord God of Israel: yea he shall go thorough it, tis shall it be shut still. The prince himself shall come thorough it, that he may eat bread before the Lord. At the porch shall he come in, & there shall he go out again. Then brought he me to the door, upon the North side of the house. And as I looked about me, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house, and I fell down upon my face. So the Lord spoke unto me: O thou son of man, 〈◊〉 this to thine derte, behold, and take diligent heed to all that I will say unto the concerning all the ordinances of the Lord, and all his laws: ponder well with thine 〈◊〉 the coming in of the house and the going forth of the Sanctuary: and tell that obstinate household of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God: O house of Israel, you have now done enough withal your abominations, seeing that you have brought in to my Sanctuary strangers, having uncircumcised hearts and flesh, where thorough my Sanctuary is defiled, when you offer me bread, fat, and blood. Thus with all your abominations you have broken my covenant, and not kept the holy ordinances of my Sanctuary: but set keptes of my Sanctuary, even after your own mind. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Of all the strangers that devil amongs the children of Israel, no stranger (whose heart & flesh is not circumcised) shall come within my Sanctuary: Not, not the Levites that be go back fro me, and have deceived the people of Israel with all errors, going after their idols: but they shall bear their own wickedness. Should they be set & ordained to minister under the doors of the house of my Sanctuary? And to do service in the house: to stay burnt-offerings and sacrifices for the people: to stand before them, & to serve them: seeing the service that they do them, is before their Idols, & cause the house of Israel to stumble thorough the wickedness? For the which cause I have plucked out mine hand over them (saith the Lord) so that now they must bear their own iniquity, and not to come nigh me, iii Reg. ii ●. to serve me with their priesthood, in my Sanctuary, & most holiest of all: that they may bear their own shame and abominations, which they have done. Should I use them to be porters of the house, and to all the service that is done therein? priests. Ezechi xliii d x●v●●. b. But the priests the levites the sons of Sadoch, that kept the holy ordinances of my sanctuary, when the children of Israel were go fro me: shall come to me, to do me service, to stand before me, and to offer me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God. They shall go in to my Sanctuary, and tread before my table, to do me service, and to wait upon mine ordinances. Now when they go in at the doors of the innermer court they shall put on linen clotheses, so that no woollen come upon them: while they do service under the ●ores of the innermer court, and within. They shall have fair linen bonettes upon their heads, and linen breeches upon cheer loins, which in their labour they shall not put about them: And when they go forth to the people in to the outward court, they shall put of the clotheses wherein they have ministered, and lay them in the habitation of the Sanctuary, and put on other apparel, jest they unhallow the people with their clotheses. They shall not shave their heads, ne nourish the bush of their beer, but round their heads only. All the priests that go in to the inmost court, shall drink no wine. They shall marry no widow, neither one that is put from her husband: but a maid of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow, that hath had a priest before. They shall show my people the difference between the holy, Levit xix f xxi. a. and unholy, betwixt the clean and unclean. If any discord arise, they shall disceen it, and give sentence after my judgements. Levi ten ● xxi b Osee i a iii a My solemn feasts, my laws and ordinances shall they keep, and hallow my Sabbothes. They shall come at no deed person, to defile themselves (except it be father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister, that hath had yet no husband) in such they may be defiled. And when he is cleansed, there shall be reckoned unto him vij days: and if he go into the Sanctuary again to do service, he shall bring a sin-offering saith the Lord God. They shall have an heritage, yea I myself will be their heritage: Deut. xviii a N●me viii c joshua xiii b. else shall you give them no possion in Israel, for I am their possession. The meat-offering, sin-offering, and trespaceoffering shall they eat, and every dedicate thing in Israel, shall be there's. The firstlings of all the first fruits, and all free will offerings shall be the priests. You shall give unto the pressed also the firstlynges of your dough, that God may prosspere the residue. E●od ●●i. d levit xxii a. But no dead carrion shall preaste eat, ne such as is devouted of wild beestes, fowls or cattles. ¶ Out of all the land of promise are there separate four porsyons, of which the first is given to the priests and to the temple, the second to the Levites the third to the city, the fourth to the Prince. An exhortation to the heads of Israel. Of just w●yghtes and measures. Of first fruits etc. CAPI. XLV. WHen you divide the land by the lot, you shall put aside one part for the Lord, to be holy from other lands: 〈…〉 namely xxv M. meteroddes long, and ten M. broad. This shall be holy, as wide as it round about. Of this part there shall belong unto the Sanctuary u C. meteroddes in all the four corners, & l cubytes wide round about to the suburbs. And from this measure, namely of xxv M. meterodes long, and ten M. broad thou shalt measure, wherein the Sancturary and the holiest of all may stand. The residue of that holy ground shall be the priests, which do service in the Sanctuary of the Lord, & go in before the Lord to serve him, that they may have room to devil in. As for the Sanctuary: it shall stand for it self: and to the Levites that serve in the house, there shall be given .xx habitations, of the xxv M. length: and ten M. breadth, you shall give also unto the city a possession of u M. meteroddes broad, and xxv thousonde long beside the part of the Sanctuary: that shall be for the hole house of Israel. Upon both sides of the Sanctuaryes part, 〈…〉 and by the city, there shall be given unto the prince, whatsoever lieth over aganyste the city, as far as reacheth westward and eastward: which shall be as long as one part, from the west unto the east. This shall be his own land in Israel, that my princes be no more chargeable, unto my people. And such as remaineth yet over in the land, shall be given to the house of Israel according to their tribes. Thus saith the Lord God? O you princes, you have now oppressed & destroyed enough: now lea●● of, handle now according to the thing, that is equal and lawful: and thrust out my people no more, saith the Lord God. You shall have a true weight, a true Ephah, & a true Bath. The Ephah and the Bath shall be a like. One Bath shall contain the tenth part of an Homer, and so shall out Ephah do: their measure shall be after the Homer. One Sycle maketh twenty Geras. So twenty Sycles, and twenty-five. and xu Sycles make a pound. This is the heaveoffring, that it shall give to be heaved: namely, the xuj. part of an Ephah, out of an Homer of wheat: & the xvi part of an Ephah, out of an Homer of barley. The oil shall be measured with the Bath: even the tenth part of one Bath out of a Cor. Ten Baths make one Homer: for one Homer filleth ten Baths. And one lamb from two hundredth sheep out of the pasture of Israel, for a meteoffring, burntoffering and health offering, to reconcile them, saith the Lord God. All the people of the land shall give this heaveoffering with a free will. Agaynest it shall be the prince's part to offer burnt-offerings, meat offerings, and drynckofferynges unto the Lord, in the holy days, new Moons, Sabbothes, and in all the high feasts of the house of Israel. The sinoffring, meat-offering, brentoffering and healthoffering shall he give, to reconcile the house of Israel. Thus saith the Lord God: The first day of the first month thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the Sanctuary. So the pressed shall take of the blood of the sinneoffring, and sprinkle it upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the altar, with the dorepostes of the innermer court. And thus thou shalt do also the vij day of the month (for such as have sinned of ignorance, or being deceived) to reconcile the house withal. Upon the xiiij day of the first month you shall keep Easter. Seven days shall the feast continue, wherein there shall no sour ne levended bread be eaten. Upon the same day shall the prince give for himself and all the people of the land a bullock for a synoffring. And in the feast of the seven days he shall offer every day a bullock and a ram, that are without blemish, for a burntoffering unto the Lord: & an he got daily for a synneoffring. For the meatofferinges, he shall give ever an Ephah to a bullock, an Ephah to a ram, and an Hin of oil to an Ephah. Upon the xu day of the seventh month, he shall keep the seven days holy one after an other, even as the other seven days: with the sin-offering, burntoffering, meat-offering, & with the oil. ¶ The sacrifices of the Sabbath and of the new moon. through which doors they must go in, or come out of the temple, etc. CAPI. XLVI. THus saith the Lord God: the door of the innermer court toward the East, shall be shut the vi work days: but in the Sabbath and in day of the new moan it shall be open. Then shall the prince come under the door porch, and stand still without by the door cheek. So the priests shall offer his burned and healthoffrynges. And be shall worship at the doreposte, and go his way forth again: but the do●e shall no more be shut till the evening. On the same manner shall the people of the land also do their worship before the Lord without this door upon the Sabbothes and new Moons. This is now the the burned offering, that the prince shall bring unto the Lord upon the Sabbath: six lambs with out blemish, and a ram without blemish, and an Ephah for a meat-offering, with the ram. As for the lambs, he may give as many meateoffrynges to them, as he will, and an Hin of oil to an Ephah. In the day of the new month, it shall be a young bullock without blemish, six lambs and a ram also without blemish. With the bullock he shall give an Ephah, and with the ramine an Ephah also for a meat-offering: but to the lambs, what he may come by: And ever an Hin of oil to an Ephah. When the prince cometh he shall go under the door of the porch, and there depart forth again. But when the people of the land come before the Lord in the high solemn feast, as many as come in by the north door to do worship, shall go out again at the South door. And they that come in at the South door, shall go forth again at the North door. There shall none go out at the door where he came in, but shall go forth right over on the other side and the prince shall go in and out among them. Upon the solemn and high feast days this shall be the meat-offering: An Epha to a bullock and an Epha to a ram, and to the lambs: as many as he will, but ever an Hin of oil to an Epha. Now when the prince bringeth a burntoffering or an healthoffering with a free will unto the Lord, the east door shall be opened unto him, that he may do with his burned and be althofferinges, as he doth upon the Sabbath, and when he goeth forth, the door shall be shut after him again. He shall daily bring unto the Lord a lamb of a year old without blemish for a burntoffering: this shall he do every morning. And for a meateoffring he shall give the sixte part of an Epha, and the third part of an Hin of oil (to mingle with the cakes) every morning. Yea this shall be a daily meatoffring unto the Lord, for an everlasting ordinance: and thus shall the lamb, the meat-offering and oil be given every morning, for a daily burnteoffering. Moreover, thus saith the Lord God. If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, then shall it be his sons heritage perpetual, that he may possess it. Leviti xxv b Num. xxxvi.c But If he will give one of his servants some of his heritage, it shall be his to the free year, and then to return again unto the prince: iii Reg. xxi a two. Reg. xix for his heritage shall be his sons only. The prince also shall take none of the people's inheritance, ne put them from their possession but to his own sons shall he give his possession, that my people be not scattered abroad, but that every man may have his own. And he brought me thorough the entrance at the side of the door to the habitation of the Sanctuary, that belongeth to the priests and stood toward the north, and behold there was a place upon the West side, than said be unto me: This is the place, where the priests shall dight the trespass and synoffrynges, and bake the meatoffrynges: that they need not bear them in to the outward court and so to unhallow the people. So he brought me in to the uttermost court, round about all the four corners. Behold, in every corner of the fore court, there was yet a little court. Yea in all the four corners of the court there was a little court of xl cubytes long & xxx cubits broad: these four little courts were of one like measure, and there went a ridge brickwall round above them all four, under the which there were harthes' made round about. Then said he unto me: This is the kitchen, where the minister of the house shall dight the slain offerings of the people. ¶ The vision of the waters that come out of the temple. The coostes of the land of promise, and the division thereof by tribes. CAPI. XLVII. AFter this he brought me again before the door of the house: and behold there gusshud out waters from under the posts of the house eastward (for the house stood toward the east) that ran down upon the right side of the house, which lieth to the altar south ward. Then carried he me out to the north door, and brought me forth there round about by the uttermost door that turneth eastward. ●achary xiii c xiiii. b. Behold, there came forth the water upon the right side. Now when the man that had the meterod in his hand went unto the east door, he measured a. M cubits, and then he brought me thorough the water, even to the ankles: so he measured yet a thousand, and brought me thorough the water again unto the knees: yet measured he a thousand, and brought me thorough the water unto the loins. After this he measured a thousand again, then was it such a river, that I might not wade thorough it: The water was so deep, that it was needful to have swymmed, for it might not be waded over. And he said unto me: hast thou seen this, O thou son of man? and with that, he brought me to the river bank again. Now when I came there, there stood many trees upon either side of the river bank. Then said he unto me: This water that floweth out toward the east, & runneth down in to the plain field, cometh into the see: and from the see it runneth out, and maketh the water's hole. Yea all that live and move whereunto this river cometh, shall recover. And where this water cometh, there shall be much fish. For all that cometh to this water, shall be lusty and hole. By this river shall ●he fysshers stand from Engaddi unto En Eglaim, & there spread out their nets: for there shall be great heaps of fish like as in the main see. As for his clay ●nd pits, they shall not be hot, for why, it shall be occupied for salt. By this river upon both the sides of the shore, there shall grow all manner of fruitful trees, whose leaves shall not fall of, neither shall their fruit perish: but ever be ripe at their months, for their water runneth out of their Sanctuary. His fruit is good to eat, and his leaf profitable for medicine. Thus says the Lord God: Let this be the border, wherein you shall 〈◊〉 the land unto the twelve tribes of Israel with the line. part it indifferently unto one as unto an other: of the which land I sworn unto your fathers, that it should fall to your inheritance. This is the border of the land upon the northside, from the main see, Gene. x● as men go to Zadada: namely Hemath, Berotha, Sabarim: from the borders of Damascus and Hemath unto Hazar Tichon, and that lieth upon the cosles of Haveram. Thus the borders from the see forth, shall be Hazar evan, the border of Damascus the North, and the borders of Hemath: that is the north part. The east side shall you measure from Haveran and Damascus from Galead and the land of Israel by jordan and so forth, from the see cost, that lieth eawarde: and this is the east part. The southside is, N●me. ● E●od. ● from Thamar forth to the waters of steyte unto Cades, the rivet, to the main see: and that is the south part. The west part: namely the great see from the borders thereof till a man come unto Hemath: this is the west part. This land shall you part among you, according to the tribes of Israel, & divide it to be an heritage for you, Stran● & for the strangers that devil among you, and beget children. For you shall take them among the children of Israel, Levit xi● Deuter. 〈◊〉 xxiii c like as though they were of your own household & country, and they shall have heritage with you among the children of Israel. Look in what tribe the stranger dwelleth, in the same tribe shall you give him his heritage, saith the Lord God. ¶ The lots of the seven tribes. The parts of the possession of the priests and of the temple, of the levites, of the city, of the prince, are rehearsed. The lots of the other tribes. The gates of the city. CAPI. XLVIII. THese are the names of the tribes that lie upon the northside, Lo●●● by the way of Hetlon, till thou comest unto Hemath and Hazar Enam, the borders of Damascus toward the north beside Hemath: Dan shall have his portion from the east quarter unto the west. Upon the boders of Dan from the east side unto the west, shall Asser have his portion. Upon the borders of Asser from the east part unto the west shall Nephthali have his portion. Upon the borders of Nephthali from the east quarter unto the west, shall Manasses have his portion. Upon the borders of Manasses from the east side unto the west, shall Ephraim have his portion. Upon the borders of Ephraim from the east part unto the west, shall Reuben have his portion. Upon the borders of Reuben from the east quarter unto the west shall juda have his portion. Upon the borders of juda from the east part to the west, you shall set aside one portion of xxv M. meteroddes long & broad, (like as an other portion from the east side unto the west) therein the Sanctuary shall stand. 〈…〉 As for the portion that you shall separate out for the Lord, it shall be xxv M. long, and ten thousand broad. Which separated holy portion shall belong unto these: namely to the priests toward the north twenty-five. M. and toward the west ten thousand broad, toward the east ten thousand broad also, and toward the south xxv M long, wherein the Sanctuary of the Lord shall stand. Yea this same place shall be the priests that are of the children of Sadoch, 〈…〉. d and have kept my holy ordinance, which went not astray in the error of the children of Israel, like as the Levites are go astray: and this separated piece that they have of the land, shall be the most holy, hard upon the borders of the Levites. And next unto the priests, shall the Levites have xxv thousand long, and ten. M. broad. This shall be on every side xxv M. long, and ten. M. broad. Of this portion they shall sell no thing, ne make any permutation thereof, least the chief of the land fall unto other, for it is hallowed unto the Lord. The other five. M. after the breadth that lieth by the xxv thousand, shall be comers: it shall belong to the city and to the suburbs for habitations, and the city shall stand in the midst thereof. Let this be the measure: toward the north part five hundred and four. M. toward the south part, five. C. and four. M. toward the east part u C. and ●our. M. toward the west part u C. and four thousand. The suburbs hard upon the city, shall have toward the north l and two. C. toward the south l and two. C. toward the east l and two C toward the west also l and two hundred. As for the residue of the length that lieth hard upon the separated holy ground: namely ten M. toward the east, and ten. M. toward the west, unto the holy portion: it and the increase thereof, shall serve for their meat that labour in the city. They that labour for the wealth of the city, shall mayntei● this also, out of what tribe so ever they be in Israel. All that is separated of the xxv thousand long and xxv thousand broad on the four parts, that shall you put a side for the separated portion of the sanctuary, and for the possession of the city. The residue upon both the sides of the sanctuary and possession of the city shall belong to the prince, before the place of the twenty-five. thousand unto the east end, and before the place of the xxv M. westward, unto the borders of the city: this shall be the princes portion. This shall be the holy place, and the house of the sanctuary shall stand in the midst. Moreover, from the Levites and the citi●s possession that lie in the midst of the prince's part: look what remaineth betwixt the border of juda and the border of BenIamin, it shall be the princes. Now of the other tribes. From the east part unto the west shall Ben jamin have his portion. Upon the borders of BenIamin from the east side unto the west, shall Simeon have his portion. Upon the borders of simeon from the east part unto the west shall Izakar have his portion. Upon the border of Izakar from the east side unto the west, shall Sabulon have his portion. Upon the borders of Sabulon from the east part unto the west shall Gad have his portion. Upon the borders of Gad southward, the costs shall reach from Thamar forth unto the waters of strife to Cades, and to the flood, even unto the main se. This is the land with his portions which you shall distribute unto the tribes of Israel saith the Lord God. Nun xxxii josu. xiii●iiii Thus wide shall the city reach: Upon the north part five. C. and four thousand measures. The porces of the city shall have the names of the tribes of Israel. Three porces of the north side: one Kuben, an other juda, the third Levi. Upon the east side five. C. and four thousand measures, with three portꝭ: The one joseph an other BenImin, the third Dan. Upon the south side five hundred and four thousand measures, with the three ports: the one simeon, an other Izakat, the third Sabulon. And upon the west side five. C. and four. M. measures, with three porces also, the one Gad an other Asser, the third Nephthali. Thus shall it have xviij thousand measures round about. And from that time forth the name of the city shallbe: The Lord is there. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Ezechiel. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET DANIEL. ¶ The Prophet showeth the captivity of joakym king of juda. Of the sons that were in captivity, the king commandeth to choose which of them should be taught the learning and language of the Caldees. They are allowed the kings feeding. Daniel abstayneth from the meat of the king of Babylon. The science and instruction of these children. CAPI. I IN the third year of the reign of joakim king of juda, iiii. R xxiiii a two. Pa. xxxvi ● came Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon unto jerusalem, and besieged it: and the Lord deluered joakim the king of juda in to his hand: with certain ornaments of the house of God: which he carried away unto the land of Sennar, to the house of his God, and there he brought them in to his god's treasury. And the king spoke unto Asphanaz the chief chamberlain, that he should bring him certain of the children of Israel that were come of the kings seed, and of Princes, young spryngoldes without any blemish, but fair and well-favoured instruct in all wisdom, cunning and understanding, which were able to stand in the kings palace, to read, and to learn for to speak Caldeish. Unto these the king appointed a certain portion of his own meat, and of the wine, which he drank himself, so to nourish them three year, that afterward they might stand before the king. Among these now were certain of the children of juda/ namely Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias. Unto these the chief chamberlain gave other names, and called Daniel Balthasar: Ananias Sydrach: Misael Misach: and Asarias' Abednago. But Daniel was at a point with himself, that he would not be defiled thorough the kings meat, ne the wine which he drunk. Gene. xiii ● Tobi● b. Iudit xii a And this he desired of the chief chamberlain, least he should be defiled himself. So God gave Daniel favour and grace before the chief chamberlain, that he said unto him: I am astayde of my lord the king, which hath appointed you your meat and drink, least he spy your faces to be worse liking then the other spryngoldes of your age, and so you shall make me lost my heed unto the king. Then Daniel answered Melasser, whom the chief chamberlain had set over Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias, and said: O prove but ten days with thy servants, and let us have pottage to eat, and water to drink/ then look upon our faces, and theirs that eat of the kings meat. And as thou seest, so deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And after the ten days their faces were better liking, and fatter than all the young spryngoldes which ate of the kings meat. Thus Melassar took away their meat and wine, and gave them pottage therefore. God gave now these four spryngoldes cunning and learning in all scripture and wisdom, but unto Daniel specially he gave understanding of all visions and dreams. Now when the time was expired that the king had appointed to bring in these young spryngoldes unto him: the chief chamberlain brought them before Nabuchodonosor, and the king communed with them. But amongs them all were found none such as Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias. Therefore stood they before the king, which in all wisdom, and matters of understanding that he inquired of them, found them ten times better than all the sothesayers and charmers, that were in all his realm. And Daniel abode still unto the first year of king Cyrus. ¶ The dream of Nabuchodonozor. He calleth unto him soothsayers, and requireth of them, both the dream and the interpretation thereof. They answer that they can not show it. The king commandeth all the wise men of Babylon to be slain. Daniel requireth time to solute the question. The Lord openeth the mystery unto Daniel. Daniel is brought unto the king, and showeth him his dream and the interpretation thereof. Of the everlasting kingdom of christ. The stone christ. Daniel is exalted and promoted of the king. CAPI. II IN the second year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, 〈…〉 had Nabuchodonosor a dream where thorough his spirit was vexed, and his steep brake from him. Then the king commanded to call together all the sothesayers, charmers, witches and Caldees, for to show the king his dream. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said unto them: I have dreamt a dream, and my spirit was so troubled therewith, that I have clean forgotten what I dreamt. Upon this the Caldees answered the king in the Syryans' speech: O king, God save thy life for ever. Show thy servants the dream, and we shall show the what it means. The king gave the Caldees their answer, and said: It is go fro me: If you will not make me understand the dream, with the interpretation thereof, you shall die, and your houses shall be prysed. But if you tell me the dream and the meaning thereof, you shall have of me gifts, rewards, and great honour: only, show me the dream and the signification of it. They answered again and said: The king must show his servants the dream and so shall we declare what it means. Then the king answered, saying: I perceive of a truth, that you do but prolong the time: for so moche as you see that the thing is go fro me. Therefore you will not tell me the dream, you shall all have one judgement. But you feign and dissemble with vain words, which you speak before me, to put of the tyme. Therefore tell me the dream, and so shall I know if you can show me what it means. Upon this the Caldees gave answer before the king, and said: there is no man upon earth that can tell the thing, which the king speaketh of: Yea, there is neither king, Prince nor Lord, that ever asked such things at a sothesayer, charmer or Chaldee: for it is a hard matter, that the king requireth. Neither is there any, that can certify the king thereof, except the gods: whose dwelling is not among the creatures. For the which cause the king was wroth with great indignation, and commanded to destroy all the wise men at Babylon, and the proclamation went forth, that the wise men should be slain. They sought also to s●e Daniel with his companions. Then Daniel inquired Arioch the kings steward, of the judgement and sentence, that was go forth already to kill such as were wise at Babylon. He answered and said unto Arioch being then the kings deputy: Why hath the king proclaimed so cruel a sentence? So Arioch told Daniel the matter. Upon this went Daniel up, and desired the king that he might have leisure to show the king the interpretation/ and then came he home agaynne, and showed the thing unto Ananias, Misael, and Asarias' his companions, that they should beseech the God of heaven for grace in this secret, that Daniel and and his fellows, with other such as were wise in Babylon, perished not. Then was the mystery showed unto Daniel in a vision by night. And Daniel praised the God of heaven. Daniel also cried loud and said: O that the name of God might be praised for ever and ever, for wisdom & strength ar● his own/ he changeth the times and ages: 〈…〉 he putteth down kings/ he setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and understanding to those that understand: he openeth the deep secrets: he knoweth the thing that lieth in darkness, for the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee (O thou God of my fathers) that thou hast lent me wisdom and strength, and hast showed me the thing that we desired of thee, for thou hast opened the kings matter unto me. Upon this went Daniel in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise at Babylon: he went unto him and said: destroy not such as are wise in Babylon, but bring me in to the king, and I shall show the king the interpretation. Then Atioch brought Daniel in to the king in all the haste, and said unto him: I have found a man amongs the prisoners of juda, that shall show the king the interpretation. Then answered the king, and said unto Daniel, whose name was Balthasar: Art thou he that canst show me the dream, which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Daniel answered the king to his face, and said: As for this secret, for the which the king maketh inquisition: it is neither the wise, the sorcerer, the charmer, ne the devil conjuror, that can certify the king of it: Only God in heaven can open secrets, Math. xi ● and he it is that showeth the king Nabuchodonosor, what is for to come in the latterdayes. Thy dream, and that which thou hast seen in thine heed, upon thy bed, is this: O king thou didst cast in thy mind what should come hereafter. So he that is the opener of mysteries, telleth that what is for to come. As for me, this secret is not showed me for any wisdom that I have more than any other living: but only that I might show the king the interpretation, and that he might know the thoughts of his own heart. Thou king sawest, and behold, there stood before the a great image, whose figure was marvelous great, and his visage grim. The image heed was of fine gold, his breast and arms of silver, his body & loins were of copper, his legs were of iron, his feet were part of iron and part of earth. This thou sawest, Math xxi c Luke twenty b till the time (that without any hands) there was hewn of a stone, which smote the image upon the feet, that were both of iron and earth, and broke them to pouther: then was the iron, the earth, the copper the silver and gold broken all together in pieces: and become like the chaff of corn, that the wind bloweth away from the sommrer floors, that they can no more be found. But the stone the smote the image become a great mountain, which fulfilleth the hole earth: this is the dream. And now will we show before the king, what it means. O king, thou art a king of kings: For the God of heaven hath given the a kingdom, richesse, strength, and majesty: Daniel, v. d and hath delivered the all things that are amongs the children of men: the beasts of the field, and the fowls under the heaven, and given the dominion over them all. Thou art that golden heed. After thee, there shall arise an other kingdom, which shall be less than thine. The third kingdom shall be like copper, and have damynation in all lands. The fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron. For like as iron broseth and breaketh all things: Yea even as iron beateth every thing down, so shall it beat down and destroy. Where as thou sawest the feet and toes part of earth and part of iron, that is a divide kingdom, which nevertheless shall have some of the iron ground mixed with it for so moche as thou hast seen the iron mixed with clay. The toes of the feet that were part of iron and part of clay, signifieth that it shall be a kingdom partly strong, and partly weak. And where as thou sawest iron mixed with clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of simple people, and yet not continued one with an other, like as iron will not be soldered with a potsherd. In the days of these kings, shall the God of heaven set up an everlasting kingdom, Esay ix b which shall not perish, and his kingdom shall not be given over to an other people: yea the same shall break and destroy all these kingdoms, but it shall endure for ever. And where as thou sawest that without any hands there was cut out of the mount a stone, which broke the iron, Hebr xii e the copper, the earth, the silver and gold in pieces: by that hath the great God showed the king what will come after this. This is a true dream, and the interpretation thereof is sure. Then the king Nabuchodonosor fallen down upon his face, and bowed himself unto Daniel, and commanded that they should offer meateofferynges and sweet odours unto him. The king answered Daniel, and said: yea of a truth your God is a God above all gods, a Lord above all kings, and an opener of secrets, seeing thou canst discover this mystery. So the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many & great gifts. He made him ruler of all the countries of Babylon, and lord of all the nobles that were at Babylon. Now Dani●l entreated the king for Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago so that h● made them rulers over all the offices in the land of Babylon. But Daniel himself remained still in the court by the king, ¶ The king setteth up a golden Image, which he commandeth to be worshipped. Sydrach, Mysach, and Abednago are accused, because they dysspysed the kings commandment. They are brought unto the king and commanded to worship the Image. They refuse to do it, and are put in to a burning oven. By belief in God, they are delivered from the fire. Nabuchodonozor confesseth the power of God after the sight of the miracle. CAPI. III NAbuchodonosor the king caused a golden image to be made, which was three score cubits high▪ and six cubits thick. This he made to be set up in the field of Duca in the land of Babylon, and sent out to gather together the dukes, lords, and nobles, the judges and officers, the debities & shreves, with all the rulers of the land: that they might come to the dedication of the image which Nabuchodonosor the king had set up. So the dukes, lords and nobles/ the judges and officers, depytyes and shreves/ with all the rulers of the land gathered them together, and came unto the dedicating of the image that Nabuchodonosor the king had set up. Now when they stood before the image, which Nabuchodonosor set up, the bedell cried out with all his might: O you people, kynredes and tongues, to you be it said: that when you hear the noise of the trumpets which shall be blown, with the haps, shawms, psalteryes, symphonyes, and all manner of music: you fall down and worship the golden image that Nabuchodonosor the king hath set up. Who so then falls not down and boweth himself, shall even the same hour be cast in to an hot burning oven. Therefore, when all the folk heard the noise of the Trumpets that were blown, with the haps, Shawms, Psalteryes, Symphonyes', and all kind of melody: then all the people, kynredes and nations fell down, and bowed themselves unto the golden image that Nabuchodonosor the king had set up. Now were there certain men of the Chaldees that went even then and accused the jews, and said unto the king Nabuchodonosor: O king, God save thy lift for ever. Thou being king, hast given a commandment, that all men, when they hear noise of the trumpets, haps, shawms, psalteries, symphonyes, and all the other melodyes: shall fall down and bow themselves toward the golden image: who so then fallen not down, and worshipped not, that he should be cast in to an hot burning oven. Now are there certain jews, whom thou hast set over the offices of the land of Babylon: namely, Sidrach, D●●● Misach and Abednago. These men (oh king) regard not thy commandment, yea they will not serve thy gods, ne bow themselves to the golden image that thou hast set up. Then Nabuchodonosor in a cruel wrath and displeasure, commanded, that Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago should be brought unto him. So these men were brought before the king. Then Nabuchodonosor spoke unto them and said: what? O Sidrach, Misach and Abednago, will not you serve my gods? nor bow yourselves to the golden image, that I have set up? well be ready hereafter, when you hear the noise of the trumpets blow with the haps, Shawms, Psalteryes, Symphonyes', and all the other melodyes: that you fall down and worship the image which I have made. But if you worship it not, you shall be cast immediately in to an hot burning oven. Let se, what God is there, that may deliver you out of my hands? Sydrach, Misach, and Abednago answered the king, and said: O Nabuchodonosor, we aught not to consent unto the in this matter, for why? our God whom we serve, 〈…〉 is able to keep us from the hot burning oven (O king) and can right well deliver us out of thy hands. And though he will not, yet shalt thou know (O king) that we will not serve thy gods, nor do reverence to the image, which thou hast set up. Then was Nabuchodonosor full of indignation, so that the countenance of his face changed upon Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago. Therefore he charged & commanded that the oven should be made seven times hotter than it was wont to be, and spoke unto the strongest worthies that were in his host, for to bind Sidrach, Misach and Abednago, and to cast them in to the hot burning oven. So these men were bound in their coats, hosen, shoes, with their other garments, and cast in to the hot burning oven: for the kings commandment was so straight, and the oven was exceeding hot. As for the men that put in Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago, the flame of the fire destroyed them. And these three men: 〈…〉 Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago, fallen down in the hot burning oven, being fast bound. Then Nabuchodonosor the king marveled, and stood up in all haste: he spoke unto his counsel and said: did you not cast these three men bound in to the fire? They answered, and said unto the king: Yea, O king. He answered and said: Lo for all that, yet do I see four men going lose in the midst of the fire, and nothing corrupt, and the fourth is like an angel to look upon. Upon this went Nabuchodonosor unto the mouth of the hot burning oven: 〈…〉 he spoke also, and said: O Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago, you servants of the high God, go forth and come hither. And so Sydrach, Misach, and Abednago went out of the fire. Then the dukes, lords, and nobles, and the kings counsel came together to see these men, upon whom the fire had no manner of power in their bodies. In so much that the very here of their head was not burned, and their clotheses unchanged: Yea there was no smell of fire felt upon them. Then spoke Nabuchodonosor and said: Blessed be the God of Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago: which hath sense his angel, and defended his servants, that put their trust in him/ that have altered the kings commandment, and jeopardy their bodies thereupon, rather than they would serve or worship any other God, except their own God only. Therefore I will and command, that all people, kynredes and tongues, which speak any blasphemy against the God of Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago, shall die, and their houses shall be prysed: Because there is no God that may save, as t●●s. So the king promoted Sydrach, Misach, and Abednago, in the land of Babylon. ¶ Nabuchodon●zor dreameth again. Daniel int●●preteth it. Nubuchodonozor is put out of his ●●●lme, and eateth with beasts. He confesseth the power of God, and is restored in to his kingdom. CAPI. FOUR NAbuchodonosor king unto all people, kynredes and tongues that devil upon the hole earth: peax be multiplied amongs you: I thought it good to show the tokens and marvelous works, that the high God hath wrought upon me. O how great are his tokens, Psal .lv. b Daniel vii d Luke i c and how mighty are his wonders? His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his power lasteth for ever and ever. I Nabuchodonosor being at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace, saw a dream, which made me afraid/ and the thoughts that I had upon my bed, with the visions of my heed troubled me. Then sent I out a commission, that all they which were of wisdom at Babylon should be brought before me, to tell me the interpretation of the dream. So there came the soothsayers, charmers, Caldees and conjurers of devils/ to whom I told the dream, but what it betokened they could not show me: till at the last there came one Daniel (otherwise called Balthasar, according to the name of my God) which hath the spirit of the holy goods in him: to whom I told the dream, saying: O Balthasar, thou Prince of sothesayers: For so moche as I know that thou hast the spirit of the holy Gods, and no secret is hide from thee: tell me therefore what the vi●yon of my dream (that I have seen) may signify. I saw a vision in my heed upon my bed: and behold there stood a tree upon the ground which was very high, great, and mighty: the height reached unto the heaven, and the bredthe extended to all the ends of the earth: his leaves were fair, he had very moche fruit, so that every man had enough to eat therein. The beasts of the field had shadows under it, and the fowls of the air dwell in the bows thereof. Shortly, all creatures fed of it. I saw in my heed a vision upon my bed: and behold, a watcher came down from heaven, and cried myghtylye, saying: Hew down the tree, break of his branches, shake of his leaves, and scatre his fruit abroad: that all the beestes may get them away from under him, and the souls from his branches. Nevertheless, leave the ground of his root still in the earth, and bind him upon the plain field, with chains of iron and steel. With the dew of heaven shall he be wet, and he shall have his part in the herbs of the ground with other wild beasts. That man's heart of his shall be taken from him, and a beasts heart shall be given him, t●ll seven years he come and go upon him. This errand of the watcher, is a commandment grounded and sought ou●e in the counsel of him that is most holy: to learn men for to understand that the highest hath power over the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whom it liketh him, & bringeth for very ou● casts of men over them. This is the dream that I king Nabuchodonosor have sent: therefore, O Balthasar, tell thou the what it signifieth: for so moche as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to show me what it means. But thou canst do it, for the spirit of the holy goddess is in the. Then Daniel (whose name was Balthasar) held his peax by the space of an hour, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said: O Balthasar, let neither the dream ne the interpretation thereof fear the. Balthasar answered, saying: O my Lord, this dream happen to thine enemies, & the the interpretation to thine adversaries. As for the tree that thou sawest, which was so great and mighty, whose heygthe teached unto the heaven, & his breadth in to all the world whose leaves were fair, and the fruit much under the which the beestes of the field had their habitation, and upon whose branches the fowls of the air did sit. Even thou (O king) at the tree, great and strong. Thy greatness increaseth, and reacheth unto the heaven, so doth thy power to the ends of the earth. But where as the king saw a watcher, even an holy angel, that came down from heaven, and said: hew down the tree, and destroy it: yet leave the ground of the root in the earth: and bind him upon the plain seld, with chains of iron and steel. He shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and his part shall be with the beasts of the field, till seven years be come and go upon him. This (O king) is the interpretation/ yea it is the very device of him that is highest of all, and it toucheth my Lord the king. Thou shalt be cast out fro men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: job xiiii b Daniel u a with grass shalt thou be fed like an ox. Thou must be wet with the dew of heaven: Yea, seven years shall come and go upon thee, till thou know that the highest hath power upon the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whom he list. Moreover, where as it was said that the root of the tree should be left still in the ground: Daniel ii c Iere xxii a. it betokeneth the thy kingdom shall remain hole unto thee, after thou haste learned to know, that the power cometh from heaven. Wherefore, O king, be content with my counsel, that thou maysse lose thy sins with righteousness, and thine offences with mercy to poor people/ for such things shall prolong thy peax. Luke xi Thobi four All these things touch the king Nabuchodonosor. So after twelve months, the king walked up and down in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon, and said: This is the great city of Babylon, which I myself (with my power and strength) have made a kings court for the honour of my majesty. While these words was yet in the kings mouth, there fallen a voice from heaven saying: O king Nabuchodonosor, to the be●t spoken: Thy kingdom shall depart from thee, thou shalt be cast out of men's company: thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, in that thou shalt eat grass like as an ox, till seven years be come and go over thee, even until thou knowest that the highest hath power upon the kingdoms of men, and that he may give them unto whom it pleaseth him. The very same hour was this matter fulfilled upon Nabuchodonosor/ so that he was cast out of men's company, and ate grass like an ox. His body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were as great as eagles feathers, and his nails like birds claws. When this time was past, I Nabuchodonosor lift up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding was restored unto me again. Then gave I thanks unto the highest. I magnified and praised him that liveth for ever more, whose power endureth alway, and his kingdom from one generation to another: in comparison of whom, Daniel ● all they that dwell upon the earth, are to be reputed as nothing. He handleth according to his will among the powers of heaven, and among the inhatauntes of the earth/ and there is none that may resist his hand, or say: Psal. i● what dost thou? At the same time was mine understanding given me again, joh. ● and I was restored to the honour of my kingdom, to my dignity, & to mine own shape again. My great estates and princes sought unto me, and I was set in my kingdom again, so that I had yet greater worship. Then did I Nabuchodonosor love, magnify and praise the king of heaven, for all 'tis works are true, and his ways right. As for those that go proudly, he is able to bring them down. ¶ Balthasar king of Babylon abusing the vessels of the temple, saith an hand writing in the brickwall. The othlayers called of the king, can not expound the writing. Daniel is called, which readeth it, and interpreteth it also. Balthasar being slain, Darius succeedeth in his rowine. CAPI. V King Balthasar made a great banquet to his thousand Lords: with all these thousand he made great cheer, and when he was drunken with wine, be commanded to bring him the ●olden & silver vessels, which his father Nabuchodonosor had taken out of the temple at jerusalem: two 〈◊〉 that the king & his lords with his queen and concubines might drink therein. So they brought the golden vessel that was taken out of the temple of the lords house at jerusalem Then the king and his lords with his queen and concubines drunk of them. They drunk wine, and praised their idols of gold, silver, copper, iron, would and stone. In the very same hour there appeared fingers, as it had been of a man's hand writing, right over against the candlestick upon the plain brickwall in the kings palace: and the king saw the palm of the hand that wrote. 〈…〉 Then changed the king his countenance, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his body shaken, and his knees smote one against the other. Wherefore the king cried mightily, 〈…〉 that they should bring him the charmers, Caldees and consuters of devils. The king spoke also to the wise men of Babylon, and said: Who so can read this writing, and show me the plain meaning thereof: shall be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about his neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom. Upon this, came all the kings wise men: but they could neither read the writing, ne show the king what it signified. Then was the king sore afraid: in so moche, that his colour changed, and his lords were sore vexed. So by reason of this matter, that had happened to the king and his lords, the queen went up herself into the banquet hou●e, & spoke unto the king, saying: O king, God save thy life for ever: Let not the thoughts trouble thee, and let not thy countenance be changed. For why? there is a man in thy kingdom, that hath the spirit of the holy gods within him, as it was seen in thy father's days. He hath understanding & wisdom like the gods. Yea the king Nabuchodonosor thy father made this man chief of the soothsayers, charmers, Calders and devil couniurers: because that such an abundant spirit, knowledge and wisdom (to expound dreams, to open secrets, and to declare hard doubts) was found in him: yea even in Daniel, whom the king named Balthasar. Let this same Danyel be sent for, and he shall tell, what it means. Then was Danyel brought before the king. So the king spoke unto Danyel, and said: Art thou that Danyel, one of the prisoners of juda, whom my father the king brought out of jury? I have heard speak of thee, that thou hast the spirit of the holy gods, experience and understanding, and that there hath been great wisdom found in that Now have there been brought me, wise and cunning charmers to read this writing and to show me the meaning thereof: But they could not tell me, what this matter signified. Then heard I say, that thou couldst expound dark things, and declare hard doubts. Well than, if thou canst read this writing, and show me the meaning thereof: thou shalt be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about thy neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom. Daniel answered, & said before the king: As for thy rewards, keep them to thyself, or give thy rich gifts to an other: 〈…〉 yet not the less. I will read the writing unto the king and show him the interpretation thereof. O king, God the highest gave unto Nabuchodonosor th● father, the dygnyttie of a king, with worship and honour: so that all people, kynredes & runges stood in awe and fear of him, by reason of the high estate that he had lent him. For why, he slay whom he would: he smote, whom it pleased him. Again: whom he would, he set up: & whom he list, he put down. Daniel four d. But because his heart was so proud, and his stomach set so fast unto wilfulness: he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his majesty was taken from him He was shot out from amongs men, his heart was like a beasts heart, & his dwelling was with the wild asses: he was fain to eat grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of the heaven: till he knew that the highest had power upon the kingdoms of men, and setteth over the● whom he list. And thou his son (O Balthasar) for all this, hast not submyited thy heart, though thou knewest all these things: but hast magnyfyed thyself above the Lord of heaven, so that the vessels of his house were brought before thee: that thou, and thy Lords, with thy queen & concubines, might drink wine therein. And haste praised the Idols of silver and gold, copper and iron, of wood and stone. As for the God in whose hand consisteth thy breath and all thy ways: Act xvii c thou haste not loved him. Therefore is the palm of this hand sent hither from him, to token up this writing. And this is the scripture, that is written up: Mane, Thetel, Phares. Now the interpretation of the thing is this: Mane, God hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end: Thetel, thou art weighed in the balance & art sound to light: Phares, thy kingdom is dealt in parts, and given to the Medes and Perses. Then commanded Balthasar, to cloth Danyel with purple, to hang a chain of gold about his neck, and and to make a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the ruler of the third part of his kingdom. Esay xlvii b xxi. a. Daniel ix a. The very same night was Balthasar the king of the Caldees slain, and Darius out of Medea took the kingdom, being lxij year of age. ¶ Daniel is made ruler over the lords. The imagination of an act against Daniel. The proclamation of the act, whereof Daniel is accused unto the king as a transgressor. He is put in to a den of lions by the commandment of the king. He is delivered by faith in God. Daniels accusers are put in to the lions to be torn insunder. Darius by the proclamation of a decree, magnifyeth the God of Daniel. CAPI. VI IT pleased Darius to set our his kingdom an. C. and twenty Lord●s, which should be in all his kingdom about. Above these he set three Princes (of whom Danyel w●s one) that the lords might give accounts unto them, and the king to be undiseased. But Daniel exceeded all these princes and lords, for the spirit of God was plenteous in him: so that the king was minded to set him over the hole realm. Wherefore the Princes and Lords sought, to pick out in Daniel some quarrel against the kingdom yet could they find none occasion ne fault upon him. For why? he was so faithful, that there was no blame ne dishonesty found in him. Then said these men: we will get no quarrel against this Daniel, except it be in the law of his God. Upon this, went the princes and lords together unto the king, and said thus unto him: king Darius God save thy life for ever. All the great estates of the realm: as the princes, Dukes, Senatoures, and judges, are determed to put out a commandment of the king, & to make sure statute namely, that who so desireth any petition, either of any God or man (within this xxx days) except it be only of thee, O king: the same person may be cast into the lions den. Wherefore, O king confirm this statutes, and make a writing that the thing which the Medes and Perses have ordained be not aultered ne broken. So Darius made the writing, and confirmed it. Now when Danyel understood that the writing was made, he went in to his house: and the windows of his hall, toward jerusalem stood open. There kneeled he down upon his knees, three times a day there he made his petition, and praised his God, like as his manner was to do afore tyme. Then these men made search, and found Danyel making his petition, and praying unto his God: So they came to the king, & spoke before him concerning his commandment, saying: O king, hast thou not subscribed the statute, that within thirty days who so requireth his petition of any God or man but only of thyself, O king: he shall be cast into the den of the lions? The king answered, and said: yea it is true. It must be as a law of the Medes and Perses, that may not be broken. Then answered they, and said unto the king: Daniel one of the prisoners of juda O king, regardeth neither thee, ne thy statute that thou hast made, but maketh his pe●icion three times a day. When the king herded these words, he was sore grieved, and would have excused Daniel, to deliver him & put of the martyr, unto the Sun went down to the intent that he might save him. These men perceyung the kings mind said unto him: know this (O king) that the law of the Medes and Perses is that the commandment and statute which the king maketh, Dani xiiii e may not be altered. Then the king had them bring Daniel, and they cast him into the lions' de●. The king also spoke unto Daniel, and said: thy God, whom thou alway servest, even he shall defend the. And there was brought a stone, and laid upon the hole of the den, this the king seled with his own ring, & with the signet of his princes: that the kings commandment concerning Daniel, should not be broken. So the king went into his palace, and kept him sober all night, so that there was no table spread before him, neither could he take any sleep. But by times in the morning at the break of the day, the king arose, and went in all haste unto the den of the Lions. Now as he came nigh unto the den, he cried with a piteous voice unto Daniel: yea the king spoke, and said unto Daniel: O Danyel, thou servant of the living God is not thy God (whom thou always servest) able to deliver the from the Lions? Danyel said unto the king: O king, Daniel ● Act. ●ii● judi. ● i Reg. ● Hebre. xi● God save thy life for ever. My God hath sent his angel, which hath shut the lions mouths, so that they might not hurt me. For why? mine ungiltynesse is found out before him. And as for thee, O king, I never offended the. Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded to take Daniel out of the den. So Daniel was brought out of the den, & no manner of hurt was found upon him. For he put his trust in his God. And as for those men which had accused Danyel, the king commanded to bring them, and to cast them in the lions den, them their children and their wives. Hester. ●i● Danie. x● So the Lions had the mastery of them, and broke all their bones a sondre, or ever they came at the ground. After this, written king Darius unto all people kynredes, and tongues, Daniel ● that dwelt in all lands: peace be multyplyed with you: My commandment is, in all my dominion and kingdom, that men fear and stand in a ●oe of Daniels God. For he is the living God, Daniel. x● which abideth ever: his kingdom shall not fail, and his power is everlasting. It is he that delivereth, & saveth: he doth wonders & marvelous works, in heaven and in earth: he hath preserved Danyel from the power of the lions. Isaiah. ● Osee 〈…〉 This Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and Cirus of Persia. ¶ A vision of four beasts is showed unto Daniel The vision is interpreted of four kingdoms of the world. Of the power and increa●e of Antichrist Of the everlasting kingdom of christ. CAPI. VII. IN the first year of Balthasar king of Babylon, saw Danyel a dream, and a vision was in his head upon his bed. Which dream he written, and the sum of the matter is this: Danyel spoke, and said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold the four winds of the heaven strove upon the see, and four great beestes came up from the see one unlike an other. The first was as a lion, and yet had he eagles wings. I saw, that his wings were plucked from him, and he taken away from the earth: that he stood upon his feet as a man and that there was given him a man's heart. Behold, the second beast was like a beer, & stood upon the one side. 〈…〉 amongs his teeth in his mouth he had three great long teeth, & it was said unto him: Arise, eat up, moche flesh. Then I looked, and behold, there was an other like unto a leopard: this had wings as a foul, even four upon the back. This beast had four heads, and there was power given him. 〈◊〉 viii. b After this I saw in a vision by night, & behold the fourth beast was grim & horrible, and marvelous strong. 〈…〉 It had great iron teeth, it devoured and destroyed, and stamped the residue under his feet. It was far unlike the other beasts that were before it: for it had ten horns, 〈…〉 whereof I took good heed. And behold, there came up among them, an other little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns pluck away. Behold this horn had eyes like a man, and a mouth speaking presumptuous things. I looked till the seats were prepared, and till the old aged sat him down. 〈…〉 His clothing was as white as snow, and the hears of his heed like the pure will. His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as the burning fire. 〈…〉 There drew forth a fiery stream, and went out from him. A thousand times a thousand served him ten M. times ten thousand stood before him. The judgement was set, and the books opened. Then took I heed thereunto, because of the voice of the proud words, which that horn spoke I beheld, 〈…〉 till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given over to be brent in the fire. As for the power of the other beasts also it was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a time and season. I saw in a vision by night, 〈…〉 and behold, there came one in the clouds of heaven like the son of a man, which went unto the old aged, before whom they brought him: Then gave he him power & dignity regal, 〈…〉 that all people, teybes and tongues should serve him. His power is an everlasting power, which shall never be put down: and his kingdom endureth uncorrupt. 〈…〉. f My heart was vexed, and I Daniel had a troubled spirit within me, & the visions of my head made me afraid: till I gate me unto one of them that stood by, 〈…〉. d to know the truth, concerning all these things. So he told me, and made me understand the interpretation of these things. These four great beasts, are four kings which shall arise out of the earth. These shall take in the kingdom of the saints of the most highest, and possess it still more and more for along season. After this I required diligently to know the truth, concerning the fourth beast, which was so far unlike the other beasts, & so horrible: whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass: which devoured and destroyed, and stamped the residue under his feet. Apoca xiii a xvii c I desired also to know the truth, as touching the ten horns that he had upon his head, and this other which came up afterward, before whose face there fallen down three: which horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke presumptuous things, and looked with a grymmer visage then his fellows, I beheld, and the same horn made battle against the saints, yea and got the victory of them until the time that the old aged come, that the judgement was given to the chiefest saints: and till the time that the saints had the kingdom in possession. He gave me this answer: That fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth: it shall be more than all other kingdoms, it shall devour, tread down, and destroy all other lands. The ten horns, are ten kings, that shall arise out of the kingdom, zacha i c after whom there shall stand up an other, which shall be greater than the first. He shall subdue three kings, and shall speak words against the highest of all: he shall destroy the saints of the most highest, and chynke, that he may change times and laws. They shall be given under his power, until a time, two times, Daniel ii c Apoc xii d and half a tyme. But the judgement shall be kept, so that his power shall be taken from him, for he shall be destroyed, and perish at the last. As for the kingdom, power, and all might that is under the heaven: it shall be given to the holy people of the most highest, Luke i c Daniel xiiii ● whose kingdom is everlasting/ yea all powers shall serve and obey him. Thus far extend the words. Nevertheless, I Daniel was so vexed in my thoughts, that my countenance changed but the words I kept still in my heart. Luke ii c ¶ A vision of a strife between a ram and an he got. The understanding of the vision, is of the battle between the king of Persia, and the king of the Grecians. Of the shameless king antichrist. CAPI. VIII. IN the third year of the rain of king Balthasar, there appeared a vision unto me Daniel, after that I had seen the first I saw in a vision (and when I see it, I was at Susis in the chief city, which lieth in the land of Elam) and in the vision me thought I was by the river Vlai. Daniel ii a Then I looked up, and saw: and behold, there stood before the river, a ram, which had horns: and these horns were high, but one was higher than an other, & the highest came up last. I saw that this ram pushed with his horns, against the west, against the north & against the south: so that no beasts might stand before him, ne defend them from his power: but he did as him listed, and waxed greatly. I to took heed unto this, and then came ●here an he got from the west over the hole earth, and touched not the ground. This goote had a marvelous goodly horn betwixt his eyes, and came unto the ram that had the two horns (whom I had seen afore by the river s●de) and ran fiercely upon him with his might. I saw him draw nigh unto the ram, being very fierce upon him: yea he gave him such a stroke, that he broke his two horns: Neither had the ram so much strength as to stand before him: but he cast him down, trod him under his feet: and no man was able to deliver the ram out of his power. The goote waxed exceeding great, and when he was at the strongest, his great horn was broken also. Then grew there other four such like in the stead, toward the iiij winds of the heaven. Da vii a xi a i Machab i a Yea out of one of the least of these horns, there came up yet an other horn, which waxed marvelous great: toward the south, toward the cast, and toward the fair pleasant land. It grew up to the host of heaven, whereof it did cast some down to the ground, and of the stars also, and trod them under feet. Yea it grew up unto the prince of the host, from whom the daily offering was taken, and the place of his Sanctuary casten down. And a certain season was given unto it, against the daily offering (because of wickedness) that it might cast down the verity to the ground, and so to prosper in all things, that it went about. Upon this I herd one of the Saints speaking, which saint said unto one that asked this question: How long shall this vision of the daily sacrifice and of the wasting abomination endure: that the Sanctuary and the power shall to be trodden under foot? And he answered him: Unto the evening & the morning, even two thousand and three hundredth days: then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed again. Now when I Daniel had seen this vision, and sought for the understanding of it: behold, there stood before me a thing like unto a man. And I herd a man's voice in the river of Vlai, which cried, and said: O Gabryel, make this man understand the vision. So he came, and stood by me. But I was aafrayde at his coming, and fell down upon my face. Then said he unto me: O thou son of man, mark well, for in the last time shall this vision be fulfilled. Now as he was speaking unto me, I waxed faint, so that I sunk down to the ground. But he took hold upon me, and set me up again, saying: Behold, I will show thee, what shall happen in the last wrath: for in the time appointed it shall be fulfilled. The ram which thou sawest with the two horns, is the king of the Medes and Perses: but the goote is the king of Gre●e land: the great horn that stood betwixt his eyes, that is the principal king. But where as it broke, and four other rose up to the stead: it signyfyeth, ●hat out of this people shall stand up four kingdoms, but not so mighty as it. After these kingdoms (while ungodliness is a growing) there shall arise a king of an unshame fast face, which shall be wise in dark speakinges. He shall be mighty and strong, but not in his own strength. He shall destroy above measure, and all that he goeth about shall prosper: he shall slay the strong and holy people. And thorough his craftiness, falsehood shall prosper in his hand, his heart shall be proud, and many one shall he put to death in his wealthiness, He shall stand up against the Prince of Princes, two. 〈◊〉 two. 〈◊〉 but he shall be destroyed without hand. And this vision that is showed unto thee, is as sure as the evening and the morning. Esay 〈◊〉 Therefore write thou up this sight, for it will be long or it come to pass. Upon this was I Daniel very faint, so that I lay sick/ certain days: but when I rose up, I went about the kings business, and marveled at the vision, nevertheless no man knew of it. ¶ Daniel desireth to have that performed of God which he had promised concerning the return of the people from their ●anyshment in Babylon. A true confession. Daniels prayer is herd. Gabryel the Angel expoundeth unto him the vision of the three score and ten weeks. The anointing of christ. The building again of jerusalem under Nehemias. The death of christ. The casting out of the wicked jews. CAPI. IX. IN the first year of Darius the son of Assuerus, Daniel 〈◊〉 which was of the seed of the Medes, and was made king over the realm of the Caldees: yea even in the first year of his reign, I Daniel desired to know the yearly number out of the books, whereof the Lord spoke unto jeremy the Prophet: that jerusalem should lie waste three score and ten years: and I turned me unto God the Lord for to pray & make mine intercession, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes, I prayed before the Lord my God, and knowledged, saying: O Lord, thou great and fearful God, thou that keepest covenant and mercy with them, which love thee, and do thy commandments: We have sinned, 〈…〉 we have offended, we have been disobedient & go back: yea we have departed from all thy precepts and judgements. We would never follow thy servants the Prophets, that spoke in thy name to our kings and princes, to our fore fathers and to all the people of the land. O Lord, 〈◊〉 righteousness belongeth unto thee, unto us pertaineth nothing but open shame: as it is come to pass this day unto every man of juda, and to them that devil at jerusalem: Yea unto all Israel, whether they be far or nigh thorough out all lands: wherein thou hast strewed them, because of the offences that they had done against the. Yea O Lord, unto us to our kings and princes, to our forefathers: even to us all, that have offended thee, belongeth open shame. But unto thee, O Lord our God, pertaineth mercy and forgiveness. 〈…〉 As for us, we are go back from him, and have not obey to the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he laid before us by his servants the Prophets: 〈…〉 yea all Israel have transgressed, and go back from thy law, so that they have not herkened unto thy voice. Wherefore the curse and oath, that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God (against whom we have offended) is poured upon us. 〈◊〉 ●●vi. 〈…〉. And he hath performed his words, which he spoke against us, and against our judges that judged us: 〈…〉 to bring upon us such a great plague, as never was under heaven like as it is now come to pass in jerusalem. Yea all this plague, as it is written in the law of Moses, is come upon us. Yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn again from our wickedness, & to be learned in thy verity. Therefore hath the Lord made haste, to bring this plague upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous, in all his works which he doth: for why, we would not hearken unto his voice. And now, O Lord our God, thou that with a mighty hand hast brought thy people out of Egypt, 〈…〉 to get thyself a name, which remaineth this day: we have sinned, O Lord, and done wickedly against all thy righteousness: yet let thy wrathful displeasure be turned away (I beseech thee) from thy city jerusalem thy holy hill. And why? for our sins sake and for the wickedness of our fore fathers is jerusalem and thy people abhorred, of all them that are about us. Now therefore, O our God, here the prayer of thy servant, and his intercession. O let not thy face shine over thy Sanctuary, that lieth waste. O my God, incline thine ear, and hearken (at the least for thine own sake) open thine eyes: behold how we be desolated, yea and the city also, which is called after thy name: for we do not cast our prayers before the in our own righteousness, no: but only in thy great mercies, O Lord, hear: O forgive Lord: O Lord consider, tarry not over long: but for thine own sake do it. O my God: for thy city and thy people is called after thy name. As I was yet speaking at my prayers, knowledging mine own sins, and the sins of my people, making so my ne intercession before the Lord my God, for the holy hyls' sake of my God: yea while I was yet speaking in my prayer, behold, the man Gabriel (whom I had seen afore in the vision) came flying to me, Da ii c viii a and touched me about the offering time in the evening. He informed me and spoke unto me: O Daniel said he, I am now come to make the understand it: For as soon as thou begannest to make thy prayer, it was so devised, & therefore am I come to show the. And why? Daniel x c d For thou art a man greatly beloved. Wherefore, ponder the matter well, that thou mayst learn, to understand the vision, three score and ten weeks are determed over thy people, and over the holy city: that the wickedness may be consumed, that the sin may have an end, that the offence may be reconciled, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, to fulfil the visions and the prophets, and to anoint the most holy one. Understand this then, and mark it well that from the time it shall be concluded, to go & repair jerusalem again, unto Christ (or the anointed) prince: there shall be seven weeks. Then shall the streets and walls be builded again lxij weeks, but with hard troublous tyme. After these lxij weeks, shall Christ be slain, and they shall have no pleasure in him. Then shall there come a people with the prince, and destroy the city and the Sanctuary: and his end shall come as the water flood. But the desolation shall continue till the end of the battle. He shall make a strong bond with many, for the space of a week: and when the week is half go, he shall put down the slain and meat-offering. Math. xxiiii.xxiii. Mark xiii ● And in the temple there shall be an abominable desolation, till it have destroyed all. And it is concluded, that this wasting shall continue unto the end. ¶ There appeareth unto Daniel a man clothed in linen, which showeth him wherefore he is sent. CAPI. X. IN the third year of king Cirus of Persia, there was showed unto Daniel (other wise called Balthasar) a matter, yea a true matter, but it is yet a long time unto it. He understood the matter well & perceived what the vision was. At the same time, I Daniel mourned for the space of three weeks, so that I had no lust to eat breed: as for flesh & wine there came none within my mourn. Not, I did not once anoint myself, till the hole three weeks were out. Upon the xiiij day of the first month, I was by the great flood, called Tigris: Daniel vii ●. Apoca i c I lift up mine eyes, and looked: and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded up with fine gold of Araby: his body was like the chrysolite stone, his face (to look upon) was like lightening, his eyes as the flame of fire, his arms and feet were like fair glistering metal, but the voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude. I Danyel alone see this vision, the men that were with me, Daniel iii e Act ix a saw it not: but a great fearfulness fallen upon them, so that they fled away and hid themselves. I was left there myself alone, and saw this great vision, so long till there remained no more strength within me: yea I lost my colour clean, I wasted away, and my strength was go. Yet heard I the voice of his words, and as soon as I heard it faintness came upon me, and I fell down flat to the the ground upon my face. And behold, an hand touched me, which set me up upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands, saying unto me: O Danyel, Dani ix b thou well beloved man: take good heed of the words, that I shall say unto thee, and stand right up, for unto the am I now sent. And when he had said these words, I stood up trembling. Then said he unto me, fear not Daniel: for why sense the first day that thou set thine heart to understand & didst chasten thyself before thy God: thy words have been herd. And I had come unto thee, when thou begannest to speak had not the prince over the kingdom of the Perses withstand me xxi days. joshua u d Dan●●● xii a But lo Michael one of the chiefest, princes, came to help me, him have I left by the king of Persia, & am come to show the what shall happen unto thy people in the latter days: For it will be long yet or the vision be fulfilled. Now when he had spoken these words unto me, I cast down my heed to the ground and held my tongue. Behold, there touched my lips one very like unto a man. Then opened I my mouth, & said unto him, that stood before me: O my Lord, my joints are loosed in the vision, and there is no more strength within me: How may my lords servant then talk with my Lord? seeing there is no strength in me, so that I can not take my breath? Upon this there touched me again, one moche like a man, and comforted me saying: O thou man so well beloved, fear not: Daniel ix b be content, take a good heart unto thee, and be strong. So when he had spoken unto me, I recovered, and said: Speak on my Lord, for thou hast refreshed me. Then said he: knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? now will I go again to fight with the prince of the Perses. As soon as I go forth, lo, the prince of Greek land shall come. Nevertheless, I will show the that thing, that is fast noted in the scripture of truth. And as for all yonder matters, there is none that helpeth me in them, but Michael your prince. ¶ A prophecy of the kings of Persia. Of the kingdom of Grece. Of the kingdom of Egypt, and or the bond thereof, and of the battle with the kingdom o● Syria. O● the jews that fly unto the king of Egypt, whom Antiochus the king of Syria persecuteth, which fygureth unto us Antichrist. The pride of Antiochus. CAPI. XI. ANd in the first year of Darius of Medea, I stood by him, to comfort him, & to strength him, and now will I show the the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia, but the tourthe shall be far richer than they all. And when he is in the chiefest power of his riches, he shall provoke every man against the realm of Grekeland. Then shall there arise yet a mighty king that shall rule with great dominion, and do what him list. 〈…〉 And as soon as his kingdom cometh up, i● shall be destroyed, & divided toward the four winds of the heaven. They that come after him, i M● shall not have such power and dominion as he: but his kingdom shall be scattered, yea even amongs other than those. And the king of the south shall be mightier, than his other princes. Against him there shall one make himself strong, and shall rule his dominion with great power. But after certain years they shall be joined together, and the kings daughter of the south shall come to the king of the North, for to make friendship, but she shall not obtain the power of that arm, neither shall she be able to endure thorough his might: but she, and such as brought her (yea and he that begat her, & comforted her for his time) shall be delivered up. Out of the branches of her rote, there shall one stand up in his stead which with power of arms shall go thorough the kings land of the north, and handle him according to his strength. As for their Idols and princes, with their costly jewels of gold and silver, he shall carry them away captives into egypt, & he shall prevail against the king of the north certain years. And when he is come in to the kings realm of the south, he shall be fain to turn again in to his own land. Wherefore his sons shall be displeased, and shall gather together a mighty great host of people: and one of them shall come, and go thorough like a water flood then shall he return, and go forth with defyinge & bostinge unto his own land. Then the king of the south shall be angry and sha●l come forth to fight against the king of the north, yea shall bring a great multitude of people together, and a great heap shall be given into his hand, these shall he carry away with great pride, for so much as he hath cast down so many thousands, nevertheless he shall not prevail. For the king of the north shall gather (of the new a greater heap of people than afore, and come forth (after a certain time and years) with a mighty host and exceeding great good. At the same time th●●e shall many stand up against the king of the south, so that the wicked children of thy people also shall exalte themselves (to fulfil the vision) & then fall. So the king of the north shall come to say siege, and to take the strong fenced cities: And the power of them of the south shall not be able to abide him, and the best men of the people shall not be so strong as to resist him. Shortly, when he cometh, he shall handle him as he list, and no man shall be so hardy as to stand against him. He shall stand in the pleasant country, which thorough him shall be destroyed. He shall set his face with all his power to obtain his kingdom, and to be like it. Yea that shall he do, and give him unto the daughters amongs women, to destroy him. But he shall fail, neither shall he obtain his purpose. After this shall he set his face unto the isles, and take many of them. A prince shall stop him, to do him a shame, beside the confusion that else shall come unto him. Thus shall he turn again to his own land, stumble and fall, and be no more found: so he that came upon him, and did him violence, shall stand in his place, and have a pleasant kingdom: and after few days he shall be destroyed, and that neither in wrath, ne in battle. In his fled there shall arise a vile person, not held worthy of a kings dignity: this shall come in craftelye, and obtain the kingdom with fair words: he shall fight against the arms of the mighty (and destroy them) yea, and against the prince of the covenant. So after that he hath taken truce with him, he shall handle disceytfully: that he may get up, and overcome him with a small flock, and so with craftiness to get him to the fattest place of the land, and to deal otherwise then either his fathers or grandfathers did. For he shall destroy the thing that they rob and spoiled, yea and all their substance, ymageninge thoughts against the strong hold, and that for a tyme. His power and heart shall be stirred up with a great army against the kings of the south, where therowe the king of the south shall be moved then unto battle with a great and mighty host also. Nevertheless he shall not be able to stand, for they shall conspire against him. Yea, they that eat of his meat shall hurt him, so that his host shall fall, and many be slain down. These two kings shall be minded to do mischief, 〈…〉 and talk of disobeyed at one table/ but they shall not prosper: for why? the end shall not come yet, unto the time appointed. Then shall he go home again in to his own land with great good, and set his heart against the holy covenant, he shall be busy against it, and then return home. At the time appointed he shall come again, 〈…〉 and go toward the south. So shall it happen otherwise then at the first: yet once again. And why? the ships of Cithim shall come upon him, that he may be smitten and turn again, that he may take indignation against the covenant of holiness, to meddle against it. Yea he shall turn him, and draw such unto him as leave the holy covenant. He shall set mighty men to unhallow the Sanctuary of strength, to put down the daily offering, and to set up the abominable desolation, and such as break the covenant shall he flattre with fair words. But the people that will know their God, shall have the over hand and prosper. Those also that have understastding amongst the people, shall inform the multitude: and for a long season they shall be persecuted with sword, with fire, with captivity, and with the taking away of their gods. Now when they fall, they shall be set up with a little help, but many shall cleave unto them feignedly. Yea some of those which have understanding shall be persecuted also, that they may be tried, purified and cleansed, till the time be out, for there is yet an other time appointed. The king shall do what him list, he shall exalt and magnify himself above all, that is God. Yea he shall speak marvelous things against the God of all gods, wherein he shall prosper, so long till the wrath he fulfilled, for the conclusion is devised already. Apoca xu a He shall not regard the God of his fathers, but his lust shall be upon women: Yea he shall not care for any God, for he shall magnify himself above all. In his place shall he worship the mighty idols: and the God whom his fathers knew not, shall he honour with gold and silver, with precious stones, and pleasant jewels. This shall he do, seeking help and secure at the mighty idols and strange gods. Such as will receive him, and take him for God, he shall give them great worship and power: yea and make them lords of the multitude, and give them the land with rewards. In the latter time shall the king of the south strive with him, and the king of the north in like manner shall come against him with charrettes, horsemen, and with a great many of ships. He shall come in to the lands, destroy and go thorough: he shall enter also in to the fair pleasant land. Apoca xii c Many cities and countries shall decay, except Edom, Moab, and the best of the children of Ammon which shall escape from his hand. He shall stretch forth his hands upon the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape him. For thorough his going in, he shall have dominion over the trea●ures of silver and gold, & over all the precious jewels of egypt, Lybia, and Ethiopia. Nevertheless the tidings out of the East and the North shall trouble him, Apoca xi c for the which cause he shall go forth to destroy & curse a great multitude. The tents of his palace shall be pytched betwixt the two seas, upon the hill of the noble Sanctuary, Ap xix d .xx c for he shall come to the end of it, and then shall no man help him. ¶ He prophecyeth the resurrection of the deed. The darkness of the prophecy of Daniel. CAPI. XII. THe time will come also that the great prince Michael, Apoca xix c which standeth on thy people side shall arise up, for there shall come a time of trouble, Mat xxiiii b such as never was since there began to be any people, unto that same tyme. Then shall thy people be delivered, yea all those that be found written in the book. Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, job v c i Corint xu e some to the everlasting life, some to perpetual shame and reprore. The wise (such as have taught other) shall glister as the shining of heaven/ and those that have instruct the multitude unto godliness, Math. xiii c shall be as the stars, world without end. And thou, O Daniel, shut up these words, and seal the book till the last time. Many shall go about here and there, and then shall knowledge increase. So I Daniel looked, and behold, there stood other two: one upon this shore of the water, the other upon yonder side. And one of them said unto him, which was clothed in linen, and stood above upon the waters of the flood: How long shall it be to the end of th●se wondrous works? Apoca ten a Then herb I the man with the linen clotheses which stood above upon the waters of the flood when he held up his right and left hand unto heaven, Apo. xi c xii c & swore by him which liveth for ever: that it shall tarry for a ●ime, two times & half a time: when the power of the holy people is clean scattered abroad, then shall all these things be fulfilled. I herd it well, but I understood it not. Then said I: O my Lord, what shall happen after that? He answered: Go thy way Daniel, for these words shall be closed up, and sealed, till the last time: and many shall be purified, cleansed, and tried. But the ungodly shall live wickedly, and those wicked (as many of them as they be) shall have no understanding. Math. xiii b As for such as have understanding, they shall regard it. And from that time forth that the daily offering shall be put down, and the abominable desolation set up, there shall be a thousand, two hundredth, and xc days. O well is him that waiteth, and cometh to the. Mthre hundred, and xxxv days. Go thou thy way now till it be ended, take thy rest, and bide in thy lot, till the days have an end. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Daniel. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET OSEAS. ¶ The time wherein Oseas prophesied. Oseas by taking an harlot to his wife, signifieth the idolatry of the people. The destruction of the offspring of jehu, and of the israelites is prophesied. CAPI. I THis is the word of the Lord, that came unto Oseas the son of Beery in the days of Oseas, joathan, Achas, and Ezechias king of juda: and in the time of Jeroboam the son of joas king of Israel. first when the Lord spoke unto Oseas, he said unto him: Go thy way, take an harlot to thy wife, and get children by her: for the land hath committed great hoordom against the Lord. So he went, and took Gomer the daughter of Deblaim: which conceived and brought forth a son. And the Lord said unto him: call his name jesrael, for I will shortly avenge the blood of jesrael upon the house of jehu, and will bring the kingdom of the house of Israel to an end. Then will I break the bow of Israel in the valley of jesrael. She conceived yet again, and bore a daughter. And he said unto him: Call her name Lorubamah (that is, not opteyning mercy) for I will have no pity upon the house of Israel, but forget them, and put them clean out of remembrance. Nevertheless, I will have mercy upon the house of juda, and will save them, even thorough the Lord their God. But I will not deliver them thorough any bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen. Now when she had weaned Lorubamah, she conceived again, and bore a son. Then said he: call his name. Lo amy. For why? you are not my people, therefore will not I be yours. And though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the see, which can neither be measured ne told: yet in the place, where it is said unto them, you be not my people: even there shall it be thus reported of them: they be the children of the living God. Then shall the children of juda, and the children of Israel be gathered together again and chose themselves one heed, & then depart out of the land: for great shall be the day of Israel. ¶ The people is called unto repentance. CAPI. II TEll your brethren, that they are my people: and your systerens, that they have obtained mercy. As for your mother, you shall chide with her, and reprove her: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband, unless she put away her hoordome out of my sight, and her adultery from her breasts. If no, I shall stryp her naked, and set her even as she came in to the world: yea, I shall lay her waste, and make her like a wilderness, and slay her for thirst. I shall have no pity also upon her children, for they be the children of fornication. Their mother hath broken her wedlock, and she that bore them, 〈…〉 is come to confusion. For she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my water and my breed, my wool and flax, my oil and my drink. But I will hedge her way with thorns, and stop it, that she shall not find her footsteps: and though she run after her lovers, yet shall she not get them: she shall seek them, 〈…〉 but not find them. Then shall she say well, I will go turn again to my first husband, for at that time was I better at ease, than now. But this would she know, where as I yet gave her corn, wine, oil, silver and gold, which she hath hanged upon Baal. Wherefore now will I go take my corn and wine again in their season, and set again my wool and my flax which I gave her to cover her shame. And now will I discover her foolysshenesse, even in the sight of her lovers, and no man shall deliver her out of my hands. Moreover, I will take away all her mirth, 〈◊〉. b her holy days, her new moves, ●t Sabothes, and all her solemn feasts: 〈…〉 I will destroy her vineyards and figtrees, though she saith: lo, here are my re●●●des that my lovers have given me. I will ●●●e it a wood, and the wild beestes shall t●●● it up: I will punish her also for the 〈◊〉 of Baal, wherein she censed him, dec●●●● him with her ear rings and chains: when she followed her lovers, and forgot me, saith the Lord. 〈◊〉 Wherefore behold, I will call her again, bring her in to a wilderness, and speak friendly unto her: there will I give her her vineyards again: yea, and the valley of Anchor also to show her hope and comfort. Then shall she sing there, as in the time of her youth, and like as in the day when she came out of the land of Egypt. Then (saith the Lord) she shall say unto me: 〈…〉 O my husband, and shall call me no more Baal: for I will take away those names of Baal from her mouth/ yea she shall never remember their names any more. Then will I make a covenant with them, 〈…〉 with the wild beasts, with the fowls of the air, and with every thing that creepeth upon the earth. As for bow, sword and battle, I will destroy such out of the land, 〈…〉 and will make them to sleep safely. Thus will I mary the unto mine own self for ever more: yea, even to myself will I mary thee, in righteousness, in equity, in ioning kindness and mertye. In faith also will I mary the unto myself, and thou shalt know the Lord. At the same time will I show myself friendly and gracious unto the heavens, saith the Lord: and the heavens shall help the earth, and the earth shall help the corn, wine and oil. And they shall help jesrael. I will sow them upon earth, for a seed to mine own self, and will have mercy upon her that was without mercy. And to them which were not my people, I will say: Roman ix c i Petri ii b thou art my people. And he shall say: thou art my God. ¶ Of the love of God toward the people. CAPI. III THen said the Lord to me: Go yet thy way, Ezechi xliii b and wow an adulterous woman whom thy neighbour loveth, as the Lord doth the children of Israel: how be it they have respect to strange gods, and love the wine cans. So I got her for xu silverlings, isaiah xxviiii. a Amos vi a and for an Homer and an half of barley, and said unto her: thou shalt bide with me a long season, but see that thou playest not the harlot, and look thou meddle with none other man, and then will I keep myself for the. Thus the children of Israel shall sit a great while without king and prince, two. Par. xxv a Daniel iii d without offering and altar, without priest and revelation. But afterward shall the children of Israel convert, and seek the Lord their God, Ezec xxxiii d and David their king: and in the latter days they shall worship the Lord, and his loving kindness. ¶ A complaint against the people and the priests of Israel. CAPI. FOUR Hear the word of the Lord, O you children of Israel: For the Lord must punish them that devil in the land. And why? There is no faithfulness, there is no mercy, there is no knowledge of God in the land: but swearing, dying, manslaughter, theft, and adultery, have got the over hand, and one bloudgyltynesse followeth an other. Therefore shall the land be in a miserable case, and all thy that dwell there in, shall mourn. The beasts in the field, the fowls in the air, and the fishes in the see shall die. Yet is there none that will chasten nor reprove an other. The priests which should reform other men, are become like the people. Therefore stomblest thou in the day time and the Prophet with the in the night. ●arne iii ● Esay u b. Malach. ib Exod, nineteeen. a I will bring thy mother to silence/ and why? my people perish, because they have no knowledge. seeing then that thou hast refused understanding, therefore will I refuse the also: so that thou shalt no more be my priest. And for so moche as thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. The more they increased in the multitude, the more they sinned against me, therefore will I change their honour in to shame. They eat up the sins of my people, and courage them in their wickedness. Thus the priest is become like the people. Wherefore I will punish them for their wicked ways, and reward them according to their own imaginations. They shall eat, and not have enough: They have used whoredom, therefore shall they not prosper: and why? they have forsaken the Lord, and not regarded him. whoredom, wine, and drunkenness take the heart away. My people ask counsel at their stocks, their staff must tell them. For an hoorylshe mind hath deceived them, so that they commit fornication against their God. They make sacrifices upon the high mountains, and burn their incense upon the hills, yea amongs the oaks, groves and bushes, for there are good shadows. Therefore your daughters are become harlots, and your spouses have broken their wedlock, I will not punish your daughters for being defiled, and your brides that become hoores: seeing the fathers themselves have meddled wi●h harlots, and offered with unthrifts: but the people that will not understand must be punished. Though thou Israel art disposed to play the harlot, yet shouldst not thou have offended, O juda: thou shouldst not have run to Galgala, nor have go up to Bethaven, ne have sworn, the Lord liveth. For Israel is go back like a wanton cow. The Lord therefore shall make her feed as the lamb that goeth astray. And where as Ephraim is become partaker of idols/ well let him go. Their drunkenness have put them back, and brought them to hoordome. Their rulers love rewards, bring (say they) to their own shame. A wind shall take hold of their feathers, and they shall be confounded in their offerings. ¶ Against the priests and rulers of Israel. The help of man can do nothing against God. CAPI. V O You priests: hear this, take heed, O thou household of Israel: give eat, O thou kingly house: for this punishment will come upon you that are become a snare unto Mizphah, and a spread net unto the mount of Thabor. They kill sacrifices by heaps, to beguile the people therewith: therefore will I punish them al. I know Ephraim well enough and Israel is not hid trow me: for Ephraim is become an harlot, & Israel is defiled. They are not minded to turn unto their God, for they have an horish heart, so that they can not know the Lord. But the pride of Israel will be rewarded him in his face: Os●●. ●● yea both Israel and Ephraim shall fall for their wickedness, and juda with them also. Iere●● Deu●●●● Eze●●● They shall come with their sheep and bullocks to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him, for he is go from them. As for the Lord, they have refused him and brought up bastard children: a month therefore shall devour them, with their portions. Blow with the shawms at Gabaa, & with the trumpet in Ramah, cry out at Bethaven upon the backside of BenIamin. In the time of the plague shall Ephraim be laid waste, therefore did I faithfully warn the tribes of Israel. Yet are the princes of juda become like them that remove the landemarkes, therefore will I pour our my wrath upon them like water. Ephraim is oppressed, & can have no right of the law: for why? ☜ they follow the doctrines of men. Therefore will I be to Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of juda as a caterpyller. When Ephraim saw his sickness, and juda his disease: Ephraim went unto Assur, iiii. ●● De●●● & sent unto king jareb, yet could not he help you, nor ease you of your pain. I am unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a lions whelp to the house of juda. Even I will spoil them and go my way. I will take them with me and no man shall rescue them. I will go, and return to my place, till they wax faint, and seek me. ¶ affliction causeth a man to return to God. The wickedness of the priests. CAPI. VI IN their adversity they shall seek me, and say: come let us turn again to the Lord: for he hath smitten us, Io●. ●● and he shall heal us: He hath wounded us, and he shall bind us up again: after two days shall be quicken us, i 〈◊〉 in the third day he shall raise us up, so that we shall live in his sight. Then shall we have understanding, and endeavour ourselves to know the Lord. He shall go forth as the spring of the day, and come unto us as the evening and morning rain upon the e●th. O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O juda how shall I entreat thee? seeing your love is like a morning cloud, and like a dew that goeth early away. Therefore have I cut down the Prophets, and let them be slain for my words sake: so that thy punishment shall come to light. For I have pleasure in loving kindness, & not in offering: 〈…〉 yea in the knowledge of God more than in burnt-sacrifice. But even like as Adam did, so have they broken my covenant and set me at naught. Galaad is a city of wicked doers, of malicious people & bloudshedders. The multitude of the priests is like an heap of thieves, murderers, and blood thirsty: for they have wrought abomination. horrible things have I seen in the house of Israel, there playeth Ephraim the harlot, and Israel is defiled: but juda shall have an harvest for himself, when I return the captivity of my people. ¶ Of the vices and wantonness of the people. CAPI. VII. WHen I undertake to make Israel hole, than the ungraciousness of Ephraim, and the wickedness of Samaria cometh to light: then go they about with lies. At home they be thieves, and without they fall to robbing. They consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness. They go about with their own inventions, but I see them well enough. They make the king and the Princes to have pleasure in their wickedness and lies. All these burn in adultery, as it were an oven that the baker heateth, when he hath left kneading, till the dough be levended. Even so goeth it this day with our kings and Princes, for they begin to be wood drunken thorough wine: they use familiarity with such as disceyne them. They with the imagination of their verte are like an even, their sleep is all the night like the sleep of a baker, in the morning is he as hot as the flame of fire: they are all together as hot as an oven. They have devoured their own judges, all their kings are fallen, yet is there none of them that calleth upon me. Therefore must Ephraim be mixed among the Heathen. Ephraim is become like a cake, that no man turneth: Strangers have devoured his strength, yet he regardeth it not: he waxeth full of grey hairs, yet will he not know it: and the pride of Israel is cast down before their face, yet will they not turn to the Lord their God, 〈◊〉 nor seek him for all this. 〈…〉 Ephraim is like a dove that is beguiled and hath no heart. Now call they upon the Egyptians, now go they to the Assyrians: But while they be going here and there, I shall spread my net over them, and draw them down as the fowls of the air: and according as they have been warned, so will I punish them. Woe be unto them, for they have forsaken me. 〈…〉 They must be destroyed, for they have set me at naught. 〈…〉 I am he that have redeemed them, and yet they dissemble with me. They call not upon me with their hearts, but lie howling upon their beds. Where as they come together, it is but for meat and drink, and me will they not obey. I have taught them and defended their arm, yet do they imagine mischief against me, they ●ourne themselves, but not a right, and are become as a broken bow. Their princes shall be slain with the sword, for the malice of their tongues, such blasphemies have they learned in the land of egypt. ¶ The destruction of juda and Israel, because of their idolatry. CAPI. VIII. SEt the horn to thy mouth, and blow: get the swiftly (as an Eagle) unto the house of the Lord: for they have broken my covenant, and transgressed my law. duty xxxi d Israel can say unto me: thou art my God, we know thee, but he hath refused the thing that is good, therefore shall the enemy follow upon him. They have ordained kings, but not thorough me: they have made princes, two. Reg. xii ● and I must not know of it. Of their silver & gold have they made them images, to bring themselves to destruction. Thy cal●e, O Samaria, shall be taken away, for my wrathful indignacionis go forth against the. How long will it be, or they can be cleansed? For the calf came from Israel, the workman made it, therefore can it be no God, but even to a spiders web shall the calf of Samaria be turned. They have sown wind, therefore shall they reap a storm. Their fede shall bear no corn, there shall no meal be made of their increase: though they reap, yet shall strangers devour is up. Israel shall perish, the gentiles shall entreat him as a foul vessel. Sense they went up to the Assyrians, they are become like a wild ass in the desert. Ephraim giveth rewards to get lovers, therefore are they scattered among the Heathen, there will I gather them up. They shall soon be weary of the burden of kings and princes. Ephraim hath many altars to do wickedness, therefore shall the altars turn to his sin. Though I show them my law never so moche, they count it but strange doctrine. Where as they do sacrifice, offering the flesh, and eating it: the Lord will have no pleasure therein: but will remember their wickedness, and punish their sins. Israel turneth again in to egypt, they have forgotten him that made them, they build churches, and juda maketh many strong cities: therefore will I send a fire in to their cities, and it shall consume their places. ¶ Of the hunger and captivity of Israel. CAPI. IX. DO not thou triumph, O Israel, make no boasting more than the Heathen, for thou hast committed adultery against thy God: Agge li c thy strange rewards hast thou loved, more than all the come thoores, Therefore shall they no more enjoy the corn flores and wine presses, and their sweet wine shall fail them. They will not devil in the lords land, but Ephraim turneth again in to egypt, and eateth unclean things among the Assyrians. They pour out no wine for a drink offering unto the Lord, neither give they him their slain offerings: but they be unto me as mourner's mea●●s, wherein all they that eat them are defiled. For the breed that they have such lust unto, shall not come in to the house of the Lord. What will you do then in the solemn days, and in the feast of the Lord? Loo, they shall get them away for the destruction, egypt shall receive them, and Noph shall bury them. The nettles shall overgrow their pleasant goods, and burrs shall be in their tab●rnacles. Be you sure (O Israel) the time of visitation is come, the days of recompensing are at hand. As for the Prophet, you hold him for a fool: and him that is rich in the spirit for a mad man: so great is your wickedness and malice. Ephraim hath made himself a watch man of my God, a Prophet that is become a snare to do hurt in every street, and abomination in the house of his God. They be go to far, and have destroyed themselves, like as they did afore time at Gabaa. Therefore their wickedness shall be rememembred, and their sins punished. I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness, and saw their fathers as the first figs in the top of the fig tree, but they are go to Baal Peor, jere xxiiii a Nun xxv a and run away fro me to that shameful idol, and are become as abominable as their lovers. Ephraim fleeth like a bird, so shall their glory also. In so much that they shall neither beget, conceive ne bear children. And though they bring up any, yet will I make them childless among men. Yea woe shall come to them, when I departed from them. Gene. xlviii a Ephraim (as me think) is planted in wealthiness, like as Tyrus, but now must she bring her own children forth to the mansieer. O Lord thou shalt give them/ what shalt thou give them? give them an unfruitful womb, joshua four d and dry breasts. All their wickedness is done at Galgal, there do I abhor them. For the ungraciousness of their own inventions, I will drive them out of my house. I will love them no more, for all their princes are unfaithful. Ephraim is hewn down, their rote is dried up, so that they shall bring no more fruit: yea, and though they bring forth any, yet will I slay even the best beloved fruit of their body. My God shall cast them away, for they have not been obedient unto him, therefore shall they go astray among the Heathen. ¶ Against Israel and his Idols. CAPI. X. ISraell was a goodly vine, but he hath brought forth unprofitable fruit: yea the more fruit he had, Isaiah u a the more altars he made: the more good I did to their land, the more friendship showed they unto their images. Their heart is divided, therefore will they be destroyed. The Lord shall break down their images, he shall destroy their altars. Then shall they say: we have no king: for why? we have not feared the Lord. And what shall then the king do to us? They common together, and swear vain oaths: they be confederate together, therefore groweth their punishment, as the wedes in the forowes of the land. They that devil in Samaria have worshipped the calf of Bethaven: therefore shall the people mourn over them: yea, and the priests also that in their wealthiness rejoiced with them: and why? It shall pass away from them. It shall be brought to the Assyrians for a present unto king jareb. Ephraim shall receive full punishment: Israelshell be confounded for his own imaginations/ Samaria with his king shall vanish away as the scum in the water. The high places of Aven, where Israel do sin, shall be cast down: thistles and thorns shall grow upon their altars. Esay. ● Apo●●● Luke ●● Then shall they say to the mountains, cover us/ and to the hills, fall upon us. O Israel, thou hast sinned as Gaba did afore time, where they remained: Iu●. ●● should not the battle then come upon the wicked children as well as upon the Gabaonites? I will chasten them, even after mine own desire, the people shall be gathered together over them, when I punish them for their great wickedness. Ephraim was unto me, as a cow that is used to go to blow, therefore I loved him, and fallen upon his fair neck. I drove Ephraim, Math. ● juda ploughed, and jacob played the husband man: that they might sow unto righteousness, and reap the fruits of well doing: that they might plough up their fresh land, and seek the Lord, till he came, and learned them righteousness. But now they have ploughed them wickedness, therefore shall they reap sin, and eat the fruit of lies. seeing thou puttest thy confidence in thine own ways, and leanest to the multitude of thy worthies: there shall grow a sedition amongs thy people. All thy strong cities shall be laid waste, even as Salmana was destroyed with his famyliers, thorough him that was avenged of Arbell in the day of battle, where the mother perished with her children. Even so shall it go with you (O Bethel) because of your malicious wickedness. Like as the morning goeth away, so shall the king of Israel pass. ¶ Against the unkindness of Israel. CAPI. XI. WHen Israel was young, I loved him/ and called him my son out of the land of Egypt. But the more they were called, E●●. ii● Ma●●. ●● the more they went back, offering unto Idols and eensing Images: 〈◊〉 xxxii. b 〈…〉 I learned Ephraim to go, and bore them in mine arms, but they regarded not me, that would have helped them. I led them with cords of friendship, and with bands of love. I was even he, that laid the yoke upon their necks. I gave them their fodder myself, that they should not go again into egypt. And now is Assur their king: For they would not turn unto me. Therefore shall the sword begin in their cities, the store that they have laid up, shall be destroyed and eaten: and that because of their own imaginations. 〈…〉 My people hath no lust to turn unto me, their prophets lay the yoke upon them, but they ease them not of their burden. What great things have I given thee, O Ephraim? how faithfully have I defended the. O Israel? have I dealt with the as with Adama: or have I entreated the like Sebo●m? Not: my heart is otherwise minded. Yea my mercy is to fervent: therefore have I not turned me to destroy Ephraim in my wrothful displeasure. For I am God and no man, I am even that holy one in the midst of thee, though I come not within the city. The Lord toreth like a lion, that they may follow him: yea as a lion toreth he that they may be afraid like the children of the see: that they may be scattered away from Egypt, as when scar birds: and frayed away (as doves use to be) from the Assyrians land: and that because I would have them tarry at home, saith the Lord. But Ephraim goth about me with lies, and the house of Israel dissembleth. Only juda holdeth him with God, and with the true holy things. ¶ Against the vain trust of the people. CAPI. XII. EPharaim keepeth the air, and followeth after the east wind: he is ever increasing lies and destruction. They confederate with the Assyrians, their oil is carried in to Egypt. The Lord hath a court to hold with juda, and will punish jacob: After their own ways according to their own inventions, shall he recompense them. He took his brother by the heel, 〈◊〉 ●x. a 〈◊〉. iii● d 〈…〉 b when he was yet in his mother's womb: & in his strength he wrestled with God. He strove with ●he angel, and got the victory: so that he prayed and desired him. He found him at Bethel, and there he talked with us. Yea the Lord God of hosts, even the Lord himself remember him: Then turn to thy God, keep mercy and equity, and hope still in thy God. But the merchant hath a false weight in his hand, he hath a pleasure to occupy extortion. Ephraim thinketh thus Tush, I am rich, I have good enough: In all my works shall not one taut be found, that I have offended. Yet am I the Lord thy God, even as when I brought t●e out of the land of Egypt, and set them thy tents, and as in the high feast days. I have spoken thorough the Prophets, and showed diverse visions, and declared myself by the ministration of the prophets. But at Galaad is the abomination, they are fallen to vanity. At Galgall they have slain oxen: and as many heaps of stones as they had in their land forowes, so many altars have they made, jacob fled into the land of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. By a Prophet the Lord brought them out of Egyte, and by a Prophet he preserved them. But Ephraim hath provoked him to displeasure thorough his abominations, therefore shall his blood be poured upon himself and the Lord his God shall reward him his blasphemies. ¶ Of the abominations of Israel. CAPI. XIII. THe abomination of Ephraim is come also into Israel. Isaiah xlvi a Ezchiel xuj. b Osee ii b Osee viii a He is go back to Baal, therefore must he die. And now they sin more and more: of their silver they make the molten Images, like the Idols of the heathen, and yet all is nothing but the work of the craftsman. Notwithstanding they preach of the same: who so will kiss the calves, offereth to men. Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the dew that early passeth away, and like as the dust that the wind taketh away from the flower, and as smoke that goeth out of the chimney. I am the Lord thy God, which brought the out of the land of Egypt: Exod. twenty a that thou shouldest know no God but me only: and that thou shouldest have no saviour but only me. I took diligent heed of the in the wilderness that dry land. Isaiah xliij b duty viii a But when they were well fed and had enough, they waxed proud and forgot me. Therefore will I be unto them as a lion, Deut. xxxii b. and as a leopard in the way to the Assyrians. I will come upon them as a she beer, that is rob of her whelps, and I will break that stubborn heart of there's. There will I devour them as a lion: yea the wild beasts shall tear them. O Israel, thou dost but destroy thyself. In me only is thy help. job xxii a Where are thy kings now, that should help the in all thy cities? Yea and thy judges, of whom thou saidst, give me a king and Princes? well, i Regum viii ● I gave the a king in my wrath, and in my displeasure will I take him from the again. The wickedness of Ephraim is bound together, and his sin lieth hid. Therefore shall sorrows come upon him, as upon a woman that traveleth. An undiscrete son is he, for he consydreth not, that he should not have bend able to have endured in the time of his birth, had not I defended him from the grave, and delivered him from death. O death. I will be thy death: O hell, I will be thy sting. Yet can I see no comfort, i Corint xu ● for when he is now the goodliest among the brethren, Hebr ii b Ecchiel xix d the e●st wind (even the wind of the Lord) shall come down from the will dearness, and dry up his condites, and drink up his wells: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. As for Samaria, they shall be made waste, and why? they are disobedyente unto their God. They shall perish with the sword, their children shall be slain and their women great with child shall be rypte up. iiii. Re. xvil. a ¶ The destruction of Samaria. CAPI. XIIII. O Israel, turn the now, unto the Lord thy God, jere xviii a Ezech. xviii e xxxiii c three Re. xii e. for thou hast taken a great fall thorough thy wickedness. Take these words with you, when you turn to the Lord and say unto him: O forgive us all our sins receive us graciously, and then will we offte the bullocks of our lips unto the. Assur shall be no more our helper, neither will we ride upon horses any more. As for the works of our hands, we will no more call upon them: For it is thou that art our God, thou showest ever mercy unto the fatherless. O (if they would do this) I should heal their sores: yea with all my heart would I love them: so that my wrath should clean be turned away from them. Yea I would be unto Israel as the dew, and he should grow as the lily, and his rote should break out as Lybanus. His branches should spread out abroad and be as fair as the olive tree, and smell as Lybanus. They that dwell under his shadow, should come again, and grow up as the corn, and flourish as the vine: he should have as good a name, as the wine of Lybanus. O Ephraim what have I to do with Idols any more? I will graciously hear him, & lead him forth. I will be unto the as a green F●rre tree, upon me shalt thou find thy fruit. Who so is wise, shall understand this: and he that is right instruct, will regard it. For the ways of the Lord are righteous such as be Godly will walk in them: As for the wicked, they will stumble there in. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Oseas. THE BOOK OF JOEL THE PROPHET. ¶ A prophecy against the jews. He exhorteth the priests to prayer and fasting, for the misery that was coming at hand. CAPI. I THis is the word of the Lord, that came unto joel the son of Phatuel: Hear, O you elders: ponder this well all you that devil in the land: if ever there happened such a thing in your days, or in the days of your fathers. Tell your children of it, and let them show it unto their children, and so they to certify their posterity thereof. Look what the caterpyller hath left, that hath the grasshopper eaten up: what the grasshopper left, that hath the locust eaten up: and what the locust hath left, that hath the blasting consumed. Wake up you drunkards, and weep: mourn all you wynesuppers, because of your sweet wine, for it shall be taken away from your mouth. Yea a mighty and an innumerable people shall come up in to my land: these have teeth like the teeth of lions, and chaftbones like the lionesses. Deut. 〈…〉 They shall make my vineyard wast they shall pill of the barks of my fygtrees, stryp them bore, cast them away, & make the branches white. Make thy moan as a virgin doth that gyrdeth herself with sack, because of her bride groom. For the meat and drinckoffring shall be taken away from the house of the Lord: and the priests the lords ministers shall mourn. The field shall be wasted, the land shall be in a miserable case: for the come shall be destroyed, the sweet wine shall come to confusion, and the oil utterly desolate. The husband men and the wine gardeners shall look piteously & make lamentation for the wheat, wine and barley, and because the harvest upon the field is so clean destroyed. The grape gatherers shall make great moan, when the vineyard and fygtrees be so utterly wasted. Yea all the pomgarnetes, palm-trees, apple trees, and the other trees of the field shall wither away. Thus the the merry cheer of the children of men, shall come to confusion. Gird you, and make your moan, O you priests: mourn you ministers of the altar go your way in, and sleep in sack cloth, O you officers of my God: for the meat and drink offering shall be taken away from the house of your God. Proclaim a fasting, ●oel ii d call the congregation, gather the elders and all the in habyters of the land together into the house of the Lord your God, and erye unto the Lord alas, alas, for this day. And why? the day of the Lord is at hand, and cometh as a destroyer from the almighty. Shall not the meats be taken away before our eyes, the mirth also and joy from the house of our God? The seed shall perish in the ground, the garners shall lie waist, the floors shallbe broken down, for the corn shall be destroyed. O what a sighing make the cattle? the bullocks are very evil liking, because they have no pasture: and the sheep are famysshed away. O Lord, to the will I cry: for the fire hard consumed the goodly pastures of the wilderness, and the fl●me hath brent up all the trees of the field, Yea the wild beasts try also unto thee: for the water rivers are dried up, and the fire hath consumed the pastures of the wilderness. ¶ He prophecyeth the coming and cruelty of their enemies. An exhortation to move them to convert. CAPI. II Blow out the trumpet in Zion, & cry upon my holy bill, 〈…〉 that all such as devil in the the land, may tremble at it: for the day of the Lord cometh, and is hard at hand: a dark day, a glooming day a cloudy day, yea & a stormy day, like as the morning spreadeth out upon the hills: Namely, a great and mighty people: such as have not been seen since the beginning, neither shall be after them for evermore. Before him shall be a consuming fire and behind him a burning flame. The land shall be as a garden of pleasure before him, but behind him shall it be a very waste wilderness, and there is no man, that shall escape him. They are to look upon like barded horses, & run like horsemen. They skyppe up upon the hills, as it were the sound of charrettes, as the flame of fire that consumeth the straw, and as a mighty people ready to the battle. The folk shall be afraid of him, all fa●es shall be as black as a pot. These shall run like giants, and leap over the walls like men of war. Every man in his going shall keep his array, and not go out of his path. There shall not one drive an other, but each shall keep his own way. They shall break in at the windows, and not be hurt They shall come into the city, and run upon the walls: They shall climb up upon the houses, and styp in at the windows like a these The earth shall quake before him, 〈…〉 yea the heavens shall be moved: The son and Moon shall be darckened and the stars shall withdraw their shine. The Lord shall show his voice before his host, for his host is great, strong and mighty to fulfil his commandment. 〈…〉 This is that great and marvelous fearful day of the Lord: And who is able to abide it. Now therefore saith the Lord: Turn you unto me wi●h all your hearts, with fasting weeping and mourning, 〈…〉 rend your hearts, and not your clotheses. Turn you unto the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful long suffering and of great compassion: and ready to pardon wickedness. Psal lxxxvi a Ion● three: a Then (no doubt) he also shall turn, and fogyve: & after his chastening, he shall let your intrease remain, joel i ● for meat and drinckofferynges unto the Lord your God: Blow out with the trumpet in Zion, proclaim a fasting, call the congregation, and gather the people together: warn the congregation, and gather the elders, bring the children and sucklynges together. Let the the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, & the bride out of her closet. Let the priests serve the Lord between the porch and the altar weeping and saying: be favourable, O Lord, be favourable unto thy people: let not thy heritage be brought to such confusion, least the heathen be lords thereof. Wherefore should they say among the heathen where is now their God? Psal lxxix ● Then shall the Lord be jealous over his land, and spare his people: yea the Lord shall answer, and say unto his people: Behold, I will send you corn, wine, & oil, so that you shall have plenty of them: and I will no more give you over to be a reproof amongs the heathen. Again, as for him of the north. I shall drive him far from you: and shut him out into a dry and waste land his face toward the east see: and his hinder parts toward the uttermost see. The stynck of him shall go up, and his filthy corruption shall fall upon himself, because he hath dealt so proudly. Fear not (O land) but be glad and rejoice for the Lord will do great things. Be not you afraid neither (O you beasts of the field) for the pastures shall be green and the trees shall bear their fruit: the fygtrees and vine yards shall give their increase. Be glad then (O you children of Zion) and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he hath given you a teacher of righteousness: and he shall send you down showers of rain, early and late in the first month: so that the garners shall be full of corn, Leviti xxvi ● Deut. xi b xxviii. b. and the presses plenteous in wine and oil. And as for the years that the grasshopper, locust, blasting and caterpyller (my great host, which I sent among you) have eaten up, I shall restore them to you again: so that you shall have enough to eat, and be satisfied: & praise the name of the Lord your God, that so marvelously hath dealt with you. And my people shall never be confounded any more. You shall well know, that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am your God yea & that there is none other, & my people shall no more be brought to confusion. After this, will I pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters shall prophecy: ☜ your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions, yea those days will I power out my spirit upon servants and maids. I will show wonders in heaven above, and tokens in the earth beneath: blood and fire, and the vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, Math. xxiiii c Luke twenty e Roma. ●. b and the moon in to blood: before the great and notable day of the Lord come. And the time shall come that who so ever calleth on the name of the Lord, shall be saved. For upon the mount Zion and at jerusalem, there shall be a salvation, like as the Lord hath promised: yea and among the other remnant, whom the Lord shall call. ¶ Of the judgement of God against the enemies of his people. CAPI. III FOr take heed: in those days & at the same time when I turn again the captivity of juda and Jerusalem: I shall gather all people together, and bring them in the valley of josaphat: and there will I reason with them: because of my people and heritage of Israel: whom they have scattered about in the nations, and parted my land: yea they have cast lots for my people the young men have they set in the brodel house, and sold the Damsels for-wyne that they might have to drink. Thou Titus and Sidon and all you borders of the Philistines: Ezech. xxvi a xcvii. xxviii Amos i b what hove you to do with me? Will you defy me? well, if you will needs defy me, I shall recompense you, even upon your head, and that right shortly: for you have taken away my silver and gold, my fair and goodly jewels, and brought them into your god's houses. The children also of juda and jerusalem have you sold unto that Greeks, that you might bring them far from the borders of their own countries. jeremis xxx a Addi i ● Behold therefore, I will raise them out of the place, where you have sold them, & will reward you even upon your head. your sons & your daughters will I sell thorough the hands of the children of juda, and so they shall give them forth to sell, unto them of Saba, a people of a far country, for the Lord himself hath said it. Try out these things among the gentiles, proclaim war wake up the giants, let them draw nigh, let them come up all the lusty warryours of them. Make you swords of your plowshares, Esay. ● and spears of your sycles and scythes. Let the weak man say: I am stronger. Muster you, and come, all you heathen round about: gather you together, there shall the Lord lay all the giants to the ground. Let the people at ice, and get them to the valley or josaphat: for there will I sit, and judge all heathen round about. Say to your scythes, for the harvest is type, come get you down, the winepress is full, yea the winepresses run over, for their wickedness is waxed great. In the valley appointed, there shall be many, many people, joel. ● for the day of the Lord is nigh in the valley appointed. The sun & moon shall be darckened, an the stars shall withdraw their light. The Lord shall tore our of Zion, and cry out of jerusalem, that the heavens and the earth shall quake withal. But the Lord shallbe a defence unto his own people, Jere. x●● & a refuge for the children of Israel. Thus shall you know, that I the Lord your God devil upon my holy mount of Zion. Then shall jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers go thorough her any more. Then shall the mountains drop sweet wine, & the hills shall flow with milk. All the rivers of juda shall have water enough, and out of the lords house there shall flow a spring to water the broken of Si●im: but egypt shall be laid waste, and Edom shall be desolate: because they have dealt so cruelly with the children of juda, Amos. ●● and shed innocent blood in their land. Again, juda shall be inhabited for evermore, and jerusalem from generation to generation: for I will not leave their blood unavenged. And the Lord shall dwell in Zion. ¶ The end of the prophecy of joel. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET AMOS. ¶ The time of the prophecy of Amos. The word o● the Lord against Azah, against tire, against Edom, and against the sons of Ammon. CAPI. I THese are the sermons that were showed unto Amos (which was one of the shepherds at Thecua) upon Israel, in the time of Osiah king of juda, & in the time of Jeroboam the son of joah king of Israel, 〈…〉 two year before the earth quake. And he said: The Lord shall roar out of Zion, 〈…〉 & show his voice from jerusalem: so that the pastures of the shepherds shall be in a miserable case, and the top of Charmel dried up. Thus saith the Lord for three and four wickednesses of Damascus, I will not spare her: because they have threshed Galaad with iron flails: But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benadab. Thus will I break the bars of Damascus, and rote out the inhabiter from the field of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre, out of the pleasant house so that the people shall be driven out of fair Sir●a, says the Lord Thus says the Lord: For three and four wickedness of Gaza, 〈…〉 I will not spare her: because they make the prisoners yet more captive, and have driven them in to the land of Edom. Therefore will I send a fire in to the walls of Gaza, which shall devour her houses. I will rote out them that dwell at Asdod and him that holdeth the sceptre of Ascalon, and stretch out mine hand over Accaron, that the remnant of the Philistines shall perish saith the Lord. Thus says the Lord: for three and four wickednesses of the city of Tire, 〈…〉 I will not spare her: because they have increased the captivity of the Edomytes, 〈…〉 and have not remembered the brotherly covenant. Therefore will I send a fire in to the walls of Tire that shall consume her palaces. 〈…〉 Thus saith the Lord: For three and four wickednesses of Edom I will not spare him, because he persecuted his brother with the sword, destroyed his mother's womb, bore hatred very long and so kept indignation always by him. Therefore will I send a fire into Theman which shall devour the palaces of Bosca. Thus saith the Lord: For three and four wickednesses of the children of Ammon I will not spare them: 〈…〉 because they rypte up the women great with child in Galaad, to make the borders of their lands the wider. Therefore I will kindle a fire in the walls of Rabbath, that shall consume her palaces with a great cry, in the day of battle, in tempest and in the day of storm: so that their king shall go into captivity he and his princes together, saith the Lord. ¶ Against Moab, juda, and Israel. CAPI. II THus saith the Lord: For three and four wickednesses of Moab, Esay xu a xuj a jerem xxv a Ezch xxviii a I will not spare him: because he brent the bones of the king of Edom to ashes. Therefore will I send a fire into Moab, which shall consume the palaces of Carioth: so that Moab shall perish with a noise and the sound of a shawme. I will rote out the judge from among them and slay all his princes with him saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord: for three and four wickednesses of juda, I will not spare him: because he hath cast aside the law of the Lord, and not kept his commandments: for why, they would needs be deceived with the lies, that their forefathers followed. Therefore will I sand a fire into juda, which shall consume the palaces of jerusalem. Thus saith the Lord: for three and four wickednesses of Israel, I will not spare him: because he hath sold the righteous for money, and the poor for shoes. They tread upon poor men's heads, in the dust of the earth, and croak the ways of the meek. The son and the father go to the harlot, to dishonour my holy name, they lie beside every altar upon clotheses taken to pledge, and in the house of their gods they drink the wine of the oppressed. Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them that was as high as the cedar trees, and as strong as the oaks: not wistanding I destroyed his fruit from above and his rote from under. Again: I brought you out of the land of Egypt, and led you xl years thorough the wilderness, that you might have the Amorites land in possession. I raised up Prophets among your children, and abstayners among your young men. Is it not so, O you children of Israel, saith the Lord? But you gave the abstayners wine to drink, yea you commanded the prophets, saying, Prophecy not. Behold, I will crasshe you insunder like as a wain crassheth, that is full of sheaves, so that the swift shall not escape, neither the strong be ha●le to do any thing, not, the giant shall not save his own life. The archer shall not abide, & the swift of foot shall not escape. The horseman shall not save his life, and he that is as manly of stomach as a giant, shall in that day be feign to run his way naked, saith the Lord. ¶ He reproveth the house of Israel of wickedness. CAPI. III Hear. what the Lord speaketh unto you (O you children of Israel) namely, unto all the tribes, whom I brought out of Egypt and said: you only have I accepted from all the generations of the earth: therefore will I visit you in all your wickednesses May twain walk together except they be agreed among themselves? Doth a lion roar in the wood, except he have a prey? Or crieth a lions whelp out of his den, except he have got some thing? Doth a bird fall in a snare upon the earth where no fouler is? Taketh a man his snare up from the ground, afore he catch somewhat? Cry they out Alarm with the trumpet in the city, and the people not afraid? cometh there any plague in a city without it be the Lords doing? Now doth the Lord God no manner of thing, but he telleth his secret before unto his servants the prophets, When a lion roareth, who will not be afraid? seeing then that the Lord God himself speaketh, who will not prophecy? Preach in the palaces at Asdod, and in the palaces of the land of Egypt, and say: gather you together upon the mountains of Samaria, lo shall you see great murder and violent oppression amongs them: for why, they regard not the thing that is right says the Lord, they gather together evil got goods, and lay robbery in their houses. Therefore thus saith the Lord God: This land shall be troubled and belleged round about, thy strength shall be pluck from thee, and thy palaces rob. Thus saith the Lord, like as an herdsman taketh two legs or a piece of an care out of the lions mouth: Even so the children of Israel (that devil in Samaria, having their couches in the corner, and their beds at Damascus) shall be pluck away. Hear, and bear record in the house of jacob (saith the Lord God of hosts) that when I begin to visit the wickedness of Israel, iiii. Reg. xvi.xvii. I will visit the altars at Bethel also: so that the horns of the altar shall be broken of, and fall to the ground. As for the winter house and summer house, I will smite them down: and the houses of jury, yea and many other houses shall perish, and be destroyed, saith the Lord. ¶ Against the governors of Samaria. CAPI. FOUR O Hear this word you fat kine, that be upon the hill of Samaria: you that do poor men wrong, and oppress the needy: you that say to your lords: bring hither let us drink. Therefore the Lord hath sworn by his holiness: Psal xxii b The days shall come upon you, that you shall be lift up upon spears, & your posterity carried away in fysshers panyers. You shall get you out at the gaps one after an other, and in Armon shall you be cast away, saith the Lord. You came to Bethel for to work ungraciousness, joshua 〈…〉 Ose●. 〈…〉 Ose●. 〈…〉 and have increased your sins at Galgal: you brought your sacrifices in the morning and your cythes unto the third day. You made a thanckoffering of leaven, you promised frewylofferinges, and proclaimed them. Such lust had you, O you children of Israel, says the Lord God. Therefore have I given you idle teeth in all your cities, and scarcenesss of bread in all your places yet will, you not turn unto me saith the Lord When there were but three months unto the harvest, I withheld the rain from you: yea I rained upon one city, and not upon an other one piece of ground was moistured with rain and the ground that I rained not upon was dry. Wherefore two, yea three cities came unto one to drink water: but they were not satisfied, yet will you not turn unto me, says the Lord. I have smy●ten you with drought & blasting and look how many orchards, vineyards, fygtrees and olive trees you had: the caterpyller hath eaten them up. But yet will you not turn unto me, saith the Lord. Exod. 〈…〉 Pestilence have I sent among you, as I did in egypt your young men have I slain with the sword and caused your horses be taken captive: I made the stinking savour of your tents to come up in to your nostrils: Yet will you not turn unto me, saith the Lord. Gene. 〈…〉 Some of you have I overthrown, as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorre: so that you were as a brand plucked out of the fire. Yet will you not turn unto me, saith the Lord. Therefore thus will I handle the again, O Israel, you even thus will I handle the. Make the ready then to meet thy God, O Israel For lo, he maketh the mountains, he ordaineth the wind, he showeth man what he is about to do, he maketh the morning and the darkness, he treadeth upon the high places of the earth: the Lord God of hosts is his name. ¶ A complaint of the captivity of Israel. CAPI. V Hear this word, O you house of Israel and why? I must make this moan for you: The virgin Israel shall fall, and never rise up again: she shall be cast down upon her own ground, and no man shall help her up. For thus saith the Lord God: Where as there dwelt a thousand in one city, there shall be left scarce an hundredth therein: and where there dwelt an hundredth there shall scarce ten be left for the house of Israel. Nevertheless, thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel: Seek after me, and you shall live but seek not after Bethel. Come not at Galgal, & go not to Bersaba: for Galgal shall be carried away captive, and Bethel shall come to naught. Seek the Lord, that you may live: jest the house of joseph be brent with fire and consumed, & jest there be none to quench Bethel. You turn the law to wormwod, and cast down righteousness unto the ground. The Lord maketh the seven stars and the Oryons, he cometh the night in to day, and of the day he maketh darkness. 〈…〉 He calleth the waters of the see, and poureth them out upon the plain ground: the Lord is his name. He raiseth destruction upon the mighty people, and bringeth down the strong hold: but they own him evil will that reproveth them openly: and who so telleth them the plain truth, 〈…〉 they abhorred him. For so moche then as you oppress the poor, and rob him of his best sustenance: therefore where as you have builded houses of square stone, you shall not devil in them. marvelous pleasant vineyards shall you plant, but the wine of them shall you not drink: and why? as for the multitude of your wyckednesses, and your stout sins, I know them right well. Enemies are you of the righteous, you take rewards, you oppress the poor in judgement. Therefore the wise must now be fain to hold his tongue, so wicked a time is it. Seek after the thing that is good, and not evil, so shall you live: yea the Lord God of Hosts shall be with you, 〈…〉 according to your own desire: Hate the evil, and love the good: 〈…〉 sit up right again in the porter and (no doubt) the Lord God of hosts shall be merciful unto the remnant of joseph. If no (saith the Lord God, the God of hosts) there shall be mourning in all streets: yea they shall say in every street, alas alas. They shall call the husband man to lamentation, and such as can mourn to mourning. In all vineyards there shall be heaviness, for I will come amongs you, saith the Lord. Was be unto them that desire the day of the Lord: 〈…〉 Wherefore would you have it: As for that day of the Lord, it shall be dark and not clear: Yea like as when a man runneth from a lid, and a beer meeteth with him: or when he cometh in to the house, and leaneth his hand upon the brickwall, and a serpent biteth him. Shall not the day of the Lord be dark, and not clear? shall it not be cloudy, & no shine in it? I hate and abhor your holy days, and where as you cense me when you come together I will not accept it. And thought you offre●●e brent offerings and meat offerings, yet have I no pleasure therein. As for your fat thankeofferynges, I will not look upon them. Away with that noise of thy songs, I will not hear thy plays of music: but see that equity flow as the water, and righteousness as a mighty steam. O you house of Israel, gave it me offerings and sacrifices those forty years long in the wilderness? yet have you set up tabernacles to your Moloch, 〈…〉 and images of your idols, yea and the steer of your god Rempha, figures which you made to worship them. Therefore will I 'cause you be carried away beyond Damascus, faith the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts. ¶ Against the princes of Israel living in pleasures. CAPI. VI O Woe be to the proud wealthy in Zion to such as think them so sure upon the mount of Samaria? Luke. v●. ● which hold themselves for the best of the world, & rule the house of Israel, even as they list. Go unto Cain, and see: and from thence get you to Hemath the great city, & so go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better at ease then these kingdoms, or the border of their land wider than yours? You are taken out for the evil day, even you that sit in the stool of wilfulness: You that lie upon beds of jury, job xxi b Esay u b and use your wantonness upon your couches: you that eat the best lambs of the flock, and the fattest calves of the drove: you that sing to the Lute, and in playing the instruments compare yourselves unto David: you that drink wine out of gobblettes, and anoint yourselves with the best oil, but no man is sorry for josephs' hurt. Therefore now shall you be the first of them, that shall be led away captive and the lusty cheer of the wilful shall come to an end. The Lord God hath sworn even by him self (saith the Lord God of hosts) I hate the pride of jacob, and I abhor his palaces: jeremy ii ● Amos viii ● and I will give over the city, with all that is therein: so that though there remain ten men in one house, they shall die. So their next kynsfolkes, and the deed buryers shall take them, and carry away their bones, and say unto him that is in the innermer house: is there yet any more by thee? And he shall answer they are all go, hold thy tongue (shall be say) for they would not remember the name of the Lord. Deut. viii ● Behold, the Lord is minded to smite the great houses, so that they shall decay: and the little houses that they shall cleave asunder. Who can run with horses, or blow with oxen upon the hard rocks of stone? For why, you have turned true judgement in to bitterness, and the fruit of righteousness in to wormewodde. Yea, even you that rejoice in vain things/ you that say: Deut. xxvii c have not we obtained horns in our own strength? Well take heed, O you house of Israel, saith the Lord God of hosts: I will bring a people upon you, which shall trouble you, from the way that goeth toward Hemath in to the broken in the meadow. ¶ Of the captivity of Israel and juda. CAPI. VII. THe Lord God showed me such a vision: behold there stood one that made greshoppers, even when the corn was shooting forth, after the king had clipped his sheep. Now when they undertook to eat up all the green things in the land, I said: O Lord God, be merciful I beseech thee: who should else help up jacob that is brought so low? So the Lord was gracious therein, and the Lord said: well, it shall not be. Again the Lord showed me this vision: behold, the Lord God called the fire to punish withal, and it devouted the great deep: yea it consumed a part already. Then said I: O Lord God, hold thine hand: for who should else help up jacob that is brought so low? So the Lord was in merciful therein, and the Lord God said: well, it shall not be. Moreover he showed me this vision: Behold, the Lord stood upon a pla●●ced wall, and a masons trowel in his ●ande. And the Lord said unto me: Amo●, what seest thou? I answered: a mason●●rowell. Then said the Lord: Behold, I will say the trowel among my people of Israel, and will no more oversee them: but the high hill chapelles of Isaac must be laid waste, and the churches of Israel made desolate, and as for the home of Jeroboam, I will stand up against it with the sword. Upon this scent Amasiah the Priest to Bethel, iii Reg. xvii a unto Jeroboam the king of Israel, saying: Amos maketh the house of Israel to rebel against thee, the land cannot away with his words. For Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die with the sword, and Israel shall be led away captive out of their own land. And Amasiah said unto Amos: Get the hence (thou that canst see so well) and flee in to the land of juda: get the there thy living and prophecy there, and prophecy no more at Bethel, Isaiah xxx b for it is the kings chapel, & the kings covet. Amos answered and said to Amasiah: As for me, zachari xiii a I am neither Prophet ne Prophets' son, but a keeper of cattle. Now as I was breaking down mulberyes, and going after the cattle, the Lord took me, and said unto me: God thy way and prophecy unto my people of Israel. And therefore hear thou now the word of the Lord: Thou sayest: prophecy not against Israel, and speak nothing against the house of Isaac. Wherefore thus saith the Lord: Thy wife shall be defiled in the city, thy sons and daughters shall be slain with the sword, and thy land shall be measured out with the line. Thou thyself shalt die in an unclean land, and Israel shall be driven out of his own country. ¶ Against the rulers of Israel. The Lord sweareth that he will fulfil the things which he hath determined against Israel. CAPI. VIII. THe Lord God showed me this vision: and behold, there was a mand with summer fruit. And he said Amos, what seist thou? I answered: a mand with summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me: the end cometh upon my people of Israel, I will no more oversee them. In that day shall the songs of the temple be revived in to sorrow, saith the Lord God. Many d●ed bodies shall lie in every place, and be cast forth secretly. Hear this, O you that oppress the poor, and destroy the needy in the land, saying: Elay. ● When will the new month be go, that we may cell victual, and the Sabbath, that we may have scarcenesss of corn: to make the bushel less, and the sycle greater? We shall set up false wayghtes, that we may get the poor under us with their money, and the needy also for shoes: yea let us cell the chaff for corn. The Lord hath sworn against the pride of jacob: 〈…〉 these works of there's will I never forget. Shall not the land tremble. & all they that devil therein mourn for this? Shall not their destruction come upon them like a water stream, and flow over them, Iere●●● as the flood of Egypt? At the same time (saith the Lord God) I shall 'cause the sun to go down at none, To●●y ● and the land to be dark in the clear day. Your high feestes will I turn to sorrow, and your songs to mourning: I will bring sack cloth upon all your backs, and baldness upon every heed: Ier●●y ● yea such a mourning will I send them, as is made upon an only begotten son, and they shall have a miserable end. Behold, the time cometh (saith the Lord God) that I shall send an hunger in to the earth, not the hunger of breed, nor the thirst of water: but an hunger to hear the word of the Lord: so that they shall go from the one see to the other/ yea from the north unto the East, running about to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that time shall the fair virgins and the young men perish for thirst/ yea even they that swear in the offence of Samaria, and say: as truly as the God liveth at Dan, and as truly as thy God liveth at Betsaba. These shall fall, and never rise up again. ¶ threatenings against Israel. No man can escape the hand of God. CAPI. IX. I Saw the Lord standing upon the altar, and he said: smite the door cheek, that the posts may shake withal. For their covetousness shall fall upon all their heads, and their posterity shall be stain with the sword. They shall not flee away, there shall not one of them escape, ne be delivered. 〈…〉 Though they were buried in the hell, my hand shall fetch them from thence: though they climb up to heaven, yet shall I cast them down: though they hide themselves upon the top of Charmel, yet shall I seek them out, and bring them from thence: Though they creep down fro my sight in to the deep of the see, I shall command the serpent even there to vice them: If they go away before their enemies in to captivity, 〈…〉 then shall I command the sword there to slay them. Thus will I set mine eyes upon them, for their harm, and not for their welsh. For when the Lord God of boostes toucheth a land, it consumeth away, and all they that dwell therein, must needs mourn: And why? 〈…〉 their destruction shall arise as every stream, and run over them as the flood in egypt. 〈…〉 He that hath his dwelling in heaven, and groundeth his tabernacle in the earth: He that calleth the waters of the see, and poureth them out upon the plain ground: his name is the Lord. O you children of Israel are you not unto me, even as the Moryans, saith the Lord? have not I brought Israel out of the land of egypt, the philistines from Capthor, and the Syrians from Cyr? 〈…〉 Behold, the eyes of the Lord are upon the realm that sinneth, to root it clean out of the earth: Nevertheless I will not utterly destroy the house of jacob saith the Lord. For so, this I promise: though I sift the house of Israel amongs all nations (like as they use to sift in a sieve) yet shall not the smallest gravel stone fall upon the earth: But all the wicked doers of my people, that say: tush, the plague is not so nigh, to come so hastily upon us: those shall perish with the sword. At that time will I build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen down, Act xu b Mich vii h and hedge up his gaps: and look what is broken, I shall repair it: Yea I shall build it again, as it was afore time, that they may possess the remnant of Edom/ yea, and all such people as call upon my name with them, saith the Lord, which doth these things. Behold, the time cometh (saith the Lord) that the ploughman shall overtake the mower, joel iii ● and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed. The mountains shall drop sweet wine, and the hills shall be fruitful, and I will turn the captivity of my people of Israel: they shall repair the waste cities, and have them in possession: they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof: they shall make gardens, and enjoy the fruits of them. And I will plant them upon their own ground, so that I will never root them out again from their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Amos. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ABDI. ¶ Against Edom, and the trust that they had in richesse. CAPI. I THis is the vision that was showed unto Abdi: Ezec xxviii b xxxv. a Amos i c Thus hat haveth Lord God spoken upon Edom: We have herd of the Lord that there is an embassage sent amongs the Heathen: Up, let us arise and fight against them. Behold, I will make the small among the Heathen, so that thou shalt be utterly despised. The pride of thine heart hath lift the up, jerem xlix c thou that dwellest in the strong holds of stone, and hast made the an high seat: Thou sayest in thine heart: who shall cast me down to the ground? But though thou wentest up as high as the Eagle, and madest thy nest above among the stars: Amos ix a Abacuc ii b yet would I pluck the down from thence. If the thieves and robbers came to the by night, thou taking thy rest, should they not steal, till they had enough? If the grape ga●herers came upon thee, would they not leave the some grapes? But how shall they reap Esau, and seek out his treasures? Yea, the men that were sworn unto the shall drive the out of the borders of thine own land. They that be now at one with thee, shall deceive the and overcome thee: Even they that eat thy breed shall betray the or ever thou perceive it. Shall not I of the same time destroy all the wise men ac Edom, Esa. xxix c i Corinth i c and those that have understanding from the mount of Esau? Thy giants, O Theman, shall be afraid, for thorough the slaughter they shall be all overthrown upon the mount of Esau. Shame shall come upon thee, for the malice that thou showedst to thy brother jacob: yea for evermore shalt thou perish, and that because of the time when thou didst set thyself against him, Exod. xvii c Numeri .xx c even when the enemies carried away his host, and when the alyauntes came in at his ports, and cast lo●tes upon jerusalem, & thou thyself wast as one of them. Thou shalt no more see the day of thy brother, thou shalt no more behold the c●ure of his captivity, thou shalt no more rejoice over the children of juda, in the day of their destruction, thou shalt triumph no more in the time of their trouble. Thou shalt no more come in at the gates of my people, in the time of their decay, thou shalt not see their misery in the day of their fall. Thou shalt send out no man against their host, in the day of their adversity: neither shalt thou stand waiting any more at the corners of the streets, to murder such as are fled, or to take them prisoners, that remain in the day of their trouble. For the day of the Lord is hard by upon all the Heathen. Like as thou haste done, Ier●●● joel. ●● so shalt thou be dealt withal: yea, thou shalt be rewarded even upon thine heed. For likewise as you have drunken upon mine holy hill, so shall all Heathen drink continually: yea, drink shall they, and swallow up, so that you shall be, as though you had never been. But upon the mount Zion, Zach●●●● there shall a remnant escape: these shall be holy, and the house of jacob shall possess even those that had themselves afore in possession. Moreover, the house of jacob shall be a fire, the house of joseph a flame, and the house of Esau shall be the straw, which they shall kindle and consume, so that nothing shall be left of the house of Esau, jeremy. ● for the Lord himself hath said it. They of the South shall have the mount of Esau in possession, and look what lieth upon the ground, that shall the Philistines have: the plain teldes shall Ephraim & Samaria possess: and the mountains of Galaad shall BenIamin have. And this host shall be the children of Israel's prisoners. Now what so lieth from Canaan unto Zareptah, and in Sepharad, that shall be under the subjection of jerusalem: and the cities of the south shall inherit it. Thus they that escape upon the hill of Zion, shall go up to punish the mount of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lords. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Abdi. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET Jonas. ¶ Of the flight of jonas when he was sent to preach. A tempest ariseth, and casts him in the see for his disobedience. CAPI. I TThe word of the Lord came unto jonas the son of Amithai, saying: Arise, and get the to Ninive that great city, & preach unto them, how that their wickedness is come by before me. And jonas made him ready to ●le unto Tharsis from the presence of the Lord, and got him down to joppa, where he found a ship ready for to go unto Tharsis. So he paid his fare, & went aboard, that he might go with them unto Tharsis, from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind in to the see, and there was a mighty tempest in the see/ so that the ship was in jeopardy of going in pieces. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god: and the goods that were in the ship, they cast in to the see to lighten it of them. But jonas got him under the hatches, where he laid him down and slombred. So the master of the ship came to him and said unto him, why slomberest thou? Up, call upon thy God: if God (happily) will think upon us, 〈…〉 that we perish not. And they said one to an other: come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause we are thus troubled. And so they cast lots, and the lot fallen upon jonas. Then said they unto him: tell us for whose cause are we thus troubled? what is thine occupation? whence comest thou? what country man art thou, and of what nation? He answered them: I am an Ebrue, and I fear the Lord God of heaven, which made both the see and dry land. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him: why didst thou so? (for they knew that he was fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them) and said moreover unto him: What should we do unto the that the see may cease from troubling us? (for the see wrought and was troublous) he answered them: Take me and cast me in to the see, so shall it let you be in rest: for I wot, it is for my sake, that this great tempest is come upon you. Nevertheless, the men assayed with rowing to bring the ship to land, but it would not be, because the see wrought so, and was so troublous against them. Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, 〈…〉 and said: O Lord, let us not perish for this man's death, neither lay thou innocent blood unto our charge, for thou, O Lord, haste done even as thy pleasure was. So they took jonas and cast him in to the see, and the see let raging. And the men feared the Lord exceedingly, doing sacrifices and making vows unto the Lord. ¶ jonas is swallowed of a whale. The prayer of jonas. CAPI. II But the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow up jonas. Math. xii d xuj. a Luke xi d i corinth xu a So was jonas in the belly of the fish, three days and three nights. And jonas prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fi●shes belly, and said: In my trouble I called unto the Lord, and he heard me: out of the belly of hell I cried, Psal cxix a and thou herdest my voice. Thou hadst cast me down deep in the midst of the see, and the flood compassed me about: yea all thy waves and rolls of water went over me, I thought that I had been cast away out of thy sight: but I will yet again look toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me, even to the very soul: the deep lay about me, and the wedes were wrapped about mine heed. I went down to the bottom of the hills, and was darred in with earth for ever. But thou, O Lord my God, hast brought up my life again out of corruption. When my soul fainted within me. I thought upon the Lord, and my prayer came in unto thee, even in to thy holy temple. They that hold of vain vanities will forsake his mercy. But I will do the sacrifice with the voice of thanksgiving, and will pay that I have vowed: for why? salvation cometh of the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto the fish, and it cast out jonas again upon the dry land. ¶ jonas is send again to Niniu●. The repentance of the king of Ninive. CAPI. III THen came the word of the Lord unto jonas again, saying: up & get the to Ninive that great city, and preach unto them the preaching which I bade the. So jonas arose, joshua i ● an went to Ninive at the Lords commandment. Ninive was a great city unto God, namely of three days journey. And jonas went to, & entered in to the city: even a days journey, and cried, saying: There are yet xi days, and then shall Ninive be over thrown. And the people of Ninive believed God, and proclaimed fasting, and arrayed them selves in sackcloth, as well the great as the small of them. And the tidings came unto the king of Ninive, which arose out of his seat, & did his apparel of, and put on sackcloth, and sat him down in ashes. And it was cried and commanded in Ninive, by the authority of the king and his lords saying: see that neither man nor be'st, Math. xii ● Luke ten ● ox or sheep cast aught at all, and that they neither feed, ne drink water, but put on sakcloth both man and be'st, & cry mightily unto God: yea see that every man turn from his evil way, & from the wickedness that he hath in hand. Who can tell? God may turn, and repent and cease from his fierce wrath, Esa. xxxviii d that we perish not. And when God saw their works, how they turned from their wicked ways, he repented on the evil which he said he would do unto them, and did it not. ¶ jonas is reproved of God. CAPI. FOUR Therefore jonas was sore discontent and angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, & said: O Lord was not this my saying (I pray thee) when I was yet in my country? therefore I hasted rather to i'll unto Tharsis, for I know well enough that thou art a merciful God, full of compassion, long suffering, and of great kindness, and repentest when y● shouldest take punishment. iii Reg. xix a And now, O Lord, take my life fro me (I beseech thee) for I had rather die then live. Then said the Lord: art thou so angry? And jonas got him out of the city, and sat down on the east side thereof: and there made him a both, and sat under it in the shadow till he might see, what should chance unto the city. And the Lord God prepared a wild vine which sprang up over jonas, that he might have shadow above his heed to deliver him out of his pain. And jonas was exceeding glad of the wild vine. But upon the next morrow against the spring of the day, the Lord ordained a worm, which smote the wild vine, so that it withered away. And when the sun was up, God prepared a fervent East wind: and the sun bet over the head of jonas that he fainted again, and wished vn●o his soul, that he might die, and said: It is better for me to die, then to live. And God said unto jonas: Art thou so angry for the wild vine? And he said: yea, very angry am I, even unto death. And the Lord said: thou hast compassion upon a wild vine, whereon thou bestowedst no labour, ne madest it grow: which sprung up in one night, and perished in an other, and should not I then have compassion upon Ninive that great city, wherein there are above an hundred and twenty thousand people, that know not their right hand from their left, besides moche cattle? ¶ The end of the prophecy of jonas. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET MICHEAS. ¶ Of the destruction of Samaria, because of their idolatry. CAPI. I THis is the word of the Lord that came unto Micheas the Motastite, in the days of jothan, Achas and Ezechias king of juda: 〈…〉 which was showed him upon Samaria and jerusalem. Hear all you people mark this well, O earth, and that therein is: Yea the Lord God himself be witness among you, even the Lord from his holy temple. For why? behold, the Lord shall go out of his place, and come down, and tread upon the high things of the earth. The mountains shall consume under him, and the valleys shall cleave asunder: 〈…〉 like as wax consumeth at the fire, and as the waters run downward. And all this shall be for the wickedness of jacob, & the sins of the house of Israel. But what is the wickedness of jacob? Is not Samaria? Which are the high places of juda? Is not jerusalem? Therefore I shall make Samaria an heap of stones in the field to lay about the vineyard: 〈…〉 her stones shall I cast in to the valley, and discover her foundations. Albina her Images shallbe broken down and all her winninges shall be brent in the fire: yea all her Idols will I destroy: for why, 〈…〉 they are gathered out of the hire of an whore, and into an whores hire shall they be turned again. Wherefore I will mourn and make lamentation, bore and naked will I go I must mourn like the dragons, and take sorrow as the Ostriches: for their wound is past remedy: And why? it is come in to juda and hath touched the port of my people at jerusalem already. 〈…〉 Weep not, jest they at Geth perceive it. Thou at Betaphra, welter thyself in the dust and ashes. Thou that dwellest at Sephir, get the hence with shame. The proud shall boost no more for very sorrow: & why? her neighbour shall take from her what she hath. The rebellious city hopeth, that it shall not be so evil: but for all that, the plague shall come from the Lord, 〈…〉 even into the port of jerusalem. The great noise of the charettes shall fear them: that dwell at Lachis, which is an occasion of the sin of the daughter of Zion, for in came up the wickedness of Israel. Yea she sent her coursers into the land of Geth. The houses of lies will deceive the kings of Israel. And as for thee (O thou that dwellest at Morassa) I shall bring a possessioner upon thee, and the plague of Israel shall reach unto Odolla. Make the bald, & shave thee, because of thy tender children: Make the clean bald as an Eagle for they shall be carried away captive from the. ¶ The threatenings against the sinful people. CAPI. II O Woe unto them, that imagine to do harm, and devise ungraciousness upon their beds, to perform it in the clear day: for their power is against God. iii Re. xx● When they covet land, they take it by violence, they rob men of their houses. Thus they oppress a man for his house, & every man for his heritage. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold against this household have I devised a plague, whereout you shall not pluck your necks: You shall no more go so proudly, for it will be a perilous tyme. In that day shall this term be used, and a mourning shall be made over you on this manner: We be utterly desolate, the portion of my people is translated. When will he part unto us the land, that he hath taken from us? Nevertheless there shall be no man to divide the thy portion in the congregation of the Lord Tush, Num xxxiii f hold your tongue (say they) It shall not fall upon this people, we shall not come so to confusion, saith the house of jacob? Is the spirit of the Lord so clean away? or is he so minded? Truth it is, my words are friendly unto them that live right but my people doth the contrary, therefore must I take part against them: for they take away both coote and cloak from the simple. You have turned yourselves to fight, the women of my people have you shot out from their good houses, and taken away my excellent gifts from their children. Up, get you hence for here shall you have no rest. Because of their idolatry they are corrupt, and shall miserably perish. If I were a fleshly fellow and a preacher of lies, & told them that they might sit bybbing & bollinge and be drunken: O that were a Prophet for this people. But I will gather the in deed, O jacob, and drive the remnant of Israel all together I shall carry them one with an other as a flock in the fold, and as the cattle in their stalls, that they may be disquyeted of other men. Who so breaketh the gap, he shall go before. They shall break up the port and go in and out at it. Their king shall go before them, and the Lord shall be upon the head of them. ¶ Against the tyranny of princes, and false prophets. CAPI. III Hear, O you heads of the house of jacob, and you leaders of the house of Israel: Should not you know, Deu. xvii d jeremis u a Psal lxxxii a what were lawful and right? But you hate the good, & love the evil: you pluck of men's skins, & the flesh from their bones: you eat the flesh of my people, slay of their skin: you break their bones, you chop them in pieces as it were into a cauldron, and as flesh into a pot. Now the time shall come, that when they call unto the Lord, he shall not hear them, but hide his face from them, because that thorough their own imaginations they have dealt so wickedly. And as concerning the Prophets that deceive my people, thus the Lord saith against them: When they have any thing to bite upon, than they preach that all shall be well: but if a man put not some thing in to their mouths, they preach of war against him. Therefore your vision shall be turned to night, and your prophesying to darkness. The sun shall go down over those Prophets, and the day shall be dark unto them. Then shall the vision seers be ashamed, and the soothsayers confounded: yea they shall be fain, all the pack of them, to stop their mouths, for they have not God's word. As for me, I am full of strength, and of the spirit of the Lord, full of judgement and boldness: to show the house of jacob their wickedness, and the house of Israel their sin. O hear this you rulers of the house of jacob, and you judges of the house of Israel: you that abhor the thing that is lawful, and wrist aside the thing that is straight: You that build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with doing wrong. O you judges, you give sentence for gifts: Abacuc ii b Ezechi xxii b O you priests, you teach for lucre: O you prophets, you prophesy for money. Yet will they be taken as those that hold upon God, jeremy vi b and say: Is not the Lord among us? Tush, there can no misfortune happen us. Therefore shall Zion (for your sakes) be ploughed like a field, jerusalem shall become an heap of stones, and the hill of the temple shall be turned to an high wood. ¶ Of the calling of the gentiles, and conversion of the jews. CAPI. FOUR But in the latter days it will come to pass that tge hill of the lords house shall be set up higher than any mountains or hills: Isaiah ii a Leuiti xxvi g Yea the people shall press unto it, and the multitude of the gentiles shall haste them thither, saying: Come, let us go up to the hill of the Lord, and to the house of the God of jacob, that you may teach us his way, and that we may walk in his paths. For the law shall come out of Zion, and the word of God from jerusalem, Psal lx a and shall give sentence among the multitude of the Heathen, and reform the people of far countries: so that of their swords they shall make ploweshares, and scythes of their spears. Esay xi b One people shall not lift up a sword against an other/ yea, they shall no more learn to fight: but every man shall sit under his vineyard and under his fygtre, and no man to fray him away: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. Therefore where as all the people have walked every man in the name of his own God we will walk in the name of our God for ever and ever. At the same time saith the Lord, will I gather up the lame and the out casts and such as I have chastened: and will give issue unto the lame, & make of the out casts a great people and the Lord himself shall be their king upon the mount Zion, 〈…〉 from this time forth for evermore. And unto thee (O thou to were of Eder, thou strong hold of the daughter Zion) unto the shall it come: even the lordship and kingdom of the daughter jerusalem. Why then art thou now so heavy? is there no king in thee? are thy councelers away that thou art so pained, as a woman in her travail? And now (O thou daughter Sion) be sorry, let it grieve that as a wife labouring with child: for now must then get the out of the city, and dwell upon the plain field: Yea unto Babylon shalt thou go, there shalt thou be delivered, Mich. ●● & there the Lord shall louse the from the hand of thy enemies. Now also are there many people gathered together against thee, saying: what Zion is cursed we shall see our lust upon her. Esay. 〈…〉 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, they understand not his counsel, that shall gather them together as the sheves in the barn. Therefore get the up, O thou daughter Zion, and thresh out the corn: For I will make thy horn iron, and thy claws brass, that thou mayst grind many people: their goods shalt thou appropryate unto the Lord and their substance unto the ruler of the hole world. ¶ Of the destruction of jerusalem. CAPI. X. AFter that shalt thou be rob thyself, O thou robbers daughter: they shall say siege against us, and smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. And thou Bethleem Ephrata, art little among the thousands of juda, Math. ii ● john. 〈…〉 Out of the shall come unto me, which shall be the governor in Israel: whose out going hath been from the beginning, and from everlasting. In the mean while he plageth them for a season, until the time that she (which shall bear) have born: then shall the remnant of his brethren be converted unto the children of Israel. He shall stand fast, and give food in the strength of the Lord, Eze. 〈◊〉 Iohn. ●● Roma. ● b and in the victory of the name of the Lord his God & when they be converted, he shall be magnified unto the farthest parts of the world. Then shall there be praxe, so that the Assyrian may come into our land, and tread in our houses. We shall bring up seven shepherds and eight princes upon them: these shall subdue the land of Assur with the sword, and the land of Nimrod with their naked weapons. Thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh within our land, and setteth his foot within our borders. And the remnant of jacob shallbe amongs the multitude of people, as the dew of the Lord, and as the drops upon the grass, that tarrieth for no man, and waiteth of no body. 〈…〉. b Yea the residue of jacob shall be amongs the gentiles and the multitude of people, as the lion among the beasts, of the wood, and as the lions whelp among a flock of sheep: which when he goeth thorough treadeth down, teareth in pieces, and there is no man that can help. Thy hand shall be lift up upon thy enemies, and all thine adversaries shall perish. The time shall come also, saith the Lord, that I will take thy horses from thee, and destroy thy charettes. 〈◊〉 xviii b I will break down the cities of thy land, and overthrow all thy strong holds. All witchcrafts will I tote out of thy hand, there shall no mosothsayenges be within the. Thine Idols and thine Images will I destroy out of that, so that thou shalt no more bow thyself unto the works of thine own hands. Thy groves will I pluck up by the rotes, and break down the citi●s. Thus will I be avenged also, upon all the heathen that will not hear. ¶ An exhortation to hear the judgement against Israel being unkind▪ what manner of sacrifices doth please God. CAPI. VI hearken now what the Lord saith: Up reprove the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. 〈…〉 a O hear the punishment of the Lord, you mountains and you mighty foundations of the earth: for the Lord will reprove his people, and reason with Israel: O my people, what have I done unto thee? or wherein have I hurt thee? give me answer. 〈…〉 Because I brought the from the land of Egypt, and delivered the out of the house of bondage? Because I made Moses, 〈…〉 Aron and Miriam to lead thee? Remember (O my people) what Balach the king of Moab had Imagined against thee, 〈…〉 and what answer that Balaam the son of Beor gave him, from Sethim unto Galgall, that you may know the loving kindnesses of the Lord. What acceptable thing shall I offer unto the Lord? shall I bow my knee to the high God? Shall I come before him with brent offerings, and with calves of a year old? Hath the Lord a pleasure in many thousand rams, or innumerable streams of o●le? Or shall I give my first born for mine offences, and the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? I will show thee, oh man, what is good, and what the Lord requireth of thee: Namely, to do right, to have pleasure in loving kindness, to be lowly, and to walk with thy God: that thou mayst be called a city of the Lord, and that thy name may be righteousness. He are (O you tribes) who would else give you such warning? Levit xix g Deut. ●xv c Prouer. twenty b Ezech. xxv b Should I not be displeased, for the unrighteous good in the houses of the wicked, and because the measure is mynyshed? Or should I justify the false balances and the bag of deceitful weights, among those that be full of riches unrighteously got: where the citisyns' deal with falsehood, speak lies, & have deceitful tongues in their mouths? Therefore I will take in hand to punish the & to make the desolate, because of thy sins. Thou shalt eat, and not have enough: yea thou shalt bring thyself down. Thou shalt i'll, but not escape: and those that thou wouldest save, will I deliver to the sword. Thou shalt sow, but not reap: Deut. xxviii ● thou shalt press out olives, but oil shalt thou not have to anoint thyself withal: thou shalt tread out sweet must, but shalt drink no wine. You keep the odynaunces of Amri, and all the customs of the house of Achab: iii Reg. xvi ● you follow their pleasures, therefore will I make the waste, and 'cause thy inhabyters to be abhorred; O my people: and thus shalt thou bear thy own shame. ¶ A complaint of the little number of the righteous. Against the truth aught we not to hold with our greatest friends. CAPI. VII. WOE is me: I am be come as one, that goeth a gleaning in the harvest. There are no more grapes to eat, yet would I fain (with all my heart) have of the best fruit. There is not a godly man upon earth, there is not one righteous among men. They labour all to shed blood, and every man, hunteth his brother to death: yet they say they do well when they do evil. As the prince will so saith the judge: that he may do him a pleasure again. The great man speaketh what his heart desireth: and the hearers allow him. The best of them is but as a thistle and the most righteous of them is but as a briar in the hedge. But when the day of thy preachers cometh, that thou shalt be visyted: then shall they be wasted away. Let no man believe his friend, ne put his confidence in a prince. Keep the port of thy mouth, from her that lieth in thy bosom, for the son shall put his father to dishonour, the daughter shall rise against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law: & a man's foes shall be even they of his own household. Nevertheless I will look up unto the Lord I will patiently abide God my saviour: my God shall hear me, O thou enemy of mine rejoice not at my fall, for I shall get up again: and though I sit in darkness yet the Lord is my light. I will bear the punishment of the Lord (for why, I have offended him) till he sit in judgement upon my cause, & see that I have right. He will bring me forth to the light, & I shall see his righteousness. She that is mine enemy shall look upon it, ●●. Reg. xix a and be confounded, which now saith. Where is thy Lord God? Mine eyes shall behold he, when she shall be trodden down as the clay in the streets. 〈◊〉 ix. ● The time will come that thy gaps shall be made up, and the law shall go abroad: and at that time shall they come unto thee, from Assur unto the strong cities, and from the strong cities unto the river: from the one see, to the other, from the one mountain to the other. Notwithstanding the land must be wasted, because of them, that devil therein, and for the fruits of their own Imaginations. Therefore feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage which devil desolate in the wood: that they may be fed upon the mount of Charmell, Basan, & Galaad as afore tyme. marvelous things will I show them, like as when they came out of Egypt. This shall the heathen se, and be ashamed for all their power, so that they shall say their hand upon their mouth, and stop their ears. They shall lick the dust like a serpent, & as the worms of the earth, that tremble in their holes. They shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and they shall fear the. Where is there such a God as thou? that pardonest wickedness, and forgyvest the offences of the remnant of thine heritage He keepeth not his wrath for ever. And why? his delight is to have compassion: he shall turn? again, and be merciful to us: he shall put down our wickednesses, and cast all our sins into the bottom of the see. Thou shalt keep thy trust with jacob, and thy mercy for Abraham, like as thou haste sworn unto our fathers long ago. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Micheas, THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET NAHUM. ¶ Of the destruction of Ninive, and of the deliverance of Israel. CAPI. I THis is the heavy burden of Ninive, which Nahum of Elchos did writ as he saw it. Deut. ●● The Lord is a jealous God and a taker of vengeance: yea a taker of vengeance is the Lord, and wrothful. The Lord taketh vengeance of his enemy, and reserveth displeasure for his adversaries. Roma. i● Exo. ● Iere●. ● The Lord suffereth long, he is of great power, and so innocent that he leaveth no man faultless before him. The Lord goth forth in tempest and stormy wether, the clouds are the dust of his feet. When he reproveth the see, he drieth it up, & turneth all the floods to dry land. Basan is desolate. Charmel and the pleasure of Libanus wastes away. The mountains tremble for him, the hills consume. At the sight of him, the earth quaketh: yea the hole world and all that devil therein. Who may endure before his wrath? jeremy ● isaiah x●●● Abacus. ●● Soph●● Or who is able to abide his grim displeasure? His anger taketh on like fire, and the hard rocks burst insunder before him. Full gracious is the Lord, and a strong hold in the time of trouble, he knoweth them that put their trust in him: when the flood runneth over, and destroyeth the place▪ and when the darkness followeth still upon his enemies. What do you imagine then against the Lord on this manner? (Tush, when he hath one's made an end, there shall come no more trouble.) For like as the thorns that stick together, and as the dry straw, so shall the dronckardes be consumed together, even when they be full. There come out of that such as imagine mischief, & give ungracious council against the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Let them be as well prepared, yea and as many as they can, yet shall they be hewn down, and pass away. And as for thee, I will vex thee, but not utterly destroy the. And now will I break his rod, from thy back, and burst thy vondes insunder. But the Lord hath given a commandment concerning thee, that there shall come no more seed of thy name. Mich. v● The carved and casten Images will I rote out of the house of thy God. Thy grave shall I prepare for the and thou shalt be confounded. ¶ He describeth the victory of the Caldees against the Ninivites. CAPI. II Behold, Esa●. 〈…〉 upon the mountains come the feet of him, that bringeth good tidings, & preach each peax. O juda, keep thy holy days, perform thy promises: for Belial shall come no more in thee, he is utterly rooted out. The scaterer shall come up against thee, & lay siege to the castle. Look thou well to the streets, make thy loins strong, arm thyself with all thy might: for the Lord shall restore again the glory of jacob, like as the glory of Israel. The destroyers have broken them down, and marred the wine branches The shield of his grants glystereth, his men of war are clothed in purple. His charettes are as fire, when he maketh him forward, his archers are well decked and trimmed. The charettes roll upon the streets, & welter in the high ways. They are to look upon like cressettes of fire, and go swiftly, as the lightning. When he doth but warn his giants, they fall in their array, and hastily they climb up the walls: yea the engines of war are prepared already. The water ports shall be opened, and the kings palace shall fall. The queen herself shall be led away captyne, 〈◊〉 xii b 〈…〉 and her gentylwomen shall mourn as the doves, and groan within their hearts. Ninive is like a pole full of water, but then shall they be fain to i'll. Stand, stand, (shall they cry) and there shall not one turn back. Away with the silver, away with the gold: for here is no end of treasure. There shallbe a multitude of all manner costly ornaments. Thus must she be spoiled emtied and clean striped out: that their hearts may be melted away, their knees tremble all their loins be weak, & their faces black as a pot, Where is now the dwelling of the lions and the pasture of the lions whelps? where the lion and the lyonysse went with the whelps, and no man frayed them away? But the lion spoiled enough for his young one's, and devoured for his lioness: he filled his dens with his pray, and his dwelling place with that he had ravished. Behold, I will upon thee, saith the Lord of hosts, and will set fire upon thy charettes, that they shall smoke with all, and the sword shall devout the young lions. I will make an end of thy spoiling from out of the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be herd. ¶ The fall of Ninive. CAPI. III Wot the blood thirsty city, which is all full of lies and robbery, 〈…〉 and will not leave of from ravisshing, There a man may hear scourging, rushing, the noise of weles, the crying of the horses, and the rolling of the charettes. There the horsemen get up with naked swords, and glistering spears: There lieth a multitude slain, and a great heap of dead bodies: There is no end of dead corpses, yea men fall upon their bodies; And that for the great and manifold whoredom, of the fair and beautiful harlot: which is a mistress of witchcraft, yea and selleth the people thorough he whoredom, and the nations thorough her witchcraft. Behold, I will upon thee (saith the Lord of hosts) and will pull thy clotheses over thy head: Isaiah ●lvii. a Ezechi. ●vi a that I may show thy nakedness among the heathen, and thy shame among the kingdoms. I will cast du●re upon thee, to make that be abhorred, & a gazing stock: Yea all they that look upon thee, shall start back, & say: Ninive is destroyed. Who will have pity upon thee: where shall I seek one to comfort thee? Art thou better than the great city of Alexandria? that lay in the waters, and had the waters round about it: which was strongly fenced and walled with the see? Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and that exceeding great above measure. Aphrica and Libya were her helpers yet was she driven away and brought into captivity: her young children were smitten down at the heed of every street, the lots were cast for the most ancient men in her, and all her mighty men were bound in chains. Even so shalt thou also be drunken, and hide thyself, and seek some help against thine enemy. All thy strong cities shall be like fygtrees with ripe figs: which when a man shaketh, they shall fall in to the mouth of the eater. Behold, thy people within the are but women: the ports of thy land shall be opened unto thine enemies, and the fire shall devour thy bars. Draw water now against thou be besieged, make up thy strong holds go in to the clay, temper the mortar, make strong brick: yet the fire shall consume thee, the sword shall destroy thee, yea as the locust doth, so shall it eat the up. It shall fall heavily upon the as the locusts, yea right heavily shall it fall upon thee, Esay. x.●xxx. t xxi. ●. even as the greshoppers. Thy merchants have been numbered with the stars of heaven: but now shall they spread abroad as the locusts, & flee their way: Thy lords are as the greshoppers, & thy captains as the multitude of greshoppers: which when they be cold, remain in the hedges: but when the Sun is up, they flee away, and no man can tell where they are become. Thy shepherds are a sleep (O king of Assur) thy worthies are laid down: thy people is scattered abroad upon the mountains and no man gathereth them together again. Thy wound can not be hid, thy plague is so sore. All thy that hear this of the shall clap their hands over the. For what is he, to whom thou hast not always been doing hurt. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Nahum. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ABACUC, ¶ A complaint against Israel. CAPI. I THis is the heavy burden, Psal xxii a which the prophet Abacuc did see. O Lord, job xix ● how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear? How long shall I complain unto the suffering wrong & thou wilt not help? Why lettest thou me see weariness and labour? Tyranny and violence are before me: power overgoeth right: for the law is torn in pieces, and there can no right judgement go forth. And why? the ungodly is more set by then the righteous: this is the cause, the wrong judgement proceedeth. Behold among the heathen, Act xiii d and look well: wonder at it, and be abashed: for I will do a thing in your time which though it be told you, you shall not believe. For lo, I will raise up the Caldees, that bitter and swift people: Deut. xxviii c which shall go as wide as the land is, to take possession of dwelling places, that be not their own. A grim and boysteours people is it, these shall sit in judgement & punish. Sophon iii a Their horses are swyfter than the castles of the mountain, & bite sorer than the wolves in the evening. Their horsemen come by great heaps from far, they i'll hastily to devour as the Egle. They come all to spoil: out of them cometh an east wind, which bloweth and gathereth these captives, like as the sand. They shall mock the kings, and laugh the princes to scorn. They shall not set by any strong hold, for they shall say ordinance against it, and take it. Esay xlvi d two. Pa. xxviii d Then shall they take a fresh courage unto them, to go forth and to do more evil, and so ascribe that power unto their God. But thou O Lord my God, my holy one thou art from the beginning, therefore shall we not die. O Lord, thou hast ordained them for a punishment, and set them to reprove the mighty. Thy eyes are clean, thou mayst not see evil: thou canst not behold the thing that is wicked. jeremy xii a Psal xxxvii a Wherefore then dost thou look upon the ungodly, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is better than himself? Thou makest men as the fish in the see, and like as the creeping beestes, that have no guide. They take up all with their angle, they catch it in their net, and gather it in their yarn: whereof they rejoice and are glad. Therefore offer they unto their net, and do sacrifice unto their yarn: because that thorough it their portion is become so fat, and their meat so plenteous. Wherefore they cast out their net again▪ & never cease to slay the people. ¶ Of the vision of the prophet. Against polling, covetousness, and Idolatry. CAPI. II I Stood upon my watch, and set me upon my bulworcke, to look & see what he would say unto me and what answer I should give him that reproveth me. But the Lord answered me, and said: Writ the vision plainly, upon thy tables, that whoso cometh by, may read it: for the vision is yet far of for a time, but at the last it shall come to pass and not fail. And though he tarry, 〈…〉 yet wait thou for him, for in very deed he will come, and not be stack. Behold, who so will not believe his soul shall not prosper: the just shall live by his faith. Like as the wine deceiveth the dronckarde, 〈…〉 even so the proud shall fail and not endure. He openeth his desire wide up as the hell, and is as unsatiable as death. All heathen gathereth he to him, and heapeth unto him all people. But shall not all these take up a proverb against him, and mock him with a by word, & say: Woe unto him that heapeth up other men's goods? How long will he lad himself with thick clay? O how suddenly will they stand up, that shall bite, and awake, that shall tear the in pieces? yea thou shalt be their pray. Abdi●● seeing thou hast spoiled many heathen, therefore shall the remnant of the people spoil thee: because of men's blood, and for the wrong done in the land, in the city and unto all them that devil therein. woe unto him, that covetously gathereth evil got goods into his house: that he may set his nest an high, to escape from the power of misfortune. Thou hast devised the shame of thine own house, for thou hast slain to much people, and hast wilfully offended: so that the very stones of the brickwall shall cry out of it, 〈…〉 and the timber that lieth betwixt the joints of the building shall an sweet. woe unto him, 〈…〉 that buildeth the town with blood, & maintaineth the city with unrighteousness. Shall not the Lord of hosts bring this to pass, that the labours of the people shall be brent with a great fire, and that the thing whereupon the people have wearied themselves, shall be lost? Exod. 〈◊〉 Nu●● 〈◊〉 For the earth shall be full of knowledge of the lords honour, like as the waters that cover the see. woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, to get him wrathful displeasure for his drunkenness: that he may see his privities. 〈…〉 Therefore with shame shalt thou be filled, in stead of honour. drink thou also, till thou slumber with all: for the cup of the Lords right hand shall compass the about, and shameful spewing in the st●de of thy worship. For the wrong that thou hast done in Lybanus, shall overwhelm thee, & the wild beestes shall make the afraid, because of men's blood, & for the wrong done in the land, in the city, and unto all such as dwell therein. What help then will the image do, whom the work man hath fashioned: Or the vain cast image, wherein because the craftsman putteth his trust, therefore maketh he dumb idols? Woe unto him that saith to a piece of wood: arise/ and to a dumb stone: stand up. For what instruction may such one give? Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, 〈…〉 and there is no breath in it. But the Lord in his holy temple is he, whom all the world should fear. ¶ A prayer of the Prophet Abacuc for the ignorant. CAPI. III O Lord, when I herd speak of thee, I was afraid. The work that thou hast taken in hand, shalt thou perform in his time, oh Lord/ and when the time cometh, thou shalt declare it. In thy very wrath thou thinkest upon mercy. God cometh from Theman, & the holy one from the mount of Pharan. Selah. His glory covereth the heavens, and the earth is full of his praise. His shine is as the sun, and beams of light go out of his hands, there is his power with. Destruction goeth before him, and burning cressettes go from his feet. He standeth and measureth the earth. He looketh, and the people consume away, the mountains of the world fall down powder, and the hills are fain to bow themselves, for his goings are everlasting and sure. I saw that the pavilions of the Moryans, and the tents of the land of Madian were vexed for weariness. Waste thou not angry. O Lord, in the waters? Was not thy wrath in that floods, and thy displeasure in the see? Yes, when thou sattest upon thine horse, and when thy charettes had the victory. 〈…〉 Thou showedst thy bow openly, like as thou hadst promised with an oath unto the tribes. Selah. Thou didst divide the waters of the earth. When the mountains saw thee, they were afraid, the water stream went away: the deep made a noise at the lifting up of thine hand. The sun and moon remained still in their habitation. joshua x c Thine arrows went out glistering, and thy spears as the shine of the lightning. Thou trodest down the land in thine anger, and didst thresh the Heathen in thy displeasure. Thou camest forth to help thy people, to help thine anointed. Thou smotest down the head, the hour of the ungodly, and discoveredst his foundations: even unto the neck of him. Selah. Thou cursest his sceptres, the capitain of his men of war, which come as a stormy wind to scatter me abroad, and are glad when they may eat up the poor secretly. Thou makest away for thine horses in the see, even in the mud of great waters. When I hear this, my body is vexed, my lips tremble at the voice thereof, my bones corrup, I am afraid where I stand. O that I might rest in the day of trouble, that I might go up unto our people, which are aldye prepared. For the fig tree shall not be green, and the wines shall bear no fruit. The labour of the olive shall be but lost, and the land shall bring no corn: the sheep shall be taken out of the fold, and there shall be no cattles in the stalls. But as for me, I will be glad in the Lord, and will rejoice in God my saviour. The Lord God is my strength, Psal xviii b he shall make my feet, as the feet of Hearts: and he which giveth the victory, shall bring me to my high places, singing upon my psalms. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Abacuc. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET SOPHONY. ¶ threatenings against juda and jerusalem, because of their idolatry. CAPI. I THis is the word of the Lord, which came unto Sophony the son of Chusi, the son of Gedoliab, the son of Amariah the son of Ezechiah in the time of josiah the son of Amon king of juda. I will gather up all things in the land (saith the Lord) I will gather up man and be'st. iiii. Reg. xxi xxiii I will gather up the fowls in the air, and the fish in the see (to the great decay of the wicked) and will utterly destroy the men out of the land, saith the Lord. I will stretch out mine hand upon juda, and upon all such as devil at jerusalem. Thus will I root out the remnant of Baal from this place, and the names of the Remuryns and priests: yea, and such as upon their house tops worship and bow themselves unto the host of heaven▪ which swear by the Lord, and by their Malchom also: which start a back from the Lord, and neither seek after the Lord, duty xvii b jeremy u b ne regard him. Be still at the presence of the Lord God for the day of the Lord is at hand: yea the Lord hath prepared a slain offering, and called his gests thereto, and thus will it happen in the day of the Lords slayneoffering: I will visit the princes, the kings children, and all such as we are strange clothing. iiii. Re. xxv b jerm xxxix b In the the same day also will I visit all those that tread over the threshold so proudly, which fill their lords house with robbery and falsehood. At the same time (saith the Lord) there shall be herd a great cry from the fishporte, and an howling from the other port, and a great murder from the hills. Howl you that dwell in the will, for all the merchant people are go, and all they that were laden with silver, are rooted out. At the same time will I seek thorough jerusalem with lanterns, and visit them that continued in their dregs, jeremy v c Deut. xxix c jerem xxiii c and say in their hearts: tush, the Lord will do neither good, nor evil. Thyr goods shall be spoiled, and their houses laid waste: they shall build houses, and not devil in them: they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof. For the great day of the Lord is at hand, it is hard by▪ and cometh on a pace. Horrible is the tidings of the lords day, then shall the giant cry out: for that day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and heaviness, a day of utter destruction and misery, a dark and glooming day, a cloudy and stormy day, a day of the noise of trumpets and shawms, against the strong cities and high towers. I will bring the people into such vexation, that they shall go about like blind men because they have sinned against the Lord Their blood shall be shed as the dust, Ez●● and their bodies as the mire. Neither their silver ne their gold shall be able to deliver them in the wrathful day of the Lord, S●● but the hole land shall be consumed thorough the fire of his jealousy: for he shall soon make clean ryddaunce of all them that devil in the land. ¶ He moveth to return to God, prophesying unto the one destruction, and to the other deliverance, CAPI. II COme together and gather you, O froward people: or the thing go forth that is concluded, and or the time be passed away as the dust: or the fearful wrath of the Lord come upon you, yea or the day of the Lords sore displeasure, come upon you. Seek the Lord all you meek hearted upon earth, you that work after his judgement: seek righteousness, seek lowliness: that you may be defended in the wrothful day of the Lord. iiii. Reg ● Ion●●● For Gaza shall be destroyed, and Ascalon shall be laid waist. They shall cast out Asdod at the noon day, and Accaron shall be pluck up by the rotes. woe unto you that devil upon the see cost you murderous people: the word of the Lord shall come upon you. O Canaan thou land of the Philistines, I will destroy thee, so that there shall no man devil in the any more: & as for the see coost, it shallbe herdmens' cottages and sheep folds: yea it shall be a portion for such as remain of the house of juda, to feed there upon. In the houses of Ascalon shall they rest toward night: Esay. ●● jere. ●● Ezech●. ● for the Lord their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity. I have heard the despite of Moab, and the blasphemies of the children of Ammon how they have shamefully entreated my people, and magnified themselves within the borders of their land. Therefore as truly as I live (saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel) Moab shall be as Sodom, and Ammon as Gomorra: even dry thorn hedges, salt pits and a perpetual wilderness. The residue of my folk shall spoil them the remnant of my people shall have them in possession. This shall happen unto them for their pride, because they have dealt so shamefully with the Lord of hosts people, and magnyfyed themselves above them. The Lord shall be grim upon them, and destroy all the goods in the land. And all the Isles of the heathen shall worship him every man in his place. You Morions also shall perish with my sword: yea he shall stretch out his hand over the North, and destroy Assur. As for Ninive, he shall make it desolate, dry and waste. The flocks and all the beestes of the people shall lie in the midst of it pelicans and storks shall abide in the upper posts of it, fowls shall sing in the windows, and ravens shall sit upon the balks, for the borders of cedar shall be riven down. 〈…〉 This is the proud and careless city, that said in her heart: I am, and there is else none. O how is she made so waste that the beasts lie therein? Who so goeth by mocketh her, and pointeth at her with his finger. ¶ Against the governors of jerusalem. Of the calling of all the gentiles. A comfort to the residue of Israel. CAPI. III woe to the abominable, filthy and cruel city: which will not hear, ne be reformed. Her trust is not in the Lord, neither will she hold her to her God. Her rulers within her, are as roaring lions: her judges are as wolves in the evening, which leave nothing behind them till the morrow. Her Prophets are light people and unfaithful men: her priests unhalowe the Sanctuary, and do wrong under the pretence of the law. But the just Lord that doth no unright, was amongs them, every morning showing them his law clearly, and ceased not. But the ungodly will not serve to be ashamed. Therefore will I tore out this people, and destroy their towers: yea and make their streets so void, that no man shall go therein. Their cities shall be broken down, so that no body shall be left, ne devil there any more. I said unto them: fear me, and be content to be reformed, that their dwelling be not destroyed, and that there happen unto them none of these things, wherewith I shall visit them. But nevertheless, they stand up early to follow the filthiness of their own imaginations. Therefore you shall wait upon me saith the Lord, till the time that I stand up: for I am determined to gather the people, and to bring the kingdoms together, that I may pour out mine anger, yea all my wrathful displeasure upon them. 〈…〉 For all the world shall be consumed with the fire of my jealousy. And then will I cleanse the lips of the people, that they may every one call upon the name of the Lord, and serve him with one shoulder. Such as I have subdued, and my children also whom I have scattered abroad, shall bring me presents beyond the waters or Ethiopia. In that time shalt thou be no more confounded because of all thy imaginations, wherethrough thou hadst offended me: jeremy i b for I will take away the proud boasters of thine honour from thee, so that thou shalt no more triumph because of my holy hill. In the also will I leave a small poor simple people, which shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remanant of Israel shall do no wickedness, nor speak lies: neither shall any deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. For they shall be fed, and take their rest, and no man shall make them afraid. give thanks, O daughter Zion, be joyful, O Israel: rejoice and be glad from thy hole heart, O daughter Jerusalem/ for the Lord hath taken away thy punishment, and turned back thine enemies. The king of Israel, even the Lord himself is with thee, so that thou need it no more to fear any misfortune. In that time it shall be said to jerusalem: fear not, and to Zion: let not thine eyes be slack, for the Lord thy God is with thee, it is he that hath power to save: he hath a special pleasure in thee, and a marvelous love toward thee: yea he rejoiceth over the with gladness. Such as hath been in heaviness, will I gather together, & take out of thy congregacio: yea and the shame and reproof that hath been laid upon thee, shall be far from the. And lo, in that time will I destroy all those that vex thee: I will help the lame, and gather up the cast away: yea I will get them praise and honour in all lands, where they have been put to shame. At the same time will I bring you in, and at the same time will I gather you. I will get you a name and a good report aamonge all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Sophony. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET AGGEUS. ¶ The time of the prophetye of Aggeus. An exhortation to build the temple again. CAPI. I IN the second year of king Darius, in the sixth month, the first day of the month, i Esdr. vi a Dan. u.i.vi. a came the word of the Lord (by the Prophet Aggeus) unto Zorobabel the son of Salathiel the prince of juda, and to jesus the son of josedech the high priest, saying: Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, and saith: This people doth say: The time is not yet come to build up the lords house. Then spoke the Lord by the Prophet Aggeus, and said: You yourselves can find time to devil in syled houses, and shall this house lie waste? jeremis xxii a consider now your own ways in your hearts, saith the Lord of hosts/ you sow much but you bring little in: you eat, but you have not enough: Levit xxvi d Mich vi ● Osee four b Malach iii b you drink, but you are not filled: you deck yourselves, but you are not warm/ and he that earneth any wage, putteth it in a broken purse. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: consider your own ways in your hearts, get you up to the mountain, fetch wood, and build up the house, that it may be acceptable unto me, and that I may show mine honour, iii Reg. viii d saith the Lord. You looked for much, and lo, it is come to little: and though you bring it home, yet do I blow it away. And why so saith the Lord of hosts? Even because that my house lieth so waste, and you ren every man unto his own house. Wherefore the heaven is forbidden to give you any hew, i Co. iii b uj c two. Corint vi c and the earth is forbidden to give you increase. I have called for a drought, both upon the land, Deu xxviii d and upon the mountains, upon corn upon wine, and upon oil, upon every thing that the ground bringeth forth, upon men and upon cattles/ yea and upon all handy labour. Now when Zorobabel the son of Salethiel, and jesus the son of josedech the high priest, with the remnant of the people, heard the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of the Prophet Aggeus, (like as the Lord their God had sent him) the peole did fear the Lord. Then Aggeus the lords angel said in the lords message unto the people: I am with you saith the Lord. So the Lord waked up the spirit of Zorobabel the prince of juda, and the spirit of jesus the son of josedech the high priest, & the spirit of the remnant of all the people, that they came and laboured in the house of the Lord of hosts their God. ¶ He showeth that the goodliness of the second temple shall exceed the first, because of the coming of christ. CAPI. II Upon the xxiiij day of the sixth month in the second year of king Darius, the one and twenty day of the seventh month, came the word of the Lord by the Prophet Aggeus, saying: Speak to Zor●babel the son of Salathiel prince of juda, & to jesus the son of josedech the high priest, and to the residue of the people, & say: Who is left amongs you, that saw this house in her first beauty? But what think you now by it? Is it not in your eyes, even as though it were nothing? i 〈◊〉 Nevertheless be of good there O Zorobabel (saith the Lord) be of good comfort, O jesus thou son of josedech high priest: Deut. 〈…〉 take good hearts unto you also all you people of the land, saith the Lord of hosts, and do according to the word (for I am with you saith the Lord of hosts) like as I agreed with you, when you came out of the land of egypt, and my spirit shall be among you, fear you not. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Hebr xi▪ ● 〈◊〉 yet once more will I shake heaven and earth, the see, and the dry land: yea, I will move all Heathen, and the comfort of all Heathen shall come, Deut. vii● and so will I fill this house with honour, saith the Lord of hosts▪ The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. Thus the glory of the last house shall be greater than the first, saith the Lord of Hosts: and in this place will I give peax, saith the Lord of Hosts. The xxiiij day of the nyneth month, in the second year of king Darius, came the word of the Lord unto the Prophet Aggeus, saying: Thus saith the Lord God of Hosts: Ask the priests concerning the law, and say: if one bear holy flesh in his cote lap, Iere●y. xi● and with his lap do touch the breed, pottage, wine, oil, or any other meat: shall he be holy also? The priests answered and said: No. Then said Aggeus: Now if one being defiled with a deed carcase, touch any of these, shall it also be unclean? Levi. ●●● d Num●. xiao The priests gave answer and said/ yea, it shall be unclean. Then Aggeus answered, and said: ☞ even so is this people and this nation before me, saith the Lord, and so are all the works of their hands/ yea, and all that they offer is unclean. And now (I pray you) consider from this day forth, and how it hath go with you afore, or ever there was laid one stone upon an other in the temple of the Lord, Agg● i a that when you came to a corn heap of twenty busshels, there were scarce ten/ and that when you came to the wine press for to pour out fifty pots of wine, there were scarce twenty. For I smote you with heat, blasting and hail stones in all the labours of your hands: yet was there none of you that would turn unto me saith the Lord. consider then from this day forth and afore, namely from the four and twenty day of the nyneth month, unto the day that the foundation of the lords temple was laid: mark it well, is not the seed yet in the barn? have not the wines, 〈◊〉. ●●ii. b the fig trees, the pomegranettes, and olive trees been yet unfruitful? but from this day forth, I shall make them to prosper. Moreover the four and twenty day of the month, came the word of the Lord unto Aggeus again, saying: Speak to Zorobabel the prince of juda, and say: I will shake both heaven and earth, and overthrow the seat of the kingdoms, yea and destroy the mighty kingdom of the Heathen. I will overthrow the charettes, and those that sit upon them, so that both horse and man shall fall down, every man thorough his neighbours sword. And as for thee, O Zorobabel, (saith the Lord of Hosts) thou son of Salathiel my servant: I will take thee (saith the Lord) at the same time and make the as a seal, for I have choose thee, says the Lord of hosts. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Aggeus. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ZACHARY. ¶ He moveth the people to return to the Lord, and to eschew the wyckednesses of their fathers. He prefygureth christ and the Apostles. CAPI. I IN the eight month of the second year of king Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zachary the son of Barachias, Mat xxviii c the son of Addo the Prophet saying: the Lord hath been sore displeased at your fore fathers. And say thou unto them: thus saith the Lord of hosts. jere xxxi c Mala iii b Turn you unto me (saith the Lord of hosts) and I will turn me unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Be not you like your fore fathers unto whom the Prophets cried afore time, saying: jere xliiii c Psa. lxxvi●i. a thus saith the Lord God of hosts. Turn you from your evil ways, Osee xiiii a Toby xiii b and from your wicked imaginations. But they would not hear, ne regard me, saith the Lord. What is now become of your fore fathers and the Prophets? are they yet still alive? Ezech. xxxiii c Iere xliiii a twenty-five c But did not my words and statutes, which I commanded by my servants the Prophets) touch your fore fathers? Upon this they gave answer, and said: like as the Lord of hosts devised to do unto us, according to our own ways and imaginations, even so hath he dealt with us. Upon the xxiiij day of the xj month, which is the month Sebath, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zachary the son of Barachias, the son of Addo the Prophet, saying: I saw by night, and lo, there sat one upon a read horse, and stood still among the Myrte trees that were beneath upon the ground: and behind him were there read, speckled, and white horses. Then said I: O my Lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me, said unto me: I will show the what these be. And the man that stood amongs the Myrte trees answered and said These are they whom the Lord hath sent to go thorough the world. And they answered the angel of the Lord that stood among the Myrt trees, and said: We have go thorough the world, and behold all the world devil at ease, and are careless. Then the lords angel gave answer, and said: O Lord of hosts, how long wilt thou be unmerciful to jerusalem, jerem xxv d xxix. b i Esdra i a and to the cities of juda, with whom thou hast been displeased now these three score & ten years? So the Lord gave a loving and comfortable answer unto the angel that talked with me. And the angel that talked with me, said unto me. Cry thou, and speak: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: I am exceeding jealous over jerusalem and Zion, and sore displeased at the careless Heathen: for where as I was but a little angry they did their best that I might destroy them. Therefore thus saith the Lord: zachari viii b I will turn me again in mercy toward jerusalem, so that my house shall be builded in it, saith the Lord of Hosts: yea, and the plummet shall be laid abroad in jerusalem, saith the Lord of Hosts. Cry also, and speak: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: My cities shall be in good prosperity again, the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and chose jerusalem. Then little I up mine eyes and saw, and behold, tour bornes. And I said unto the angel that talketh with me: what be these? he answered me: These are the horns which have scattered juda, Israel, and jerusalem abroad. And the Lord showed me four carpenters. Then said I, what will these do? He answered and said: those are the horns, which have so strewed juda abroad, that no man dared lift up his heed: but these are come to fray them away, and to cast out the horns of the gentiles, which lift up their horn over the land of juda, to scatre it abroad. ¶ The renewing of jerusalem and juda. CAPI. II I life up mine eyes again and looked/ and behold, Ezec xliiii b Apoca xxi c a man with a measure line in his hand. Then said I: whither goest thou? And he said unto me, to measure jerusalem, that I may see how long and how broad it is. And behold the aunger that talked with me went his way forth. Then went there out an other angel to meet him and said unto him: Run, speak to this young man, and say: jerusalem shall be inhabited without any wall, for the very multitude of people and cattle, that shall be therein. Yea I myself (saith the Lord) will be unto her a brickwall of fire round about and will be honoured in her. O get you forth, O i'll from the land of the North, saith the Lord, you whom I have scattered in to the four winds under heaven, saith the Lord Save thyself, O Zion: thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon, for thus saith the Lord of Hosts: with a glorious power hath he sent me out to the Heathen which spoiled you: ☞ for who so toucheth you, shall touch the apple of his own eye. Behold I will lift up mine hand over them, so that they shall be spoiled of those which afore served them, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me. Be glad and rejoice, O daughter of Zion for lo, I am come to devil in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. At the same time there shall many Heathen cleave to the Lord, and shall be my people. Thus will I devil in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto the. The Lord shall have juda in possession for this part in the holy ground, and shall choose jerusalem yet again. Let all flesh be still before the Lord, for he is risen out of his holy place. ¶ Of the law and high estate of christ, under the figure of jesus the priest. A prophecy of Christ. CAPI. III ANd he showed me jesus the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, Psal. 〈◊〉 Math▪ 〈◊〉 Jude▪ 〈◊〉 and Satan stood at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan: The Lord reprove thee (thou Satan) yea the Lord that hath choose jerusalem reprove the. Is not this a brand taken out of the fire? Now jesus was clothed in unclean raiment, & stood before the angel: which answered and said unto those that stood before him take away the foul clotheses from him. And unto him he said: Behold, I have taken away thy sin from thee, and will deck the with change of raiment. He said moreover, set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and put on clotheses upon him, and the angel of the Lord stood there. Then the angel of the Lord testified unto jesus, and spoke: thus saith the Lord of Hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and keep my watch: thou shalt rule my house, and keep my courts, and I will give the place among these that stand here. Hear O jesus thou high priest, thou and thy friends that devil before thee, for they are wondrous people. Behold, I will bring forth the branch of my servant: for lo, the stone that I have laid before jesus/ upon one stone shall be seven eyes. Behold, I will hew him out (saith the Lord of hosts) and take away the sin of that land in one day. Then shall every man call for his neighbour under the vine, and under the fig tree, saith the Lord of hosts. ¶ The vision of the golden candlestick, and the exposition thereof. CAPI. FOUR ANd the angel that talked with me, came again, and waked me up, as a man that is raised out of his sleep, and said unto me: What seest thou. And I said: I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, and a bowl upon it it, and his seven lamps therein, and upon every lamp vij stalks. And two olive trees thereby, one upon the right side of the hole, and the other upon the left side. So I answered and spoke to the angel that talked with me, saying: O my lord, what are these? The angel that talked with me, answered and said unto me: knowest thou not what these be? And I said: Not my lord. He answered and said unto me: This is the word of the Lord unto Zorobabel, saying: Neither thorough an host of men, nor thorough strength, but thorough my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. What art thou, thou great mountain, before Zorobabel? thou must be made even. And he shall bring up the first stone, so that men shall cry unto him: good luck good luck. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: The hands of zorobabel have laid the foundation of this house, his hands shall also finish it, that you may know how that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. 〈◊〉. x●●ii. d For he that hath been despised a little season, shall rejoice, when he seethe the tin weight in Zorobabels' hand. The seven eyes are the Lords which go thorough the hole world. Then answered I, and said unto him: What are these two olive trees upon the right and left side of the candlestick? I spoke moreover, and said unto him: what be these two olive branches (which thorough the two golden pipes) empty themselves in to the gold? He answered and said: knowest thou not what these be? And I said, no my Lord. Then said he: These are the two olive branches that stand before the ruler of the hole earth. 〈…〉 ¶ The vision of the flyeing book, signifying the curse of thieves and such as abuse the name of God By the vision of the measure, is signified the bringing of juda to Babylon. CAPI. V SO I turned, me lifting up mine eyes and looked, and behold a flying book. And he said unto me: what seest thou? I answered: I see a flying book of twenty cubytes long, and ten cubytes broad. Then said he unto me: this is the curse that goeth forth over the hole earth: for all thieves shall be judged after this book, and all swerers shall be judged according to the same, I will bring it forth (saith the Lord of hosts) so that it shall come to the house of the thief, and to the house of him that falsely sweareth by my name: and shall remain in his house and consume it, with the timber and stones thereof. Then the angel that talked with me, went forth, and said unto me: lift up thine eyes and see, what this is that goeth forth. And I said, what is it? He answered: this is a measure going out. He said moreover: Even thus are they (that dwell upon the hole earth) to look upon. And behold, there was life up a talon of lead: and lo, a woman sat in the midst of the measure. And he said this is ungodliness. So he cast her in to the midst of the measure, and threw the lump of 〈◊〉 up in to an hole, Then life I up mine eyes, and looked/ and behold there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings (for they had wings like the wings of a stork) and they lift up the measure betwixt the earth and the heaven. Then spoke I to the angel that talked with me: whither will these bear the measure? And he said unto me: in to the land of Synear, to build them an house, Gene. ten b which when it is prepared, the measure shall be set there in his place. ¶ By the four charettes, he describeth the prosperity of the four kingdoms. CAPI. VI Moreover I turned me, lifting up mine eyes and looked: zachary i d Apoca vi a and behold there came four charettes out from betwixt two hills, which hills were of brass: In the first chariot were red horse, in the second chariot were black horse, in the third chariot were white horse, in the fourth chariot were horses of divers colours, and strong. Then spoke I, and said unto the angel that talked with me: O Lord, what are these: The angel answered and said unto me: jeremy four d These are the four winds of the heaven, which be come forth to stand before the ruler of all the earth. That with the black horse went in to the land hf the north, and the white fololowed them, and the speckled horses went forth toward the South. These horses were very strong, and went out, and sought to go and take their journey over the hole earth. And he said: get you hence, and go thorough the world. So they went thorough out the world. Then cried he upon me, and spoke unto me, saying: behold: these that go toward the North, shall still my wrath in the North country. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Take of the prisoners that are come from Babylon: namely Heldai, Tobiah, and Idaia: and come thou the same day, and go in to the house of josiah the son of Sophony. Then take gold and silver, and make crowns thereof, and set them upon the heed of jesus the son of jesedech the high priest and speak unto him: thus saith the Lord of hosts: zachary iii b Psal xxxvii a Behold the man whose name is the branch, and he that shall spring up after him, shall build up the temple of the Lord/ yea even he shall build the temple of the Lord. Apo. iiii.v.v. b He shall bear the praise he shall sit upon the lords throne, and have the domination. A priest shall he be also upon his throne, and a peaceable counsel shall be betwixt them both. Psal cxx a Hebr. v.vi.vii viii. ix.x. And the crowns shall be in the temple of the Lord, for a remembrance unto Helem, Tobiah, Idaia, and Hen the son of Sophony. And such as be far of, shall come and build the temple of the Lord, that you may know how that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if you will hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord your God. ¶ The estimation of fasting without mercy. The despising of charity, and the obstinacy of the people. CAPI. VII. IT happened also in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the Lord cane unto Zachary, in the fourth day of the nyneth month, which is called Casleu, what time as Sarasar and Rogomolech and the men that were with them sent unto Bethel for to pray before the Lord: and that they should say unto the Preestes which were in the house of the Lord of hosts, iiii. Re. xxv b and to the Prophets, should I weep in the fifth month, and abstain as I have done now certain years? Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me saying: jeremy xli a Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, and say, when you rafled and mourned in the five and seven month (now this three score and ten years) did you taste unto me? When you ate also and drunk, did you not eat and drink for your own selves? Are not these the words which the Lord spoke by his Prophets afore time, when jerusalem was inhabited and wealthy, she and the cities round about her: when there dwelt men, both toward the South, and in the plain countries. And the word of the Lord came unto Zacharye, zachari viii c Exod. xxii c saying: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Execute true judgement, show mercy and loving kindness, every man to his brother. Do the widow, the fatherless, the stranger, and poor no wrong: and let no man imagine evil against his brother in his heart. Nevertheless, they would not take heed, but turned their backs, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear: yea, they made their hearts as an Adamant stone, two. Petri i d least they should hear the law and words, which the Lord of hosts sent in his holy spirit by the Prophets afore tyme. Wherefore the Lord of hosts was very wroth at them. And thus is it come to pass that like as he spoke, and they would not hear: jeremy xi b even so they cried, and I would not hear (saith the Lord of hosts) but scattered them among all gentiles, whom they knew not. Thus the land was made so desolate, that there travailed no man in it neither to nor fro, for that pleasant land was utterly laid waste. ¶ Of the return of the people unto jerusalem, and of the mercy of God toward them. Of good works. The calling of the gentiles. CAPI. VIII. SO the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: I was in a jealousy over Zion, yea I have been very jealous over her in a great displeasure, thus saith the Lord of Hosts: I will turn me again unto Zion, and will devil in the midst of jerusalem: Esay i ● so that jerusalem shall be called a faithful and true city, the hill of the Lord of hosts, yea an holy hill. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: There shall yet old men and women devil again in the streets of jerusalem: yea and such as go with slaves in their hands for very age. The streets of the city also shall be full of young boys and damosels playing upon the streets. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: if the residue of this people think it to be unpossible in these days, should it therefore be unpossible in my sight, Math 〈◊〉 saith the Lord of hosts? Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Behold, jeremy. ● Apoca. xx● I will deliver my people from the land of the east and West, and will bring them again, that they may dwell at jerusalem. They shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: let your hands be strong, you that now hear these words by the mouth of the Prophets which be in these days, that the foundation is laid upon the Lord of hosts house, that the temple may be builded. Agg● i a For why? before these days, neither men ne cattles could win any thing, neither might any man come in and out in rest, for trouble: but I let every man go against his neighbour. Nevertheless, I will now entreat the residue of this people no more as afore time, saith the Lord of Hosts, but they shall be a seed of peax. The vineyard shall give her fruit, the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew: and I shall 'cause the remnant of this people to have all these in possession. And it shall come to pass, that like as you were a curse among the Heathen (O you house of juda and you house of Israel) Even so will I deliver you, that you shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts: like as I devised to punish you, what time as your fathers provoked me unto wrath, saith the Lord of Hosts, and spared not. Even so am I determined now in these days, for to do well unto the house of juda and Jerusalem, therefore fear you not Now the things that you shall do, are these: Speak every man the truth unto his neighbour, Ephe. ii●● e zachar. 〈…〉 execute judgement truly, and peaceably within your ports, none of you imagine evil in his heart against his neighbour, and love no false oaths: for all these are the things that I hate, saith the Lord. And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying: thus saith the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be joy and gladness, and prosperous high feasts unto the house of juda: Only, love the truth and peax. Thus saith the the Lord of hosts: There shall yet come people, and the inhabiters of many cities: 〈…〉 ●xxii. a and they that devil in one city shall go to an other, saying: Up, let us go, & pray before the Lord, let us seek the Lord of hosts, I will go with you: yea much people and mighty heathen shall come and seek the Lord of hosts at jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: In that time shall ten men (out of all manner of languages of the gentiles) take one jew by the hem of his garment, & say: we will go with you, for we have herd, that God is among you. ¶ The conversion of the gentiles. The coming of christ sitting on an Ass. CAPI. IX. THe word of the Lord shall be received at Adrach, and Damascus shall be his offering: for the eyes of all men & of the tribes of Israel shall look up unto the Lord. The borders of Hemath shall be hard thereby, Tyrus also and Sidon, for they are very wise. Tyrus shall make herself strong, heap up silver as the sand, and hold as the clay of the streets. Behold the Lord shall take her in, 〈…〉 & have her in possession: he shall smite down her power in to the see, and she shall be consumed with fire. This shall Ascalon see and be afraid. Gaza shall be very sorry, so shall Accaron also, because her hope is come to confusion. For the king of Gaza shall perish, & at Ascalon shall no man devil. Strangers shall dwell at Asdod, and as for the pride of the Philistines, I shall rote it out. Their blood will I take away from their mouth and their abominations from amongs their teeth. Thus they shall be left for our God, yea they shall be as a prince in juda▪ & Accaron like as jebusy. And so will I compass my house round about with my men of war going to and fro: that no oppressor come upon them any more. For that have I seen now with mine eyes. Rejoice thou greatly, O daughter Zion be glad, O daughter jerusalem. For lo, thy king cometh unto thee, 〈…〉 even the righteous and saviour: Lowly and simple is he, he rideth upon an ass, and upon the fool of an ass I will rote out the charettes from Ephraim and the horse from jerusalem, the battle bows shall be destroyed. He shall give the doctrine of peax unto the heathen, and his dominion shall be from the one see to the other, and from the floods to the ends of the world. Thou also thorough the blood of thy covenant shalt let thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Turn you now to the strong hold, you that be in prison, and long sore to be delivered: And this day I bring the word, that I will reward the double again. For juda have I bend out as a bow for me, and Ephraim have I filled. Thy sons (O Zion) will I raise up astaynste the Greeks, and make the as a giants sword: the Lord God shall be seen above them, and his darts shall go forth as the lightening. The Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall come forth as a storm out of the south. The Lord of hosts shall defend them, they shall consume and devour, zachari ii a Eccle. xlvii ● and subdue them with sling stones. They shall drink and rage, as it were thorough wine. They shall be filled like the hasens, and as the horns of all the altar. The Lord their God shall deliver them in the day, as the flock of his people: for the stones of his Saunctuarye shall be set up in his land. O how prosperous and goodly a thing shall that be? The corn shall make the young men cheerful, an the new wine the maidens. ¶ The people is moved to require the doctrine of truth of the Lord. The Lord promiseth to visit and comfort the house of Israel. CAPI. X. Pray the Lord then by times to give you the latter rain, jacobi. ● so shall the Lord make clouds, and give you rain enough for all the increase of the field: For vain is the answer of Idols. The soothsayers see lies, and tell but vain dreams: the comfort that they give, is no thing worth. Therefore go they astray like a flock of sheep, & are troubled, because they have no shepherd. My wrothful displeasure is moved at the shepherds, and I will visit the goats. Ezech. xiii ● For the Lord of hosts will graciously visit his flock, the house of juda, and hold them as a goodly fair horse in the battle. Esay xxii d Gene. xix b Out of juda shall come the helmet, the nail, the batelbowe, and all the princes together. They shall be as the giants, which in the battle tread down the mire upon the streets. They shall fight, for the Lord shall be with them, so that the horsemen shall be confounded. I will comfort the house of juda, and preserve the house of joseph. I will turn them also, for I pity them: and they shall be like as they were, when I had not cast them of. For I the Lord am their God, and will hear them. Ephraim shall be as a giant, and their heart shall be cheerful as thorough wine: yea their children shall see it, and be glad, & their heart shall rejoice in the Lord. I will blow for them and gather them together, for I will redeem them. They shall increase, as they increased af●re. I will sow them among the people, that they may think upon me in far countries: they shall live with their children, and turn again. I will bring them again also from the land of egypt, and gather them out of Assiria. I will carry them unto the land of Galaad and to Lybanus & they shall want nothing. He shall go upon the see of trouble, and smite the waves: so that all the deep floods shall be dried up. The proud bostinge of Assur shall be cast down and the sceptre of Egypt shall be taken away. Esay ten a Ezech. xxix I will comfort them in the Lord, that they may walk in his name, saith the Lord. ¶ The destruction of the temple. The care of the faithful is committed to christ, by the father. A grievous vision against jerusalem and juda. CAPI. XI. OPen thy doors, O Libanus, that the tire may consume thy cedar trees. Howl you Fyrre trees, for the cedar is fallen, yea all the proud are wasted away. Howl (O you oak tres of Baasan (for the mighty strong wood is cut down. Men may hear the shepherds mourn, for their glory is destroyed. Men may hear the lions whelps roar for the pride of jordane is wasted away. Thus saith the Lord my God: Feed the sheep of the slaughter, which shall be slain of those that possess them, yet they take it for no sin, but they that cell them say: The Lord be thanked, I am rich: yea their own shepherds spare them not. Therefore will I no more spare those that devil in the land (saith the Lord) but lo, I will deliver the people, every man in to his neighbours hand and in to the hand of his king: that they may smite the land, and out of their hands will not I deliver them. I myself fed the slaughter sheep (a poor flock verily) and took unto me two slaves: the one I called loving meknesse, the other I called woe, and so I kept the sheep. Three shepherds destroyed I in one month, for I might not away with them, Math. xxii c neither had they any delice in me. Then said I: I will feed you no more, the thing that dieth, let it die: and that will perish, let it perish, and let the remnant eat, every one the flesh of his neighbour. I took also my loving meek staff and broke it, that I might disannul the covenant, which I made with all people. And so it was broken in that day. Then the poor simple sheep that had a respect unto me, knew thereby, that it was the word of the Lord. And I said unto them if you think it good, bring hither my price: if no, then leave. So they weighed down xxx silver pens, Mat xxvii a the value that I was prysed at. And the Lord said unto me: cast it that the potter (a goodly price for me to be valued at of them) and I took the xxx silver pens, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord Then broke I my other staff also (namely woe) that I might louse the brotherhood be twyxte juda and Israel. And the Lord said unto me: Take to the also the staff of a foolish shepherd: for lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not seek after the things that be lost, ne care for such as go astray: he shall not heal the wounded, he shall not nourish the thing that is hole: but he shall eat the flesh of such as be fat, & tear their claws in pieces. O Idols shepherd, Idols ●herde. that leaveth the flock. The sword shall come upon his arm and upon his right eye. His arm shall be clean dried up, & his right eye shall be sore blinded. ¶ Of the destruction and building again of jerusalem. CAPI. XII THe heavy burden which the Lord hath devised for Israel. Isaiah xl ● xliii c xlv Gene. ii b Thus saith the Lord, which spread the heavens abroad, laid the foundation of the earth, and giveth man the breath of life: Behold, I will make jerusalem a cup of surfeit, unto all the people that are round about her: Yea juda himself also shall be in the siege against jerusalem. At the same time will I make jerusalem an heavy stone for all people, so that all such as life it up, shall be torn and rend, and all the people of the earth shall be gathered together against it. In that day, saith the Lord, I will make all horses abashed, and those that ride upon them, to be out of their wits. I will open mine eyes upon the house of juda, and smite all the horses of the people with blindness. And the princes of juda shall say in their hearts: The inhabiters of jerusalem shall give me consolation in the Lord of hosts their God. In that time will I make the princes of juda like an hot burning oven with wood, and like a cresset of fire among the straw, so that they shall consume all the people round about them, Abdii. d A●ic●●a both upon the right hand and the left. jerusalem also shall be inhabited again namely, in the same place where jerusalem standeth. The Lord shall preserve the tents of juda like as afore time: so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the cytesins of jerusalem, shall be but little regarded, in comparison of the glory of juda. In the day shall the Lord defend the citizens of jerusalem: so that the weakest then amongs them shall be as David: and the house of David shall be like as God's house, and as the angel of the Lord before them. At the same time will I go about to destroy all such people as come against jerusalem. Moreover, upon the house of David and upon the citizens of jerusalem, will I pour out the spirit of grace and prayer, 〈◊〉 so that they shall look upon me, whom they have pierced: and they shall be weep him, as men mourn for their only begotten son: yea and be sorry for him, as men are sorry for their first child. Then shall there be a great mourning at jerusalem, 〈…〉 like as the lamentation at Adremnon in the field of Maggadon. And the land shall bewail every kindred by them selves: 〈◊〉 xxxv. ● The kindred of the house of David themselves alone, and their wives by themselves, The kindred of the house of Nathan them selves alone, 〈◊〉 twelve ● and their wives by themselves: The kindred of the house of Levi themselves alone and their wives by themselves: The kindred of the house of Semei themselves alone, and their wives by themselves: In like manner, all the other generations, every chont by themselves alone, & their wives by themselves. ¶ Of the well of grace and truth christ. Of the clean ryddaunce of idolatry, and of the false prophets. CAPI. XIII. IN that time shall the house of David & the citizens of Jerusalem have an open well to wash of sin and uncleanness. 〈…〉 And then (saith the Lord of hosts) I will destroy the names of Idols out of the land: so that they shall no more be put in remembrance. As for the false Prophets also and the unclean spirit, I shall take them out of the land: 〈…〉 So that if any of them prophecy any more, his own father and mother that begat him, shall say unto him: Thou shalt die, for thou speakest lies under the name of the Lord, yea his own father and mother that begat him, shall wound him, when he prophesieth. And then shall those prophets be confounded every one of his vision when he prophecyeth neither shall they were sackclothes any more, 〈…〉 to deceive men withal. But he shall be fain to say: I am no prophet: I am an husband man, for so am I taught by Adam fro my youth up. And if it be said unto him: How came these wounds then in thy hands? He shall answer: Thus am I wounded in the house of mine own friends. 〈…〉. d Arise, O thou sword, upon my shepherd, and upon the Prince of my people, saith the Lord of hosts: Smite the Shepherd, & the sheep shall be scattered abroad, 〈…〉 and so will I turn mine hand to the little one's. And it shall come to pass (saith the Lord) that in all the land two parts shall be rooted out, but the third part shall remain therein. 〈…〉 And the same third part will I bring thorough the fire, and will cleanse them as the silver is cleansed: yea & try them like as gold is tried. Then shall they call upon my name and I will hear them: I will say: it is my people. And they shall say: Lord my God. ¶ The wasting of the church under the figure of jerusalem. Of the kingdom of the Lord. CAPI. XIIII. Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, that thou shalt be spoiled and rob for I gather together all the heathen, to fight against jerusalem: so that the city shall be wone, the houses spoiled, and the women defiled. The half of the city shall go away into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be carried out of the city. After that shall the Lord go forth to fight against those heathen, as men use to fight in the day of battle. Then shall his feet stand upon the mount Olyuete, that lieth upon the east side of jerusalem. And the mount Olyuete shall clean in two, eastward, & westward, so that there shall be a great valley: and the half mount shall remove toward the north, and the other toward the south. And you shall flee unto the valley of my hills for the valley of the hills shall reach unto Asal. Yea i'll shall you, Amos i ● like as you fled for the earthquake in the days of Osiah king of juda. And the Lord my God shall come, and all saints with him. In that day shall it not be light, but cold and frost. This shall be that special day, which is known unto the Lord: neither day ne night, but about the evening time it shall be light. In that time shall these waters of life run out from jerusalem: the half part of them toward the east see, and the other half toward the uttermost see, and shall continue both summer and winter. And the Lord himself shall be king over all the earth. At that time shall there be one Lord and his name shall be but one. Men shall go about the hole earth, as upon a field: from Gibea to Remmon▪ & from the south to jerusalem, She shall be set up, and inhabited in her place: from Benjamin'S port, unto the place of the first port, and unto the corner port: and from the tower of Hananeel, unto the kings wine presses. There shall men dwell, and there shall be no more cursing, but jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. This shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite all people, that have fought against jerusalem: Namely, their flesh shall consume away, though they stand upon their feet: their eyes shall be corrupt in their holes, and their tongue shall, consume in their mouth. In that day shall the Lord make a great sedition amongs them, so that one man shall take an other by the hand, & lay his hands upon the hands of his neighbour. juda shall fight also against jerusalem, and the goods of all heathen shall be gathered together round about: gold and and silver and a very great multitude of clotheses. And so shall this plague go over horses, mules, camels, asses, and all the beasts that shall be in the host, like as yonder plague was. Every one that remaineth then of all the people, which came against jerusalem, shall go up early, to worship the king (even the Lord of hosts) and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And look what generation upon earth goeth not up to jerusalem, for to worship the king (even the Lord of hosts) upon the same shall come no rain. If the kindred of Egypt go not up, and come not, it shall rain upon them neither. This shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all heathen, that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles: yea this shall be the sin plague of Egypt and the sin plague of all people, that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. At that time shall the riding gear of the horses be holy unto the Lord, and the kertels in the lords house shall be like the basins before the altar: yea all the kettles in jerusalem and juda, shall be holy unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that slay offerings, shall come take of them, and dight them therein. And at that time there shall be no more Canaanites in the house of the Lord ¶ The end of the prophecy of zachary. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET MALACHI. ¶ A complaint against Israel and her priests. CAPI. I THe heavy burden, which the Lord showeth against Israel by Malechy. I have loved you says the Lord: & yet you say: wherein hast thou loved us? Gene. xxi ● Roman▪ 〈…〉 Ios●●. xx● Was not Esau jacobs' brother, saith the Lord? yet have I loved jacob and hated Esau: yea I have made his hills waste, and his heritage a wilderness for dragons. And though Edom said: well, we are destroyed, we will go build up again the places that be wasted: yet (says the Lord of hosts) what they builded that broke I down: so that it was called a cursed land, and a people, whom the Lord hath ever been angry withal. Your eyes have seen it, and you yourselves must confess, that the Lord hath brought the land of Israel to great honour. Should not a son honour his father, & a servant his master? If I be now a father, where is mine honour? If I be the Lord, where am I feared? saith the Lord of hosts. Now to you priests, that despise my name. And if you say: wherein have we despised thy name? In this, that you offer unclean bread upon mine altar. And if you will say: wherein have we offered any unclean thing unto thee? In this that you say: the altar of the Lord is not to be regarded. If you ofre the blind, is not that evil? And if you offer the lame and sick, is not that evil? Yea offer it unto thy prince, shall he be content with thee, or accept thy person, saith the Lord of hosts? And now make your prayer before God that he may have mercy upon us: for such things have you done. Shall he regard your personnes, think you, saith the Lord of hosts? Yea what is he among you, that will do so much as to shut the doors, or to kindle the fire upon mine altar for naught? I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts and as for the meateofferinge, I will not except it at your hand. Esay i b For from the rising up of the son unto the going down of the same, my name is great among the gentiles: yea in every place shall there sacrifice be done, and a clean meatoffring offered up unto my name: for my name is great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. But you have unhallowed it, in that you say, the altar of the Lord is not to be regarded, and the thing that is set thereupon, not worthy to be eaten. Now say you: It is but labour and travail and thus have you thought scorn at it (says the Lord of hosts) offering robbery, yea the lain● and the sick. You have brought me in a meatoffring, should I accept it of your hand saith the Lord? Cursed be the dissembler, which hath in his flock one that is male, & when he maketh a vow, offereth a spotted one unto the Lord. For I am a great king (saith the Lord of hosts & my name is fear full among the heathen. ¶ threatenings against the priests being seducers of the people. CAPI. II ANd now (O you priests (this commandment toucheth you: if you will not hear it ne regard it, to give the glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will send a curse upon you, 〈◊〉 xx●ii. b & will curse your blessings: yea curse them will I if you do not take heed. Behold, I shall corrup your seed, and cast dung in your faces: even the dung of your solemn feasts and it shall cleave fast upon you And you shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you: that my covenant which I made with Levi, might stand saith the Lord of hosts. I made a covenant of life and peace with him: this I gave him, that he might stand in a ●oe of me: and so he did fear me, and had my name in reverence. The law of truth was in his mouth, and there was no wickedness found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many one way from their sins. 〈◊〉 ●xv c For the priests lips should be sure knowledge, that men may seek the law at his mouth, for he is a messenger of the Lord of hosts. But as for you, you are go clean out of the way, and have caused the multitude to be offended at the law: you have broken the covenant of Levi, 〈…〉 b saith the Lord of hosts. Therefore will I also make you to be despised, and to be of no reputation among all the people: because you have not kept my ways, but been partial in the law. Have we not all one father? Hath not one God made us? 〈…〉 b why doth every one of us then despise his own brother, & so break the covenant of our fathers? Now hath juda offended? 〈…〉 yea the abomination is done in Israel and in jerusalem, for juda hath defiled the Sanctuary of the Lord, which he loved, & hath kept the daughter of a strange God. But the Lord shall destroy the man that doth this (yea both the master and the scolar) out of the tabernacle of jacob, with him that offereth up meat-offering unto the Lord of hosts. Now have you brought it to this point again that the altar of the Lord is covered with tears weeping and mourning: so that I will no more regard the meatoffring, neither will I receive or accept any thing at your hands. And yet you say: wherefore? Even because that where as the Lord made a covenant betwixt the & the wife of thy youth thou hast despised her: Yet is she thine own companion and married wife. So did not the one, and yet had he an excellent spirit. What did then the one? He sought the seed promised of God. Therefore look well to your spirit, and let no man despise the wife of his youth. If thou hatest her put her away saith the Lord God of Israel and give her a clothing for the scorn faith the Lord of hosts. Look well then to your spirit, and despise her not. You grieve the Lord with your words, and yet you say: wherewithal have we grieved him? In this that you say: All that do evil are good in the fight of God, and such please him. Or else where is the God that punysheth? ¶ Of the messenger of the Lord, Iohn baptist. Of the day of the Lord, and of Eliah. CAPI. III Behold, I will send my messenger, which shall prepare the way before me: Math. xi b Mark i a Luke vii c Gen. four a u d Esay lxiiii a and the Lord whom you would have, shall soon come to his temple, yea even the messenger of the covenant whom you long for. Behold, he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? Who shall be able to endure when he appeareth? For he is like a goldsmiths fire, & like wasshers' soap. He shall sit him down to try and to cleanse the silver, he shall purge the children of Levi, and purify them like as gold and silver: that they may bring meatofferinges unto the Lord in righteousness. Then shall the offering of juda and jerusalem be acceptable unto the Lord like as from the beginning and in the years afore tyme. I will come and punish you, and I myself will be a swift witness against the witches against the adulterers, against false swerers: yea and against those, that wrongously keep back the hyrelynges duty which vex the widows and the fatherless, & oppress the stranger, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts. Deut. xxxi f iiii. Reg. xvii c For I am the Lord that change not, & you (O children of jacob) will not leave of: you are go away fro mine ordinances & since the time of your forefathers have you not kept them. Turn you now unto me, zacha i a and I will turn me unto you, saith the Lord of hosts, you say: Wherein shall we turn? Should a man use falsehood and disobeyed with God as you use falsehood and deceit with me? Yet you say wherein use we disobeyed with thee? In tithes and heaveoffrynges. Levi xxvii d Agge i a Therefore are you cursed with penury, because you dissemble with me, all the sort of you. Bring every tithe into my barn, that there may be meat in mine house: & prove me withal (saith the Lord of hosts) if I will not open the windows of heaven unto you, and pour you out a blessing with plenteousness. Yea I shall reprove the consumer for your sakes, so that he shall not eat up the fruit of your ground, neither shall the vineyard be barren in the field, saith the Lord of hosts: In so much that all people shall say that you be blessed, for you shall be a pleasant land, saith the Lord of hosts. You speak hard words against me, saith the Lord And yet you say: What have we spoken against thee? You have said: It is but lost labour, to serve God? What profit have we for keeping his commandments, and for walking humbly before the Lord of hosts? Therefore may we say, that the proud are happy, and that they which deal with ungodliness, are set up: for they tempt God, and yet escape. But they that fear God, say thus one to an other: the Lord consydreth and heareth it. Yea it is before him a memorial book written for such as fear the Lord, and remember his name. And in the day that I will make (saith the Lord of hosts) they shall be mine own possession: and I will favour them, like as a man favoureth his own son, that doth him service. Turn you therefore, and consider what difference is betwixt the righteous & ungodly: Psal xviii a betwixt him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. For mark, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven: and all the proud, yea and all such as do wickedness, shall be straw: and the day that is for to come, shall burn them up (saith the Lord of hosts) so that it shall leave them neither rote ne branch. But unto you that fear my name, shall that Son of righteousness arise, & health shall be under his wings: you shall go forth & multiply as the fat calves. You shall tread down the ungodly: for they shall be like the ashes under the soles of your feet, in the day that I shall make, saith the Lord of hosts. Du● Remember the law of Moses my servant which I committed unto him in Oreb for all Israel, 〈◊〉 xvii. with the statutes and ordinances. Behold I will send you Elyas the Prophet: before the coming of the day of the great & fearful Lord. 〈◊〉 He shall turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, that I come not & smite the earth with cursing THE END OF THE prophecy OF MALACHI: AND CONSEQVENTLY OF ALL THE PROPHETS. ❧ THE VOLUME OF THE BOOKS CALLED apocrypha. CONTAINED IN THE COMMON translation in latin, which are not found in the Hebrew nor in the Chalde. THE REGISTRE THEREOF. ❧ The third book of Esdras. The fourth book of Esdras. The book of Tobiah. The book of judith. The rest of the book of Hester. The book of wisdom. Ecclesiasticus. Baruch the Prophet. The song of the three children in the oven. The story of Susanna. The story of Bel, and of the Dragon. The prayer of Manasseh. The first book of the Maccabees. The second book of the Maccabees. THE third BOOK OF ESDRAS. ¶ josias holdeth passover. After his death is jechonias his son made king in his stead: whom the king of egypt putteth out, and setteth in his brother joachim. jerusalem is destroyed, and Sedech. as taken. CAPI. I ANd josias held the feast of Easter in Jerusalem unto the Lord and slew the passouer the fourteenth day of the first month. 〈◊〉 xxiii c ●●nth. a He set the priests also in order (according to their daily courses) being arrayed in long garments in the temple of the Lord And he spoke unto the Levites the holy ministers of Israel, that they should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord in the house that king Solomon the son of David had builded and said: You shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders. Now serve your Lord, and take the charge of his people of Israel, after your villages and your tribes: according as king David the king of Israel hath ordained, and according as Solomon his son hath honourably prepared: yea look that you all do service in the temple, according to the ordering and distribution of the principal men, which are appointed out of the tribes, to do service for the children of Israel. Kill the Passeover, and prepare offerings for your brethren, 〈…〉 and do according to the commandment of the Lord, which he gave unto Moses. And unto the people that was found, josias gave xxx thousand sheep, lambs, kyddes and goats, and three thousand oxen. These the king (of his princely liberality) gave unto the people, according as he had promised: and to the priests for the Passeover he gave two thousand sheep, and an hundred oxen. Moreover jechonias and Semeias, and Nathanael brethren, and Hasabias', jechiel, and josabad gave them to the Passeover, five thousand sheep, and five hundred bullocks. And when these things were brought to pass, the priests and the Levites stood goodly in their order, and had the unleavened breed throughout the tribes. And after the ordering of the principal men in the tribes, they offered unto the Lord in the sight of the people, according as it is written in the book of Moses, 〈…〉 and so they roasted the Easter lamb, as according was. As for the thankeofferinges and the other, they dight them in kettles and pots, and set them before the people with good will, and afterward before them selves, and the priests. For the priests offered the fat, until the time was expired, but the Levites prepared for themselves and for their brethren the children of Aaron. The singers also the children of Asaph, stood in their order, according as David had devised. So did Asaph Zachary and Iduthum, which were appointed by the king Moreover the porters and door keepers stood by the doors and that diligently, so that none went out of his standing and service/ for their brethren (the Levites) prepared for them. Thus were all things performed, that belonged to the offering of the Lord. In that day they beld the Passeover, and offered thankeofferinges beside the sacrifice of the Lord, according to the commandment of king josias. So the children or Israel which were then present, held an honourable Passeover, and the feast of sweet breed seven days long. Yea such a Passeover was not kept in Israel from the time of the Prophet Samuel. And all the kings of Israel held not such an Easter as this which king josias held, and the priests, the Levites, the jews and all Israel, of all them that were at jerusalem. And in the xviij year of the reign of josias was this Passeover kept. And with a perfect here did king josias order all his works before the Lord, and the things that were written of him in times past, concerning those that sinned and were ungodly against the Lord before all people, and that sought not the word of the Lord upon Israel. After all these acts of king josias, iiii. Re. xxiii t three Page xxxv d Pharaoh the king of Egypt went up and came toward Carcamis by Euphrates, & josias went to meet him. Then sent the king of Egypt unto josias, saying: what have I to do with thee, O king of juda? I am not sent of the Lord to fight against thee, for my war is upon Euphrates, go thou thy way home again in all the haste. And josias would not turn again upon his chariot, but undertook to fight against him, and hearkened not unto the word of the Prophet, which he told him out of the mouth of God, but pitched a battle against him in the field of Mageddo. And the prince's pressed to king josias. Then said the king unto his servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am sore wounded, iii Reg. xxii t And immediately his servants took him away out of the front of the battle. Then sat he upon the second chariot, came to Jerusalem, died, and was buried in his father's sepulchre. And in all jury they mourned for josias, yea the rulers also with their wives made lamentation for him unto this day. And this was done ever still in Israel. These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of juda/ namely all the acts and works of king josias, his power royal and majesty, his understanding in the law of God, and what he did/ yea things which are not written in the book of the kings of Israel and juda. And the people took jechonias the son of josias, iiii. Re. xxiii f two. Pa. xxxvi ● and made him king in stead of josias his father, when he was xxxiij year old. And he reigned over Israel three months. And the king of Egypt put him down, that he should not reign in jerusalem, and raised up a tax of the people: namely an hundred talents of silver and, one talon of gold. The king of Egypt also made joachim his brother king of juda and jerusalem. As for them of the kings counsel with the king himself and Zaraceles his brother, he took them & carried them away prisoners in to Egypt. Five and twenty year old was joachim, when he was made king in the land of juda and jerusalem, & he did evil before the Lord. iiii. Re. xiiii c After this Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up, bond him with bands of iron, & carried him unto Babylon. Nabuchodonosor also took all the vessels that were hallowed in the temple of the Lord, and all the jewels, & carried them unto Babylon, and brought them in to his own temple at Babylon. Of his uncleanness and ungodliness it is written in the book of the acts of the kings. And joachim his son reigned in his stead. He was made king being xviij year old, and reigned but three months and ten days at jerusalem, and did evil before the Lord. So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him be brought unto Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord, and made Sedechias his brother king of juda and jerusalem, when he was xxj year old, and he reigned xj year. And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the words that were spoken unto him by the Prophet jeremy, jere xxxvii f at the mouth of the Lord. And where as he had made an oath unto king Nabuchodonosor, he manswore himself, and fell from him, having a stiff neck and heart, and transgressed all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord God of Israel. The rulers also and heeds of the people of the Lord did much evil, & become ungodly more than the Heathen, being defiled in all manner of abominations: yea and defiled the holy temple at jerusalem. And the God of their fathers sent his messengers unto them, to turn them back and to call them again from their sins, for he would fain have spared them, for his holy tabernacles sake. Nevertheless they had his messengers in derision: and look what God spoke unto them by his Prophets, they made but a sport of it. This drew on so long, till the Lord was wroth with his people for their ungodliness, and till he caused the kings of the Caldees to come up, which slay their young men with the sword: yea even in the compass of their holy temple and spared no body, neither young man nor old, neither maiden nor young man: but they were all delivered in to the power of the kings of the Caldees, and all the holy vessels of the Lord, and the kings treasures took they, and carried them unto Babylon. As for the house of the Lord, they brent it, & broke down the walls of jerusalem, set fire upon her towers, destroyed all her noble buildings, and brought them to naught, and the people that were not slain with the sword, they carried unto Babylon. Thus become they prisoners and bondmen of the king of Babylon, till they were delivered and reigned for themselves, * Iere xxv ● xxix c when the words of the Lord were fulfilled, which he promised them by the mouth of the Prophet jeremy, and till the land had her rest: namely all the time that it lay waste, had it rest and quietness lxxvij years. ¶ Cirus giveth licence to the jews to return to jerusalem, and restoreth them the vessels of the temple. After that are there letters send to Artaxerxes, which accuse the jews for building of the city: and so is the building driven of, until the second year of Darius. CAPI. II N two. Pe xxxv i Esdr. ●. a Owe when king Cyrus reigned over the Persians', and when the Lord would perform the word that he had promised by the mouth of the Prophet jeremy: the Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus the king of Persians', so that he caused this writing to be proclaimed thorough out his hole realm, saying: Thus saith the king of Persians': the Lord of Israel that high Lord hath made me king of the land and commanded me to build him an house at jerusalem in jury. If there be any now of your people, the Lord be with him, and go up with him to jerusalem. And all they that devil round about the place, shall help● them, whether it be with gold, with silver, with gifts, with horses and necessary cattles, and all other things that are brought with a free will to the house of the Lord at jerusalem. Then the principal men out of the tribes and villages of juda and BenIamin stood up/ so did the priests also and the Levites (whom the Lord had moved) to go up and to build the house of the Lord at jerusalem. And they that were about them, helped them with all manner of gold, and silver, and cattles also, and with many liberal gifts, & this did many one, whose mind was stirred up thereto. i Esdra i c King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels and ornaments that were halawed unto the Lord (which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from jerusalem, and consecrated them to his idol and image) and delivered them to Mithridatus his treasurer, and by him they were delivered to Salmanasar the deputy in jury. And this was the number of them: Two thousand and four hundred silver bowls, thirty silver basins, thirty basins of gold two thousand and four hundred v●sselles of silver, and a thousand beside. All the vessels of gold and silver, were five thousand eight hundred and ix These were numbered unto Salmanasar, and them that were come again with, him to jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon. Now in the time of king Artaxerxes the king of Persia, these men: i Esdr. four b Balemus, and Mithridatus, Sabellius, Rathimus, Balthemus, Seme●ius the scribe, and other that dwelt in Samaria and in other places under the dominion thereof, written a letter unto king Artaxerxes, wherein they complained unto the king of them in jury and jerusalem. The letter was made after this manner. Sir thy servants, Rathimus the story writer, Sabellius the scribe, and other judges of the court in Celosyria, and Phenices. Be it known and manifest to our Lord the king, that the jews which are come up from you unto us in to the rebellious and wicked city, begin to build it again, and the walls about it, and to set up the temple a new. Now if this city and the walls thereof be let up again, they shall not only refuse to give trybutes and taxes, but also rebel utterly against the king. And for so much as they take this in hand now about the temple, we thought it reason, to think no scorn of it, but to show it unto our Lord the king, and to certify him thereof: to th'intent that if it please the king, he may 'cause it be sought in the books of old, and thou shalt find such warning written, and shalt understand that this city hath always been rebellious and disobedient, that it hath subdued kings & cities, and that the jews which dwell therein, have ever been a rebellious, obstinate, unfaithful, and fighting people, for the which cause this city is wasted. Wherefore now we certify our Lord the king, that if this city be builded & occupied again, and the walls thereof set up new, thou canst have no passage in to Celosiria, and Phenices. Then written the king to Rathimus the story writer, to Balthemus, to Sabellius the scribe, and to the other officers and dwellers in Syria and Phenices, after this manner: I have read the epistle which thou sentest unto me, and have commanded to make diligent search, and have found that the city hath ever resisted kings, that the same people are disobedient, and have caused much war, and that mighty kings have reigned in jerusalem, which also have raised up taxes of Syria and Phenices. Wherefore I have commanded those people that they shall not build the city, that they make no more in it, and that they proceed no farther with the building: for so moche as it might be the cause of war and displeasure unto kings. Now when Rathimus and Sabellius the scribe, and the rulers in the land had red the writing of king Artaxerxes, they got them together, and came in all haste to jerusalem, with an host of horsemen, and with moche people of foot, and forbade them to build. And so they left from building of the temple, unto the second year of king Darius. ¶ Darius maketh a feast. The three sentences of the three young men, of which the first is declared. CAPI. III King Darius made a great feast unto his servants, unto all his court, and to all the officers of Medea and Persia, yea to all the deputies and rulers that were under him from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred and xxvij countries. So when they had eaten and drunken, being satisfied, and were go home again. Darius' the king went in to his chamber, laid him down to sleep, and so awaked. Then the three young men that kept the kings person, and watched his body commoned among themselves, and spoke one to an other: let every one of us say some thing, and look whose sentence is wiser and more excellent than the other, unto him shall king Darius give great gifts, and cloth him with purple. He shall give him vessels of gold to drink in, clotheses of gold and coverings/ he shall make him a costly chariot, and a bridle of gold, he shall give him a bonnet of white silk, and a chain of gold about his neck: yea he shall be the second and principal next unto king Darius, and that because of his wisdom, and shall be called the kings kinsman. So every one written his meaning, sealed it, and laid it under the kings pillow, and said: when the king ariseth, we will give him our writings, and look whose word the king and his chief lords judge to be the most wisely spoken, the same shall have the victory. One written: Wine is a strong thing. The second written: The king is stronger. The third written: Women have yet more strength, but above all things the truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings, and delivered them unto him, and so he read them. Then sent he forth to call all his chief Lords, all the deputies and rulers of the countries of Medea & Persia. And when they were set down in the counsel, the writings were read before them. And he commanded to call for the young men, that they might declare their meanings themselves by mouth. So when they were sent for and came in, the king said unto them: show us and make us to understand what the things are that you have written. Then began the first (which had spoken of the strength of wine) and said: Proverb ten a wine. O you men, wine is marvelous strong, and overcometh them that drink it: it diseyveth the mind, and bringeth both the poor man and the king to dotage and vanity. Thus doth it also with the bondman and with the free: with the poor, and rich: it taketh away their understanding, and maketh them careless and merry, so that none of them remembreth any heaviness, debt, o● duty: It causeth a man to think also that the thing which he doth is honest and good: and remembreth not that he is a king, nor that he is in authority, and that he aught not to do such things. Moreover, when men are drinking, they forget all friendship, all brotherly faithfulness and love: but as soon as they are drunken, they draw out the sword and will fight: and when they are laid down from the wine, and so risen up again, they can not tell what they did: judge you now, is not wine the strongest? For who would else take in hand to do such things? And when he had spoken this he held his tongue. ¶ The declaration of the two last sentences of the young men, propounded in the Chapter before: of which the last, that is, that verity beareth the victory in all things, is most commended and allowed. Darius writeth letters to all the rulers under him, that they should aid zorobabel to the building of jerusalem. CAPI. FOUR THen the second (which had said that the king was stronger (began to speak saying: The king. O you men, are not they the strongest and most excellent, that conquer the land and the see, and all that is in the see, & in the earth? Now is the king lord of all these things, and hath dominion of them all: and look what he commandeth, it is done. If he send his men forth a warfare, they go, and break down hills, walls, and cowres. They are slain, and slay (other men) themselves, and over pass not the kings word. If they get the victory, they bring the king all the spoil. Likewise the other that meddle not with wars and fighting, but till the ground: when they reap they bring tribute to the king. And if the king alone do but command to kill, they kill/ if he command to forgive, they forgive/ if he command to smite, they smite/ if he bid drive away, they drive away/ if he command to build, they build/ if he command to break down, they break down/ if he command to plant they plant. The common people and the rulers are obedient unto him. And the king in the mean season sitteth him down, eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest: then keep they watch round about the king, and not one of them dare get him out of the way to do his own business, but must be obedient unto the king at a word. judge you now, O you men, how should not he go far above, unto whom men are thus obedient? And when he had spoken this, he held his tongue. The third, whose name was Zorobabel, which had spoken of women and of truth, began to say after this manner: O you men, it is not the great king, it is not the multitude of men, neither is it wine that excels: Who is it then that hath the lordship over them? Have not women women. born the king and all the people that rule those things? Have not women born them, & brought them up, that plant the vines whereout the wine cometh? They make garments for all men, they give honour unto all men, & without women can not men live. If they gather gold and silver, & all precious things, and see a fair well favoured woman, they leave all together and turn their eyes only unto the woman, & gape upon her and have more desire unto her, then unto the silver and gold, or any manner of precious thing. A man leaveth his father that brought him up he leaveth his own natural country & cleaveth unto the woman/ yea he ieoꝑdeth his life with the woman, and remembreth neither father, Gene. ii d Math. xix a i Timot u d Ephes. v c nor mother, ne country. By this than you must needs know that women have the dominion over you. ¶ Doth it grieve you? A man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to steal, to kill, to murder, to sail upon the see, and seethe a lion, and goeth in the darkness: and when he hath stolen, deceived and rob, he bringeth it unto his love. Again, a man loveth his wife better than father or mother: yea, many one there be that run out of their wits, and become bondmen for their wives sakes: many one also have perished, and have been slain, and have sinned because of women. And now believe me, I know a king, which is great in his power, and all lands stand in awe of him, and no man dare say hand upon him: yet did I see that Apame (the daughter of the great king Bartacus) the kings concubine, sat beside the king upon his right hand, and took of his crown from his heed, and set it upon her own heed, and smote the king with her left hand. Moreover the king looked upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laugheth also: but if she took any displeasure with him, the king was fain to flatter her, and to give her good words, till he had got her favour again. O you men, are not women then stronger? Great is the earth, and high is the heaven that do these things. Then the king and the princes looked one upon an other. So he began to speak of the truth. O you men, are not women stronger? Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the course of the sun, he compasseth the heaven round about, Ecclesi i a and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one day. Is he not excellent that doth this? Truth. Yea great is the truth, and stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the truth, the heaven praiseth it, all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing. Wine is unryghtous: the king is unrighteous, women are unryghtous, all the children of men are unryghtous, yea all their works are unryghtous, and there is no truth in them, in their unrighteousness also shall they be destroyed and perish. As for the truth▪ Esay xl a Psal cxvi ● it endureth, and is alway strong: it liveth and conquereth, for evermore world without end. The truth accepteth no personnes, it putteth no difference bitwixte rich or poor, betwixt the mighty or simple, but doth right unto every man, whether they be evil or good, and all men are lovingly dealt with all in the works of it. In the judgement of it there is no unryghtous thing, but strength, kingdom and power, & majesty for evermore. Blessed be the God of truth. And with that he held his tongue, and all the people cried and said: great is the truth, and above all. Then said the king unto him: Ask what thou wilt, more than is appointed in the writing, and I shall give it thee, for thou art found wiser than thy companions: thou shalt sit next me, and be my kinsman. Then said he unto the king: Remember thy promise and vow which thou hast vowed and promised (in the day when thou camest to the kingdom) to build up jerusalem, and to send again all the vessels and jewels that were taken away out of jerusalem: which Cyrus separated when he offered in Babylon, and would have restored them again even there. And thy mind was to build up the temple, which the Edomytes brent when jerusalem was destroyed by the Caldees. This only (O king) is the thing that I require, this is the majesty, which I desire and ask of thee: that thou perform the vow which thou with thine own mouth hast made unto the king of heaven. Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, 〈◊〉 two. b 〈◊〉 vi d and written a letter unto all the deputies and shreves, to all the Lords and nobles, that they should convey him forth, & all them that would go up with him. He written a letter also unto all the shreves that were in Celosyria and Phenices, & unto Lybanus, that they should draw cedar trees from Lybanus unto jerusalem, to build the city withal. Moreover he written unto all the jews that were go out of his realm in to jury, because of the freedom, that no officer no ruler nor shreve, should come to their doors: and that all their land which they had conquered, should be free and not tributary. And that the Edomites should give over the cities and villages of the jews which they had taken in: yea and that they should yearly give twenty talentes to the building of the temple, until that time that it were finisshed, and to the daily hallowing of the brentoffringes (as it is commanded) ten talentes yearly also/ and that all they which come from Babylon to build the city should have free liberty, they and their children and all the priests. He written the greatness also and commanded that the holy garment should be given them wherein they ministered, and written that commandments should be given to the Levites until the day that the house were finisshed, & jerusalem builded up/ and commanded that all they that watched the city should have their portions and wages. He gave over also all the vessels that Cyrus had separated from Babylon, and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also that it should be done and sent unto jerusalem. Now when this young man was go forth, he turned his face toward Jerusalem, and praised the king of heaven and said: Of the cometh the victory, 〈…〉 of the cometh wisdom & clearness, and I am thy servant. Blessed art thou which hast given me wisdom: the will I praise, O Lord, thou God of our fathers. And so he took the letters, and went unto Babylon, and when he came there, he told this unto all his brethren that were at Babylon, and they praised the God of their fathers, that he had given them refreshing and liberty to go up and to build jerusalem, and the temple (which is there called after the name of the Lord) and they rejoiced with instruments and gladness seven days long. ¶ They that return to jerusalem are numbered. They begin to say the foundation of the temple, but are let by the means of enemies, and so is the building driven of by the space of two years. CAPI. V AFter this were the principal men of all the villages, choose in the tribes & kynredes, that they should go up, with their wives and children, with their servants and maidens, with all their cattles and substance. And Darius the king sent with them a thousand horsemen, to convey them safely unto jerusalem: and their brethren were glad, playing upon instruments, and singing. And these are the names of the men which went up out of the villages, according to the tribes. Of the priests, the son of Phinehes, the son of Aaron: jesus the son of josedec, joachim the son of zorobabel, Math. i b the son of Salathiel (of the kindred of David, out of the kindred of Phares, iii Esdr. four b of the tribe of juda) which spoke wonderful things under Darius the king of Persia, in the second year of his reign in the first month of Nisan. These also are they of jury which came up and turned again unto jerusalem, out of the captivity that Nabucodonosor the king of Babylon had brought unto Babylon. And every man sought his portion again in jury his city, they that came with Zorobabel, & with jesus, Nehemias, Saraias, Raelaias', Elimeus, Emmanius, Mardotheus, Beelserus, Mechpsa, Rochor, Oliorus, Emonias, one of their princes. And the number of them according to their kynredes and rulers were. The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred three score and twelve. The children of Ares, three thousand, an hundred and lvij The children of Femo, an hundred & xlij. In the sons of jesus and joabes, a thousand three. C. & two. The sons of Beniu, two thousand four hundred three score and ten. The sons of Choroba, two hundred and five. The sons of Banica, an hundred three score and eight. The sons of Rebech, four hundred and three. The sons of Archad, four hundred and xxvij The sons of Cham, thirty and seven The sons of Zoroar, two thousand and lxvij The sons of Adinu, four. C. three score & one. The sons of Adarectis, an hundred & eight. The sons of Ciaso and Zelas, an hundred and seven. The sons of Azorec, four hundred and xxxix The sons of jedarbone, an hundred and xxxij The sons of Hananias an hundred and thirty. The sons of Asoni xc The sons of Marsar, four hundred & xxij. The sons of Zabarus 95 The sons of Sepholemon, an hundred and xxiij The sons of Nepopas, fifty and five. The sons of Hechanatus, an hundred and lviij The sons of Zebethanus, an hundred and xxxij The sons of Crearpatros (which is called also Enohadies and Modias) four. C. and xxiij Of them of Gramos and Gabea, an. C. and xxj Of them of Besselon and Ceagge lxu Of them of Bastarus, an hundred and xxij Of them of Bechenobes .lv. Of the sons of Liplis, there were an hundred .lv. Of the sons of Labonnus, three hundred and lvij Of the sons of Sichem, three hundred three score and ten. Gf the sons of Suadon and Elimon, three hundred lxxviij Of the sons of Ericus, two thousand an hundred and xlv The sons of Anaas, three hundred lxx The priests: The sons of jeddus: The sons of Euther: The sons of El jasib, three hundred three score and twelve. The sons of Emerus, two hundred fifty & two The sons of Fasutius, three hundred & lvij The sons of Carea, two hundred and xxvij The Levites: The sons of jesus in Caduhel & Banus, and Serebias, and Edeas, seventy and four. The hole number of these from twelve years was three thousand four hundred & lxij Of the sons, daughters and wives, the hole sum was, a thousand, two hundred and forty and two. The sons of the Preestes that praised God in the temple: The sons of Asaph, of whom there were an hundred and xxviij But the door keepers were: The children of Esmenus, the children of Aler, the children of Amon, the children of Acuba, Topa, the children of Tobi, an hundred thirty and nine in all. The Preestes that served in the temple: The sons of Sell, the sons of Gaspha, the sons of Tobloch, the sons of Caria, The sons of Sub, the sons of Heliu▪ the sons of Labana, the sons of Armacha, the sons of Achub, the sons of Vtha, the sons of Cetha, the sons of Aggab, the sons of Obey, the sons of Auani, the sons of Canna, the sons of Geddu, the sons of Au, the sons of Radin, the sons of Desanon, the sons of Nechoba, the sons of Caseba, the sons of Goza, the sons of Ozul, the sons of Sinona, the sons of Acra, the sons of Hastem, the sons o● Asiana, the sons of Manei, the sons of Nasisin, the sons of Acufa, the sons of Agista, the sons of Azu●, the sons of Fa●on, the sons of P●asalon, the sons of Meeda, the sons of Susa, the so●nes of Cared, the sons of Bacchus, the sons o● Sa●●a, the sons of Cocsi, the sons o● Nasit, the sons of Agista, the sons of Pedon: Solomon his sons, the sons of Asophot, the sons of Phasida, the sons of Celi, the sons of Dedon, the sons of Gaddahel the sons of Zapheus the sons of Aggia, the sons of Sacharet, the sons of Sabathem, the sons of Satoneth, the sons of Malsit, the sons of Ania, the sons of Sasus, the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Enra, the sons of Rabotis, the sons of Phasphat, the sons of Malmon. All these ministered in the Sanctuary, and were servants of Solomon: even four hundred three score and ten. These following are they, that went up from Chelmellat Thelarsa (whose princes were Carmelan and Careth) and might not show forth their cities and kynredes, how they were of Israel: the sons of Dalarus, the sons of Tuben, the sons of Nechodaicus. Of the priests that executed the office of the priesthood, and were not found: the sons of Obia, the sons of Achisos, the sons of Addin, which married one of the daughters of Phargelen, and were named after him. The writing of the same kindred was sought in the register of their generation, but it was not found: and therefore were they forbidden to execute the office of the priesthood. Unto the said Nehemias & Astharas, that they should have no portion in the Sanctuary, till there rose up an high priest, that were well instruct in the plain clearness and truth. Of all Israel (beside seruaunces and maidens) there were xlij thousand, three hundred and xl Now were there of servants and maidens, seven. M. three hundred and xxxuj Of synginge men and singing women, there were two. C. and lxu Four hundred and xxxv Camels. Seven. M and xxxuj horses. Two hundred thousand & forty and five mules. five thousand and xxxv asses. Their heeds also, and the rulers of the tribes, when they came to jerusalem, and would build and set up the temple of God again in his place, they gave after their ability, unto the temple, to the treasure, and to the service of the Sanctuary twelve thousand pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred priests garments. And so dwelt the priests and the Levites, and the people that went out to jerusalem, and the country there about, the syngers also & the porters every one of Israel in his own land. So when the seventh month came, i Esdr. iii ● and when the children of Israel were every man at his business, they came all with one consent in to the court, which was before the east door. And there stood jesus the son of josedec, and his brothers the priests, and Zorobabel the son of Salachiel, and his brethren, setting up an altar to offer brent sacrifices upon it, as it is written in the law of Moses. There came people ●●o of other countries, & the Heathen o●● of ●andes to set up the altar in his place, and 〈◊〉 sacrifices and brent offerings unto the Lord in the morning. And so they held the feast of tabernacles as it is commanded in the law: And daily offered they as according was, and made the sacrifices appointed, the offerings also of the Sabbothes and of the new Moons, & all holy feasts. And all they that vowed offerings unto the Lord, began at the new Moon of the seventh month to offer unto God, for the temple of the Lord was not yet builded. And they gave unto the Masons & carpenters, money, meat, and drink with cheerfulness. Unto them of Sidon also and tire they gave cars, that they should carry cedar trees from Libanus to Beiastes and beams, and that they should make ships in the heaven of joppes, according as it was appointed and ordained by Cyrus' king of the Persians'. And in the second year they came in to the temple of God at jerusalem. In the second month began zorobabel the son of Salathiel, 〈…〉. and jesue the son of joseder & their brethren the priests and Levites, and all they that were come unto jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon, and laid the foundation of the temple, in the new moan of the second month in the second year that they were come in to jewry and jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites (that were above twenty year old) unto the service of the Lord: so jesua and his sons and his brethren all the Levites stood together, and performed the law and ordinance in the house of the Lord. And the priests stood, and had their garments and trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph had Cymballes, giving thanks and praises unto the Lord, 〈◊〉 xvii. b according as David the king of Israel had ordained. And the song that they did sing unto the Lord, 〈◊〉 cxxxu a was after this manner: O sing unto the Lord▪ for he is gracious, and his goodness upon Israel endureth for ever. And all the people blew out with trumpets, and song with loud voice, praising the Lord together in the rearing up of the house of the Lord. There came also from among the priests and Levites the rulers and elders, 〈◊〉 iii d according to the tribes and kinredes (such as had seen the house afore) to the building of this temple with great cry and great mourning, many also with trumpets and great joy: In so much, that the trumpets might not well be heard for the weeping and mourning. For the comen people blew goodly upon the trumpets. Then came the enemies of the tribes of juda and BenIamyn, 〈◊〉 iii a to know what that trompetting and noise of shawms might be. And they ꝑseyved that it was they which were come again out of captivity, & would build the temple up a new unto the Lord God of Israel. So they went to Zorobabel and jesus, and to the rulers of the villages and said unto them: Shall we build with you also? For we like wise have herded your Lord, and we walk after the same manner, from the days of Asbazareth the king of Assiria, which brought us hither. Then Zorobabel and jesus and the rulers of the villages of Israel said unto them: It is not meet that you should build the temple of our God with us: we ourselves alone will build unto the Lord, like as Cyrus the king of the Persians' hath commanded us. i Esdr. i ● But the heathen in the land laid themselves against those that were in jewrye, held up the building from them, laid wait upon them privily, stopped such as brought any thing to them, forbade them to build, and hindered those that made them passage, that the building should not be so punished: and this continued so long as king Cyrus lived: and so they put of the building for the space of two years, until the reign of king Darius. ¶ Aggeus and zachary prophecy. They build the temple without let or hindrance, by the commandment of Darius. CAPI. VI Notwithstanding in the second year of the reign of Darius, i Esdr. u ● Aggeus and Zachary the son of Addo prophesied upon them in jewry and jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel. Then Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and jesus the son of josedec stood up, Agge i c and began to build the house of the Lord at jerusalem, when the Prophets of the Lord helped them. At the same time came Sisennes the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, with the land lords and his companions, and said unto them: Who hath bidden and commanded you to build the house, to make the roof & all other things again? And who are the work men, that build them? Nevertheless the elders of the jews had such grace of the Lord that they would not be let (though they were provoked thereto) but builded on still, until the time of king Darius were certified there of, & an answer received from him. The letter that these men sent unto king Darius▪ was after this manner. Sis●nnes the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, and the landlords with their companions, which are dead rulers in Syria & Phenyces, send their Salutation unto Darius the king. We certify our Lord the king. that we came into the land of jewry and went to jerusalem: where we found them building the great house of God and the temple, with great costly free stone and with goodly timber for the walls: yea they mak● great haste with the work, and help one a● other, and it goeth forth prosperously in th●●r hands, and with great diligence & worship ●s it mad. Then asked ●e the elders, who had commanded them to make up the house and the building, and ●his ●he did to the intent that we might certyfy● the perfectly: & write unto thee, the names of those that were the rulers of the work. So they gave, us this answer: we are the servants of the Lord, which made heaven and earth: and as for this house it hath been builded & set up afore time by the great and mighty king of Israel. iii Reg. vi a But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the God of Israel, iiii. Reg. xxiiii twenty-five. jeremy xxxix lii. he gave them over in to the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon the king of the Chaldees, which broke down the house, and brent it, and carried away the people prisoners unto Babylon. i Esdr. v c Nevertheless, in the first year that king Cyrus reigned at Babylon, Cirus the king written and commanded to build up this house again: and all the ornaments that Nabuchodonozor carried away from jerusalem unto Babylon, and appropriated unto his own temple: these brought Cyrus forth again, & delivered them to Zorobabel & to Salmanasar the under Shreve commanding them that they should bring those same ornaments again to Jerusalem in to the temple, & to begin from the time forth, to build the temple again in his own place. Then Salmanasar laid the foundation of the lords house at jerusalem, and ever sense have they builded, & yet is it not ended. And therefore, O king, if thou thynckest it good, let it be sought in the Lybraryes and rolls of king Cyrus: if it be found then, that it is done with the council and consent of king Cyrus, and if our Lord the king be so minded, let him write unto us thereof. Then commanded king Darius, to seek in the Lybraries: i Esdr. vi a two. Esdr. iiii c and so at Egbathanis in a little city in Medea there was found such a writing: In the first year of the reign of Cyrus the same king Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at jerusalem should be builded again (and odours to be made there continually unto the Lord) whose height shall be ten cubytes, and the breedeth xi. cubytes, and four square with three hewn stones, with a fit of timber of the same country, yea with a new fit, and the expenses thereof to be given of the house of king Cyrus. And the ornaments of gold and silver, the Nabuchodonosor took out of the house of the Lord at jerusaltm, shall be set again in the temple at jerusalem, where they were afore. Sisennes also the under shreve in Syria and Phenyces, the princes and their companions, and the other that be head rulers in Syria & Phenices, shall not meddle nor have any thing to do with that place. I Cirus have commanded also, that they shall build the house of the Lord hole up, and have ordained them, to help those that be come out of captivity: till the house of the Lord be finished: and out of the tribute and taxing that is yearly raised up in Syria and Phenices, diligently to give them a certain sum to the offering of the Lord and the same to be delivered unto Zorobabel the office: that he therewithal may ordain oxen, ●●mmes, lambs, and corn, salt, wine and oil, and that continually every year: after the expenses which the priests that be at jerusalem, show to be made daily: this shall be given unto them without delay that they may offer sacrifices daily to the highest God, for the king and for his servants, i Esdra. ● and to pray for their lives. Let it be proclaimed also on every side, that whosoever breaketh or despiseth this commandment of the king, shall be hanged upon a galow (made of his own good) and all his goods shallbe seasoned unto the king. The Lord therefore (whose name is there called upon) rote out and destroy all the kings and people, that undertake by violence to hinder the same, or to deal uncourteously with the house of the Lord at jerusalem. I Darius the king have ordained, that these things shall be done with all diligence. ¶ The temple is finyshed and dedicated: and the feast of unleavened breed is halden. CAPI. VII. THen Sisennes the undershreve in Celosyria, and Phenyces, and the other Landlords with their companions, abeyed the things that king Darius had ordained, were diligent in the holy works and were fellow helpers with the old rulers of the jews. And so the work of the Sanctuary went forth and prospered, when Aggeus and Zachary prophesied. And they performed all things thorough the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and after the device of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes kings of persia. And thus was our house finished unto the xxiij day of the month Adder in the vi year of king Darius. And the children of Israel the priests and the Levites, and the other that were come out of captivity, and such as were joined unto them, did according as it is written in the book of Moses And in the dedycation of the temple they offered an hundred oxen, an hundred rams four hundredth lambs, and twelve gootes for the sins of all the people of Israel, after the number of the tribes of Israel. The priests also & the Levites stood arrayed in the priestly garments, after the tribes, over all the works of the Lord God of Israel according to the book of Moses, and the porters by all the doors. And the children of Israel (with those that were come out of captivity) held the passouer the xiiij day of the first month, when the priests and the Levites were sanctified. They that came out of captivity, were not all sanctified together: but the Levites were all sanctified together. Also all they that came out of captivity, killed the easter lamb, for their brethren, for the priests and for themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of captivity. and escaped from all the abominations of the Heathen, sought the Lord, and kept the feast of unleavened bread vii days long, eating and drinking and were merry before the Lord: that the Lord had turned the device of the king of Assiria, and comforted their hands to the works of the Lord God of Israel. ¶ Esdras causeth the people to assemble and come together, and then readeth them the law. They keep the feast of Tabernacles. CAPI. VIII. ANd after him, when Artaxerxes the king of the Persians' reigned, 〈…〉. there went unto him Esdras the son of Saraias, 〈◊〉. ●ii a the son of Azarias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Sallum, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias', the son of Azarias, the son of Boccus, the son of Abisu, the son of Phineas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the first priest. This Esdras went up from Babylon for he had good understanding in the law, of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel, to be taught and done in deed. And the king favoured him, and did him great worship and honour, after all his desires. There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel, of the priests of the Levites, of the syngers, porters and ministers of the temple at jerusalem. In the vij year of the the reign of king Artaxerxes, in the u month, that is in the seven. year of the reign, they went from Babylon in the new moon of the fifth month, and came the high way to jerusalem after his commandment, like as the Lord had prospered their journey. For in these Esdras got great instruction that he should leave none of the things behind, which are in the law and commandments of God. And he taught hole Israel all righteousness and judgement. Then came the Secretaryes of king Artaxerxes, and delivered the writings (that were come from Artaxerxes the king) to Esdras the pressed and reder of the law of the Lord: And this is the copy of the letter. King Artaxerxes sendeth his greeting unto Esdras the priest and reder of the law of the Lord: Of frynshyp and good will I have ordained and charged, if there be any of the jews, of the priests and Levites in my realm, which desireth and is content to go with the unto jerusalem, that he may do it. Therefore if any be minded to bear the company, let them come together, & go with thee (like as I am content and my seven friends my counsellors) to see what they do at jerusalem and in jewry, and keep the things according as thou hast in the law of the Lord and to bring the gifts unto God the Lord of Israel, that I and my friends have promised to jerusalem, and all the silver & gold that is in the country of Babylon, unto the L●rd to jerusalem, with the thing that is given for the people in the lords temple at jerusalem: Yea that the same silver and gold may be gathered, and oxen, rams, sheep and goats and other that be long to these things: and that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord, which is at jerusalem, And what so ever thou and thy brethren will do with silver and gold, that do after thy mind, and after the commandment of the Lord thy God: & like wise with all the holy vessels, that are given the for the service of the house of the Lord thy God: and other things whatsoever is necessary for the to the work of the temple, that shall be given the of the kings treasure: and look what thou with thy brethren wilt do with the gold and silver, that do after the will of the Lord. And I king Artaxerxes have commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenices, that whatsoever Esdras the pressed and reder of the law of the Lord doth write, it shall be given him: till an. C. talentes of silver, and of gold in like manner: Of corn also an hundredth measures, and till an hundredth vessels of wine, and other plenteous things without number. Let all things be done after the law of the highest God, that the wrath of God arise not in the realm of the king and of his sons. I command you also, that you require no tax ne tribute of the priests, levites syngers, and ministers of the temple, ne of the writers: and that no man have authority to meddle any thing against them. As for thee (O Esdras) set thou judges and arbytrers in the hole land of Syria and Phenyces, after the wisdom of God: and learn all such as are ignorant in the law of God thy Lord, & let all them that offend against the law, be punished: whether it be with death with pain, to be condemned in money, or to be banished. Then said Esdras the writer. Blessed be the God of our fathers, i Esdr. vii d that hath given so good a mind and will in to the heart of the king to magnify his house that is at jerurusalem, and hath made me to be accepted in the sight of the king, of his counsel, of his friends and of his nobles. And so I was steadfast in my mind, according as the Lord my God helped me, and I chose out men of Israel to go up with me. And these are the heads (after their kinredes and houses of their fathers) that went up with me from Babylon, i Esdr. viii a out of the kingdom of Artaxerxes: Of the sons of Phares. Gersonius. Of the sons of Siemarith, Amenus. Of the sons of David, Accus, the son of Cecilia. Of the sons of Phares, Zachary: & with him there turned again an hundred and fifty men. Of the sons of the captain of Moabylon, Zarei, and with him two hundredth and l men. O the sons of Zachnes', jechonias, Zecholy, & with him ij. C. and l men. Of the sons of Salamaasia &, Gotholie, & lxx. with him. Of the sons of Zaphacia, Zarias Miheli. & with him lxxx Of the sons of job, Abdias jeheli, and with him two C. & twelve men. Of the sons of Bania, Salimoth the son of josaphia, & with him an, C & lx men. Of the sons of Beer, Zachary, Bebei, and with him ij C. and eight men. Of the sons of Esead, johannes Ezechan, & with him. C. & x. men, Of the sons of Adonicam those that were the last, and these are their names: Eliphaiam the son of Gebell and Semeias, and with him lxx men. All these called I together by the water Thia, where we pytched our tents three days, and there I mustered them. As for the sons of the priests and Levites, I found none there. Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Eccelom, and Masman, and Malobam, and Enaathan, and Samea, and joribimathan, Eunagan, Zachary, Mosollamum (these were the leders and men of experience) and I sent them word, that they should come unto Loddeus, which was by the place of the treasury, and commanded them that they should speak unto Loddeus and to his brethren and to those that were in the treasury, to send us such men, as might execute the priests office in the house of the Lord our God. And with the mighty hand of our Lord God, they brought unto us men of good experience, from amongs the sons of Moolius, the son of Levi, the son of Israel, Sebebeiam and the sons and his brethren Asbin and Anin, of whom there were xviij From amongs the children of the sons of Cananeus, and their sons were twenty men. And of them that served in the temple, whom David had ordained, and the principal men that ministered for the work unto the Levites in the temple two. C. and twenty men, whose names are all tokened up in writing. Then commanded I a fasting unto the young men before the Lord, i Esdr. viii c that I might desire of him a prosperous journey & a good way for us, yea for us, for our children, and for the cattle, because of the layings await, and I dared not require of the king men of horse and of foot, to convey us safely against our enemies, for we had said unto the king, that the power of the Lord our God should be with them, that seek him with their hole heart. And therefore we besought God our Lord earnestly because of these things, & he was merciful unto us, and heard our prayer. And I separated from among the rulers of the people, and from the priests of the temple twelve men, & Sebeia and Asania, and ten men of their brethren with them. And I weighed them the gold & the silver and all the priestly ornaments of the house of our God, which the king & his council, and his princes, & hole Israel had given. And when I had weighed it. I gave them an. C. & l talents in silver, &. C. talentes of silver vessel, an. C. talents of gold, & of golden vessel seven times twenty, & vessels of other metal (yea of good metal) twelve glistering as the gold, & said unto them: you also are holy unto the lord, & the vessels are holy, & the gold and the silver is promised unto the lord the God of our fathers, Be diligent now and keep it, until the time that you deliver it to the rulers of the people, to the priests, to the Levite, and to the principal men of the cities of Israel in jerusalem, and in the chamber of the house of our God. So the priests and the levites which received of me the gold, i Esdr. viii▪ d the silver and the vessel, brought it to jerusalem into the temple of the Lord. And from Thia we broke up the twelve day of the first month, till we came to jerusalem. And when the third day was past, the weighed gold & silver was delivered in the house oe the Lord the fourth day, unto Marimoth the son of jor the pressed, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phineas, and with them were josabdus the son of jesnet, Medea's and the son of Banus, and certain of the levites to the number and to the weight: and the weight of them were written up the same tyme. As for those that were come out of captivity, they offered sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel: even twelve oxen for all Israel lxxxuj rams lxxij. sheep twelve gootes for sin twelve kine for a thankoffring, all to the sacrifice of the Lord And the kings commission delivered they unto the stewards and debites of the king, and to the under shreves in Celosyria and Phenices. i Esdr ix. ● Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and said: The generation of Israel, the Princes, the priests and Levites, the strange people and indwellers of the land, have not put away their uncleanness, from the Canaanites, hittites, Pheresites, from the Moabytes, Egyptians and Edomytes. For both they and thyr sons have mingled themselves with the daughters of them, and the holy seed is mixed with the outlandysshe Heathen, and since the beginning of their reign have the rulers and heads been partetakers of their wickedness. * As soon as I had heard these things immediately I rent my holy garments, i Esdra ix ● and pulled out the hear of my head & my beerd, & sat me down sorrowful & heavy. So all they that were moved thorough the word of the God of Israel, came unto me: & I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice. Then stood I up from fasting, having rent clotheses and the holy garment, kneeled down upon my knees, held out my hands unto the Lord, & said: O Lord, I am confounded & ashamed before thy face, for our sins are become many upon our heeds, and our wickednesses are exalted unto the heaven/ for sense the time of our fore fathers, we are in great sin unto this day. And for the sins of us & our fathers, we with our brethren and with our priests have been delivered unto the kings of the earth, in to the sword, and in to captivity, and become a spoil with confusion & shame unto this day. And now, O Lord God, how great is the mercy that we have got of thee? in that thou hast left us a rote & name in the place of thy Sanctuary, to discover our light in the house of the Lord our God, & given us meat at all times of our ministration. And when we were in captivity, we were not forsaken of the Lord our God: but he made the kings of Persia gracious and favourable unto us, so that they gave us victuals and meat, yea an● leave to build up the ●emple of our Lord God again, to repair the wasted places of Zion, & to devil in jewry and jerusalem. And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having all these things in possession? For we have broken thy commandments, which thou gavest unto us by the hands of thy servants the prophets, saying: The land that you go unto, and that is given you for an heritage to have in possession, is defiled with the uncleanness and filthiness of the heathen, and with their abomination have they polluted it all together. Therefore shall you not join your daughters unto their sons ne marry your sons unto their daughters: 〈◊〉 ●ii. a 〈…〉 Moreover, you shall never seek to make peax with them, that you may increase & eat the best in the land: & that you may divide the inheritance of the land unto your children for evermore. As for the thing that now happeneth unto us, it cometh all for our wicked works & great sins, yet hast thou given us such a rote, that we are come again into our own land: and we are so wicked that we have broken thy statutes and commandments again, & mingled ourselves with the uncleanness of the outlandyshe Heathen. O Lord, art thou angry with us? wilt thou rote us clean out? that our rote and name remain no more? O Lord God of Israel thou art true, for our rote endureth yet unto this present day. And behold, now are we before the in our sins, now can we not stand before the in them. 〈…〉 And when Esdras with this prayer had knowledged the sin, weeping, and dying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from jerusalem a great multitude of men and women, of young men & maidens, for there was a very great weeping and mourning in the congregation, So when jechonias the son of jeheli one of the children of Israel cried, he said unto Esdras: we have sinned against the Lord, because we have married outlandysshe women of the Heathen. Now art thou over all Israel. We will swear an oath therefore unto the Lord, that we shall put away all our wives, which we have taken of the Heathen with their children: like as it is appointed the before our fore elders. Stand up then, open thou it, and declare it plainly unto us, according to the law of the Lord: for the matter belongeth unto thee, & we will help thee, quite thyself manly. So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the rulers of the priests and of the Levites, and of Israel, to do after these things: and they swore. ¶ After Esdras had read the law, the people put away their strange wives: and then returns every man merrily unto his own dwelling. CAPI. IX. THen Esdras stood up from the court of the temple with out, i Esdr. ten a & went in to the chamber of jonathas the son of Nasabus, and remained there, and eat no meat nor drunk drink, for the multitude of the wickedness of the people. And there was made a proclamation in all jewrye and at jerusalem, for all such as were gathered at jerusalem out of captivity, that whosoever came not to jerusalem within two or three days according to the judgement of the old lords of council) his goods should be taken from him, and be excluded from the congregation of the captivity. And in three days were all they of the tribe of juda and BenIamin gathered together at jerusalem, the twenty day of the ix month. And the hole multitude sat trembling in the court of the temple, for it was winter. So Esdras arose up, and said unto them: you have done unrighteously, in that you have taken outlandysshe wives to marriage, and so to increase the sins of Israel. And now knowledge the same, and give praise unto the Lord God of our fathers, and perform his will, departing from the Heathen of the land, and from the outlandysshe wives. Then cried the hole multitude with loud voice, and said: like as thou haste spoken, so will we do: but for so much as the people are many, and the winter here, we may not stand without the house: again, this work is not a thing, that can be finyshed in a day or two, for we be many that have sinned in these things: Ordain therefore, that the rulers of the multitude & all they that devil with us, and as many as have outelandysshe wives, the priests also and judges of every place may stand in the time appointed, till they loose up the wrath of the Lord in his business. Then jonathas the son of Ezeli, and Ozias and Thecam received the charge of this matter, & Bozoramus, and Leius. and Sabatheus helped them thereto. After this, all they stood up that were come out of captivity. And Esdras the priest choose unto him the principal men from among the father's according to their names, & in the new moan of the tenth month they ●atte together, to examen this matter. And so the matter was a determing (concerning the men that had outlandysshe wives) until the new moan of the first month. And of the priests that had mixed themselves with out landish wives, there were found: i Edrs ten d of the sons of jesus the son of josedech and his brethren, Mazeas, Eleazar, joribus, and joabeus, which offered themselves to put away their wives, and to offer a ram for their ignorance. And of the sons of Semmeri, Masseas, and Esses, and jeelech, Azarias. Of the sons of Fosera, Limosias, Hismaen, Nathanea, jussio, I●ddus and Talsas. And of the Levites josabdus, Semeis, and Colnis, Caletas, Facteas, Colnas, and Elionas. Of the syngers of the Sanctuary, Eliarib, Zackarus. Of the porters, Sallumus and Tolbanes. And of Israel, of the children of Forobosco, Ost, and Remias, & Geddias, and Melchias, Michelus, Eleazarus, Iemm●bias, and Bannas. And of the children of jolaman, Chanias, Zachari, jeizrelus, joddius, Ertmoth and Elias. And of the sons of jothom, Eliadas, Liasamus, and Zochias, Larimoth, Sabdis and Tebedias. And of the sons of Zebes, johannes, Amanias', Zabdias, and Emmeus. And of the sons of Bannus, Olammus, Maluchus, jeddus, jasub, Asabus & jerimoth. And of the sons of Addin, Naatus, and Moosias, and Caleus, and Raanas, Maasuas, Mathathias, Besel, Bannus and Manasses. And of the sons of Nave, Nones, Afeas, Melchias, Sameas, Simon, BenIamin, Malchus and Marras. And of the sons of Asom, Carianeus, Mathathias, Bannus, Eliphalach, Manasses, Semei. Of the sons of Bannus, jeremy, Moodias, Abramas, johel, Baneas, Peliaas, jona, Marimoth, Eliasib, Matheneus, Eliasis, Ozias, Dielus, Semebius, Zambris and joseph. Of the sons of Nobeus, Idelus, Mathathias, Sabadus, Zecheda, Sedmi, jesseus, and Baneas. All these had taken outlandysshe women to marriage, and they put them away with their children. The priests and Levites, and all they that were of Israel, dwelled at jerusalem and throughout all the land, in the new moon of the vij month and the children of Israel were in their dwellings. And the hole multitude came together upon the floor at the cast side of the holy port of the temple. And they spoke unto Esdras the high pressed and reader, that he would bring the law of Moses, which was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the high priest brought the law unto the hole multitude, to man and woman, and to all priests, two. Esdr. iii a i Esdr. viii a that they might hear the law, in the new moan of the vij month. And he read in the floor that is before the holy port of the temple, from the morning early unto the evening, before men and women. And they applied their mind all unto the law. And Esdras the pressed and reader of the law stood up upon a scaffold of wood, which was made therefore: and upon his right hand there stood by him Mathathias, Samus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias. Ozechias, and Balsamus: Upon his left hand stood Faldeus, Mysaei, Malachias, Abuscas, Sabus, Nabadias' and Zachary. Then took Esdras the book before the hole multitude, for he was the principal, and had in most honour of them all. And when he had read out the law, they stood all straight upon their feet. So Esdras praised the Lord the most high God, the almighty God of Hosts. And all the people answered: Amen: and held up their hands, fallen down flat upon the earth, & praised the Lord. And jesus, Beneas, Sarebias, jaddimus, Accubus, Sabbatheus, Calithes', Azarias, joradus, Ananias, and Philias the Levites lift up their hands upward, and bowed their faces to the ground, and praised the Lord: Those were they which taught the law of the Lord, and read the law of the Lord in the congregation: and every man set those before that understood the law. Then spoke Atharates unto Esdras the high pressed and reder, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, saying: This day is holy unto the Lord: & all they that herded the law, wept So Esdras said: Depart your way then, and eat the best and drink the sweetest, and sand gifts unto them that have nothing: for this day is holy unto the Lord, and be not you sorry. Then went they their way everichone, ate and drunk, and were merry, and sent rewards unto them that had nothing that they might also eat with gladness: for they were exceedingly rejoiced, thorough the words that were read unto them in the law: And so they were all gathered together at jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord God of Israel. ¶ The end of the third book of Esdras. THE FOURTH BOOK OF ESDRAS. ¶ The people is reproved for their unthankfulness. God will find an other people if these will not be reform. CAPI. I THe second book of the Prophet Esdras (the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchia, the son of Sallum, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amerias, the son of Azarias the son of Maraioth, the son of Saahias, the son of Vzi, the son of Boccus, the son Abisu, the son of Phineas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi: which was prisoner in the land of Medes, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: go thy way, and show my people their synfulll deeds, and their children their wickednesses, which they have done against me, that they may tell their childers children the same: for the sins of their fathers are increased in them. And why? they have forgotten me and have offered unto strange gods. Am not I even he, that brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage? But they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels. Pull thou but then the here of thy head, and cast all evil over them, for they have not been obedient unto my law. It is a people without learning and nurture. 〈◊〉 ●●i. d 〈◊〉 ●●ii. 〈…〉 How long shall I forbear them unto whom I have done so much good? Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes: Pharaoh with his servants and all his power have I smitten down and slain: All the nations have I destroyed and rooted out before them, & in the east have I brought two lands and people to naught, even tire & Sydon, and have slain all their enemies. Speak thou therefore unto them, saying: Thus saith the Lord: I led you thorough the see, 〈◊〉 ●●i c and have given you sure streets sense the beginning. I gave you Moses to be your captain, 〈…〉 maiis. a 〈◊〉 i d and Aaron to be the priest. I gave you light in a pillar of fire, & great wonders have I done among you: yet have you forgotten me, saith the Lord. Thus saith the almighty Lord▪ I gave you quails to eat, and tents for your succour: Nevertheless you murmured, and ascribed not the victory of your enemies unto my name: yea this same day do you yet murmur. Where are the benefits, that I have done for you? When you were hungry in the wilderness, did you not cry unto me: Why hast thou brought us in to this wilderness, to kill us? It had been better for us, to have served the Egipcians, then to die in this wilderness. Then had I pity upon your mournynges, and gave you Manna to to eat. Sapi xvi e Nun twenty ● You ate angels food. When you were thirsty, did not I hew the hard stone, & caused water to flow thereout? For the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees. A good pleasant fat land gave I you: I cast out the Canaanites, the Pheresites and Philistines before you. What shall I do more for you, Esay u ● saith the Lord. Thus saith the almighty Lord: When you were in the wilderness, in the water of the Amorytes, being a thirst and blaspheming my name: I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in to the water, and made the river sweet. What shall I do unto thee, oh jacob? Thou juda wouldest not obey me. I will turn me to an other people, and unto those will I give my name, that they may keep my statutes. saying you have forsaken me, I will forsake you also. When you desire me to be gracious unto you, I will have no mercy upon you: when you call upon me, Esay i d I will not hear you. For you have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter. You have not forsaken me (in a manner) but your own selves saith the Lord. Thus saith the almighty Lord: have I not prayed you, as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and as a nurse her young babes, that you would be my people, and I should the your God: that you would be my children, and I should be your own father? I gathered you together, as an hen gathereth her chyckens under her wings. Mat xxv ● But now what shall I do unto you? I shall cast you out fro my face. Esay i d xlvi. When you offer unto me, I shall turn my face from you: for your solemn feast days, your new moons, and your circumcisions have I forsaken, I sent unto you my servants the Prophets, whom you have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord. Thus saith the almighty Lord: your house must be desolate. I will cast you out as the wind doth the straw: your children shall not be fruitful, for they have despised my commandment, and done the thing that is evil before me. your houses will I give unto a people that shall come, and they that never herd me, shall believe in me: & they unto whom I never showed token, shall do the thing that I command them. They have seen no Prophets, yet shall they call their sins to remembrance, and knowledge them. I report me unto the grace, that I will do for the people which is to come, whose children rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say. And now brother, behold what great worship and see the plople that cometh from the East, unto whom I will give the dukedom of Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, of Oseas, Amos, and Micheas: of joel, Abdi, jonas, Naum, and Abacuc: of Sophony, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachi, which is called also an angel (or messenger) of the Lord. ¶ The synagogue findeth fault with her own children. The Genty●es are called. CAPI. II THus saith the Lord, I have brought this people out of bondage, I gave them my commandments by my servants the Prophets, whom thou wouldest not hear, but despised my counsels. The mother that bore them, saith unto them: Go your way you children, for I am a widow and forsaken: I brought you up with gladness, but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for you have sinned before the Lord your God, and done the thing that is evil before him. But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, oh my children and ask mercy of the Lord. As for me, oh father, I call upon the for a witness over the mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant: that thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil, that she bear no more. Let their names be scattered abroad among the Heathen, let them be put out of the earth, for they have thought scorn of my covenant. Woe be unto the Assur, thou that hydest the unrighteous by the. Thou wicked people, remember what I did to Sodom & Gomorre whose land is turned to pitch and ashes. Gene. xix e Even so also will I do unto all them that hear me not, saith the almighty Lord. Thus says the Lord unto Esdras: tell my people, that I will give them the kingdom of jerusalem which I would have given unto Israel: their glory also will I take unto me, and give them the everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for those. The tree of life shall be onto them a sweet smelling ointment: they shall neither labour nor be weary. Go you your way, and you shall receive it. Pray for yourselves a few days, that they may dwell therein. Now is the kingdom prepared for you, therefore watch, take heaven and earth to witness, for I have broken the evil in pieces, and created the good, for I live saith the Lord. Mother embrace thy children, and bring them up with gladness: make their feet as fast as a pillar, for I have choose thee, saith the Lord. And those that he deed will I raise up again from their places, and bring them out of the graves, for I have known my name in Israel. Fear not thou mother of the children, for I have choose the saith the Lord. And for thy help, I shall sand the my servants Esay and jeremy, after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for the twelve trees with dyves' fruits, and as many wells flowing with milk and honey, and seven mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lylyes, wherein I will fill my children with joy. Execute justice for the widow, be judge for the fatherless: give to the poor, defend the comfortless, cloth the naked, heal the wounded & sick, laugh not a lame man to scorn, defend the cripple, and let the blind come in to the sight of my clearness. Tobi i▪ d Keep the old and young within thy walls, where so ever thou findest the deed, token them, and bury them, and I shall give thee, the first place in my resurrection. Hold still, oh my people, and take thy rest, for thy quietness is come. Feed thy children, oh thou good nurse, establish their feet. As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not one of them perish, for I will seek them from thy number, vere not thyself. For when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh, other shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry and plenteous. The Heathen shall be jealous, but they shall be able to do nothing against thee, saith the Lord. My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not see the fire everlasting. Be joyful, oh thou mother with thy children, for I will deliver thee, saith the Lord. Remember thy deed children, for I shall bring them out of the earth, and show mercy unto them, for I am merciful saith the Lord almighty. Embrace thy children until I come, and show mercy unto them, for my wells run over and my grace shall not fail. I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb, that I should go unto Israel. But when I came unto Israel they set me at naught, & despised the commaundemint of the Lord. And therefore I say unto you, oh you Heathen, that hear & understand: Look for your shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest: for he is nigh at hand that shall come in the end of the world. Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore. flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your glory. I testify my saviour openly: O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto him, that hath called you to the heavenly kingdom. Arise up and stand fast: behold the number of those that be seized in the feast of the Lord which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received glorious garments of the Lord. ●ake 〈◊〉 number, oh Zion, and shut up thy purified, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord The number of thy children whom thou longbes● for, is fulfilled: beseech ●he power of the Lord that thy people, which h●u● been called from the beginning, may be hallowed. 〈◊〉 vii c I Esdras saw upon the mount Zion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs of thanksgiving. And in the mids of them there was a young man of an high stature, more excellent than all they, and upon every one of their heads he set a crown, and was ever higher and higher, which I marveled at greatly. So I asked the angel and said: Sir what are these? He answered and said unto me: These be they that have put of the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have testified and knowledged the name of God. Now are they crowned and receive the reward. Then said I unto the angel: what young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them the palms in their hands? So he answered and said unto me: It is the son of God, whom they have knowledged in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them, that stood so sty fly for the name of the Lord. And so the angel said unto me: Go thy way and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God thou hast seen. ¶ The wondrous works which God did for the people are recited. Esdras marueleth that God suffereth the Babylonians to have rule over his people, which yet are sinners also. CAPI. III IN the thirty year of the fall of the city, I was at Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my heart/ for I saw the desolation of Zion, and the plenteous wealth of them that dwelt at Babylon, and my spirit was sore moved: so that I began to speak fearful words to the highest, & said: O Lord, Lord, thou spakest at the beginning, when thou plantedst the earth (and that thyself alone) and gavest commandment unto the people, and a body unto Adam, which was a creature of thy hands, and haste breathed in him the: 〈◊〉 ii ● breath of life: and so he lived before thee, and thou leddest him in to paradise, which garden of pleasure thy right hand had planted or ever the earth was made. And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way, which he transgressed, and immediately thou appoyntedst death in him, and in his generations. Of him came nations, tribes people and kynredes out of number. And every people walked after their own will, 〈◊〉. ●i. b and did nice things before thee, but thy commandments they despised. And in process of time, thou broughtest the water flood upon those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them. 〈◊〉. vi●. b And as the death was in Adam, so was the water flood also in these. Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, even No with his household, of whom came all righteous men. And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth began to increase, and had got many children, and were a great people, they began to be more ungodly than the first. Gene. xii Now when they all lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst chose the a man among them, whose name was Abraham. Him thou lovedst, and to him only thou showedst thy will, and madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him thou wouldest never forsake his seed. And unto him thou gavest Isaac, Gene. xxi a Gene. xxv c Genes. xxxii a unto Isaac also thou gavest jacob and Esau. As for jacob, thou didst chose him, and put back Esau. And so jacob become a great multitude. And it happened that when thou leddest his seed out of Egypt, Exod. xix a Deut. four b thou broughtest them up to the mount Zion, bowing down the heavens, setting fast the earth, moving the ground, making the depths to shake, and troubling the world: And thy glory went thorough four ports of fire, and earthquakes, and winds, and cold: that thou mightest give the law unto the seed of jacob, and diligence unto the generation of Israel. And yet tookest thou not away from them that wicked heart, that thy law might bring forth fruit in them. For the first Adam bore a wicked heart, transgressed, and was overcome, and so be all they that are born of him. Roma, viii. a Thus remained weakness with the law in the heart of the people, with the wickedness of the root: so that the good departed away, and the evil abode still. So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end. i Reg. xv c two. Reg. u a. g Then didst thou raise the up a servant called David, whom thou commaundedst to build a city unto thy name, and to offer up incense and a sacrifice unto the therein. This was done now many years. Then the inhabitants of the city forsook the and in all things did, even as Adam and all his generations had done: for they also had a wicked heart. And so thou gavest thy city over in to the hands of thine enemies. Are they of Babylon then better and more righteous than thy people, that they shall therefore have the dominion of Zion? For when I came there, and saw their ungodliness, and so great wickedness that it could not be numbered: yea, when my soul see so many evil doers in the thirty year, my heart failed me/ for I see how thou suffered'st them in such ungodliness, and sparedst the wicked doers: but thine own people hast thou rooted out, and preserved thine enemies, and this hast thou not showed me. I can not perceive how this happeneth. Do they of Babylon then better than they of Zion? Or is there any other people, that knoweth the saving the people of Israel? Or what generation hath so believed thy covenants, as jacob? And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no fruit. For I have go here and there thorough the Heathen, and I see they be rich and wealthy, and think not upon thy comdementes. Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and there's also that dwell in the world, and so shall thy name be no where found, but in Israel. Or where is there a people upon earth, that hath not sinned before thee? Or what people hath so kept thy commandments? Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts, but not the other people and Heathen. ¶ The angel reproveth Esdras, because he seemed to enter ●n to the profound judgement of God. CAPI. FOUR ANd the angel that was sent unto me (whose name was Vriel) gave me an answer, and said: Thy heart hath taken to much upon it in this world, and thou thinkest to compass the way of the highest. Then said I: Yea my Lord. And he answered me and said: I am sent to show the three ways, and to set forth three symilitudes before thee: whereof if thou canst declare me one, I will show the also the way that thou desirest to see, and I shall show the whence thy wicked heart cometh. And I said: Tell on my Lord Then said he unto me: Go thy way, weigh me the weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of the wind, or call me again the day that is past. Then answered I and said: What man born is able to do tha●? Why requyrest thou such of me? And he said unto me: If I should ask thee, how deep dwellings are on the see? Or how great water springs are upon the firmament? Or how great water springs are in the beginning of the deep? Or which are the out goings of paradise? Peradventure thou wouldest say unto me: I never went down yet in to the deep nor hell, neither did I ever climb up in to heaven. Nevertheless now have I asked the but only of fire and wind, and of the day thorough which thou hast travailed, and from whence thou canst not be severed: and yet canst thou give me no answer of them. He said moreover unto me: Thine own things, and such as are grown up with the can thou not know: how should thy vessel then be able to compass the way of the highest, and now outwardly in the corrupt world to understand the corruption that is evident in my sight? Then said I unto him: It were better we were not at all, than we should live in wickedness, and suffer, & not to know wherefore. He answered me and said: I went in a wood, judith ix b i Para xxv c and the trees took such a device and said: Come let us go, and fight against the see, that it may departed away before us, and that we may make us yet more woods. The floods of the see also in like manner took this device add said: Come let us go up and fight against the trees of the wood, that we may make our land the wider. The thought and device of the wood was but vain, and nothing worth, for the fire came and consumed the wood: The thought of the floods of the see came likewise to nought, for the sand stood up and stopped them. If thou were judge now between these two, whom wouldest thou justify, or whom wouldest thou condemn? I answered and said: Verily it is a foolish thought that they both have devised. For the ground is given unto the wood, and the see also hath his place to bear his floods. Then answered he me and said: Thou hast given a right judgement, why judgest thou not thyself also? Esa● lv c I●hn̄ three e i Corinth. ●i● For like as the ground is given unto the wood, and the see to his floods: even so they that devil upon earth may understand nothing but that which is upon earth: and he that dwelleth above the heavens, may only understand the things that are above the heavens. Then answered I and said: I beseech the O Lord, let me have understanding: for it was not my mind to be curious of thy high things, but such as we daily meddle withal/ namely, wherefore that Israel is blasphemed of the Heathen, and for what cause the people (whom thou ever hast loved) is given over to be punished of ungodly nations: and why? the law of our fathers is brought to naught, and the written covenants come to none effect, and we pass away out of the world as the greshoppers, and our life is a very fear, & we are not worthy to obtain mercy. What will he do then unto his name, which is called upon over us? Of these things have I asked question. Then answered he me and said: The more thou searchest, the more thou shalt marvel, for the world hasteth fast to pass away, and can not comprise the things, tha● are promised for the righteous in time to come, for this world is full of unrighteousness and weakness. But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will tell the. 1. Iohn vi ● The evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is not yet come. If the evil now that is sown, be not covened upside down, and if the place where the evil is sown, pass not away, then can not the thing come that is sown with good. For the corn of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of man from the beginning, and how moc●e ungodliness hath he brought up unto this time? and how much shall he yet bring forth until he come in to the barn? Pondre now by thyself, when the corn of evil se●e is cut down, how great a barn shall it fill? I answered an said: How and when shall these things come to pass? Wherefore are our years few and evil? And he answered me, saying: Haste not thou to moche upon the highest, for thy hastiness to be above him is but vain, thou makest to much ado. Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these things in their holiness, saying: Apoca vi b How long shall I hope of this fashion? When cometh the fruit of my barn, and my reward? And upon this jeremiel the archangel gave them answer, and said: Even when the number of the sedes is filled in you: for he hath weighed the world in the balance: in measure and number hath he measured the time, and moveth it not, until the same measure be fulfilled. Then answered I and said: O Lord Lord, now are we all full of sin, and for our sakes peradventure it is not that the barn of the righttous shall not be filled, because of the sins of them that devil upon the earth. So he answered me and said: Go thy way to a woman with child, and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months/ if her child bed may keep the birth any longer within her. Then said I: Not Lord that can she not. And he said unto me: In hell the secret places of souls are like the privy chamber of a woman. For like as a woman that travaileth, maketh haste when the time and necessity of the birth is at hand: Even so doth she haste to deliver it that is committed unto her. Look what thou desirest to see, it shall be showed the from the beginning. Then answered I and said: If I have found favour in thy sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore, show me then whether there be more to come then is paste, or more passed than is for to come? What is passed I know: but what is for to come, I know not. And he said unto me: Stand up upon the right side, and I shall expound the similitude unto the. So I stood, and behold, an hot burning oven went over before me: and it happened that when the flame was go by, the smoke had the upper hand. After this there went over before me a watery cloud, and sent down moche rain with a storm: and when the stormy rain was past, the drops remained still. Then said he unto me: Like as the rain is more than the drops, and as the fire exceadeth the smoke: even so the measure of the things that are paste, hath the upper hand. Then went the drops and the smoke above: and I prayed and said: May I live (thynckest thou) until that time? Or what shall happen in those days? He answered me, and said. As for the tokens whereof thou askest me, I may tell the of them in a part: but as touching φ thy life. 〈◊〉 read 〈◊〉. I may not show thee, for I am not sent therefore. ¶ Esdras and the angel comen together. CAPI. V Nevertheless, as concerning the tokens mark this. Behold, the days shall come, that they which devil upon earth shall be taken in a great number, and the way of the truth shall be hid, 〈◊〉 ●●ii. a and the land shall be barren from faith, but iniquity shall have the upper hand, like as thou hast seen now, and as thou hast heard long ago. And the land that thou seest now to have rule, shalt thou shortly see waste. But if God grant the to live, thou shalt see after the third trumpet, that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night, and the moan three times in the day, and blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his voice, and the people shall be unquiet: and even he shall rule, whom they hope not that devil upon earth, and the fowls shall flit, and the Sodomitish see shall cast out his fish, and make a noise in the night, which many shall not know, but they shall all hear the voice thereof. There shall be a confusion also in many places, and the fire shall be oft sent again, and the wild beasts shall go their way, and menstruous women shall bear monsters, and salt waters shall be found in the sweet/ one friend shall fight against an other/ than shall all wit and understanding be hid and put aside in to their secret places, and shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall unrighteousness, and voluptupusnesse have the upper hand upon earth. One land also shall ask an other and say: Is righteousness go thorough thee? And it shall say, no. At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper. To show the such tokens I had leave, and if thou will't pray again, and weep as now, and fast seven days, thou shalt hear yet greater things. Then I awaked, and a fearfulness went thorough all my body, and my mind was feeble and careful, so that I almost swooned withal. So the angel th●t was come to talk with me, belde me, comforred me, & set me up upon my feet. And in the second night it happened, that Salathiel the captain of the people came unto me, saying: Where hast thou been? and why is thy countenance so heavy? Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto the in the land of their captivity? Up then and eat, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that leaveth his flock in the hands of wicked wolves. Then said I unto him: Go thy way fro me, and come not nigh me: and he herd it/ and as I said, so went he his way fro me. And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Vriel the angel commanded me. And after seven days, it happened that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous unto me again, and my soul received the spirit of understanding, and I began to talk with the most highest again, and said: O Lord, Lord, of every wood of the earth, and of all the trees thereof, thou haste choose the one only vineyard, and of all lands of the hole world thou hast choose the one pit: and of all flowers of the ground, thou hast choose the one lily: and of all the depths of the see, thou hast filled the one river/ and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Zion unto thyself: and of all the fowls that are created, thou hast named the one dove/ and of all the cattle that are made thou hast provided the one sheep, and among all the multytudes of folks, thou hast got the one people, and unto this people whom thou lovedst thou gavest a law that is proved of all. And now, O Lord, why hast thou given this one people over unto many? and upon the one root thou haste prepared other, and why hast thou scattered thy one only people among many? which tread them down, yea which have ever withstand thy promises, and never believed thy covenants? And though thou werest enemy unto the people yet shouldst thou punish them with thine own hands. Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me the night afore, was sent unto me and said unto me: Hear me & hearken to the thing that I say, and I shall tell the more. And I said: Speke on my Lord. Then said he unto me: Thou art sore vexed and troubled for Israel's sake. Lovest thou the people better than him that made them? And I said: Not Lord, but of very grief & compassion have I spoken. For my reins pain me every hour, because I would have experience of the way of the most highest, & to seek out part of his judgement. And he said unto me: that thou mayst not. And I said: wherefore Lord? Whereunto was I born then? Or why was not my mother's childbed then my grave? So had I not seen the misery & trouble of jacob, and the travail of my people of Israel. And he said unto me: number me the things that are not yet come/ gather me together the drops that are scattered abroad: make me the flowers green again that are withered: open me the thing that is closed: and bring me forth the winds that are shut up: Show me the image of a voice, & then shall I declare thee, the thing that thou labourest to know. And I said: O Lord, Lord who may know these things, but he that hath not his dwelling with men? As for me I am unwise: How may I then speak of these things whereof thou askest me. Then said he unto me: like as thou canst do none of these things that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my judgement, or in the end the love that I have promised unto my people. And I said: behold, O Lord, yet art thou nigh unto them that have no end: and what shall they do that have been before me, or we that be now, or they that shall come after us? And he said unto me: I will liken my judgement unto a ring. Like as there is no slackness of the last, even so is there no swiftness of the first. So I answered and said: Couldst thou not make those (that have been made, and that be now, and that are for to come) in one, that thou mightest show thy judgement the sooner? Then answered he me and said: The creature may not haste above the maker, neither may the world hold them at one's, that shall be created. And I said: How hast thou said then unto thy servant, that thou living maker, haste made the creature living at one's, and the creature bore it? even so might it now also bear them that be present at one's. And he said unto me: Ask the chyldebedde of a woman, and say unto her: If thou bryngest forth children, why dost thou it not together, but one after an other? Pray her therefore to bring forth ten children at one's. And I said: she can not, but must do it one after an other. Then said he unto me: Even so have I given a chyldebed unto the earth, for those that be sown upon it by process of tyme. For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong to the aged, even so have I ordained the world which I made. And I asked and said: seeing thou haste now given me away, I will speak before thee: for our mother of whom thou hast told me, is yet young, and now she draweth nigh unto age. He answered me and said: Ask a woman that beareth children, and she shall tell the. Say unto her: wherefore are not they (whom thou hast now brought forth) like those that were before thee, but less of stasture: and she shall answer thee: They that be born in the youth of strength, are of one fashion: and they that are born in the time of age (when the childbed faileth) are other wise. consider now thyself, how that you are less of stature than those that were before you, and so are they that come after you less than you, as the creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth. Then said I: Lord I beseech thee, if I have found favour in thy sight, show thy servant, by whom dost thou visit thy creature? ¶ The angel instructeth Esdras, and giveth him answer to his questions. CAPI. VI ANd he said unto me: In the beginning when the ground was made: before the world stood, or ever the winds blue, before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of paradise were laid, before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the movable powers were stablished, before the innumerable multitude of angels were gathered together, or ever the highness of the air were lifted up, afore the measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Zion were hot, and or the present years were fought out, and or ever the inventions of them that now sin were put aside, before they were sealed that now gather faith for a treasure: then did I consider and ponder all these things, and they all were made thorough me, and thorough none other, by me also they be ended, & by none other. Then answered I and said: which shall be the parting asunder of the times? Or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it that followeth? And he said unto me: From Abraham unto Isaac, when jacob and Esau were born of him, jacobs' hand held first the heel of Esau: for Esau is the end of this world, and jacob is the beginning of it that followeth. The hand of man betwixt the heel and the hand. Other question (Esdras) ask thou not. I answered then, and said: O Lord Lord, if I have found favour in thy sight I beseech thee, show thy servant the end of thy tokens, whereof thou shewdest me part the last night. So he answered and said unto me: Stand up upon thy feet, and hear the perfect voice and sound. There shall come a great motion, but the place where thou standest shall not be moved. And therefore when thou hearest the words, be not afraid: for of the end shall the word and foundation of the earth be understand. And why? the word thereof trembleth and quaketh for it knoweth, that it must be changed at the end. And it happened, that when I had herd it, I stood up upon my feet, and herkened: and behold there was a voice that spoke, & the sound of it was like the sound of many waters, and it said. Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw nigh, and to vysette them that devil upon earth, and will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that hurt equity with unryghtousnes, and when the low estate of Zion shall be fulfilled: and when the world that shall vanish away, shall be oversealed, then will I do these tokens. The books shall be opened before the firmament, and they shall see all together, & the children of a year old shall speak with their voices: the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of three or four months old, and they shall live, & be raised up: & suddenly shall the sown places appear as the unsowne, the full store houses shall suddenly be found empty, and the trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man heareth, 〈…〉. v●i. ● they shall be hastily afraid. At that time shall friends fight one against an other like enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with them. The springs of the wells shall stand still, and in three hours they shall not run. Whosoever remaineth from all these things that I have told thee, shall escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world. And the men that are received, shall see it, they that have not tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the indwellers shall be changed, and turned into another meaning for evil shall be put out, & disobeyed shall be quenched: as for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shallbe over come: and the truth, which hath been so long without fruit, shallbe declared. And it happened when he talked with me, that I looked demurely upon him, before whom I stood, and these words said he unto me: I am come to show thee, the time of the night for to come. If thou will't pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall tell the more things, and greater than before: for thy voice is heard before the highest: for why? the mighty hath seen thy righteous dealing, he hath seen also thy chastity, which thou hast had ever sense thy youth: and therefore hath he sent me to show the all these things, and to say unto thee: Be of good comfort, & fear not, and haste not with the times that are past to think vain things, and make not haste of the latter times. And it happened after this, that I wept again, and fasted seven days in like manner that I might fulfil the three weeks, which he told me. In the eight night was my heart vexed within me again, and I began to speak before the highest: for my spirit was greatly set on fire, and my soul was in distress, and I said: O Lord, thou spakest unto thy creature from the beginning (even the first day) and saidest: Genes. i ● Let heaven and earth be made, and thy word was a perfect work. And then was there the spirit, and the darknesses were yet on every side, and silence: there was no man's voice as yet from the. Then commandest thou a fair light to come forth out of thy treasures, that thy work might appear and be seen. Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament, and commaundedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters, that the one part might remain above, and the other beneath. Upon the third day thou broughtest to pass, that the waters were gathered in the seventh part of the earth: Six parts hast thou dried up and kept them, to th'intent that men might sow and occupy husbandry therein. As soon as thy word went forth, the work was made. For immediately there was great innumerable fruit, and many divers pleasures and desires of temptation, flowers of changeable colour and smell, and this was done the third day. Upon the fourth day thou commaundedst that the son should give his shine, Deut. iiii c Genes. i c and the moon her light: the stars didst thou set in order, and gavest them a charge: to do service even unto man: that was for to be made. Upon the fift day thou saidest unto the seventh part (where the waters were gathered) that they should bring forth diverse beasts, fowls, & fishes. And so it came to pass, that the dom water & without soul, brought forth living beasts at the commandment of God, that all people might praise thy wondrous works. Then didst thou preserve two souls, the one thou called'st Enoch and the other Leviathan, & didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh part (namely, where the water was gathered together) might not hold them both. Unto Enoch thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third day, that he should devil in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills. But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely the moist, and, hast kept him to devour what thou wile and when. Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth, that before the it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and all that creep, and (besides this) Adam also whom thou madest lord of all creatures: Of him come we all, and the people also, whom thou hast choose specially unto thyself. All this have I said now and spoken before thee, that I might show, how that the world is made for our sakes. As for the other people which also come of Adam, thou haste said that they are nothing, but be like a spittle, & hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop (that falls) from the rose of the house. And now, O Lord, the Heathen which have ever been reputed as nothing, have begun to be Lords over us, and to devour us: Exod. four t but we thy people (whom thou hast called the first born, thy only begotten, and thy fervent lover) are given into their hands & power. If the world now be made for our lakes, why have we not the inheritance in possession with the world? How long shall this endure? ¶ The Angel showeth Esdras many things to come. CAPI. VII. ANd it happened after that I had spoken out these words, there was sent unto me an angel, which had been by me also the nights afore, and he said unto me: Up Esdras, and hear the words that I am come to tell the. And I said: speak on Lord my God. Then said he unto me: The see is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great: but the entrance is narrow and small like a river. For who would go into the see, to look upon it, and to rule it? It he went not chorowe the narrow, how might he come into the broad? Item an other: A city is builded and set upon a broad field, and is full of goods: the entrance is narrow and sudden, like as if there were a fire at the right hand, and a deep water at the left, and as it were only one straight path betwixt them both, too small that there could but one man go there. If this city now were given to an heir, & he never went thorough the perilous way, how would he receive his inheritance? And I said: it is so Lord. Then said he: Even so is Israel also a portion. And why? for their sakes have I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, than was the thing judged that was done. Then were the entraunces of the world made narrow, full of sorrow and travail: They are but few and evil, full of parels and labour. For the entraunces of the fore world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit: If they now which entered into this world may not comprehend these straight and vain things, much less may they comprehend and understand the secret things: Why disquietest thou thyself then, saying thou art but a corruptible man? And what wouldest thou know, where as thou art but mortal? And why hast thou not received in to thine own heart the thing that is for to come, but that is present? Then said I: O Lord Lord, thou haste ordained in thy law, Deut. viii ● that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the unfaithful and ungodly wulde perish. Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer straight things and hope for wide: for they that have lived ungodly and suffered straight things, shall not see the wide. And he said unto me: There is no judge above God, & none that hath understanding above the highest. For there be many that perish, because they despise the law of God that is set before them. For God hath given straight commandment to such as come, that they know what they do, and how they should live: and if they kept this they should not be punished. Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him, but spoke against him: imagined vain things, and purposed to sin, & said moreover that there was no God, and that God regarded it not. His ways have they not known/ his law have they despised, & denied his promises: in his statutes and ordinances have they not been faithful and steadfast, and have not performed his works. And therefore Esdras, unto the full, plenty, and to the empty, emtynesse. Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told thee, shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear: and the earth that now passeth away, shall be showed: and whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils, shall see my wonders. For my son jesus shallbe openly declared, with those that be with him: and they that remain, shall be merry in four hundred years. After these same years shall my son christ die, and all men that have life, and the world shallbe turned into the old silence vij days, like as in the fore judgements so that no man shall remain. And after vij days, the world that yet awaketh not, shall be raised up, and shall die corrupt. And the earth shall restore those that have slept in her, and so shall the dust those that devil in silence, and the secret places shall deliver those that he committed unto them. And the most highest shall be openly declared upon the seat of judgement, and all misery shall vanish away, and long suffering shallbe gathered together. But the judgement shall continue, the truth shall remain, and faith shall wax strong, the work shall follow and the reward shall be showed, the righteousness shall watch, and the unryghtuousnesses shall bear no rule. Then said I: Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, 〈◊〉 ●i. d 〈…〉. e 〈◊〉. ●●ii. b 〈◊〉 vi c 〈◊〉 seven. a 〈◊〉 v●ii. and Moses for the fathers that sinned in wilderness, & he that came after him for Israel, in the time of Achas and Samuel: and David for the destruction, and Solomon for them that came in to the Sanctuary, and Elias for those that received rain and for the deed, that he might live: and Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib: and divers other in like manner, which have prayed for many. Even now saying the corrupt is grown up, and wickedness increased, and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly, wherefore shall it not be so now also? He answered me, and said: This present world is not the end: there remaineth much honour in it, therefore have they prayed for the weak. But the day of doom shallbe the end of this time, and the beginning the of immortality for to come, wherein all corruption, vanissheth, all v●luptuousnes is loosed all misbyleve taken away righteousness grown, & and the verity sprung up. Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor to oppress him that hath gotten the victory. I answered then, and said: This is my first and last saying: that it had been better, not to have gyue●● the earth unto Adam: or else when it was given him, to keep him that he should not sin. For what prop●●te is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment? O thou Adam, what hast thou done? For though it was thou that sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of the. For what profit were it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, where as we meddle with deadly works? and that there is promised us an everlasting hope, where as we ourselves are evil and vain? & that there are laid up for us dwellynges of health and freedom, where as we have lived evil? and that the worship of the highest is kept to defend them, which have led a patient life where as we have walked in the most wicked ways of all? And that there shallbe showed a paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever, wherein is freedom and medicine, where as we shall not go in? for we have walked in unpleasant places: And that the faces of them which have abstained, shall shine above the stars, where as our faces shallbe black and dark? For while we lived and did unrighteously, we considered not, that we should suffer therefore after death? Then answered he me, and said: This is the consideration & thought of the battle, which man hath upon earth: that if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou haste said. But if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say. For this is the life, whereof Moses spoke unto the people, while he lived, saying: Choose the life, that thou mayst live. 〈…〉. d Nevertheless they believed him not, neither the Prophets after him. Not nor me which have spoken unto them, that heaviness should not reach unto them to their destruction like as joy is for to come over those, that have suffered themselves to be informed in salvation. I answered then and said: I know Lord, that the highest is merciful, in that he hath mercy upon them, which are not yet in the world, and upon those also that walk in his law: and that he is patient and long suffering, Roma ii a toward those that have sinned in their works: and that he is liberal to give where as it requireth: and that he is of great mercy, for he multiplieth his loving kyndnesses toward those that are present, and that are past, & to them which are for to come. For if he multiply not his mercies, the world shall not be made living, with those that devil therein: He giveth also, for if he gave not of his goodness, that they which have done evil, might be eased, the ten thousand part of men should not be made living. And if the judge forgave not those that be healed with his word, and if he would destroy the multitude that striveth, there should be very few left in an innumerable multitude. ¶ Esdras prayeth God rather to look upon his own mercy, than on the sins of the people. CAPI. VIII. ANd he answered me, saying: The most highest made this world for many, but the world to come for few. I will tell the a similitude, Esdras: As w●en thou askest the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth moche mould, where of earthen vessels are made, but little of it that gold cometh of, Even so is it with the work of this world. There be many created, Math. twenty b xxi. h bu● few shall be preserved. Then answered I and say or Then swallow up the wit (thou soul) & devour the understanding, for thou art agreed to hearken and to give ear, and willing to prophecy: for thou hast no longer space given thee, but only to live. O Lord wilt thou not give thy servant leave, that we may pray before thee, and that thou mayst give seed unto our heart, and build our understanding, that there may come fruit of it: and that every one which is corrupt, and beareth the state and place of a man, may live? For thou art alone, & we all are one worckmanshyp of thy hands, like as thou haste said, and like as the body is fashioned now in the chyldesbed, and thou givest the membres, and thy creature is preserved in fire & water: and ix months doth thy work suffer thy creature, which is fashioned in her but the thing that preserveth and it that is preserved, shall both be kept together: and when time is, the chyldeshed delivereth the thing, that is kept and grown in her. For thou hast commanded the breasts to milk unto the fruit, that the thing which give is created and fashioned, may be nourished for a time: and than thou dysposest and ordrest it with thy mercy, bryngest it up with thy righteousness, nurturest it in thy law, and reformest it with thy understanding, mortifyest it it as thy creature, and makeh it living as thy work. saying then that thou destroyest him, which with so great labours is created and fashyoned thorough thy commandment, thou couldst lightly ordain, also that the thing which is made, might be preserved. And this I speak now of all men in general, as thou knowest: but of thy people, for whose sake I am sorry: and of thy inheritance: for whose cause I mourn, and of Israel, for whom I am woeful: and for jacob, for whose sake I am grieved: therefore begin I to pray before thee, for myself and for them, for I see the fall of us, even of us, the devil upon earth. But I have herd the swiftness of the judge, which is to come: therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak before the. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was received: O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness, whose eyes are life up in the air, whose stole is exceeding high, whose glory and majesty may not be comprehended, before whom the Hosts of heaven stand with trembling, whose keeping is turned in wind and fire, whose word is true, whose talking is steadfast, whose commandment is strong, whose ordinance is fearful, whose look drieth up the depths, whose wrath maketh the mountains to melt away, and whose truth beareth witness: O hear the prayer of thy servant, and mark with thine ears the petition of thy creature. For while I live, I will speak, and so long as I have understanding, I will answer. O look not upon the sins of thy people, which serve in the truth. Have no respect unto the wicked studies of the heathen, but to the desire of those that keep thy testimonies with sorrows. think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee, but upon them, which with will have known thy fear. Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have had beastly manners, but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law. Take thou no indignation at them, which are worse than beasts: but love them, that always put their trust in thy righteousness and glory: for we and our fathers have all the same sickness and disease but because of our sins thou shalt be called merciful. For if thou hast mercy upon us, thou shalt be called merciful, iii Reg. viii g two. Pa. vi f i Iohn i b where as we have no works of righteousness: for the righteous which have laid up many good works together shall out of their deeds receive reward. For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? Or what is the corruptible mortal generation, that thou shouldest be so rough toward him? For of a truth there is no man amongs them that be born, but he hath dealt wickedly: and amongs the faithful there is none, which hath not done amiss. For in this (O Lord thy righteousness and thy goodness shall be praised and declared, if thou be merciful unto them, which are not rich in good works. Then answered he me and said: Some things hast thou spoken a right, and according unto thy word it shall be. For I will not verily consider the works of thee, which have sinned before death, before the judgement, before destruction, but I will rejoice over the work & thought of the righteous. I will remember also the pilgrimage the holy making and the reward. Like as I have spoken now so shall it come to pass. For as the husband man soweth much seed upon the ground, and planteth many trees, and yet alway the thing that is sown or planted is not all kept safe, neither doth it all take rote: Even so is it of them that are sown in the world, they shall not all be preserved. I answered then and said: If I have found grace, then let me speak. Like as the husband man's seed peryssheth, if it receive not rain in due season, or if there come to much rain upon it: Even so peryssheth man also, which is created with thy hands, and is like unto thy own Image & to thyself, for whose sake thou hast made all things, and likened him unto the husband man's seed. Be not wrath at us, O Lord, but spare thy people, and have mercy upon thine own inheritance: O be merciful unto thy creature. Then answered be me and said: Things present are for the present & things to come for such as be to come. For thou wantest yet moche, seeing thou mayst love my creature above me: I have often times drawn nigh unto thee, but never to the unrighteous, In this also thou art marvelous before the highest in that thou hast humbled thyself as it becometh thee, and hast not regarded thy own self, that thou art had in such honour amongs the righteous. Therefore shall great wretchedness and misery come upon them, that in the latter time shall devil in the world, for they have walked in great pride. But understand thou for thyself, & seek out glory for such as be like thee: for unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness made ready: a city is builded for you, and a rest is prepared, yea perfect goodness and wisdom. The rote of evil is marcked from you, the weakness and much is hid from you, and into hell flieth corruption in forgetfulness. Sorrows are vanyshed away, and in the end is showed the treasure of immortality. And therefore ask thou no more questions, concerning the multitude of them that perish. For they have taken liberty, despised the highest, thought scorn of his law, and forsaken his ways. Moreover, they have trodden down his righteous, and said in their heart, that there is no God, yea and that wittingly, for they die. For like as the thing that I have spoken of, is made ready for you: Even so is thirst and pain prepared for them. For it was not his will that man should come to naught: 〈◊〉 xiii. a but they which be created, have defiled the name of him that made them, & are unthankful unto him, which prepared life for them. And therefore is my judgement now at hand. These things have I not showed unto all men, but unto few: namely unto thee, and such as be like the. Then answered I and said: Behold O Lord, now hast thou showed me the multitude of the tokens, which thou wilt begin to do at the last: but at what time and when thou hast not showed me. ¶ Esdras hath vysyons showed unto him. CAPI. IX. HE answered me then and said: Measure thou the time diligently in itself when thou seist that one part of the tokens come to pass, which I have told the before: so shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time where in the highest will begin to visit the world, which he made. And when there shall be seen earthquake and uproar of the people in the world, then shalt thou well understand, that the most highest spoke of those things, from the days that were before thee, even from the beginning. For like as all that is made in the world, hath a beginning and end, and the end is manifest: Even so the times also of the highest have plain beginnings in wonders and signs, and the end in working and in tokens. And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by his works and by faith, wherein you have believed, shall be preserved from the said parels, and shall see my saviour in my land and within my borders, for I have hallowed me from the world. Then shall they be in carefulness, which now have abused my ways: and they that have cast them out despytefully, shall devil in pains. For such as in their life have received benefits, and have not known me, and they that have abhorred my law, while they had yet freedom, and when they had yet open room of amendment and conversion, and understood not: but despised it: the same must know it after death in pain. And therefore be thou no more careful: how the ungodly shall be punished, & how the righteous shall be saved, and whose the world is, & for whom the world, 〈◊〉 seven. a and when it is. Then answered I and said: I have talked before, and now I speak, and will speak also hereafter, that there be many more of them which perish, then shall be saved, like as the flood is greater than the drops. And he answered me, saying: like as the field is: so is also the seed: as the flowers be so are the colours also: such as the worckman 〈◊〉, such is also the work: and as the husband man is himself, so is his husbandry also, for it was the time of the world. And when I prepared for them that are now, or ever the world was made, wherein they should dwell, than was there no man that withstood me. Now when every one was, and the maker also in the world which is now prepared, & the month that ceaseth not, and the law which is unsearchable, their manners were corrupt. So I considered the world, and behold, there was peril, because of the thoughts that were come in to it. And I see, and spared them greatly, and have kept me a wine very of the grapes, and a plant from among many generations. Let the multitude perish then, which are grown up in vain, and let my grape and wynebery be kept: even my plant: for with great labour have I made it up. Nevertheless if thou wilt take upon the yet seven days more (but thou shalt not fast in them) go thy way then in to the field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only of the flowers of the field, taste not flesh, drink no wine, but eat flowers only. Pray unto the highest continually, so will I come, and talk with the. So I went my way, and came in to the field which is called Ardath (like as he commanded me) and there I sat among the flowers: and ate of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me. After seven days, I sat upon the grass, & my heart was vexed within me like as afore, and I opened my mouth, and began to talk before the highest, and said: O Lord, thou that showest thyself unto us, thou hast declared and opened thyself unto our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man dwelleth, in a barren place, when they came out of Egypt, Exod. xix d xxiiii. a. Deut. four b and thou spakest, saying: Hear me O Israel, and mark my words thou seed of jacob. Behold, I saw my law in you, and it shall bring fruit in you, and you shall be honoured in it for ever. For our fathers which received the law, kept not, and observed not thy ordinances and statutes, and the fruit of thy law was not declared: for it might not, for why? it was thine. Exod. xxxii f For they that received it perished, because they kept not the thing that was sown in them. It is a custom when the ground receiveth seed, or the see a ship, or a vessel meat and drink, that when it peryssheth or is broken, wherein a thing is sowed, or wherein any thing is put: the things also perish & are broken, which are sown or put therein. But unto us it hath not happened so: for we that have received the law, perish in sin, Esay xi a two. Timot ii a and our heart which also received the law: notwithstanding the law peryssheth not, but remaineth in his labour. And when I considered these things in ●y heart after this manner, I looked about me 〈◊〉 mine eyes, and upon the right side. iiii. Esdra ten d I 〈…〉 woman, which mourned sore, made great lamentation, and wept with loud voice: her clotheses were rend in pieces, & she had ashes upon her head. Then let I my thoughts go, that I was in, and turned me unto her, & said: wherefore wepest thou? why art thou so sorry and discomforted? And she said unto me: Sir, let me bewail myself and take yet more sorrow: for I am sore vexed in my mind, and brought very low. And I said unto her: what aileth thee? Or who hath done any thing to y●? tell me. She said: I have been unfruitful and barren, and have had an husband thirty years. And these thirty years I do nothing else day & night and all hours, but make my prayer to the highest, After thirty years God heard me thy handmaiden, looked upon my misery, consydred my trouble, and gave me a son, and I was glad of him, so was my husband also, and all my neighbours and we gave great honour unto the mighty. And I norysshed him with great travail. So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have a wife, I made a feast. ¶ Esdras and the woman that appeareth unto him common together. CAPI. X. ANd it happened that when my son went in to his chamber, he fallen down and dried, then overthrew we all the lights, and all my neighbours rose up to comfort me. Then took I my rest unto the second day at night: & when they had all rested that they might comfort me, I rested also, and rose up by night, and fled, and am come hither in to this field, as thou seist: and am purposed not to come in the city, but to remain here, and neither to eat ne drink but continually to mourn and to fast, until I die. Then let I my meditations and thoughts fall, that I was in, and spoke to her in displeasure: Thou foolish woman, seist thou not our heaviness and mourning, & what happeneth unto us? how Zion our mother is all woeful and sorry, and how she is clean brought down and in misery? saying we be all now in heaviness, and make our moan (for we be all sorrowful) As for the heaviness that thou takest, it is but for one son. Demand the earth, and she shall tell the that it is she which aught (by reason) to mourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her. For from the beginning all men are born of her, and other shall come: and behold, they walk all most all in to destruction, and many of them shall be rooted out Who should then (by reason) make more mournyge, than she, that hath lost so great a multitude? and not thou, which art sorry but for one. But if thou wouldest say unto me: My mourning is not like the mourning of the earth, for I have lost the fruit of my body, which I bear with heaviness: but the earth is according to the manner of the earth, & the present multitude goeth again into her, as it is come to pass: Then say I unto thee: like as thou hast born with travail and sorrow, even so the earth also from the beginning giveth her fruit unto man, for him that made her. Hebr xii▪ ● And therefore withhold thy sorrow and heaviness by thyself, and look what happeneth unto thee, bear it strongly. For if thou judgest the mark and end of God to be righteous and good, and receivest his council in time, thou shalt be commended therein. Go thy way then into the city to thy husband. And she said unto me: that will not do, I will not go into the city, but hear will I die So I commoned more with her, and said: Do not so, but be counseled, and follow me: for how many falls hath Zion? Be of good comfort because of the sorrow of jerusalem. For thou seist that our Sanctuary is laid waste our altar broken, our temple destroyed, our playing of instruments and synginge laid down, the thanckesgevyuing put to silence, our mirth is vanyshed away the light of our candlestick is quenched, the ark of the covenant is taken from us, all our holy things are defiled, and the name that is called upon over us, is dishoured: our children are put to shame our priests are brent, our Levites are carried away in to captivity, our virgins are defiled, and our wives ravished, our righteous men spoiled, and our children destroyed, our young men are brought in bondage, and our strong worthies are become weak: and Zion (which seal is the greatest of all) is loosed up from her worship for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us. And therefore shake of thy great heaviness, and put away the multitude of sorrows: that the mighty may be merciful unto thee, and that the highest may give the rest from thy labour and travail. And it happened, that when I was talking with her, her face did shine and glister, so that I was afraid of her, and mused what it might be. And immediately she cast out a great voice, very fearful, so that the earth shaken at the noise of the woman: and I looked, and behold, the woman appeared unto me no more: but there was a city builded, and a place was showed from the ground and foundation. Then was I afraid, iiii. Esd. ii●● and cried with loud voice, and said where is Vryel the angel, which came to me at the first? For he hath caused me to come in many considerations & high thoughts, and mine end is turned to corruption, and my prayer to rebuke. And as I was speaking these words, he came unto me, and looked upon me, and I lay as one that had been deed, and mine understanding was aultered, and he took me by the right hand & comforted me, & set me up upon my feet, and said unto me: what aileth thee? and why is thy understanding vexed? and the understanding of thy heart, and wherefore art thou sorry? And I said: Because thou hast forsaken me, and I have done according unto thy words, I went in to the field, & there have I seen things, ●●sdr ix a that I am not able to express. He said unto me: Stand up, and be manly, & I shall give the exhortation. Then said I: Speke on to me my Lord, forsake me not, jest I die in vain: for I have seen that I known not, and herd that I do not know. Or shall my understanding be deceived, and my mind? But now I beseech thee, that thou will't show thy servant of this wonder. He answered me then & said: hear me and I shall inform thee, and tell the wherefore thou art afraid; ●r the highest hath opened many secret things unto the. He hath seen that thy way is right, & that thou takest sorrow continually for thy people and makest great lamentation for Sion, and therefore understand the vision which thou sawest a little while ago after this manner: Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou hast comforted her. Nevertheless now seist thou the likeness of the woman no more, but thou thoughtest there was a city builded: & like as she told the of the fall of her son, so is this the answer: the woman whom thou sawest is Zion, and where as she told the that she hath been xxx years unfruitful & barren, those are the xxx years, wherein there was no offering made in her. But after thirty years Solomon builded her, and offered, and then bore the barren a son. And where as she told the that she norysshed him with labour, that was the dwelling of jerusalem, but where as the son died in her chamber, that is the fall of jerusalem. And thou sawest her likeness how she mourned for her son: and what else happened unto her, I have showed the. And now God seethe that thou art sorry in thy mind, & sufferest from thy heart for her, and so hath he showed the her clearness, and the fairness of her beauty. And therefore I bad the remain in the field, where no house is builded. For I known that the highest would show this unto thee, therefore I commanded the to go in to the field, where no foundation nor building is. For in the place where the highest will show his city, there shall be no man's building. And therefore fear not, and let not thy heart be afraid, but go thy way in, and see the glorious and fair building, and how great it is, and how great thou thinkest it after the measure of thine eyes, and then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may comprehend. For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with the highest, as the few. But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here, and so shall the highest show the visions of high things, which he will do unto them that devil upon earth in the last days, so I slept the same night like as he commanded me. ¶ In this chapter and in the two next ensuing, he entreateth of certain visions and of the interpretations thereof. CAPI. XI. THen see I a dream: and behold, there came up from the see an Eagle, which had twelve wings and three heeds. And I saw and behold, he spread his wings over all the earth, and all the winds of the air blue in them, and so they were put together again. And I beheld, and out of his feathers there grew other little contrary feathers: the heeds rested, the heed in the midst was greater than the other, yet rested it with the residue. Moreover I see, that the Eagle flew with his wings, and reigned upon earth, and over all them that dwell upon the earth: and I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto him, and no man spoke against him no not one creature upon earth. I see also that the Eagle stood up upon his claws, and gave a sound with is feathers, & a voice, saying after this manner: watch not all together, sleep every man in his own place, and watch for a time, but let the heeds be preserved at the last. Nevertheless I saw that the voice went not out of his heeds, but from the midst of his body. And I numbered his contrary feathers, and behold there were eight of them. And I looked, and behold upon the right side there arose one feather, and reigned over all the earth. And it happened that when it reigned, the end of it came, and the place thereof appeared no more. So the next following stood and reigned and had a great time: and it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also, like as the first, so that it appeared no more. Then came there a voice unto it, and said: Hear thou that hast kept in the earth so long, this I say unto the before thou beginest to appear no more. There shall none after thee, attain unto thy time. Then arose the third, and reigned as the other afore, and appeared no more also. So went it with all the residue one after an other, so that every one reigned, & then appeared no more. Then I looked, & behold, in process of time the feathers that followed, were set up upon the right side, that they might rule also: & some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared no more: for some of them were set up, but ruled not. After this I looked, and behold the twelve feathers appeared no more, and the two wings: and there was no more upon the eagles body, but two heeds that rested, & six feathers. Then saw I also that the six feathers were parted in two, and remained under the heed that was upon the right side, for the four continued in their place. So I looked, & heholde, they that were under the wings thought to set up themselves, and to have the rule. Then was there one set up, but shortly it appeared no more, and the second was sooner away then the first. And I beheld, and lo, the two thought also by themselves to reign: & when they so thought: behold, there waked one of the heeds that were at rest, namely, it that was in the midst, for that was the greater of the two heeds. And then I saw that the two heeds were filled with him, and the heed was turned with them that were by him, & ate up the two under wings that would have reigned. But this heed put the hole earth in fear, & bore rule in it, over all those that dwelled upon earth with much labour, and he had the governance of the world, over all the fowls that have been. After this I looked, and behold, the heed that was in the midst, suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings: then came the two heeds, which ruled upon earth, & over those dwelled therein. And I beheld, and lo, the heed upon the right side, devoured it that was upon the left side. And I herd a voice, which said unto me: look before thee, and consider the thing that thou seist. Then I saw, & behold, as it were a lion that roareth, running hastily out of the wood, and he sent out a man's voice unto the Eagle, and said: Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and the highest shall say unto thee: Is it not thou that hast the victory of the four beasts, whom I I made to reign upon earth, & in my world, and that the end of their times might come thorough them? And the fourth came, and overwan all the beestes that were paste, and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and over the hole compass of the earth with the most wicked labour, and so long time dwelled he upon the earth with disobeyed, and the earth hast thou judged not with truth. For thou hast troubled the meek t●ou haste hurt the peaceable & quiet, thou 〈◊〉 loved liars, and destroyed the dwellynges of them that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of such as did the no harm. Therefore is thy wrongous' dealing and blasphemy come up unto the highest, and thy pride unto the mighty. The highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and behold, they are ended, and their abominations are fulfilled. And therefore appear no more thou Egle, and thy horrible wings and thy wicked feathers, and thy ungracious heads, and thy sinful claws, and all thy vain body: that the earth may be refreshed, and come again to herself, when she is delivered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the judgement and mercy of him that made her. CAPI. XII. ANd it happened when the Lion spoke these words unto the Eagle, I saw, & behold, the heed that afore had the upper hand appeared no more: neither did the four wings appear any more, that came to him, & were set up to reign, and their kingdom was small and full of uproar. And I see and behold, they appeared no more, & the hole body of the Eagle was brent, and the earth was in great fear. Then awaked I out of the trance of my mind, and from great fear, and said unto my spirit: lo, this haste thou given me, in that thou searchest out the ways of the highest: lo yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit, & little strength is there in me, for the great fear that I received this night. Therefore will I now be seche the highest, that he will comfort me unto the end: and I said, Lord, Lord, if I have found grace before thy sight, and if I am justified with thee, before many other, and if my prayer be come up before thy face, comfort me then, and show me thy servant the interpretation and plain difference of this horrible sight, that thou mayst perfectly comfort my soul: for thou haste judged me worthy, to show me the last of times. And he said unto me: this is the interpretation of this sight. The Eagle whom thou sawest come up from the see, is the kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel, Danie. vii f but it was not expounded unto him for now I declare it unto the. Behold, the days come, that there shall rise up a kingdom upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before it. In the same kingdom shall twelve kings reign one after an other. For the second shall begin to reign, & shall have more time than the other, and this do the twelve wings signify which thou sawest. As for the voice the spoke, and that thou sawest go out from the heeds, but not from the body, it betokeneth that after the time of that kingdom, there shall arise great strivings, and it shall stand in peril of falling: nevertheless it shall not yet fall, but shall be set in to his beginning. And the eight under wings which thou sawest hang unto the wings of him, betoken that in him there shall a rise eight kings, whose time shall be but small, and their years swift, & two of them shall bear. But when the midst time cometh, there shall be four kept in the time, when his time beginneth to come, that it may be ended, but two shall be kept unto the end. And where as thou sawest three heeds resting, this is the interpretation: In his last shall the highest raise up three kingdoms, and call many again in to them, and they shall have the dominion of the earth, and of those that devil therein, with moche labour above all those that were before them. Therefore are they called the heeds of the Eagle: for it is they that shall bring forth his wickedness again, and that shall perform and finish his last. And where as thou sawest that the great heed appeared no more, it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain, for the two that remain shall be slain with the sword, For the sword of the one shall devour the other, but at the last shall he fall thorough the sword himself. And where as thou sawest two underwinges upon the head that is on the right side, it signifieth that it is they, whom the highest hath kept unto their end: this is a small kyndgom, & full of trouble. The lion whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and roaring and speaking unto the Eagle, and rebuking him for his unrighteousness, is the wind, which the highest hath kept for them & for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and rent them asunder before them. For he shall set them living before the judgement, and shall rebuke them: for the residue of my people shall he deliver with trouble, those that be preserved over mine ends: and he shall make them joyful, until the coming of the day of judgement, whereof I have spoken unto the from the beginning. This is the dream that thou sawest, and this is the interpretation. Thou only hast been meet to know the secret of the highest. Therefore write all these things that thou haste seen in a book, and hide them, and teach them the wise in the people, whose hearts thou knowest, may comprehend & keep these secrets. But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may be showed thee, what so ever it pleaseth the hyghst to declare unto thee, and with that he went his way. And when all the people perceived, that the seven days were passed, and I not come again in to the city, they gathered them all together from the least unto the most, and came unto me, & said: what have we offended thee? and what evil have we done against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here in this place? for of all people thou only art left us as a grape of the vine, and as a candle in a dark place, and as an haven and ship preserved from the tempest. Have we not else adversity enough, but thou must forsake us? Were it not better for us, that we had been brent with Zion. For we are no better than they that died there: and they wept with loud voice. Then answered I them and said: Be of good comfort, O Israel, and be not heavy thou house of jacob, for the highest hath you in remembrance, and the mighty hath not forgotten you in temptation. As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come in to this place to pray, because of the misery of Israel, that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your Sanctuary. And now go your way home every man, and after these days will I come unto you. So the people went their way in to the city, like as I commanded them: but I remained still in the fields seven days, as the angel bad me: and I ate only of the flowers of the field, and had my meat of the herbs in those days. CAPI. XIII. ANd it happened after the seven days, that I dreamed a dream by night. And behold, there arose a wind from the see, that it moved all the floods thereof. And I looked, and behold, the man was strong, & increased with the clouds of heaven, & when he turned his countenance to consider, all the things trembled that were seen under him: and when the voice went out of his mouth, all they brent that herd him, like as the earth when it feeleth the fire. After these I saw, and behold, there was gathered together a multitude of men out of number from the four winds of the heaven, to fight against the man that came out from the see. And I looked, and behold, he graved himself a great mountain, and flew up upon it. But I would have seen the border or place, whereout the hill was graven, and I could not. I saw after these, that all they which came to fight against him, were sore afraid, and yet dared they fight. Nevertheless, when he saw the fierceness and violence of the people, he neither lift up his hand, ne held sword nor any weapon: but only (as I saw) he sent out of his mouth as it had been a blast of fire, & out of his lips the wind of the flame: and out of his tongue he cast out sparks and storms, and they were all mixed together the blast of fire, the wind of the flames, and the great storm, and fallen with a rush upon the people which was prepared to fight, and brent them up every chone: so that of the innumerable multitude there was nothing seen, but only dust and smoke. When I saw this, I was afraid. afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and calling unto him an other peaceable people: and there came moche people unto him: some very glad some very sorry, some of them were bound, so that they were carried and brought forth. Then was I sick thorough great fear, and I awaked, and said: thou haste showed thy servant all thy wonders from the beginning, and haste counted me worthy, that thou mightest receive my prayer: show me now yet the interpretation of this dream. For thus I consider in my understanding: Woe unto them that shall be left in those days: and moche more woe unto them that are not left behind: for they that were not left, were in heaviness. Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are not left behind. Therefore are they come in to great perils, and many necessities, like as these dreams declare. Yet is it easier, that he which suffereth hurt, come in these, then to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and now to see the things that shall happen in the last. Then answered he me, and said: The interpretation of the sight shall I show thee, and I will open unto thee, the thing that thou hast required. For thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, and this is the interpretation. He that taketh away the peril in that time hath kept himself. They that be fallen in to harm, are such as have wo●kes and faith unto the most mighty. Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more blessed than they that be deed. This is the meaning of the vision. Where as thou sawest a man coming up from the deep of the see, the same is he which God the highest hath kept a great season, whom by his own self shall deliver his creature, & he shall order them that be left behind. And where as thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came a blast of wind, fire, and storm, & how that he lift up neither sword nor weapon, but that the rushing in of him destroyed the hole multitude that came to fight against him: it signifieth, that the days come, when God will deliver them that are upon earth, and in a trance of mind shall he come upon them that devil in the earth. And one shall undertake to fight against an other, one city against an other, Math. xiiii a one place against an other, one people against an other, and one realm against an other. When this cometh to pass then shall the tokens come that I showed the before, and then shall my son be declared, whom thou sawest climb up as a man. And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in their own land leave the battle that they have one against an other, & an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as they that be willing to come & to overcome him by fighting. But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Zion. Nevertheless Zion shall come, and shall be showed, being prepared and builded for all men, like as thou sawest the hill graven forth without any hands. But my son shall rebuke the people that are come for their wickedness, with the tempest, and for their evil imaginations: and their pains wherewith they shall be punished, are likened unto the flame, and without any labour shall he destroy them, even by the law, which is compared unto the fire. And where as thou sawest, that he gathered an other peaceable people unto him: those are the ten tribes which are carried away prisoners out of their own land, in the time of Oseas the king, whom Salmanasar the king of Assiria took prisoner and carried them over the water, and so came they in to an other land. But they gave them this counsel, that they should leave the multitude of the Heathen, and to go forth in to a farther country, where never mankind dwelled: that they might there keep their statutes, which they never kept in their own land, and so they entered in at the narrow passages of the water of Euphrates, and God showed tokens for them, Exod. xiiii e joshua iii d and held still the flood till they were passed over: for thorough that country there was a great way namely of a year and a half journey, for the same region is called Asareth. Then dwelled they there unto the latter time: and when they come forth again, the highest shall hold still the springs of the stream again, that they may go thorough, therefore sawest thou the multitude with peaxe. And they that be left behind of thy people, are those that be found with in my border. Now when he destroyeth the multitude that is gathered together, he shall defend his people the remain, and then shall he show them great wonders. Then said I: O Lord Lord, show me this, wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the deep of the see? And he said unto me: like as thou canst neither seek out nor know these things that are in the deep of the see, even so mayst thou not see my son, or those that he with him, but in the time of the day. This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, therefore thou only art here lightened: for thou hast forsaken thy own law, and applied thy diligence unto mine, and sought it. three Regum iii Prouer. u.i. ● Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and hast called understanding thy mother, and therefore have I showed thee, the treasure of the highest. After three days I will show the more, and talk with the at more large, yea heavy and wondrous things will I declare unto the. Then went I forth in to the field, giving praise and thanks greatly unto God because of his wonders which he did in time, and because he governeth the same, and such as is in time, and there I sat three days. ¶ God appeareth unto Esdras in the bush, and showeth him what he shall do. CAPI. XIIII. Upon the third day I sat under an oak tree, than came there a voice unto me out of the bush, and said: Esdras, Esdras? And I said: here am I Lord, and stood up upon my feet. Then spoke he unto me: In the bush did I appear unto Moses, and talked with him, Exod. iii ● when my people served in Egypt and I sent him, and led my people out of Egypt, and brought him upon the mount Zion where I held him by me a long season, and told him my wondrous works, & showed him the secrets of the times and the end, & commanded him, saying: these words shalt thou declare, and not hide them. And now I say unto thee, that thou lay up in thine heart, the dreams that thou haste seen, and the interpretations which I have showed thee: for thou shalt be received of all, thou shalt be turned, and remain with my counsel, and with such as he like thee, until the times be ended. For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to ware old. For the time is divided in to twelve parts, and ten parts of it are go already, and half of the tenth part: yet remaineth there that, which is after the half of the tenth part. Therefore prepare and order thy house, & reform thy people: comfort such of them as be in trouble, and tell now of the destruction, let go from the mortal thoughts, cast away the burdens of man, put of the weak nature: lay up in some places the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and haste the to flit from these times: for such evil and wickedness as thou hast now seen happen, shall they do yet much worse. 〈◊〉 xxiiii a 〈…〉 c For the weaker that the world and the time is, the more shall sin and wickedness increase, in them that devil upon earth. For the truth is fled far away, and losing is hard at hand. For now hasteth the vision to come, that thou hast seen. Then answered I and said: Behold Lord, I will go as thou hast commanded me, and reform the people which are present. But they that shall be born afterward who will exhort or rebuke them? Thus the world is set in darkness, and they that devil therein are without light: for thy law is kindled, because no man knoweth the things that are done in thee, or that shall be done. If I have found grace before thee, send the holy ghost in to me, and I shall write all that hath been done in the world sense the beginning, which was written in thy law, that men may find the path, and that they which will live in the latter days, may live. And he answered me, saying: Go thy way, gather thy people together, and say unto the that they seek the not for xl days, but look thou gather the many box trees, and take with the Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Echanus, and Asiall: these five which are ready to write swiftly, and come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be performed, which thou shalt begin to write. And then shalt thou declare some things openly unto the perfect, and some things shalt thou show secretly unto the wise. To morrow this hour shalt thou begin to write. Then went I forth (as he commanded me) and gathered all the people together, and said: Hear these words, O Israel: Our fathers from the beginning were strangers in egypt, 〈◊〉 ●ii. b. from whence they were delivered, and received, the law of life, which they kept not, which you also have transgressed after them. Then was this land and the land of Zion parted among you by lot to possess. But your fathers and you yourselves also have done unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the highest commanded you. And for so much as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in time the thing that he had given you. And now are you here, & your brethren amongs you. Therefore if so be that you will subdue your own understanding, and reform your heart, you shall be kept alive, & after death shall you obtain mercy. For after death shall the judgement come, when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the names of the ungodly with their works, shall be declared. Let no man therefore come now unto me, ne ask any question of me these forty days. So I took the five men (as he commanded me) and we went in to the field, and remained there, the next day a voice called me, saying: Esdras, open thy mouth, and drink that I give the. Ezech. iii a Apoca ten ● Then opened I my mouth, and behold he reached me a full cup which was full of water, but the colour of it was like fire. And I took it and drank. And when I hand drunken it, my heart had understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast: for my spirit was kept in remembrance, and my mouth was opened, and should no more. The highest gave understanding unto the five men. that they written the high things of the night, which they understood not. But in the night they ate breed: as for me, I spoke in the day, and held my tongue by night. In forty days they written two hundred and four books. And it happened when the forty days were fulfilled, that the highest spoke, saying: The first that thou hast written, speak openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it. But the three score and ten last, that thou mayst show it only to such as be wise amongs thy people. For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of wisdom, and the stream of knowledge. And I did so. ¶ The punishment that evil people shall have, which God commandeth Esdras to show unto them. CAPI. XU. Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of the prophecy, which I will put in thy mouth, saith the Lord, & 'cause them to be written in a letter, for it is the truth, Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the unfaithfulness of them trouble thee, that speak against the. For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness. Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world, the sword, hunger, death and destruction, for wickedness hath the upper hand in all the earth, and their shameful works are fulfulled. Therefore saith the Lord: I will hold my tongue no more unto their wickedness, which they do so ungodly: neither will I suffer them in the things that they deal withal so wickedly. Behold, Apoca vi b and ix a the innocent blood of the troubled crieth unto me, and the souls of the righteous complain continually: and therefore (saith the Lord) I will surely avenge, and receive unto me all the innocent blood from amongs them. Behold, my people is led as a flock of sheep to be slain, Psalm lxiii c ●●ma viii c i Corin four b I will not suffer them now to devil in egypt, but will bring them out with a mighty hand, & a stretched out arm, and smite it with plagues as afore, and will destroy all the land of it. Egypt shall mourn and the foundations of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it. They that till the ground shall mourn: for their sedes shall be destroyed thorough the blasting and hail, and an horrible star. woe worth the world, and them that devil therein, for the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one people shall stand up to fight against an other, and swords in their hands. For men shall be unsteadfast, & some shall do violence unto other: they shall not regard their king & princes: the ways of their doings and handelynges in their power. A man shall desire to go in to the city, & shall not be able. For because of their pride, the cities shall be brought in fear, the houses shall shake, and men shall be afraid. A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but one shall provoke an other unto battle to spoil their goods, because of of the hunger of breed, & because of the great trouble. Behold, I gather and call together all the kings of the earth, which are from the uprising, from the South, from the East and Libanus, to turn unto them, and restore the things that they have given them, Like as they do yet this day unto my choose, so will I do also, and recompense them in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God: my right hand shall not spare the sinners, & my sword shall not cease over them that shed the innocent blood upon earth. The fire is go out from his wrath, and hath consumed the fountions of the earth, and the sinners like the straw that is kindled. woe worth them that sin, and keep not my commandments, saith the Lord. I will not spare them. Go your way you children of violence, defile not my Sanctuary, for the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction. For now are the plagues come upon the world, and you shall remain in them, for God shall not deliver you, because you have sinned against him. Behold, an horrible vision cometh from the east, where generations of Dragons shall come out, and the people of the Arabes, with many charettes, and the multitude of them shall be as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them raging in their wrath, may fear and be afraid: and as the wild boors out of the wood, so shall they go out, and with great power shall they come, and stand fighting with them, and shall waste the portion of the land of the Assyrians. And then shall the Dragons have the upper hand, not remembering their birth, and shall turn about swearing together in great power, to persecute them. But these shall be afraid, and keep silence at their power, and shall flee: and one out of the land of the Assyrians shall besiege them, and consume one of them, and in their host shall be fear and dread, and strife amongs their kings. Behold clouds from the East and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm. They shall smite one upon an other, and they shall smite at the great star upon earth and their star, and the blood shall be from the sword unto the belie, and the smoke of man unto the camels litter. And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth, and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and a trembling shall come upon them. And then shall there come great rains from the south, and from the north, and part from the west, and from the stormy wind from the east, and shall shut them up again, and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star to 'cause fear toward the East and west wind, shall be destroyed: and the great clouds shall be lift up, and the mighty clouds full of wrath, & the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them that devil therein, and that they may pour out over all places an horrible star, fire and hail, and fleeing swords, and many waters: that all fields may be full, and all rivers, and they that break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, all trees, wood, and the grass of the meadows, & all their fruit. And they shall go steadfast unto Babylon, and make her afraid, they shall come to her & besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her. Then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her, shall bewail her: and they that remain under her, shall do service unto them that have put her in fear. And thou Asia that comfortest thyself also upon the hope of Babylon, and art a worship of her person. Woe be unto the thou wretch, because thou haste made thyself like unto her, and hast decked thy daughters in hoordome, that they might triumph and please thy lovers which have always desired to commit whoredom with thee: thou hast followed the abominable city, in all her works and inventions. Therefore saith God: I will sand plagues upon thee, widowhod, poverty, hunger, wars, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and death, and the glory of thy power shall be dried up as a flower, when the heat ariseth that is sent over the. Thou shalt be sick as a poor wife that is plagued and beaten of women: so that the mighty and lover shall not be able to receive the. Wold● I so hate thee, saith the Lord, If thou hadst not alway slain my choose, exalting the stroke of thy hands, and said over their death, when thou wast drunken: set forth the beauty of thy countenunce. The reward of thy hoordome shall be recompensed in thy bosom, therefore shalt thou be reacquited. Like as thou haste done unto my choose (saith the Lord) even so shall God do unto thee, and shall deliver the into the plague. Thy children shall die of hunger, and thou shalt fall thorough the sword. Thy cities shall be broken down: and all thine shall perish with the sword in the field. They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat their own flesh, and drink their own blood for very hunger of bread and thirst of water. Thou unhappy shalt come thorough the see and receive plagues again. In the passage they shall cast down the slain city, and shall rote out one part of thy land, and consume the portion of thy glory. They shall tread the down like stubble, and they shall be the fire and shall consume thee: thy cities and thy land, thy wood and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with the fire. Thy children shall they carry away captive, & look what thou hast, they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face. ¶ The heathen shall be punished. CAPI. XVI. WOE be unto the Babylon and Asia, woe be unto the egypt and Syria: gird yourselves with clotheses of sack and beer, and mourn for your children, be sorry for your destruction is at hand. A sword is sent upon you, and who will turn it back? A fire is kindled among you, and who will quench it? Plagues are sent unto you, & what is he that will drive them away? May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? Or may any man quench the fire in the stubble, when it hath begun to burn? May one turn against the arrow, that is shot of a strong archer: The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues, and what is he that will drive them away? The fire is kindled and go forth in his wrath, and what is he that will quench it? He shall cast lyghtenynges, and who shall not fear? He shall thunder, and who shall not be afraid? The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not utterly be beaten to powder at his prensence? The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof: the see ariseth up with waves from the deep, and the floods of it are unquiet and the fishes thereof also before the Lord, and before the glory of his power. For strong is his right hand that holdeth the bow his arrows that he shuteth are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin to be shot into the ends of the world. Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall, not turn again, till they come upon earth, The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out till it consume the foundations of the earth. Like as an a-row which is shot of a mighty archer, returns not backward: even so the plagues that shall be sen● upon earth, shall not turn again. Woe is 〈◊〉 is me, who will deliver 〈…〉? The beginning of sorrows and great mourning: the beginning of dearth and great death: the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear of the beginning of evils, & they shall tremble every one. What shall I do in these things, when the plagues come? Behold, hunger, and plague, trouble and anguish are sent, as scourges for amendment. But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickednesses, ne be always mindful of the scourges. Behold, vytayles shall be so good cheap upon the earth, that they shall think themselves to be in good case: and even then shall mischief grow upon earth, wars, dearth and great dysquyetnesse. For many of them that devil upon erath shall perish of hunger, and the other that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy: & the deed shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no man to comfort them. For the earth shall be wasted, and the cities shall be cast down: there shall be no man left to till the earth and to sow it. The trees shall give fruit, and who so shall pluck them of & gather them? The grapes shall be ripe, and who shall tread them? For all places shall be desolate of men, so that one man shall desire to see an other, or to hear his voice. For of one hole city there shall not be ten left, and two in the field, which shall hide themselves in the thick bushes, & in the cliffs of stones: like as when there remain three or four olives upon the olive tree, or as when a vineyard is gathered: there are left some grapes, of them that diligently sought thorough the vineyard. Even so in those days there shall be three or four left, for them that search their houses with the sword. And the earth shall be left waist and the fields thereof shall wax old: & her ways and all her paths shall grow full of thorns, because no man shall travail there thorough. The daughters shall mourn, having no bridegroom's: the women shall make lamentation, having no husbands, their daughters shall mourn, having no help of their bridegroom. In the wars shall they be destroyed, and their husbands shall perish of hunger. O you servants of the Lord, here these things, and mark them. Behold the word of the Lord, O receive it: behold, the plagues draw nigh: and are not slack in tarrying, like as a travelling woman, which after the ix month bringeth forth a son, when the hour of the birth is come, an hour two or three afore that the pains come upon her body, and when the child cometh to the birth, they tarry not the twinkling of an eye: Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the earth, and the world shall mourn, and sorrows shall come upon it on every side. O my people, hear my word/ make you ready to the battle: and in all evil be even as pilgrims upon earth. He that sellet●●●t him be as he that flieth his way: i Corin vii ● and he that dieth, as one that will lose. Who so occupieth merchandise, as he that winneth not: and he that buildeth, as he that shall not devil therein: he that soweth, as one that shall not reap: he that twysteth the vinyeard, as he that shall not gather the grapes: they that marry, as they that shall get no children: & they that marry not, as the widows: and therefore they that labour, labour in vain. For strangers shall reap their fruits, Psal. cxxvi.a Prouer. x c Eclesi xi b and spoil their goods, overthrow their houses, and take their children captive, for in captyvylie and hunger shall they get children. And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, how long deck they their cities, their houses, their possessions, and personnes? the more will I punish them for their sins saith the Lord. Like as an whore envieth an honest woman, so shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decketh herself and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that defendeth, which shall make inquision for all sin upon earth. And therefore be not you like thereunto, ne to the works thereof: for or ever it be long, iniquity shall be taken away out of the earth, and righteousness shall reign amongs you. Let not the sinner say, that he hath not sinned: for coals of fire shall burn upon his head, which saith before the Lord God & his glory: I have not sinned. Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations, their thoughts & their hearts. For he spoke but the word: let the earth be made, Genes. i.a and it was made, let the heaven he made and it was made. In this word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of them. He searcheth the ground of the deep, and the treasures thereof: he hath measured the see, & what it containeth, He hath shut the see in the midst of the waters, & with his word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters. He spreadeth out the heaven like a vault, upon the waters hath he founded it. In the desert and dry wilderness hath he made springs of water, and poles upon the top of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from the stony rocks to water the earth. He made man, & put his heart in the midst of the body, & gave him breath, life and understanding, yea & the spirit of the almighty God, which made all things, and hath searched the ground of all the secrets of the earth. He knoweth your imaginations and inventions, and what you think when you sin, and would hide your sins. Therefore hath the Lord searched and fought out all your works, and he shall bewray you all. And when your sins are brought forth, you shall be ashamed before men, and your own sins shall be your accusers in that day. What will you do? Or how will you hide your sins before God and his Angels? Behold, God himself is the judge, fear him, leave of from your sins, and forget your unryghtousnesses, and meddle no more with them: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all trouble. For behold, the heat of a great muytitude is kindled over you, & they shall take away certain of you, and feed the idle with Idols: and they that consent unto them, shall be had in derision, laughed to scorn, and trodden under foot. For unto the places there shall be a place, and in the next cities a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord They shall be like mad men, they shall spare no man: they shall spoil & waste such as fear the Lord, their goods shall they take from them, and shut them out of their houses. Then shall it be known who are my choose, & they shall be tried as the gold in the fire. Hear O you my beloved, saith the Lord: behold, the days of trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same. Be not you afraid: despair not, for God is your captain. Who so keepeth my commandments and precepts (saith the Lord God) let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your unryghtousnesses be lift up. Woe be unto them that are subdued unto their sins, and tangled in their wyckednesses, like as a field is hedged in with bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travail thorough: and so is he taken, and cast in the fire, and brent. ¶ The end of the fourth book of Esdras. THE BOOK OF TOBIAS. ¶ Tobias being taken prisoner, forsaketh not the law of truth. The mercy and charity of Tobias, and the manners of him in his youth. He taketh Hannah to wife, by whom he hath a son named Tobias. He succoureth gabel for money. He and his are fain to fly, but after the death of Sennacherib they return again. CAPI. I TObias was of the tribe and city of Nephtali, which lieth in the high countries of Galilee above Naason the way toward the west having the city of Sephet upon the left side. 〈◊〉 seven. ● Though he was taken prisoner in the days of Salmanasar king of the Assyrians, nevertheless being in captivity, he forsook not the way of truth: In so much that whatsoever he might get, he parted it daily with his fellow prisoners & brethren, that were of his kindred. And though he were younger than all in the tribe of Nephtali, yet did not not he behave himself childyshly in his works. 〈◊〉 ●ii. d And when all the other went to the golden calves, which Jeroboam the king of Israel had made, he himself alone fled all their companies, and got him to jerusalem unto the temple of the Lord and there worshipped the Lord God of Israel, 〈…〉 faithfully offering of all his first fruits and tithes, so that in the third year he ministered all the tithes unto the strangers and converts. These and such like things did he according to the law of God, when he was yet but young. 〈…〉 c But when he was a man, he took out of his own tribe a wife called Anna, and of her he begat a son whom he called after his own name, and taught him from his youth up, to fear God, and to refrain from all sin. Now when he with his wife, his son and with all his kindred was come in captivity unto Ninive, 〈…〉 what time as they all ate of the meats of the heathen, he kept his soul, and was never defiled in their meats. And for so moche as he was mindful of the Lord in all his heart, God gave him favour in the presence of Salmanasar the king which gave him power to go where he would, and so had he liberty to do what him list. 〈…〉 c So went Tobias unto all them that were in prison, and comforted them, and gave them wholesome exhortations. And when he came to Rages a city of the Medes, having ten talentes of silver (of the things wherewith the king had honoured him) & saw among a great company of people of his kindred, one Gabelus (which was of his own tribe) beyinge in necessity, he gave him the said weight of silver under an hand writing. After a long season when Salmanasar the king was deed, and Sennacherib his son ragned in his stead, which hated the children of Israel. Tobias went daily thorough out all his kindred, and comforted them, and gave of his goods to every one of them as much as he might: he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and buried the deed and slain. iiii. Reg. xix.g and that diligently. And when Sennacherib the king came again and fled out of jewry (what time as God punished him for his blasphemy) and in his wrath, slew many of the children of Israel. Tobias buried their bodies. iiii. Esdr. ii c But when it was told the king, he commanded to slay him, and took away all his goods. Nevertheless Tobias with his son & with his wife, fled his way, and was hid naked, for there were many that loved him. But after xlv days, the king was slain of his own sons. Then came Tobias again to his house, and all his goods restored unto him. ¶ Tobias biddeth such of his friends as fear God, to a banquet or feast. He is reproved of his friends. He fears God more than the king. He becometh blind, by the permission and sufferance of God. His kynsfolckes mock him. CAPI. II AFter these things upon a solemn day of the Lord, Tobias made a good feast in his house, and said unto his son: Go thy way and bring hither some of our tribe, such as fear God, that they may make merry with us. And when he was go, he came again, and told his father, that one of the children of Israel lay slain upon the street. And immediately he leapt from his tabl●, left the feast, came fasting to the deed course, took him and bore him privily in to his house, that when the Sun was down, he might safely bury him. And when he had hid the course, he ate his meat with mourning and fear, remembering the words that the Lord saith by the prophet Amos: Amos viii b a i Mac i d your high feasts shall be turned to sorrow and heaviness. But when the son was down, he went his way and buried him. Then all his neighbours reproved him, saying: It is not long, Tobi. i.d sense it was commanded to slay the because of this matter, and haste scarce escaped the danger of death, and buryest thou the deed again? Nevertheless Tobias fearing God more than the king, took the bodies of the slain, hid them in his house, and buried them at midnight. It happened upon a day, that he had buried the dead, and was weary, came home, and laid him down by the brickwall and slept. And while he was a sleep, there fallen down upon his eyes warm dung out of the swallows nest, Deuter viii a and xiii a john ix a an xi a so that he was blind. This temptation did God suffer to happen unto him, that they which came after, might have an example of his patience, like as of holy job. For in so much as he ever feared God from his youth up, and kept his commandments, he was not heavy against God, that the plague of blindness chanced unto him but remained steadfast in the fear of God, and thanked God all the days of his life. For like as blessed job was had in derision of kings, even so was he laughed to scorn of his elders and kynsfolkes, which said unto him: job four a where is thy hope, for the which thou hast done alms and buried the dead? But Tobias rebuked them, Tobi viii a and spoke: Say not so, for we are the children of holy men, and look for the life, which God shall give unto them that never turn their believe from him. Anna his wife went daily to the weeving work, Ephesi four a and look what living she could get with the labour of her hands, she brought it. And it happened that she took a kid and brought it home. And when her husband herd it cry, he said look that it be not stolen, duty xxii a restore it again to the owners: for it is not lawful for us to eat or to touch any thing of theft. Then was his wife angry, job ii b and said: Now is thy hope become vain openly, and thy alms deeds are manifest. With these and such like words did she cast him in the teeth. ¶ The prayer of Tobias. Sara the daughter of Raguel, is slandered of her father's servant. The prayer and fasting of Sara: And also the innocency and chastity of her. The prayers of Tobias & of Sara are herd. CAPI. III THen Tobias took it heavily, and with tears began to make his prayer saying: O Lord thou art righteous, & all thy judgements are true, yea all thy ways are mercy, faithfulness and judgement. And now, Psal xxiiii b O Lord, be mindful of me, and take no vengeance of my sins, neither remember my misdeeds, neither the misdeeds of my elders. For we have not been odedyent unto thy commandments, therefore are we spoy brought in to captivity, into death, in to derision and shame unto all nations, amongs whom thou hast scattered us. And now O Lord thy judgements are great, for we have not done according to thy comaundementes neither have we walked innocently before the. And now O Lord, deal with me according to thy will, and command my spirit to be received in peax, for more expedyente were it for me to die, then to live. At the same time it happened, that Sara the daughter of Raguel at Rages a city of the Medes was slandered of one of her father's handmaids, that she should have had seven husbands, which as soon as they were go in unto her, were slain of the devil called Asmodeus. Therefore when she reproved the maiden for her fault, she answered her, saying: God let us never see son nor daughter of the more upon earth, thou killer of thy husbands. Wilt thou slay me also, as thou hast slain seven men? At this voice went, Sara in to an high chamber of her house, and three days and three nights she neither ate ne drank, but continued in prayer, and besought God with tears, that he would deliver her from this rebuke. Upon the third day it chanced, that when she had made an end of her prayer, she praised the Lord saying: Blessed be thy name O God of our fathers, which when thou art wroth, showest mercy, and in the time of trouble thou forgyvest the sins of them, that call upon the. Unto the O Lord turn I my face, unto the lift I up mine eyes. I beseech the O Lord, lose me out of the bonds of this rebuke, or else take me utterly away from of the earth. Thou knowest Lord, that I never had desire unto man, and that I have kept my soul clean from all unclenly lust. I have not kept company with those that pass their time in sport, neither have I made myself partaker with them that walk in light behaviour. Nevertheless, an husband have I consented to take, not for my pleasure, but in thy fear. Now peradventure either I have been unworthy of them, or else were they unmeet for me, for thou haply hast kept me to an other husband. For why? thy counsel is not in the power of man. But who so ever loveth thee, Esay viii d and xl b and xlv b and serveth the a right, is sure, that if his life be tempted and proved, it standeth in the trying: and if he endure in patience, he shall have a reward and be hylye crowned, and if he be in trouble, that God (no doubt) shall deliver him: and if his life be in chastening, that he shall have leave to come unto thy mercy. For thou hast no pleasure in our damnation: and why? after a storm thou makest the wether fair and still: after weeping and heaviness, thou givest great joy. Thy name O God of Israel, be praised for ever. At the same time were both their prayers herded in the sight of the majesty of the highest God. And Raphael the holy Angel of the Lord was sent to help them both, whose prayers came together before God. ¶ Tobias thinking to die, giveth a godly exhortation and monition to his son. CAPI. FOUR SO when Tobias thought his prayer to be herd, that he might die, he called unto him his son Tobias: and said unto him: My son, hear the words of my mouth, and lay them in thine heart as a foundation. When God taketh away my soul bury thou my body, 〈…〉 b 〈◊〉 seven c and hold thy mother in honour all the days of her life. For thou oughtest to remember, what and how great perils she suffered for the in her womb. And when she also hath fulfilled the time of her life, bury her beside me. Have God in thy thought all the days of thy life, 〈◊〉 vi b. and beware, jest at any time thou consent unto sin, and jest thou let slip the commandments of the Lord our God. give alms of thy goods, and turn never thy face from the poor: 〈◊〉 iii b and so shall it come to pass, that the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from the. Be merciful after thy power. 〈◊〉 xxxv. a If thou hast much, give plenteously: if thou hast little, do thy diligence, gladly to give of that little. For so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. For alms delivereth from death▪ & suffereth not the soul to come in darkness. A great comfort is alms before the high God, unto all them that do it. My son, keep the well from all whoredom, 〈◊〉 iiii. a and (beside thy wife) see that no fault be known of the. Let never pride have rule in thy mind nor in thy word, for in pride began all destruction. 〈◊〉 iii a Whosoever worketh any thing for thee, immediately give him his hire, & look that thy hired servant wages remain not by the over night. Look that thou never do unto an other man, 〈◊〉 ●●iiii c 〈…〉 b 〈◊〉 xxii. b the thing that thou wouldest not an other man should do unto the. Eat thy bread with the hungry and poor, and cover the naked with thy clotheses. Set thy bread and wine upon the burial of the righteous, and do not thou eat and drink thereof with the sinners. Ask ever counsel at the wise. Be alway thankful unto God, and beseech him, that he will order thy ways, and that whatsoever thou devisest or takest in hand it may remain in him. I certify the also my son, that (when thou wast yet but a babe) I delivered ten talen●es of silver unto Gabelus, at Rages a city of the Medes, and his handwryting have I by me. And therefore seek some means, how thou mayst come by him, and receive of him the said weight of silver, and give him his handwryting again. 〈…〉. d My son, be not afraid: truth it is, we lead here a poor life: but great good shall we have, if we fear God, and depart from all sin and do well. ¶ The obedience of young Tobias to his father, which is sent in to Rages. An angel accompanieth with him in his journey. CAPI. V THen answered Tobias his father, and said: father all that thou hast commanded me, will I do, & that diligently. But how I shall require this money I can not tell. Neither doth he know me, ne I him. What token shall I give him? And as for the way thither, I never known it. Then his father answered him, and said: I have his hand writing by me, which when thou showest him, immediately he shall pay the. But go thy way now, and get the some faithful man to go with the for an hire, that thou mayst receive the money, while I am yet living. Then went Tobias out, and upon the street, he found a fair young man standing, girded up, and as it were one ready to take his journey. And he knew not that it was an Angel of God, but saluted him, and said: From whence art thou, thou good young man? He answered: Of the children of Israel. And Tobias said unto him: knowest thou the way that leadeth unto the country of the Medes? He answered: I know it well, and all those streets have I go often times, and have lodged with our brother Gabelus that dwelleth in Rages, a city of the Medes, which lieth upon the mount Egabthanis. Tobias said unto him: I pray the tarry for me, till I have told my father these things. Then went Tobias in, and told his father all. At the which his father marveled, and prayed that he would come in unto him. Now when the Angel came in, he saluted him and said: joy be with the for evermore. And old Tobias said: what joy can I have that sit here in darkness, and see not the light of heaven? The young man said unto him: Be of good cheer, God shall help the shortly. And Tobias said unto him: Canst thou bring my son to Gabelus, unto the city of Rages in Medea? And when thou comest again, I shall pay the thy hire. And the angel said unto him: I shall lead thy son, and bring him to the again. Then Tobias answered him: tell me I pray thee, of what house, or of what tribe art thou? The Angel Raphael said unto him: Askest thou after the kindred of an hireling, or seekest thou a guide for thy son to go with him? But that I make the not careful, I am Azarias the son of great Hananias. And Tobias answered: thou art come of a great kindred: but I pray the be not displeased that I desired to know thy kindred. The angel said unto him: thy son shall I lead forth safely, and bring him hole to the again. Then answered Tobias, and said: well go on your way, and God be in your journey, and his Angel bear you company. So when they had prepared all things, that they would take with them in their journey: Tobias had his father and his mother farewell, and they went on their way both together. Now when they were go, his mother began to weep, and said: The staff of our age hast thou taken away, and sent him from us. Would God that money had never been, for the which thou hast sent him away. If we had been content with our poverty, this had been great riches unto us, that we saw our son here. Then said Tobias unto her: weep not, our son shall come to us again safe and sound, and thine eyes shall see him. For I trust, that the good Angel of God shall bear him company, and order well all the things that he doth: so that he shall come to us again with joy. At these words his mother left of from weeping, and held her tongue. ¶ young Tobias is delivered from the fish, by the Angel. The Angel exhorteth Tobias to take Sara to his wife. CAPI. VI SO Tobias went on his way, and a dog followed him, and the first night they abode by the water of Tigris. Then went he out to wash his feet, and behold, there came forth an horrible fish to devour him. Of whom Tobias was afraid, and cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, he cometh upon me. And the Angel said unto him: Take him by the cheek shoulder-blade, and draw him to the. And he did so, and drew him upon the land. And the fish began to leap at his feet. Then said the Angel unto him: Take out the bowels of this fish, and as for the heart, the gall, and the liver, keep them by the. For these things are necessary and good for medicine. Tobias did so, and toasted the fish, & they took him with them in their journey, the residue they salted, as much as was sufficient for them, till they came to Rages. Then Tobias asked the Angel, & said unto him: I pray the brother Azariah, tell me whereto are these things good of the fish, that thou hast bidden me keep? The angel answered him and said: If thou layest a piece of the heart upon the coals the smoke thereof driveth away all manner of evil spirits, whether it be from man or from woman, so that from thence forth the same shall come no more unto them. The gall is good to anoint or to streke the eyes withal, where as there is any blemish in them, so shall they be hole. And Tobias said unto him: where wilt thou that we remain? Num xxxvi a The angel answered and said here is a nigh kinsman of thine, one Raguel by name, which hath a daughter called Sara, & hath neither son ne daughter but her. All his good belongeth unto that, and thou must marry his daughter: and therefore desire her of her father, and he shall give her the to wife. Then answered Tobias & said: As I understand, she hath been married unto seven husbands, and they all are deed: and I have herd say, that the devil slew them. I am afraid therefore, jest such things hap unto me also: which if it came to pass (s●ynge I am the only son of my father & my mother) I should bring them in their age with sorrow to their graves. Then said the Angel Raphael uno him: Hear me, and I will tell the what they be, of whom the devil hath power. Namely, they that receive marriage of such a fashion, that they shut God out from them and from their heart, Tessalo iiii ● Psalm. xxxi ● & give themselves to their own lust, even as it were an horse and mule, which have no understanding, upon such hath the devil power. But when thou takest her, Tobi vii b and art come in to the chamber, withhold thyself from her three days, and give thy diligence unto nothing but unto prayer with her. And in the first night, roast the liver of the fish, and the devil shall be driven away. The second night, shalt thou be received in to the company of the holy patriarchs. The third night, shalt thou obtain the blessing of God, so that hole children shall be born of you. After the third night take the maiden in the fear of God, and more for the desire of children, then for any fleshly lust, that in the sede of Abraham thou mayest obtain the blessing in children. ¶ young Tobias and the Angel come to the house of Raguel. He requireth Raguels' daughter to wife, and obtaineth her. CAPI. VII. THen went they in to raguel, which received them joyfully. And when Raguel looked upon Tobias, he said unto Anna his wife: How like is this young man unto my sisters son. And when he had spoken this, he said: whence be you good brethren? They said: Of the tribe of Nephthaly out the captivity of Ninive. Then said Raguel unto them: know you my brother Tobias? They said: yea, we know him well. And when he had spoken much good of him, the Angel said unto Raguel: Tobias of whom thou askest, is this young man's father. Then raguel bowed himself down, and wept, took him about the neck and kissed him, and said: Tobi ix d God's blessing have thou my son, for thou art the son of a good virtuous man. And Anna his wife and Sara his daughter wept also. Now when they had talked together, Raguel bade kill a wether, and to make a feast. And when he prayed them to sit down to dinner, Tobias said: I will neither eat ne drink here this day, except thou first grant me my petition, and promise me to give me thy daughter Sara. When Raguel heard this, he was astonied, for he knew what had happened unto the other seven men that went in unto her: and he began to fear that it should chance unto him also in like manner. And while he stood so in doubt, and gave the young man no answer, the angel said unto him: Fear not to give him thy daughter, for unto this man that fears God, belongeth thy daughter to wife, therefore might none other have her. Then said Raguel: I doubt not, but God hath accepted my prayers and tears in his sight: and I trust he caused you to come unto me for the same intent, that this daughter of mine might be married in her own kindred, 〈◊〉 xuj c 〈◊〉 vi c according to the law of Moses. And now doubt thou not, but I will give her unto thee: So he took the right hand of his daughter, and gave her in to the right hand of Tobias, and said: The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob, be with you: join you together, and fulfil his blessing in you. And they took a letter and made a writing of the marriage. And then made they merry, and praised God. And Raguel called Anna his wife unto him, and had her prepare an other chamber, and thither he brought Sara his daughter, and she wept. Then said he unto her: Be of good cheer my daughter, the Lord of heaven give the joy, for the heaviness that thou haste suffered. ¶ The Angel bindeth the devil. Tobias exhorteth his wife to prayer, and they pray three days before they lie together. CAPI. VIII. NOw after that they had supped, they brought the young man in to her. Then thought Tobias upon the words of the angel, and took out of his bag a piece of the liver of the fish, and laid it upon the hot coals. So the the angel Raphael took hold of the devil, and sent him away, and bound him in the wilderness of the higher Egypt. Then spoke Tobias unto the virgin, & said: Up Sara, 〈◊〉 vii a let us make our prayer unto God to day, to morrow, and overmorow: for these three nights will we reconcile ourselves with God: and when the third holy night is past we shall join together in the duty of marriage. For we are the children of holy men, and we may not come together as the Heathen that know not God. Then stood they up both together, and be sought God earnestly that he would preserve them. 〈◊〉 vi d And Tobias said: O Lord God of our fathers, praised be thou of heaven and earth, of the see, wells, and floods, and of all the creatures that be therein. Thou modest Adam of the mould of the earth, 〈◊〉 i b and gavest him Eva for an helper. And now Lord thou knowest, that it is not because of voluptuousness that I take this sister of mine to wife, but only for the love of children, in whom thy name be blessed for ever. And Sara said: have mercy upon us, oh Lord, have mercy upon us and set us both come hole and sound to a good age. And about the cock crow, it happened that Raguel called his servants, and they went with him to make a grave. For he said: it is chanced unto him peradventure, as it did unto the other seven men, that wet in unto her. Now when they had made the grave, Raguel came again to his wife, and said unto her: sand one of thy maids to look if he be deed, that I may bury him afore it be light day. So she sent a maiden to see, which when she came in to the chamber, she found them hole and sound sleeping together. And so she came again, and brought good tidings. Then Raguel and Anna his wife, praised the Lord and said: Praised be thou, oh Lord God of Israel, for it is not happened unto us as we thought. For thou hast dealt mercifully with us, and put away from us, the enemy that persecuted us, and hast showed mercy unto yonder two beloved. O Lord cause them to magnify the more perfectly, and to offer the the sacrifice of thy praise and of their health: that all people may know, that thou only art God in all the earth. And immediately Raguel commanded his servants to fill the grave that they had made with earth afore it was light: and bade his wife prepare a feast, & to make ready all things that were necessary for meat, to such as went by the way. He caused two fat kine also, and four wethers to he slain, & meats to be prepaeer for all his neighbours & friends, and Raguel charged Tobias to remain with him two weeks. As for all the good that he had, he gave Tobias the one half of it, & made this writing, that the half which remained, should fall unto Tobias after their death. ¶ The Angel goeth to Gabelus, at the desire of Tobias, which delivereth the letter, and receiveth the money. CAPI. IX. THen Tobias called unto him the angel, whom he thought to have been a man, and said unto him. Brother Azarias, I pray the hearken unto my words: If I should give myself to be thy servant, I shall not deserve thy providence. Nevertheless I beseech thee, that thou wilt take the beasts and the servants, and go unto Gabelus in Rages the city of Medes, and deliver him his hand writing, and receive the money of him, and pray him to come to my marriage. For thou knowest thyself, that my father telleth the days: and if I tarry one day to long, he will be sorry in his mind. Now seist thou how earnestly Raguel hath required me, so that I can not say him nay. Then took Raphael four of Raguels' servants & two camels, & went unto Rages the city of the Medes: and when he had found Gabelus, he gave him his hand writing and received all the money. He told him also of Tobias the son of Tobi, how all things had happened, and caused him to come with him to the marriage. Now when he came in to the house of Raguel, he found Tobias sitting at the table: and he leapt up, and they kissed one an other, and Gabelus wept, Tobi. ●ii. ● and praised God and said: the hlessing of the God of Israel have thou, for thou art the son of a right virtuous and just man, and of one that fears God, and giveth great alms. And blessing have thy wife, and your elders that you may see your children and your childers children, unto the third and fourth generation, and that your seed may be blessed of the God of Israel, which reigneth world without end. And when they had said: Amen, they went to the feast, but with the fear of the Lord, held they the feast of the marriage. ¶ Tobias and his wife are sad for the tarriance of their son. Raguel sendeth again Tobias with his wife. CAPI. X. Now while young Tobias made long tarrying by reason of the marriage his father was full of care and heaviness, and thought what should be the cause, that my son tarrieth so long? Or why should he be kept so long there? Peradventure Gabelus is deed, and no man will give him the money. Thus began he to be very sorrowful he Anna his wife with him, & began to weep both together, because their son was not come again unto them at the day appointed. As for his mother, she wept with uncomfortable tears, and said: Woe is me, my son O what ailed us to send the away in to a strange country, thou light of our eyes, thou staff of our age, Tobi u d thou comfort of our life, thou hope of our generation? Seeing all the things that we have are only of thee, we should not have sent the away from us. Then Tobias comforted her, & said: hold thy tongue, and be not discomforted, our son is hole and sound: the man that we sent him withal is faithful enough. Nevertheless she might in no wise be comforted: but daily went out, looked about, and went about all the streets, whereby she thought he should come again, that (if it were possible) she might see him coming a far of. But Raguel said unto his son in law: O tarry here, & I shall sand a messenger unto thy father Tobias, to tell him that thou art in good health. Tobias said unto him: I am sure that my father and my mother count every day. and that their hearts are sorry. So when Raguel prayed Tobias with many words, and would in no wise hear him, he delivered Sara unto him, and the half part of all his good: in servants, & handmaidens, in sheep in camels, & in kine, and moche money, and so sent him away from him with pear and joy, and said: the holy angel of the Lord be with you in your journey, and bring you forth safe and sound, that you may find all things in good case with your elders, and that mine eyes may see your children afore I die. So the elders embraced their daughter, kissed her, and let her go, exhorting her to honour her father & mother in law, to love her husband, to rule well her household, to keep her house in good order, and to show herself faultless. ¶ young Tobias leaving his wife and household in the mid way, cometh before with the angel. The dream of his mother, looking after her son. He is joyfully received of his father and mother. Sara cometh seven days after. CAPI. XI. AS they now were going homeward again, upon the xi day they came to Charra, which lieth in the half way toward Ninive. And the angel said: Brother Tobias thou knowest how thou hast left thy father: therefore if it please the we two will go before, and let the household with thy wife and the cattles come soft and fayrly after us. And when Tobias was content that they should go before, Raphael said unto him: Take of the gall of the fish with thee, for it shall be necessary. So Tobias took of the gall, and they went their way. But Anna the mother of Tobias sat daily by the way side upon the top of an hill, from whence she might see far about her. And while she was waiting there for his coming, she looked afar of, and anon she perceived her son coming, and ran and told her husband, saying: Behold, thy son cometh. And Raphael said unto Tobias: As soon as thou comest in to the house, immediately worship the Lord thy God, and give thanks unto him: then go to thy father & kiss him, and strike his eyes over with the gall of the fish, that thou hast brought with the. For be sure that his eyes shall straight way be opened, and thy father shall see the light of heaven, and shall rejoice at the sight of the. Then the dog that had been with them in their journey, ran before, and came as a messenger, and wagged with his tail for gladness. So the blind father arose, & began to ren and hombled with his feet, & gave a servant his hand, ran to meet his son, received him and kissed him and his wife, and began to weep for joy. Now when they had worshipped & thanked God, they sat down. Then took Tobias of the fishes gall, & anointed his father's eyes: and tarried half an hour, and then began the blemyssh to go out of his eyes, like as it had been the white skin of an egg, which Tobias took and drawn from his eyes, and immediately he received his sight. Then they praised god, he and his wife, & all they that known him. And Tobias said: O Lord God of Israel, I give the praise and thanks, for thou hast chastened me, & made me hole. And lo, now do I see my son Tobias. After seven days came Sara his sons wife also hole and sound, with all the household and cattles, with camels & moche money of his wives, and with the money that he had received of Gabelus: and he told his father and mother all the benefits, which God had done for him, by the man that led him. Achior also and Nabath Tobias sisters sons came, and were glad, and rejoiced with him, by reason of all the good, that God had showed unto him. And so for the space of seven days they made merry, and were right joyful every chone. ¶ Young Tobias reckoneth up unto his father the pleasures that the Angel did unto him. He offereth unto the Angel half the goods that he brought with him. CAPI. XII. THen Tobias called his son unto him, & said: what may we give this holy man that went with thee? Tobias answered his father, and said: Father what reward shall we give him? or what thing can deserve his benefits? He hath been my guide, and brought me safe again: he received the money from Gabelus, he caused me to get my wife he drove the evil spirit from her, he hath been an occasion of gladness to her father & mother, he delivered me, that I was not devoured of the fish, he hath made the to see the light of heaven, yea we all have received great good of him. How should we worthly deserve these things unto him? But I pray the my father that thou wilt desire him, if happily he will vouchsafe to take with him the half of all that we have brought. So the father and the son called him, took him aside, and began to pray him, that he would be content to take in good worth the half part of all that he had brought. Then said he secretly unto them: Praise the God of heaven, and give thanks unto him, before all men living, for he hath showed his mercy unto us. It is good for us to hide the kings secret, but to show and to praise the works of God, it is an honourable thing. Prayer is good with fasting, 〈…〉 and to give alms, is better than to hoard up treasures of gold, for alms delivereth from death, cleanseth sin, 〈◊〉 ●●ii. b 〈…〉. b and causeth to find everlasting life. But they that do sin & unrighteousness, are the enemies of their own souls. Wherefore I tell you the truth, & will hide nothing from you. When thou prayedst with tears, 〈…〉 and buryedst the deed, and leftest thy dinner, and hyddest the deed in thy house upon the day time, that thou mightest bury them in the night, I offered thy pryrayer before the Lord. And because thou wast accepted and beloved of God, it was necessary that temptation should try the. 〈◊〉. i●i. b. And now hath the Lord sent me to heal thee, & to deliver Sara thy sonsonnes' wife from the evil spirit. For I am Raphael an angel, one of the seven that stand before God. When they herd this, they were sore afraid and trembled, and fell down upon their faces unto the ground. Then said the angel: Peax be with you, fear not. Where as I have been with you, it is the will of God, give praise and thanks unto him. You thought that I did eat and drink with you, but I use meat that is invisible, Gene. xviii a and xix a judith xiii c & drink that can not be seen of men. Now therefore is the time that I must turn again unto him that sent me: but be you thankful unto God, and tell out all his wondrous works. And when he had spoken these words, he was taken away out of their sight, so that they saw him no more. Then fallen they down flat upon their faces by the space of three hours, and praised God: and when they rose up, they told all his wondrous works. ¶ Tobias the elder giveth thanks unto God. CAPI. XIII. THen old Tabias' opened his mouth & praised the Lord, and said: great art thou, oh Lord, for evermore, and thy kingdom, world without end: duty xxxii c i Reg. ii b Sapie xvi c for thou scourgest and healest, thou leadest unto hell, and bryngest out again, and there is none that may escape thine hand. O give thanks unto the Lord, you children of Israel, & praise him in the sight of the Heathen. For among the Heathen which know him not hath he scattered you, to th'intent that you should show forth his marvelous works: and 'cause them for to know, that there is none other God almighty but he. He hath chastened us for our misdeeds, and for his own mercy sake shall he save us. consider then how he hath dealt with you, and praise him with fear and dread, and magnify the everlasting king in your works. I will pray him, even in the land of my captivity, for he hath showed his majesty unto a sinful people. Turn you therefore, O you sinners, and do righteousness before God, and be you sure that he will show his mercy upon you. As for me and my soul, we will rejoice in God. O praise the Lord all you his choose, hold the days of gladness, and be thankful unto him. O jerusalem thou city of God, the Lord hath punished the for the works of thine own hands. O praise the Lord in thy good things, two. Para vi ● and give thanks to the everlasting God, that he may huylde us his tabernacle again in thee, that he may call again unto thee, all such as be in captivity, and that thou mayst have joy for evermore. With a fair light shalt thou shine and ale the ends of the world shall honour the. The people shall come unto the from far, Luke ii ● Esay. l●. a Ma●k viii a Act. i●. a they shall bring gifts, & worship the Lord in thee, and thy land shall they have for a Sanctuary, for the shall call upon the great name in the. Cursed shall they be that despise thee, and all that blaspheme thee, shall be condemned: but blessed shall they be that build the up. As for thee, thou shalt rejoice in thy children, for they all shall be blessed and gathered together unto the Lord Blessed are they all the love thee, & be glad of thy peax. Praise thou the Lord, oh my soul, for the Lord our God hath delivered his city jerusalem from all her troubles. I will count myself happy if my seed remain to see the clearness of jerusalem. Apoca xi c The gates of jerusalem shall be builded with Sapphire, & smaragd, and all the compass of her walls with precious stones. All her streets shall be paved with white marble stone, and in all her streets shall hallelujah be song. Praised be the Lord, which hath exalted her, that his kingdom may be upon her for evermore. Amen. And so Tobias made an end of his talking. ¶ Tobias prophecyeth the destruction of Ninive. His senn● returns to Raguel, after the de●esse of his father and mother. CAPI. XIIII. ANd after that Tobias had got his sight again, job. ●iii c Psal cxxvii a he lived xlij years, and saw his nephews children. Now when he was an hundred and two year old, he died: and was buried honourably in Ninive. For when he was six and fifty years of age, he lost his sight of his eyes, and when he was three score year old, he got his sight again. The residue of his life led he in joy, and increased well in the fear of God, and departed in peax. But in the hour of his death be called unto him his son Tobias, and seven young spryngoldes his sons children, and said unto them: Naun. i.ii.ii●. Sophoni ii c The destruction of Ninive is at hand, for the word of the Lord can not fail, and our brethren that are scattered out of the land of Israel, shall come thither again. And the hole land of it that hath been waste, shall be filled, i Esdr. iii b iii Esdr. u d and the house of God that was brent in it, shall be builded again, & all such as fear God, shall return thither: the Heathen also shall forsake their idols, & come to jerusalem, & devil there, and all the kings of the earth shall be glad of her, and worship the Lord God of Israel. And therefore my children, hear your father: Serve the Lord in faithfulness, Deuter vi c i Reg. v●i. ● joshua xxiiii c seek after his will, and do the thing that pleaseth him. Command your children that they do right, give alms, be mindful of God, and ever to be thankful unto him in truth and with all their power. Hear me therefore my children, & abide not here: but in what day so ever you have buried your mother beside me, get you from hence. For I see, that the wickedness of it shall bring it to destruction and end. After the death of his mother, Tobias departed away from Ninive, with his wife & chyldrn, and with his childers children, and came again to his father and mother in law and found them hole and in a good age, and took the care of them. And he closed their eyes and was heir unto all Raguels' goods, & saw the fifth generation and childers children. And when he was xcix year of age, he died in the fear of the Lord, and his kynsfolkes buried him: And all his posterity continued in a good life, and holy conversation: so that they were loved and accepted both of God and men, and of all the people of the land. ¶ The end of the book of Tobias. THE BOOK OF JUDITH. ¶ The building of Egbathanis. The victory of Nabuchodonozor against Arphaxat. The messengers of Nabuchodonozor are despised. CAPI. I ARphaxat the king of the Medes, submoved many people unto his dominion, and builded a noble strong city, which he called Egbathanis. The walls of it made he of free stone, four squared, seventy cubytes high, & thirty cubits broad. He made towers thereupon of an hundred cubits high. But upon the four corners, every side was twenty foot broad. He made the ports in the heygthe like as the towers. This king trusted in his mighty host, and in his glorious charettes. So in the twelfth year of his reign, it happened that Nabuchodonosor the king of the Assyrians (which reigned in the great city of Ninive) fought against Arphaxat, and overcame him in the great field called Ragau beside Euphrates and Tigris, and Jadason, in the field of Erioth the king of the Elikes. Then was the kingdom of Nabuchodonosor exalted, and his heart was lytte up: and he sent unto all them that dwelt in Celicia, 〈◊〉 i a in Damascus, in Libanus, and unto the Heathen that dwelt in Carmel, and Cedar, and to such as dwelt in Galilee in the great field of Esdrelon, to all them that were in Samaria, and beyond the water of jordane unto jerusalem, and the hole land of jesse, unto the mountains of Ethiopia. Unto all these did Nabuchodonosor the king of the Assyrians send messengers. But they all with one consent would not agreed unto him, and sent the messengers again empty, and put them away without honour. Then Nabuchodonosor the king took indignation at all those lands, and swore by his throne, and by his kingdom, that he would be avenged of all those countries. ¶ Holofernes is sent of Nabuchodonozor, to subdue all the world. The preparation and pursuit of Holofernes. CAPI. II IN the thirteenth year of king Nabuchodonosor, upon the xxij day of the first month, it was devised in the court of Nabuchodonosor the king of the Assyrians, that he would defend himself. So he called unto him all the elders, all his captains, & men of war, and showed them his secret counsel, and told them that his purpose was to bring the hole earth under his dominion. Now when they were all content with his saying: Nabuchodonosor the king called Holofernes the chief captain of his wars, and said unto him: go thy way forth against all the kingdoms of the west, and specially against those that have despised my commandment. Thou shalt spa●e no realm, Ezechi ix b all strong cities shalt thou bring in subjection unto me. Then Holofernes called together all the Captains and rulers of all the power in Assyria, and mustered the soldiers unto the host (like as the king commanded him) namely an hundred and twenty thousand fighting men upon foot, and twelve thousand archers upon horseback. All his ordinance sent he before with an innumerable multitude of camels, so that the host was well provided for with oxen and small cattle, and that without number. He caused corn to be prepared out of all Ciria for his host. Moche gold and silver also took he out of the kings house. So he took his journey, he and all his host, with charettes, horsemen, and archers: of whom there were so many, that they covered the ground of the land, like the greshoppers. And when he was go past the borders of the Assyrians, he came toward the great mountains of Ange, which lie upon the left side of Celicia: and so he went up in to all their castles, and wan every strong hold. As for the wealthy city of Melothus, he broke it down, and spoiled all the children of Tharsis and the Ismaelites, which lay toward the wilderness, and upon the south side of the land of Chelon. He went over Euphrates also, and came in to Mesopotamia, and broke down all the high cities that were there, from the brook of Mamb●e, till a man come to the see: & he took the borders in from Celicia, unto the coostes of japhet toward the south. He carried away all the Madianites, and spoiled all their goods: & who so ever withstood him, he slay them with the sword. After this he went down in to the field of Damascus in the time of harvest and brent up all the corn and all the trees, and caused the wines to be cut down. And the fear of him fell upon all them that dwelled in the earth. ¶ Kings become willingly subject to Holofernes. The tyranny and cruelty of him. CAPI. III SO the kings and princes of all cities, & lands sent their ambassadors, namely they of Syria and Mesopotamia. Syria Sobal, and Lybia, and Celicia, which came to Holofernes, and said: Let thy wrath cease toward us: It is better for us to serve the great king Nabuchodonozor with our lives, and to be subject unto thee, then that we should die, and be slain, & receive greater hurt. All our cities and possessions, all mountains and hills, all fields great, and small cattle, sheep, goats, horses and camels, all our goods and households, be in thy power, under thy subjection be it all together. We ourselves also and our children will be thine own, come unto us a peaceable Lord, and use our service at thy pleasure. Then came Holofernes down from the mountains with horsemen and great power, and conquered all strong fenced cities, and all that dwelled in the land. And out of all cities he took strong men, and such as were meet for the war, to help him. There came such a fear also upon those countries, judi u a that the indwellers of all the cities, the Princes and rulers, and the people together went forth to meet him as he came, and received him honourably with garlands and torches, with daunses, tabrettes, & pipes. Nevertheless though they did this, yet might they not suage his rigorous stomach but he destroyed their cities, & hewed down their woods. For Nabuchodonosor the king had commanded him, that he should root out all the gods of the land: to the intent that he only might be called and taken for God of the nations, which Holofernes with his power brought under him. So wet he thorough Syria Sabal, and thorough all Appamia, and all Mesopotamia, came to the Idumeans, in the land of Gabaa, and Septopoly, and took their cities, & remained there thirty days, wherein he caused all the hole multitude of his Host to be gathered together. ¶ Israel requireth help of God, against Holofernes. They fast and pray. CAPI. FOUR WHen the children of Israel that dwelled in jury heard this, they were sore afraid of him. There came such trembling also and fear upon them, that they sorrowed he should do unto the city of jerusalem and the temple of the Lord, as he had done to other cities and their temples. So they sent in to all Samaria round about unto jericho, took in and occupied all the tops of the mountains, made fast the towns with walls, and prepared corn for them against the battle. Eliachim also the Priest written unto all them that dwelt toward Esdrelon (which lieth over against the great field by DothaIm) and unto all those by whom men might have passage unto them, that they should take in the ways of the mountains whereby there might be any way and passage to jerusalem, and that they should hold diligent watch where any straight way was betwixt the mountains. And the children of Israel did, as Eliachim the priest of the Lord had commanded them. And all the people cried earnestly, Ecles' xxxvi b and humbled their souls with fastings and prayers, they & their wives. The Preestes put on heerye clotheses, and laid the young babes before the temple of the Lord, and covered the altar of the Lord with an heerye cloth. And with one accord they cried unto the Lord God of Israel, that their children should not be given in to a pray, & their wives in to a spoil, that their cities should not be laid waste, and that their Sanctuary should not be unhallowed, and so they to be a shame and rebuke unto the Heathen. Then Eliachim the high priest of the Lord went round about all Israel, and spoke unto them, saying: Be you sure, that the Lord will hear your petitions, if you continue steadfast in fastings and prayers in the sight of the Lord. Remember Moses the servant of the Lord, Exod. xvii c which overthrew the Amalechites (that trusted in their might and power, in their host, in their shyldes, in their charettes and horsemen) not with weapons, but with holy prayers. Even so shall all the enemies of Israel be, if you continue in this work that you have begun. So upon this exhortation, they continued in prayer before the Lord. In so much that they which offered brent sacrifices unto the Lord, offered the offerings unto the Lord, being arrayed in heery clotheses, and had ashes upon their heads. And they all besought God from their hole heart, that he would visit his people of Israel. ¶ Holofernes is discontent with the jews Achior showeth unto Holofernes the marvels of God, done unto the jews, for which thing, the rulers under Holofernes were very angry with him. CAPI. V ANd word came to Holofernes the price of the wars of the Assyrians, that the children of Israel prepared themselves to make resistance, and how they had stopped the ways betwixt the mountains. Then was he exceeding wroth, and called all the princes of Moab, and the captains of Ammon, and said unto them: tell me, what people is this that keepeth in the mountains? or what manner of cities are they? what is their power? or what manner of host have they, who is their captain? judi iii b And why do they despise us (more than all those that devil in the east) and come not forth to meet us, that they might receive us with peax? Then Achior the captain of all the Ammonites, answered and said: Sir, judi xi b if it please the to hear me, I will tell the truth before the concerning this people that dwell in the mountains, and there shall no lie go out of my mouth. This people is of the generation of the Caldees, they dwelt first in Mesopotamia, for they would not follow the gods of their fathers that were in the land of the Chaldees, & so forsook they the customs of their fore fathers (which had many gods) and worshipped one God, that made heaven and earth: which also commanded them that they should go from thence, and devil at Haran. Now when there came a dearth in to the hole land, 〈◊〉 xi d 〈◊〉 xlvi a 〈◊〉 i a 〈◊〉. ●ii. f 〈◊〉 iii c 〈◊〉 i b 〈◊〉 v. b they went down to Egypt, and there they dwelled four hundredth years, in the which they multiplied so greatly, that their host might not be numbered. And when the king of Egypt oppressed them, and subdued them in building of his cities, with making of clay and brick, they cried unto God their Lord, which punished the hole land of Egypt, with divers plagues. Now when the king of Egypt let them go their way, 〈◊〉 xii c 〈◊〉 xiiii b and the plague ceased, and then followed after them, to take them, & to bring them again in to his service, while they were fleeing away, the God of heaven opened the see, so that the water stood fast, upon both the sides as a brickwall, and these went thorough the bottom of the see: dry shod. In the which place, when an innumerable people of the Egyptians followed upon them, they were so overwhelmed with the waters, that there remained not one, to tell them that came after, how it happened. So when this people was passed thorough the read see, they came unto the wilderness of the mount Sinai, where never man might devil afore, and where the son of man had never rested. There were the bitter waters made sweet for them, 〈◊〉 xu d that they might drink, and forty years had they meat from heaven. 〈◊〉 vi. f 〈◊〉 seven. a Where so ever they went (without bow and a-row, without buckler or sword) their God fought for them, and caused them to have the victory. Yea not man was able to hurt this people, except it were so, that they departed unfaithfully from the worshipping of the Lord their God. 〈◊〉 four But as often as they worshipped any other beside their God, he gave them over to be spoiled, to be slain, and to be put to confusion. Nevertheless as often as they were sorry for departing from the worship of their God, the same God of heaven gave them power and strength to withstand their enemies. Moreover they slew the king of the Canaanites, 〈…〉. jebusites, Pheresites, hittites, Euites, and Amorites, and all the mighty in Hesebon, and took their lands and cities in possession: and so long as they sinned not in the sight of their God, it went well with them, for their God hateth unrighteousness. For in the times past when they went out of the way, 〈◊〉. ●xv. a which God had given them, that they should walk in it, they were destroyed in diverse battles of many nations: and many of them were carried away presoners unto a strange country. 〈…〉 But now lately they have turned themselves again unto the Lord their God, and are come together again out of the countries where they were scattered abroad: and thus have they conquered these mountains, and devil there in: and as for jerusalem where their Sanctuary is, they have it again in possession. And therefore my Lord, make diligent inquysyon, if this people have done wickedness in the sight of their God, then let us go up against them, for doubtless their God shall deliver them into thy hands, and subdue them unto thy power. But if this people have not displeased their God, we shall not be able to withstand them, for their God shall defend them, and so shall we be a shame to all the world. judith vi ● Now when Achior had spoken out these words, all the princes of Holofernes were wroth and thought to slay him, and said one to an other: what is he this, which dare say that the children of Israel are able to witstande Nabuchodonosor the king and his host? where as they are an unweaponed people, without strength or understanding of the feats of war? That Achior therefore may know that he hath deceived us, we will go up in to the mountains: and when the mighty men of them are taken, he also shall be styckt with the sword, that all people may know, that Nabuchodonosor is the God of the earth, and that there is none other without him. ¶ Achior is committed into the hands of the jews by Holofernes. He is tied to a tree, but is loosed of the jews. The prayer of the people. Achior is comforted of the jews. CAPI. VI SO when they had left of speaking, Holofernes took sore indignation, and said unto Achior. For so much as thou haste prophesied unto us, saying: that the people of Israel shall be defended of their God, I will show thee, judith u f that there is no God but Nabuchodonosor. Yea when we slay them all as one man, thou also shalt perish with them thorough the sword of the Assyrians, and all Israel shall be destroyed with thee, and then shalt thou feel, that Nabuchodonosor is the Lord of the hole earth. Then shall the sword of my knighthood go thorough thy sides, and thou shalt fall down styckte among the wounded of Israel, and shalt not come to thyself again, but be utterly destroyed with them. But if thou thynckest thy prophecy to be true, why dost thou then change thy colour? why art thou afraid? thinkest thou that my words are not able to be performed? But that thou mayst know, that thou shalt feel these things with them, behold, from this hour forth will I send the unto yonder people, that when the punishment of my sword (which they have worthily deserved) falls upon them, thou mayst be punished with them. So Holofernes commanded his servants to take Achior, and to carry him unto Bethulia, and to deliver him into the hands of the children of Israel. Then Holofernes servants took him, and went thorough the plain field. But when they drawn nigh unto the mountains, the sling casters came out against them. Nevertheless they got them away by the side of the mountain, & bound Achior hand and foot to a tree, and so left him bond with withyes, and turned again unto their Lord. Notwithstanding the children of Israel went down from Bethulia, came unto him, loosed him, brought him in to Bethulia, set him in the midst of the people, & asked him what the matter was, that the Assyrians had left him bound. Osias the son of Micha, of the tribe of simeon, and Charmim (which is also called Gothoniel) were the principal rulers at the same tyme. Now when Achior stood in the midst of the Senatoures, and before them all he told them, judi u b what answer he gave Holofernes, to the thing that he asked him, and how Holofernes people would have slain him for so saying: and how Holofernes himself was wrath, and commanded him for the same cause to be delivered unto the Israelites: that when he overcame the children of Israel, he might command Achior also to be put to death with divers torments, because he said: the God of heaven is their defender. And when Achior had plainly told out all these things, judith u f all the people fell down upon their faces, praising the Lord, and poured out their prayers together unto the Lord, with a general complaint and weeping, and said: O Lord of heaven and of earth, behold their pride, and look upon our lowliness, and consider how it standeth with thy saints, and make it to be known that thou forsakest not those, which hold them fast by thee, and how that thou bryngest them low, that presume of themselves, and make their boost in their own strength. So when the weeping and prayer of the people (which they had made the hole day long) was ended, they comforted Achior, saying: The God of our fathers, whose power and strength thou hast praised, shall so reward thee, that thou shalt rather see their destruction. When the Lord our God then shall give his servants this liberty, God be also with the amongs us: so that if it please thee, thou with thine mayest devil with us. Now when Osias had ended the counsel, he took him into his house, and made a great supper, called the elders to it, and so they refreshed themselves after the fasting. And afterward was all the people called together, which made their prayers all the night long in the congregation, and besought the God of Israel for help. ¶ Bethulias is besieged of Holofernes. The people requires help of God. They of Bethulia would give over the city for want of water. The prayer of the people with tears and lamentation. CAPI. VII. THe next day, Holofernes commanded his host, to go up against Bethulia. judi ii b There were an. C. and twenty thousand fighting men on foot, and two and twenty thousand horsemen, beside the preparing of them that were won: and came to them on every side out of the countries and cities which he had taken. All these prepared themselves unto the battle against the israelites, and came on by the hill side, unto the top that looketh over against Dothaim, from the place which is called Belma, unto Chelmon that lieth toward Esdrelon. Now when the children of Israel see so great a multitude of the Assyrians, they fell down flat upon the ground, strawed ashes upon their heads, and prayed with one accord, that the God of Israel would show his mercy upon his people. And so they took their weapons, and sat betwixt the mountains in the narrow place, & kept the way day and night. But while Holofernes was going about, he found the water spring, which from the South side was conveyed in to the city by a conduit: this commanded he to be direct an other way, and to cut their conduit insunder There were wells also not far from the walls, which they used secretly, more for pleasure then for necessity. Then went the Ammonites and the Moabytes unto Holofernes, and said: The children of Israel trust neither in spear nor arrow, but have taken in, and keep the mountains and hills. That thou mayst overcome them, therefore without the striking of any battle, set men to keep the wells, that they draw no water out of them: so shalt thou destroy them without sword, or at the least they shall be so feeble, that they must be fain to give over the city, which they think not able to be won, for so moche as it lieth in the mountains. These words pleased Holofernes well, judith xvi a & all his men of war, and he set and. C. men at every well round about. And when this watch had endured twenty days, the Cisterns and all that had water, failed them that dwelt in the city of Bethulia, so that in the hole city they had not drink enough for one day, for the people had water given them daily in a measure. Then came the men and women, young personnes and children all unto Osias, and said all with one voice: Exod. xvii a God be judge betwixt us and thee, for thou haste dealt evil with us: thou wouldest not speak peaceably with the king of the Assyrians, therefore hath God sold us in their hands, and there is no man to help us, where as we are brought down before their eyes in thirst & great destruction. Therefore gather now together all the people that be in the city, that we may all yield ourselves wylyngly unto the people of Holofernes: for better it is that we be captive and praise the Lord with our lives, then to be slain and perish, and to be laughed to scorn and shamed of every man, when we see our wives and children die before our eyes. We take heaven and earth this day to record, and the God of our fathers (which punyssheth us according to the deserving of our sins) and give you warning, that you give up the city now in to the power of Holofernes host, that our end may be short with the sword, which else shall endure long, for want of water and for thirst. When they had spoken out these words, there was a great weeping and howling in the hole congregation, and that of every man, and they cried an hole hour long unto God with one voice, saying: we have sinned with our fathers, 〈◊〉 xu a we have done amiss, we have dealt wickedly. Thou that art gracydus, have mercy upon us, punish our unrighteousness with thine own scourge, and give not those other that knowledge thee, unto a people which knoweth the not, jest they say amongs the Heythen: 〈◊〉. ●xiii. b where is their God. And when they were so weary with this crying and weeping, that they held their tongues: Osyas stood up with watery eyes, and said: 〈◊〉 viii b O take good hearts unto you, (dear brethren) and be of good cheer, and let us wait yet these five days for mercy of the Lord: peradventure he shall cut away his indignation, and give glory unto his name. But if he help us not when these five days are pass, we shall do as you have said. ¶ Of the virtuous woman judith, which reproveth the auncyentes because they tempted the Lord. She also moveth them to entorage and herten the people, and showeth her counsel against the enemies of the jews. CAPI VIII. ANd it happened when these words came to the ears of judith, a widow, which was the daughter of Merary, the son of Idox, the son of joseph, the son of Osiah, the son of isaiah, the son of jammor, the son of jedeon, the son of Raphoim, the son of Achitob, the son of Melchia, the son Euam, the son of Nathania, the son of Salathiel, the son of Simeon, the son of Reuben. And her husband was called Manasses, which died in the days of the barley harvest. For while he was binding the sheves together in the field, the heat came upon his heed, and he died at Bethula his city, and there was he buried beside his fathers. Now was judith his desolate widow three years and six months. And in the higher parts of her house, she made herself a privy chamber, where she dwelt, being closed in with her maidens. She wore a smock of here, and fasted all the days of her life, except the Sabbothes, and new moons and the solemn days that the people of Israel kept. She was a very fair and beautiful person. Her husband also had left her great riches, a plenteous household, great unmovable possions and many cattles. This judith was a woman of a very good report with every one, for she feared the Lord greatly, and there was no body that spoke an evil word of her. When this judith herd, judith vii e how Osias had promised the people, that after the fifth day he would give up the city unto the Assyrians she sent for the elders Chambri and Charmin and when they came to her she said: what thing is this, wherein Osias hath consented that if God help not within five days, he will give over the city to the Assyrians? What are you, that you tempt the Lord? This device optayneth no mercy of God, but provoketh him unto wrath & displeasure. Will you set the mercy of the Lord a time and appoint him a day after your will? Nevertheless for so much as the Lord is patient, let us rather amend ourselves, pouring out tears, and beseeching him of grace. For God threateneth not as a man, jerem xviii ● and xxv a neither will he be provoked unto wrath as the children of men. And therefore let us heartily fall down before him, and serve him with a meek spirit, and with weeping eyes say unto the Lord, that he deal with us according to his own will and mercy: that like as our heart is now vexed, and brought low thorough the pride of them, it may so be comforted thorough his grace: in so much as we follow not the sins of our fathers, which forsook their God, and worshipped other gods: judith ii b ii●i. a vi a for the which sin they perished with the sword: were spoiled and brought to shame of all their enemies. As for us, we know none other God but only him, for whose comfort let us tarry with meekness. He shall require and make inquisition for our blood, duty xxxii c from the vexations of our enemies: he shall bring down all the Heithen that rise up against us, and put them to dishonour, even the Lord our God. Therefore dear brethren, saying you are the honourable and elders in the people of God, unto whom all the people have respect, and upon whom the life of the people standeth, duty viii a two. Par. xxxii f lift up their hearts with your exhortation that they may call to remembrance, how our fathers also in times past were temted, that they might be proved, if they worshipped their God a right. They aught to remember, how our father Abraham being temted, Gene. xvii a and xxii a Gene. xxviii b Prouer. iii b Hebr xii ● and tried thorough many tribulations, was found a lover and friend of God. So was Isaac, so was jacob, so was Moses, and all they that pleased God being tried thorough many troubles, were found steadfast in faith. Again they that received not their temtations with the fear of God, but put themselves forth with unpaciency & murmuring against God, Nun xi a and xxi a i Corint ten a perished of the destroyer, and were slain or serpents. And therefore should not we undertake to be avenged, for the thing that is done unto us: but to consider, that all these punishments are far less than our sins and misdeeds. Rome viii d Byleving also that this correction cometh unto us (as to the servants of God) for amendment, & not for our destruction. Then said Osias and the elders unto Judith: All that thou speakest, is true, and no man can reprope thy words. Pray thou for us now therefore unto God, for thou art an holy woman, and fearest God. And Judith said unto them: i Cori▪ xiiii. d i Iohn four a i Tessa vi c judith ten b seeing you know, that my words are of God, then prove my counsel and device, if it be of God: and beseech God, that he will bring my counsel to good end. Thus have I devised: You shall stand this night before the port, and I will go forth with Abra my maiden: Pray you therefore unto God, that he will graciously remember his people of Israel, within five days, as you have said. As for the thing that I go in hand withal, ask you no questions of it, till I open it unto you myself: do you nothing else but pray unto the Lord your God for me. Then Osias the prince of the people of juda said unto her: Go thy way in peax, the Lord be with thee, that we may be avenged of our enemies. And so they went from her again. ¶ The prayer of judith for the victory. CAPI. IX. NOw when they were go their way, judith went in to her oratory, put on hearye smock, strewed ashes upon her heed, fallen down before the Lord, and cried unto him, saying: O Lord God of my father Sym●on, Gene. xxxiiii b which gavest him a sword for a defence against that enemies, that used violence and wilfulness, and that ravished the virgin, and put her to dishonesty. Thou that gavest their wives in to a pray, and their daughters in to captivity, & all their prey for a spoil unto thy servants, which bore a zeal unto thee, help me widow, O Lord my God, I beseech the. For thou hast done all things from the beginning, and and look what thou hast taken in hand & devised, it came ever to pass. For all thy ways are prepared, and thy judgements are done in thy everlasting foreknowledge. O look now upon the armies of the Assyrians, Exod. xiiii e like as it was thy pleasure sometime to look upon the host of the Egyptians, when they being weapened, persecuted thy servants, and put their trust in their charrettes horsemen, and in the multitude of their men of war. But thou lookedst upon their host casting a thick darkness before them: and when they came in to the deep, the waters overwhelmed them. Even so Lord let it go with these, that trust in the power and multitude of their men of war, in their charettes, arrows and spears, and know not, that thou only art our God, which destroyest wars from the beginning, and that thou art the Lord. Psalm xlv b O lift up thine arm now like as ever from the beginning, and in thy power bring their power to naught, cause their might to fall in thy wrath. They make their boost, that they will unhallow and defile thy Sanctuary, & to waste the tabernacle of thy name and to cast down the horn of thine altar with their sword. Bring to pass (O Lord) that the pride of the enemy may be cut down with his own sword, that he may be taken with the snare of his eyes in me and that thou mayst smite him with the lips of my love. O give me a steadfast mind that I may despise him and his strength, and that I may destroy him. This shall bring thy name an everlasting remembrance, judith four d and u d two. Par. xiiii c xuj. b twenty a Iudi vii a Psal. ●xivi. b if the hand of a woman overthrow him for. For thy power (O Lord) standeth not in the power of men, neither haste thou any pleasure in the strength of horses. There was never proud person that pleased thee, but in the prayer of the humble and meek hath thy pleasure been evermore O thou God of the heavens, thou maker. of the waters, and Lord of all creatures, hear me poor woman, calling upon thee, & putting my trust in thy mercy. Remember thy covenant, O Lord, and minister words in my mouth, and stablish this devise in my heart, that thy house may continue still in holiness, and that all the heathen may know and understand, that thou art God and that there is none other but thou. ¶ judith decketh herself to go to Holofernes. The blessing that the Elders gave judith. Holofernes is in love with judith. CAPI. X. ANd when she had left of crying unto the Lord, she rose up from the place, where she had lyen flat before the Lord and called her maid, went down in to her house, laid the heerry clot from her, judi xvi put of the garments of her widdowhode, washed her body, anointed herself with precious things of sweet savour, broided & plaited her here, set an houve upon her heabe, and put on such apparel as belongeth unto gladness, slippers upon her feet, armelettes, spangs, earynges finger rings, and decked herself with all her best array. The Lord gave her also a special beauty and fairness (for all this decking of herself was not done for any voluptuousness, and pleasure of the flesh, but of a right discreation & virtue. therefore did the Lord increase her beauty) so that she was exceeding amiable and well favoured in all men's eyes. She gave her maid also a bottle of wine a pot with oil, pottage, cake bread and cheese, and went her way. Now when she came to the port of the city, she found Osias and the eldees of the tytie waiting there. Which when they saw her, they were astonied, and merueled greatly at her beauty, nevertheless they asked no question at her, but let her go, saying: The God of our fathers give the his grace, and with his power perform all the device of thy heart: that jerusalem may rejoice over thee, and that thy name may be in the number of the holy and righteous. And all they that were there, said with one voice: so be it, so be it. judith made her prayer unto the Lord, and went out at the port, she and her maid. And as she was going down the mountain, it happened that about the spring of the day, the spies of the Assyrians met with her, and took her, saying: whence comest thou? Or whither goest thou? She answered: I am a daughter of the Hebrews, and am fled from them, for I know, that they shall be given unto you to be spoiled: because they thought scorn to yield themselves unto you, that they might find mercy in your sight. Therefore have I devised by myself after this manner: I will go before the prince Holofernes, and tell him all their secrets, and will show him, how he may come by them, and win them, so that not one man of his host shall perish. And when these men had herd her words, and consydred her fair face, they were astonnyed (for they wondered at her excellent beauty) and said unto her: Thou hast saved thy life by finding out this device, that thou wouldest come down to our Lord: and be thou sure, that when thou comest unto him, he shall entreat the well, & thou shalt please him at the heart. So they brought her in to Holofernes pavilion, and told him of her. Now when she came in before him, immediately he was overcome and taken with her beauty. Then said his servants: who would despise the people of the jews, that have so fair women? Should we not by reason fight against them for these? So when judith see Holofernes sitting in a canapy, that was wrought of purple, silk, gold, smaragd and precious stones, she looked fast upon him. and fallen down upon the earth. And Holofernes servants took her up again, at their lords commandment. ¶ Holofernes requireth of judith the cause of her coming, which giveth him a subtle answer. CAPI. XI. THen said Holofernes unto her: Be of good cheer, and fear not in thine heart, for I never hurt man, that would serve Nabuchodonosor the king. As for thy people, if they had not despised me. I should not have life up a spear against them. But tell me now what is the cause that thou art departed from them, and wherefore art thou come unto us. And judith said unto him: Sir, understand the words of thy handmaiden: for if thou wilt do after the words of thy handmaiden, the Lord shall bring thy matter to a prosperous effect. As truly as Nabuchodonozor a Lord of the land liveth, & as truly as his power liveth, which is in the to the punishment of all men that go wrong all men shall not only be suddued unto him thorough thee, but all the beestes also of the field. For all people speak of thy prudent actyvytie, and it hath ever been reported, how thou only art good and mighty in all his kingdom, and thy discretion is commended in all lands. The thing is manifest also, that Achior spoke, judith u a and it is well known what thou commaundedst to do unto him. For this is plain and of a surety, that our God is so wroth with us (by the reason of our sins) that he hath showed by his prophets unto the people, how that for their sins he will deliver them over unto the enemy. And for so much as the children of Israel know that they have so displeased their God, they are sore afraid of the. They suffer great hunger also, and for want of water, they are deed now in a manner. Moreover they are appointed to slay all their cattles, that they may drink the blood of them: and are purposed to spend all the holy ornaments of their God (which he hath forbidden them to touch) for corne-wyne and oil. saying now that they do these things, it is a plain case, that they must needs be destroyed. Which when I thy handmaiden perceived, I fled from them, and the Lord hath sent me unto thee, to show the these things. For I thy handmaiden worship God, even here now beside thee, and thy handmaiden shall go forth, and I will make my prayer unto God, and he shall tell me, when he will reward them their sin: then shall I come and show the and bring the thorough the midst of Jerusalem so that thou shalt have all the people of Israel as the sheep without a shepherd, there shall not so much as as one dog bark against the for these things are showed me by thy providence of God: and for so moche as God is displeased with them, he hath sent me to tell the the the same. These words pleased Holofernes and all his servants, which marveled at the wisdom of her, and said one to an other: there is not such a woman upon earth, in beauty and discretion of words. And Holofernes said unto her: God hath done well, that he hath sent the hither before thy people, that thou mayst give them, into our hands. And for so moche as thy promise is good, if thy God perform it, unto me, he shallbe my God also, and thou shalt be excellent and great in the court of Nabuchodonosor, & thy name shall be spoken of in all the land. ¶ Holofernes commandeth that judith be well entreated. She desireth licence to go out in the night season to pray, and obtaineth it. Vagao is sent unto her, to move her to come in to Holofernes to a banquet, and she cometh. Holofernes is drunken. CAPI. XII. THen commanded he her to go in, where his treasure lay, and charged that she should have her dwelling there, and appointed what should be given her from his table. judith answered him, and said: As for the meat that thou hast commanded to give me, I may not eat of it as now (jest I desplease my God) but will eat of such as I have brought with me. Then said Holofernes unto her: If these things that thou hast brought with the fail, what shall we do unto thee? And judith said: As truly as thou livest my Lord, thy handmaid shall not spend all this, till God hath brought to pass in my hand, the things that I have devised. So his servants brought her in to the tent, where as he had appointed. And as she was going in, she desired that she might have leave to go forth by night and before day, to her prayer and to make intercession unto the Lord, Then commanded Holofernes his chamberlains, that she should go out and in at her pleasure to pray unto God those three days. And so in the night season she went forth in to the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in the well water. Then went she up, & besought the Lord God of Israel, that he would prosper her way, for the deliverance of his people. And so she went in, and remained clean in her tent, till she took her meat in the evening. Upon the fourth day it happened, that Holofernes made a costly supper unto his servants, and said unto Vagao his chamberlain: Go thy way, and entice this Hebruesse, that she may be willing to consent to keep company with me. For it were a shame unto all the Assyrians, that a woman should so laugh a man to scorn, that she were come from him unlayne with. Then went Vagao unto judith, and said Let not the good daughter be afraid, to come into my Lord, that she may be honoured before him, that she may eat and drink wine, and he merry with him. Unto whom judith answered: Who am I, that I should say my lord nay? what so ever is good before his eyes, I shall do it: and look what is his pleasure, that shall I think well done, as long as I live. So she stood up, and decked herself with her apparel, and went in, and stood before him. And Holofernes heart was thoroughly stricken, so that he brent in desire toward her. And Holofernes said to her: drink now and sit down, and be merry, for thou haste fou●de savour before me. Then said judith: Sir, I will drink, for my mind is merrier to day, than ever it was in all my life. And she took and ate and drank before him the things that her maiden had prepared for her. And Holofernes was merry with her, and dranck more wine, than ever he did afore in his life. ¶ Holofernes sleepeth for very drunkenness, and judith cutteth of his heed, & goeth therewith to her own people: of whom she is received with joy. They give thanks unto God, for their deliverance. judith speaketh unto Achior, which marueyleth at her feat done to Holofernes. CAPI XIII. Now when it was late in the night his servants made haste ●uery man to his lodging. And Vagao shut the chamber doors, and went his way, Eccle xxxi c for they were all overladen with wine. So was judith alone in the chamber. As for Holofernes he lay upon the bed all drunken, & of very drunkenness fallen a sleep. Then commanded judith her maiden, to stand with without before the door and to wait. And judith stood before the bed, making her prayer with tears, and moved her lips secretly, and said: Strengthen me O Lord God of Israel, and have respect unto the works of my hands in this hour, that thou mayst set up thy city of Jerusalem like as thou hast promised: O grant that by the I may perform the thing, which I have devised thorough the believe that I have in the. And when she had spoken this, she went to the bedstead, and loosed the sword that hanged upon it, and drew it out. Then took she hold of the heery locks of his head, & said: Strengthen me O Lord God in this hour: & with that, she gave him two strokes upon the neck, and smote of his head. Then took she the canapy away, and rolled the dead body aside. immediately she gather forth, and delivered the head of Holofernes unto her maiden, and bade her put it in her wallet. And so these two went forth together after their custom, as though they would pray, and so passed by the host, and came thorough the valley unto the port of the city. And judith cried a far of unto the watch men upon the walls: Open the gates (said she) for God is with us, which hath showed his power in Israel. And when they heard her voice, they called the elders of the city together. And they came all to meet her little and great, young and old, for they thought not that she should have come so soon. So they lighted candles, and gathered about her everichone: but she went up into an high place and caused silence to be proclaimed. When every man now held his tongue, judith said: O praise the Lord our God, for he hath not despised, nor forsaken them, that put their trust in him, & in me his handmaiden he hath performed his mercy, which he promised unto the house of Israel: yea in my hand this same night hath he slain the enemy of his people. And with that she took forth the heed of Holofernes out of the wallet, and showed it them, saying: Behold the heed of Holofernes the capiteyn of the Assyrians, and this is the canapy wherein he lay in his drunkenness: where the Lord our God hath slain him by the hand of a woman. But as truly as the Lord liveth his angel hath kept me, going thither, remaining there, and coming hither again from thence. And the Lord hath not suffered me his handmaiden to be defiled, but without any filthiness of sin hath he brought me again unto you, and that with great victory, so that I am escaped and you delivered. 〈…〉 four. a 〈…〉 O give thanks unto him everichone, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. So they praised the Lord all together, & gave thanks unto him. And to her they said: The Lord hath blessed the in his power, for thorough the he hath brought our enemies to naught. And Ozias the chief ruler of the people of Israel, said unto her: Blessed art thou of the Lord the high God, above all women upon earth. Blessed be the Lord, the maker of heaven & earth, which hath guided the aright, to wound and to smite of the heed of the captain of our enemies. For this day he hath made thy name so honourable, that thy praise shall never come out of the mouth of men, which shall always remember the power of the Lord, seeing thou hast not spared thy own self, but put the in jeopardy, considringe the anguish and trouble of thy people, and so hast helped their fall before God our Lord. And all the people said: Amen, Amen. Achior also was called, and he came. Then said judith unto him: The God of Israel unto whom thou gavest witness, that he would be avenged of his enemies, even he hath this night thorough my hand smitten of the heed of all the unfaithful. And that thou mayst see that it so is, behold this is the heed of Holofernes which in his presumptuous pride, despised the God of the people of Israel, 〈…〉. a & threatened the with destruction, saying: when the people of Israel is taken, I shall 'cause that also to be sticked with the sword. When Achior see Holofernes heed he fallen down upon his face to the ground for very anguish and fear, so that he swowned withal. But after that he was come again to himself, he fell down before her, & praised her saying: Blessed art thou of thy God in all the tabernacles of jacob, for all the people that hear of thy name, shall praise the God of Israel because of the. ¶ The counsel of judith. Achior being an heathen man, turneth to God. The Assyrians are afraid of the jews. CAPI. XIIII. IVdith said unto all the people: Brethrens hear me. Stick up this heed upon our walls, and when the sun ariseth, take every man his weapon, and fall out violently: not as though you would go beside them, but to ren upon them with violence. When the spies in the tents see this, they shall of necessity be compelled to i'll backward, and to raise up their capiteyn to the battle. So when their captains come in to Holofernes pavilion, and find the deed body wrapped in the blood, fearfulness shall fall upon them, and when you perceive that they i'll, follow them without all care, for God shall deliver them unto you to be destroyed. Then Achior seeing the power of God, which he had showed unto the people of Israel, fallen of from his Heathenish belief, and put his trust in God, and let himself be circumcised: and so was he numbered among the people of Israel, he and all his posterity unto this day. Now as soon as it was day, they sticked up Holofernes heed upon the walls, and every man took his weapon, and so they went out with an horrible cry. When the spies saw that, they ran unto Holofernes tent. And they that were within the tent, came before his chamber, and made a great rushing to wake him up, because they thought with the noise to have raised him. For there dared not one of the Assyrians knock, go in, or open. But when the capitains and Princes and all the chief in the king of the Assyrians host came together, they said unto the chamberlains: Go your way in, and wake him up, for the mice are crept out of their holes, i Reg. xiiii d and dare provoke us unto battle. Then went Vagao in to his chamber, stood before the bed, and clapped with his hands, for he thought he had been sleeping with judith. But when he had hearkened perfectly with his ears and could perceive no stering, he went near to the bed, and life it up, and then saw he the deed body of Holofernes lying there without a heed, weltered in his blood, upon the earth. Then cried he with loud voice, and with weeping rent his clotheses, and went in to judiths' tent, and found her not: And so he leapt out unto the people and said one woman of the jews hath brought all Nabuchodonosors people to shame. For lo, Holofernes lieth upon the ground, & hath no heed. When the chief of the Assyrians host herd that, they rend their clotheses, and there fell an intolerable fear and trembling upon them, so that their minds were sore afraid. And there was an exceeding great cry in the hole host. ¶ The flight of the Assyrians. The pursuit of Israel after them. Israel becometh rich, by the spoils of the Assyrians. judith is praised of joacim and of the people. CAPI. XU. NOw when all the host heard that Holofernes was heeded, their mind and counsel fallen from them: and such a fear came upon them, that they undertook to defend themselves by fleeing away: one spoke not to an other, but hanged down their heads, left all behind them, and made haste to escape from the Hebrews: for they heard that they were hasting to come after with their weapons, and so they fled by the ways of the fields, and thorough all the fotepathes of the dales. And when the children of Israel saw that they fled, they followed upon them, and went down with trumpets, blowing and making a great cry after them: As for the Assyrians they had no order, and kept not themselves together, but fled their way. Nevertheless the children of Israel fallen upon them with one company and order, and discomfeted as many as they might get, And Osias sent messengers unto all the cities and countries of Israel. So all the regions and every city sent out their best men after them in harness, & smote them with the sword, till they came to the uttermost part of their borders. And the other that were in Bethulia came in to the tents of the Assyrians, and took all that they which were fled had left behind them, and so they found great good. And they that came again to Bethulia from the battle, took with them such things as had been there's: there was no number of the cattles, and of all costly jewels, so that from the lowest to the highest, they were all made rich of the spoils of them. And joachim the high priest at jerusalem came to Bethulia with all the elders, that they might see judith. Now when she came out unto them, they began all to praise her with one voice, saying: thou worship of the city of jerusalem thou joy of Israel, thou honour of our people, thou haste done manly, and thy heart is comforted, because thou haste loved cleanliness and chastity, and hast known no man but thine own husband: therefore hath the hand of the Lord comforted thee, and blessed shalt thou be for ever. And all people said: so be it, so be it. In thirty days could the people of Israel scarce gather up the spoils of the Assyrians. But all that belonged unto Holoferfernes, and had been his specially (whether it were of gold, of silver, of precious stones clothing and all ornaments) they gave it unto judith. And all the people rejoiced, both women, maidens, and young people, with pipes and haps. ¶ The song of judith for the victory. After the victory obtained, the people cometh to jerusalem, to worship and praise God. CAPI. XVI. THen song judith this song unto the Lord: Begin unto the Lord upon the tabrettes, sing unto the Lord upon the cymbales. O sing unto him a new song of thanksgiving, be joyful and call upon his name. It is the Lord that destroyeth wars, Psalm xlv b even the Lord is his name. Which hath pitched his tents in the midst of his people, that he might deliver us from the hand of all our enemies. Assur came out of the mountains in the multitude of his strength. judi vii c His people stopped the water brooks, and their horses covered the valleys. He purposed to have brent up my land, and to slay my young men with the sword. He would have carried away my children and virgins in to captivity, but the almighty Lord hurt him, and delivered him in to the hands of a woman, which brought him to confusion. For their mighty was not destroyed of the young men. It was not the sons of Titan that slew him, neither have the great giants set themselves against him: but judith the daughter of Merari with her fair beauty have discomfeted him, and brought him to nought. judi ten a For she laid away her widows garment, and put on the apparel of gladness in the rejoicing of the children of Israel. She anointed her face, and bound up her here in an hoof, to beguile him. Her slyppers ravished his eyes, her beauty captivated his mind, judi xiii▪ b with the sword smote the of his neck. The Persians' were astonied at her steadfastness, & the Medes at her boldness. Then howled the armies of the Assyrians, when my simple appeared, dry of thirst. The sons of the daughters have pierced them thorough, and slain them as fugitive children: they perished in the battle, for the very fear of the Lord my God. Let us sing a song of thanksgiving unto the Lord, a new song of praise will we sing unto our God. Lord Lord, thou art a great God, mighty in power, whom no man may overcome. Gene. i a Psal xxxii ● Psalm. four d All thy creatures should serve thee: for thou spakest but the word, and they were made, thou sentest thy spirit, and they were created, and no man can withstand thy voice. The mountains shall move from the foundations with the waters, the stony rocks shall melt before the like wax. But they that fear thee, shall be great with the in all things. Woe unto the people that rise up against my generation, for the almighty Lord will avenge himself of them, and in the day of judgement will he visit them. For he shall give fire and worms in to their flesh, that they may burn and feel it for evermore. After this it happened that after the victory, all the people came to jerusalem to give praise & thanks unto the Lord. And when they were purified, they offered at their brent sacrifices, and their promised offerings. And judith offered all Holofernes weapons, and all the jewels that the people had given her, and the canapye that she took from his bed, and hanged them up unto the Lord. 〈◊〉 viii. b 〈◊〉 xiii. b The people was joyful as the use is: and this joy by reason of the victory with judith, endured three months. So after these days, every man went home again, and judith was in great reputation at Bethulia, and right honourably taken in all the land of Israel. Unto her virtue also was chastity joined, so that after her husband Manasses died, she never known man all the days of her life. Upon the high solemn days she went out with great worship. She dwelt in her husbands house an hundred and five year, and left her handmaiden free and died, and was buried beside her husband in Bethulia. And all the people mourned for her seven days. So long as she lived, 〈…〉. b there was none that troubled Israel, and many years also after her death. The day wherein this victory was got, was solemnly held and reckoned of the jews, in the number of the holy days, and it is yet greatly held of the jews ever sense, unto this day. ¶ The end of the book of judith. ☞ THE rest OF THE CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER which are neither found in the Hebrew, nor in the Chalde. ¶ The dream of Mardotheus. CAPI. XI. After the latin. MArdocheus the son of jair, the son of Semei, the son of Cisei of the tribe of BenIamin, a jew, i Hest ii ● which had his dwelling in Susis, a man of great reputation, and excellent among all them that were in the kings court. (Nevertheless, he was one of the prisoners whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from jerusalem unto Babylon with jechonias the king of juda. iiii. Re. xxiiii d Jere xxiiii a ) In the second year of the reign of great Artaxerxes, in the first day of the month Nisan, had this Mardocheus such a dream: He thought he heard a great tempest, horrible thonderclappes, erthquakes, and great uproar in the land: and that he see two great dragons ready to fight one against an other. Their cry was great: At the which roaring and cry, all Heathen were up to fight against the righteous people. And the same day was full of darkness, and very unclear, full of trouble and anguish, yea a great fearfulness was there in all the land. The righteous were amazed, for they feared the plague and evil that was devised over them and were at a point with themselves to die. So they cried unto God, & while they were crying, the little well grew in to a great river, and in to many waters, and with that it was day, and the sun rose up again, And the lowly were exalted, and devoured the glorious and proud. Now when Mardocheus had seen this dream he awoke, and mused steadfastly in his heart, what God would do: & so he desired to know all the matter, and his mind was thereupon until the night. ¶ Mardocheus uttreth the treason devised against the king, and is therefore rewarded of him. CAPI. XII. AT the same time dwelled Mardocheus with Bagatha and tars the kings chamberlayns and porters of the palace. But when he heard their device, and had diligently consydred their imaginations, Hestre i d and vi a he perceived that they went about to say their cruel hands upon the king Artaxerxes, and so he certified the king thereof. Then caused the king to examine the two gelded with torments. And when they had granted it, they were put to death. This the king caused to be put in the Chronicles for an everlasting remembrance, & Mardocheus written up the same matter. So the king commanded the Mardocheus should do service in the court, & for this faithfulness of his, he gave him a reward. But Aman the son of Amadathu the Agagite, which was held in great honour & reputation in the kings court undertook to hurt Mardocheus & his people, because of the two chamberlains that were put to death. ¶ The copy of the letters of Artaxerxes, against the jews. The prayer of Mardocheus. CAPI. XIII. THe great king Artaxerxes which raineth from India unto Ethiopia, Hestr i a two. Hest vii a over an hundred and xxxij lands, sendeth his friendly salutation unto all the princes and deputies of the countries, which be subject unto his dominion. When I was made lord over many people, and had subdued the hole earth unto my domnion, my mind was not with cruelty and wrong to exalt myself by the reason of my power: but purposed with equity alway and gentleness, to govern those that be under my jurisdiction and holly to set them in a peaceable life, and thereby to bring my kingdom unto tranquillity, that men might safely go thorough on every side, and to renew peax again, which all men desire. Now when I asked my counsellors how these things might be brought to a good end, there was one by us excellent in wisdom, whose good will, truth, and faithfulness hath oft been showed and proved, (which was also the principal and next unto the king) Aman by name: which certyfyed us, how that in all lands there was crept in a rebellious folk that make statutes and laws against all other people, and have always despised thee, proclaimed commandments of kings, and how that for this cause it were not to be suffered that such rule should continue by you, and not to be put down. saying now we perceive the same, that this people alone are contrary unto every man, using strange and other manner of laws, & withstand our statutes and doings, and go about to establish shrewd matters, that our kingdom should never come to good estate and steadfastness: Therefore have we commanded, that all they that are appointed in writing, & showed unto you by Aman (which is ordained and set over all our business, and the most principal next unto the king, and in manner as a father) shall with their wives and children be destroyed and rooted out with the sword of their enemies and adversaries: and that there shall be no mercy showed, and no man spared. And this shall be done in the fourteenth day of the month called Adar, of this year that they which of old (and now also) have ever been rebellious, may in one day with violence, be thrust down in to the hell, to the intent that after this manner our empire may have peax and tranquillity. But Mardocheus thought upon all the works and noble acts of the Lord, & made his prayer unto him, saying: O Lord Lord thou valiant and almighty king, for all things are in thy power, and if thou wilt help and deliver Israel, there is no man that can withstand ne let thee: for thou hast made heaven and earth, and what wondrous thing so ever is under the heaven: thou art Lord of all things, and there is no man that can resist thee, oh Lord. Thou knowest all things, thou wottest Lord, that it was neither of malice, ne presumption, nor for any desire of glory, that I would not bow down myself, nor worship yonder proud presumptuous Aman (for I would have been content, and that with good will, if it might have done Israel any good, to have kissed even his fotesteppes) but that I did it because I would not set the honour of a man in the stead of the glory of God, and because I would worship none but only the my Lord. And this have I done in no pride ne presumption. And therefore, O Lord, thou God and king, have mercy upon thy people, for they imagine how they may bring us to naught, yea, their mind and desire is to destroy, and to overthrow the people that hath ever been thine inheritance of old. O despise not thy portion which thou hast delivered and brought out of egypt for thine own self. Hear my prayer, and be merciful unto thy people, whom thou hast choose for an heritage unto thyself. Turn our complaint and sorrow in to joy, that we may live, O Lord, and praise thy name. O Lord, suffer not the mouths of them that praise thee, to be destroyed. All the people of Israel in like manner cried as earnestly as they could unto the Lord, for their death and destruction stood before their eyes. ¶ The prayer of Esther, for the deliverance of her and her people. CAPI. XIIII. Queen Esther also being in the battle of death, resorted unto the Lord, laid away her gorgeous apparel, & put on the garments that s●rued for sighing and mourning. In the frede of precious ointment, she scattered ashes and dung upon her heed: and as for her body, she ●●mbled it and brought it very low. All the places where she was wont to ●aue joy afore, 〈◊〉 ●illed she with the tearing of her 〈…〉 p●●yed also unto the Lord God of Isr●ell, with these words. O my Lord, thou only art our king, help me desolate woman, which have no helper but thee, for my misery & destruction is hard at my hand. ●●●te four e 〈◊〉 vi. a from my youth up I have herd out of the kindred of my father, that thou tookest Israel from amongs all people, and so have our fathers of their fore elders, that they should be thy perpetual inheritance, & look what thou didst promise them, thou haste made it good unto them. Now, well Lord, we have syned before thee, 〈◊〉 xxxii c therefore hast thou given us in to the hands of our enemies, because we worshipped their gods. Lord thou art righteous. Nevertheless it satisfieth them not, that we are in bitter and heavy captivity, and oppressed amongs them, but thou haste laid their hands upon the hands of their gods: so that they begin to take away the thing that thou with thy mouth hast ordained and appointed: to destroy thine inheritance, to shut and to stop the mouths of them that praise thee, to quench the glory & worship of thy house and thine altar, and to open the mouths of the Heathen, that they may praise the power and virtue of the gods, and to magnify the fleshly king for ever. O Lord, give not thy sceptre unto them that be nothing, least they laugh us to scorn in our misery and fall: but turn their device upon themselves, and punish him that hath begun the same over us, and set him to an example. Think upon us, oh Lord, and show thyself in the time of our distress, and of our trouble. strength me, oh thou king of gods, thou Lord of all power, give me an eloquent and pleasant speech in my mouth before the lion. 〈◊〉 iiii c 〈◊〉 i a Turn his heart in to the hate of our enemy, to destroy him, and all such as consent unto him. But deliver us with thy hand, and help me desolate woman which have no defence nor helper but only the. Lord thou knowest all things, thou wottest that I love not the glory and worship of the unrighteous, and that I hate & abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of all Heathen. Thou knowest and wottest my necessity, that I hate the token of my pre-eminence, and worship, which I bear upon my heed, what time as I must show myself and be seen, and that I abhor it as an unclean cloth, and that I wear it not when I am quiet and alone by myself. Thou knowest also that I thy handmaiden have not eaten at Amans table, and that I have had no pleasure nor delight in the kings feast, that I have not drunk the drynkeofferynges, and that I thy handmaiden have had no joy sense the day that I was brought hither, unto this day, but only in the oh Lord. O thou God of Abraham, O thou mighty God above all: hear the voice of them that have none other hope, and deliver us out of the hand of the wicked, and deliver me out of my fear. ¶ Mardocheus moveth Hester to go in to the king, and make intercession for her people, and she pertormeth his request. CAPI. XU. ANd upon the third day it happened that Hester i Hest u a laid away the mourning garments, and put on her glorious apparel, and decked herself goodly (after that she had called upon God, which is the beholder and saviour of all things) took two maids with her: upon the one she leaned herself, as one that was tender: the other followed her, and bore the train of her vesture. The shine of her beauty made her face rose coloured. The similitude of her face was cheerful and amiable, but her heart was sorrowful for great fear. She went in thorough all the doors, and stood before the king. The king sat upon the throne of his kingdom, & was clothed in his goodly array all of gold, and set with precious stones, and he was very terrible. He lift up his face that shone in the clearness, and looked grymly upon her. Then fallen the queen down, was pale and faint, leaned herself upon the heed of the maid that went with her. Nevertheless God turned the kings mind, that he was glentle, Prouer. xii ● that he leapt out of his seat for fear, and got her in his arms and held her up, till she came to herself again. He have her loving words also, and said unto her: Hester, what is the matter? I am thy brother, be of good cheer, thou shalt not die: for our commandment toucheth the commons, not the. Come nigh. And with that he held up his golden wand, and said it upon her neck, and embraced her friendly, & said: talk with me. Then said she: I saw thee, oh Lord, as an angel of God, Gene. xxxiii a two. Reg. xix c & my heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty and clearness. For excellent and wondered art thou, oh Lord, and thy face is full of amity. But as she was thus speaking unto him, she fallen down again for faintness: for the which cause the king was afraid, and all his servants comforted her. ¶ The copy of the letters of Artaxerxes, whereby he revoketh those which he first sent forth. CAPI. XVI. THe great king Artaxerxes, which reigneth from India unto Ethiopia over an hundred and xxvij lands sendeth unto the princes & rulers of the same lands such as love him, his friendly salutation. There be many that for the sundry frendshyppes and benefits, which are diversly done unto them for their worship, be ever the more proud and high minded, and undertake not only to hurt our subjects, for plenteous benefits may they not suffer, and begin to imagine some thing against those that do them good, and take not only all unthankfulness away from men, but in pride & presumption (as they that be unmindful and unthankful for the good deeds) they go about to escape the judgement of God that saith all things, which (judgement) hateth and punissheth all wickedness. It happeneth often also, that they which be set in office by the higher power, and unto whom the business and causes of the subjects are committed to be handled wax proud, & defile themselves with shedding of innocent blood, which bringeth them to intolerable hurt. Which also with false and deceitful words, and with lying tales, deceive and betray the innocent goodness of princes. Now is it profitable & good, that we take heed, make search thereafter, and consider not only what hath happened unto us of old, but the shameful, unhonest, & noisome things that the deputies have now taken in hand before our eyes, and thereby to beware in time to come, that we may make the kingdom quiet and peaceable for all men, and that we might sometime draw it to a change: and as for the thing that now is present before our eyes, to withstand it, and to put it down, after the most friendly manner. i Hester iii a What time now as Aman the son of Amadathu the Macedonian (a stranger verily of the Persians' blood and far from our goodness) was come in among us as an alyaunte, and had obtained the friendship that we bear toward all people, so that he was called our father, and had in high honour of every man, as the next and principal unto the king, he could not forbear himself from his pride, hath undertaken not only to rob us of the kingdom, but of our life. With manifold disobeyed also hath he desired to destroy Mardocheus our helper and preserver, which hath done us good in all things: and innocent Hester the like partaker of our kingdom with all our people. For his mind was (when he had taken them out of the way, & rob us of them) by this means to translate the kingdom of the Persians' unto them of Macedonia. But we find that the jews (which were accused of the wicked, that they might be destroyed) are no evil doers, but use reasonable and right laws, & that they be the children of the most high living God, by whom the kingdom of us, and our progenitors hath been well ordered hitherto. Wherefore as for the letters and commandments that were put forth by Aman the son of Amadathu, you shall do well if you hold them of none effect: for he that set them up and invented them, hangs at Susis before the port, with all his kindred, and God (which hath all things in his power) hath rewarded him after his deserving. And upon this you shall publish and set up the copy of this letter in all places, that the jews may freely and without hindrance hold themselves after their own statutes, & that they may be helped, and that upon the xiij day of the twelve month Adar, they may be avenged of them, which in the time of their anguish and trouble, would have oppressed them. For the God that governeth all things hath turned to joy the day wherein the choose people should have perished. Moreover among the high solemn days that you have, you shall hold this day also with all gladness: that now, and in time to come this day may be a remembrance to good, for all such as love the prosperity of the Persians': but a rememraunce of destruction to those that be seditious unto us. All cities and lands that do not this, shall horribly perish and be destroyed with the sword and fire, and shall not only be no more inhabited of men, but be abhorred also of the wild beasts and fowls. ¶ The end of the rest of the book of Esther. THE BOOK OF wisdom. ¶ How we ought to search and inquire after God, and who be those that find him. Of the holy ghost We aught to fly from backbiting and murmuring. etc. CAPI. I O Set your affection upon wisdom, you that be judges of the erath. Have a good opinion of the Lord and seek him in the singleness of heart. i 〈◊〉 xv c For he will be found of them that tempt him not, and appeareth unto such as put their trust in him. But the froward thoughts they separate from God, and virtue (if it be allowed) refourmeth the unwise. And why? wisdom shall not enter in to a froward soul, ne devil in the body that is subdued unto sin. For the holy ghost abhorreth feigned nurture, and withdraweth himself from the thoughts that are without understanding: and where wickedness hath the upperhand, 〈◊〉 v c he fleeth from thence. For the spirit of wisdom is loving, gentle and gracious, and will have no pleasure in him that speaketh evil with his lips. For God is a witness of his reins, a true searcher out of his heart, and an hearer of his tongue. For the spirit of the Lord filleth the round compass of the world, 〈◊〉 vi a 〈◊〉 xxiii d 〈◊〉 vii c and the same that upholdeth all things, hath knowledge also of the voice. Therefore he that speaketh unryghtous things, can not be hid, neither may he escape the judgement of reproof. two Reg. ii g 〈◊〉 vi a 〈◊〉 iii b And why? inquision shall be made for the thoughts of the ungodly, and the report of his words shall come unto God, so that his wickedness shallbe punished. For the ear of jealousy heareth all things, and the noise of the grudginges, shall not be hid. Therefore beware of murmuring, which is nothing worth and refrain your tongue from slander. For here is no word so dark and secret, that it shall go for naught: 〈◊〉 xii ● & the mouth that speaketh lies, slayth the soul. O seek not your own death in the error of your life, 〈◊〉 iiii c destroy not yourselves thorough the works of your own hands. For God hath not made death, neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living. For he created all things, that they might have their being: yea all the people of the earth hath he made that they should have health, that there should he no destruction in them, and that the kingdom of hell should not be upon earth (for righteousness is everlasting and immortal, but unrighteousness bringeth death.) Nevertheless, the ungodly call her unto them, both with words and works, and while they think to have a friend of her, they come to naught: for the ungodly that are confederate with her and take her part: are worthy of death. ¶ The imaginations and desires of the wicked, and their counsel against the faithful. CAPI. II FOr the ungodly talk and imagine, thus among themselves (but not right) The time of our life is but short and tedious, and when a man is onse go, job vii a Math. xxii b i corinth xu d he hath no more joy ne pleasure, neither know we any man that turneth again from death for we are born of naught and we shall be hereafter as though we had never been. For our breath is a smoke in our nostrils, and the words as a spark to move our heart. As for our body, it shall be very ashes that are quenched, and our soul shall vanish as the soft air. Our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and come to naught as the mist that is driven away with the beams of the sun, and put down with the heat thereof. Our name also shall be forgotten by little & little and no man shall have our works in remembrance. For our time is a very shadow that passeth away, and after our end, two. Para xxx c Esay xxii b and xvi c Sapie v, b there is no returning, for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again. Come on therefore, let us enjoy the pleasures that be present, and let us soon use the creature like as in youth. We will fill ourselves with good wine and ointment, there shall no flower of the time go by us. We will crown ourselves with roses afore they be withered. There shall be no fair meadow, but our lust shall go thorough it. Let every one of you be partaker of our voluptousnesse. Let us leave some token of our pleasure in every place, for that is our portion, else get we nothing. Let us oppress the poor righteous, let us not spare the widow ne old man, let us not regard the heeds that are grey for age. Let the law of unryghtonesse be our authority, for the thing that is feeble is nothing worth. Therefore let us defraud the righteous, and why? he is not for our profit, yea he is clean contrary to our doings. He checketh us for offending against the law, and sklaundreth us as trasgressoures of all nurture. He maketh his booste to have the knowledge of God, yea he calleth himself God's son. He is the bewrayer of our thoughts: It grieveth us also to look upon him, Ioh. vii a Esay liii a for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of an other fashion. He counteth us but vain people, he withdraweth himself from our ways as from filthiness: he commends greatly the latter end of the just, and maketh his booste that God is his father. Let us see then if his words be true, let us prove what shall come upon him: so shall we know what end he shall have. For if he be the true son of God, he will receive him and deliver him from the hands of his enemies. Let us examen him with despiteful rebuke and tormenting, Psalm xxi a Mat xxvii e jerem xi d that we may know his dignity, and prove his patience. Let us condemn him with the most shameful death: for like as he hath spoken, so shall he be rewarded. Such things do the ungodly imagine, and go astray, for their own wickedness hath blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they understand them not: they neither hope for the reward of righteousness, ne regard the worship that holy souls shall have. For God created man to be undestroyed, Gene. ii a Gen. iii a john viii d yea after the image of his own likeness made he him. Nevertheless, thorough envy of the devil, came death unto the world, and they that hold of his side, do as he doth. ¶ The conservation and assurance of the righteous. The reward of the faithful. CAPI. III BUt the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and the pain of death shall not touch them. duty xxxii a Sapicu u a Hebr xi f In the sight of the unwise they appear to die, and their end is taken for very destruction. The way of the righteous is judged to be utter destruction, but they are in rest. And though they suffer pain before men, yet is their hopeful of immortality. Roma viii c i Corin u a i Petri i c They are punished but in few things, nevertheless, in many things shall they be well rewarded. For God proveth them, and findeth them met for himself: yea as the gold in the furnace doth he try them, and receiveth them as a brent offering, and when the time cometh: they shall be looked upon. The righteous shall shine as the sparks that ren thorough the read bush. They shall judge the nations, Math. xiii c Corinth xu e Math nineteeen c i Corin vi a and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that put their trust in him, shall understand the truth, and such as be faithful, will agreed unto him in love: for his choose shall have gifts and peace. Math. xxv d But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own ymaginacyous, for they have despised the righteous, and forsaken the Lord. Who so despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is unhappy, and as for the hope of such, it is but vain, their labours unfeuteful, and their works unprofitable. Their wives are undescrete, and their children most ungodly. Their creature is cursed. Blessed is rather the barren and undefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she shall have fruit in the reward of the holy souls. And blessed is the gelded, Esay lvi b which with his hands hath wrought no unrighteousness, ne imagined wicked things against God. For unto him shall be given the special gift of faith, and the most acceptable portion in the temple of God. For glorious is the fruit of good labour, and the rote of wisdom shall never fade away. As for the children of advovirers, they shall come to an end, & the seed of an unryghtous bed shall be rooted out. And though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded and their last age shall be without honour. If they die hastily, they have no hope, neither shall they be spoken to in the day of knowledge. For horrible is the death and end of the unryghtous. ¶ Of the chaste generation of the faithful, and of their felicity. Of the death of the righteous and of the condemnation of the unfaithful. CAPI. FOUR O How fair is a chaste generation with virtue? The memorial thereof is immortal, for it is known with good men. When it is present, men take example thereat: and if it go away, yet they desire it. It is always crowned and held in honour and winneth the reward of the undefiled battle. But the multitude of ungodly children is unprofitable, and the things that are planted with whoredom, shall take no deep rote, ne lay any fast foundation. Though they be green in the branches for a time, jerem xvii b Malach i a Math. vii c yet shall they be shaken with the wind for they stand not fast, and thorough the vehemence of the wind they shall be rooted out. For the unperfect branches shall be broken, their fruit shall be unprofitable and sour to eat, yea meet for nothing. And why? all the children that are born of the wicked, must bear record of the wickedness against their fathers and mothers, when they be asked. But though the righteous be overtaken with death yet shall he be in rest. Age is an honourable thing Nevertheless it standeth not only in the length of time ne the multitude of years: Age. but a man's wisdom is the grey here, and an undefiled life is the old age. He pleased God, and was be loved of him: so that where as he lived amongs sinners, he translated him. Yea suddenly was he taken away, Hebr xi ● to the intent that wickedness should not altar his understanding, and that hypocrisy should not beguile his soul. For the crafty bewytching of lies make good things dark, the unsteadfastness also and wickedness of volouptuous desire turn aside the understanding of the simple. Though he was soon dead, yet fulfilled he much tyme. For his soul pleased God therefore hasted he to take him away from amongs the wicked. This the people see and understand it not: they lay not up such things in their hearts, how that the loving favour and mercy of God is upon his saints, and that he hath respect unto his choose. Thus the righteous that is deed, condemneth the undgodly which are living: and the youth that is soon brought to an end, the long life of the unryghtous. For they see the end of the wise, but they understand not what God hath devised for him, & wherefore the Lord hath taken him away. And why? they see him and despise him, therefore shall God also laugh them to scorn: Psalm▪ two. So that they themselves shall die hereafter (but without honour) yea in shame among the deed for evermore. For without any voice, shall he burst those that be put up, & remove them from the foundations, so that thy shall be laid waste unto the highest. They shall mourn, and their memorial shall perish. So they being afraid shall remember their sins, and their own wickedness shall bewray them. ¶ The constauntnesse of the righteous before their persecutors. The hope of the unfaithful is undurable and vain. The blessedness and fortunateness of the saints and godly. CAPI. V THen shall the righteous stand in great steadfastness, ●●th xix c against such as have dealt extremely with them, and taken away their labours. When they see it, they shall be vexed with horrible fear, and shall wonder at the hastiness of the sudden health: groaning for very distress of mind, and shall say within themselves, having inward sorrow, and mourning for very anguish of mind. These are they, whom we sometime had in derision, & jested upon. We fools thought their life very madness, 〈◊〉 iii a and their end to be without honour. But lo, how they are counted among the children of God, and their portion is among the saints. Therefore we have erred from the way of truth, the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of understanding, rose not up upon us. We have wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction. Tedious ways have we go: but the way of the Lord we have not known. What good hath our pride done unto us? Or what profit hath the pomp of richesse brought us? All those things are passed away like a shadow, 〈◊〉 thirty c 〈◊〉 ii b 〈◊〉 xxx, b and as a messenger running before: as a ship that passeth over the waves of water, which when it is go by, the trace thereof can not be found, neither the path of it in the floods. Or as a bird that flieth thorough the air, and no man can see any token where she is flown, but only heareth the voice of her wings, beating the light wind, parting the air thorough the vehemence of her flight, and flieth on shaking her wings, where as afterward no token of her way can be found. Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the air, which immediately cometh together again, so that a man can not know where it went thorough. Even so we in like manner as soon as we were born, began immediately to draw to our end, and have showed no token of virtue, but are consumed in our own wickedness. Such words shall they that have sinned speak in the hell: job viii a Psali i b Prouer. ten d and xi a jacob i b for the hope of the ungodly is like a dry thistle flower (or dust) that is blown away with the wind: like as thine scom that is scattered abroad with the storm, like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with the wind, & as the remembrance of a stranger that tarrieth for a day, & then departeth. But the righteous shall live for evermore: Psal xxxix a their reward also is with the Lord: and their remembrance with the highest. Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom and a beautiful crown of the lords hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his own arm shall he defend them. His jealousy also shall take harness, ☜ Ephe. vi b. and shall arm the creature to be avenged of the enemies. He shall put on righteousness for a breast plate, and take sure judgement in stead of an helmet. The invincible shield of equity shall he take, his cruelly wrath shall he sharpen for a spear, and the hole compass of the world shall fight with him against the unwise. Then shall the thunder bolts go out of the lyghtenynges, and come out of the rainbow of the clouds to the place appointed out of the hard stony indignation there shall fall thick hails, and the water of the see shall be wroth against them, and the floods shall run roughly together. Yea a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and a storm shall scatre them abroad. Thus the unryghtous dealing of them shall bring all the land to a wilderness, and and wickedness shall overthrow the dwellynges of the mighty. ¶ The calling of Kings, Princes, and judges: which are also exhorted to search wisdom. CAPI. VI wisdom is better than strength, and a man of understanding is more worth than one that is strong. wisdom. Ecle ix d Psalm. i●i. b Kings. Roma xiii a Hear therefore (O you kings) and understand: O learn you that be judges of the ends of the earth. give ear you that rule the multytudes, and delight in moche people. For the power is given you of the Lord, & the strength from the highest: which shall try your works & search out your imaginations. How that you being officers of his kingdom. have not executed true judgement, have not kept the law of righteousness, nor walked after his will. Horrybly and that right soon shall he appear unto you: for an hard judgement shall they have that bear rule. Mercy is granted unto the simple▪ but they that be in authority shall be sore punished. Eccle. ten ● For God which is Lord over all, shall cre●pte no man's person, neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike. But the mighty shall have the force punishment. Unto you therefore (O you kings) do I speak, that we may learn wisdom and not go amiss: for they that keep righteousness, shall be ryghtously judged: and they that are learned in righteous things, shall find to make answer. Wherefore set your lust upon my words, and love them, so shall you come by nurture. wisdom is a noble thing, and never fadeth away: yea she is easily seen of them the love her, and found of such as seek her. She preventeth them that desire her, that she may first show herself unto them. Who so awaketh unto her bytymes, shall have no great travail, for he shall find her sitting ready at his doors. To think upon her, is perfect understanding, and who so watcheth for her, shall be safe, and that soon. For she goeth about, seeking such as are meet for her, showeth herself cheerfully unto them in their goings, and meeteth them with all diligence. For the unfeigned desire of reformation is her beginning: to care for nurture is love, and love is the keeping of her laws. Rome xiii b Now the keeping of laws is pefection and an uncorrupt life, and an uncorrupt life maketh a man familiar with God. And so the desire of wisdom leadeth to the kingdom everlasting. Num xxvii c two. Reg. xiiii c iii Reg. iii a If your delight be then in royal seats and cepters (O you kings of the people) set your lust upon wisdom, that you may reign for ever more. O love the light of wisdom, all you that be rulers of the people. As for wisdom what she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and will not hide the mysteries of God from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of the nativity, and bring the knowledge of her in to light, and will not keep back the truth: Neither will I have to do with consuming envy, for such a man shall not be partaker of wisdom. But the multitude of the wise, is the welfare of the world, and a wise king is the upholding of the people. O receive nurture then thorough my words, & it shall do you good. ¶ wisdom aught to be preferred before all things CAPI. VII. I Myself also am a mortal man, like as all other, and am come of the earthy generation of him that was first made, and in my mother's womb was I fashyoned to be flesh: In the time at ten months, was I brought together in blood, thorough the seed of man, and the commodious appetite of sleep. When I was born, I received like air as other men, and fallen upon the earth (which is my nature) crying and weeping at the first, as all other do. I was wrapped in swaddling clotheses, and brought up with great cares. For there is no king that hath had any other beginning of birth. All men than have one entrance unto life, and one going out in like manner. job i ● i Tit. b Wherefore I desired, and understanding was given me: I called, & the spirit of wisdom came into me. I set more by her then by kingdoms and royal seats, and counted riches nothing in comparison of her. As for precious stone I compared it not unto her: for all gold is gravel unto her, job xxviii b and silver shall be counted but clay before her sight. I loved her above welfare and beauty and purposed to take her for my light, iii Reg. iii b Math. vi d for her shine can not be quenched. All good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches thorough her hands. I was glad in them all, for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she is my mother of all good things. Now as I myself learned unfeignedly, so do I make other men partakers of her, and hide her riches from no man for she is an infinite treasure unto men, which who so use, become partakers of the love and friendship of God, and are excepted unto him for the gifts of wisdom. God hath granted me to talk wisely, & conveniently to handle the things that he hath graciously lent me. For it is be the leadeth unto wisdom, and teacheth to use wisdom a right. Sapien iii ● In his hand are we and our words, yea all our wisdom, our understanding and knowledge of all our works. For he hath given me the true science of these things: so that I know how the world was made, and the powers of the elements the beginning, ending and midst of the times: how the times altar, how one goeth after an other, and how they are fulfilled the course of the year: the ordinances of the stars: the natures and kyndesse of hests: the furiousness of beasts: the power of the winds by the imaginations of men: the diverssities of young plants, the virtues of rotes, and all such things as are secret and not looked for, have I learned. For the workmaster of all things hath taught me wisdom. In her is the spirit of understanding, which is holy, manifold, one only, subtle courteous, discrete, quick, undefiled, plain, sweet, loving, the thing that is good, sharp, which forbiddeth not to do well, gentle, kind, steadfast, sure, free: having all virtues, circumspect in all things, receiving all spirits of understanding being clean & sharp. For wisdom is nymbler than all nimble things: she goeth thorough and attaineth to all things, because of her cleanness. For she is the breath of the power of God, & a pure clean expressing of the clearness of almighty God. Hebr i a Therefore can no undefiled thing come unto her: for she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the undefiled mirror of the majesty of God, and the image of his goodness. And for so much as she is one, she may do all things: and being steadfast herself she renueth all, and among the people conveyeth she herself in to the holy souls. She maketh God's friends and prophets: for God loveth no man, but him in whom wisdom dwelleth. For she is more beautiful than the Sun, and giveth more light than the stars, and the day is not to be compared unto her: for upon the day cometh night. But wickedness can not overcome wisdom, and foolishness may not be with her. ¶ The effects of wisdom. CAPI VIII. wisdom reacheth from one end to an other myghtyly, and lovingly doth she order all things. I have loved her and laboured for her even fro my youth up: I did my diligence to marry myself with her, such love had I unto her beauty. Who so hath the company of God, commends her nobility, yea the Lord of all things himself, love her. For she is the scholemastresse of the nurture of God, and the chooser out of his works. If a man would desire riches in this life: what is richer than wisdom, that worketh all things? Thou wilt say: understanding worketh. What is it among all things, that worketh more than wisdom? If a man love virtue and righteousness, let him labour for wisdom, for she hath great virtues. And why? she reacheth soberness and prudence, righteousness and strength, which are such things as men can have nothing more profitable in their life. If a man desire moche knowledge, she can tell the things that are past, and discern things for to come: she knoweth the subtyltyes of words, and can expound dark sentences. She can tell of tokens & wondrous things, or ever they come to pass, and the ends of all times & ages. So I purposed after this manner: I will take her unto my company, and comen lovingly with her: no doubt, she shall give me good counsel, and speak comfortably unto me in my carefulness and grief. For her sake shall I be well and honestly taken, among the commons' and lords of the counsel. Though I be young, yet shall I have sharp understanding, so that I shall be marvelous in the sight of great men, and the faces of Princes shall wonder at me. When I hold my tongue, 〈◊〉 xuj ● they shall bide my leisure: when I speak, they shall look upon me: and if I talk much, they shall say their hands upon their mouth. Moreover by the means of her, I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial, among them that come after me. I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be subdued unto me. horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me: among the multitude I shall be counted good, and mighty in battle. When I come home, I shall find rest with her: for her company hath no bitterness, & her fellowship hath no tediousness, but mirth and joy. Now when I considered these things by myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be joined unto wisdom is immortality, & great pleasure to have her friendship: how that in the works of her hands are infinite riches: how that, who so keepeth company with her shall be wise: and that he which talketh with her, shall come to honour: I went about seeking, together unto me. For I was a child of a ripe wit, and had a good understanding. But when I grew to more understanding I came to an undefiled body. Nevertheless when I perceived that I could not keep myself chaste, jacob i b Chastity. except God gave it me (and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift it was) I stepped unto the Lord, and besought him, and with my hole heart I said after this manner. ¶ A prayer of Solomon to obtain wisdom. CAPI. IX. O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercies (thou that hast made all things with thy word, iii Reg. iii ● Gen. i c and ordained man thorough thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creature which thou haste made: that he should order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgement with a true heart) give me wisdom which is ever about thy seat: and put me not out from amongs thy children: for I thy servant and son of thy handmaiden am a feeble person of a short time, Psal cxu b and to young to the understanding of judgement, and the laws. And though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded. i Para xxix b But thou hast choose me to be a king unto thy people, & the judge of thy sons and daughters. Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, Exodi xxv d Act vii f Hebr viii b and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest: a likeness of thy holy tabernacle which thou hast prepared from the beginning, and thy wisdom with the which knoweth thy works which also was with thee, Prove viii c john i a when thou madest the world, and known what was acceptable in thy sight, and right in thy commandments. O send her out of thy holy heavens and from the throne of thy majesty, that she may be with me, and labour with me: that I may know, what is acceptable in thy sight. For she knoweth and understandeth all things: and she shall lead me sobrelye in my works, and preserve me in her power. So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I govern thy people rightously, & be worthy to sit in my father's seat. For what man is he, that may know the counsel of God? Isaiah xl b Roma xi d i Corinth i d Or who can think what the will of God is? For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, & our forecastes are but uncertain. And why? a mortal and corruptible body, is heavy unto the soul and the earthy mansion keepeth down the understanding that museth upon many things. i Corin u a Very hardly can we discern the things that are upon earth, and great labour have we or we can find the things which are before our eyes: Who will then seek out the ground of the things that are done in heaven? O Lord, who can have knowledge of thy understanding and meaning, except thou give wisdom and send thy holy ghost from above? that the ways of them which are upon earth, may be reformed: that men may learn the things that are pleasant unto thee, and be preserved thorough wisdom. ¶ The deliverance of the righteous, cometh thorough wisdom. CAPI. X. wisdom preserved the first man, whom God made a father of the world, Gene. i d and ii d when he was created alone, brought him out of his offence, took him out of the mould of the earth, & gave him power to rule all things. Gene. four b When the unryghtous went away in his wrath from this wisdom, the brotherhood perished thorough the wrath of murder. Again, when the water destroyed the hole world, Ge. vi.vii.viii wisdom preserved the righteous thorough a poor tree, whereof she was governor herself. Moreover when wickedness had got the upper hand, so that the nations were puffed up with pride, she knew the righteous, preserved him faultless unto God, Gene. xix ● and laid up sure mercy for his children. She preserved the righteous, when he fled from the ungodly that perished, what time as the fire fell down upon the five cities: Like as yet this day that unfruitful, waste, and smoking land giveth testimony of their: wickedness: yea the unripe and untimely fruits that grow upon the trees. And for a token of a remembrance of the unfaithful soul, there standeth a pillar of salt. For all such as regarded not wisdom got not only this hurt, that they known not the things which were good, but also left behind them unto men, a memorial of their foolishness: so that in the things wherein they sinned, they could not be hid. But as for such as take heed unto wisdom, she shall deliver them from sorrow. Gen. xxviii d When the righteous fled because of his brother's wrath, wisdom led him the right way, showed him the kingdom of God, gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his labours, and brought to pass the things that he went about. In the disceytfulnesse of such as defrauded him, she stood by him and made him rich. She saved him from the enemies, and defended him from the deceivers. She made him strong in battle, and gave him the victory, that he might know, how that wisdom is stronger than all things. Gene. xxxvii c Act vii b When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but delivered him from sinners. She went down with him in to the dungeon, and failed him not in the bands: till she had brought him the sceptre of the realm, Gene. xli f and power against those that oppressed him. And those that had accused him, she declared them to be liars, and brought him to perpetual worship. She delivered the righteous people and faultless seed, from the nation that oppressed them. Exod. i d. ●. 〈◊〉 iiii. u.vii.ix. She entered into the soul of the servant of God, and stood by him in wonders and tokens against the horrible king. She gave the righteous the reward of their labours, and led them forth a marvelous way: on the day time she was a shadow unto them, & a light of stars in the night season. Exodi xliii ● She brought them thorough the red see and carried them thorough the great water. She drowned their enemies in the see, and brought them out of the deep. So the righteous took the spoils of the ungodly, & praised thy holy name, O Lord, and magnyfyed thy victorious hand with one accord. Exodi xu ● Psalm. viii ● Math. ii b For wisdom openeth the mouth of the dom, and maketh the tongues of babes to speak. ¶ The miracles done for Israel. The vengeance of sinners. The great power and mercy of God. CAPI. XI. SHe ordered their works in the hands, of the holy prophet: Exodi xvi ● so that they went thorough the wilderness that was not inhabited, & pitched their tents in the waste desert. They stood against their enemies and were avenged of their adversaries. Exodi xvii ● When they were thirsty, they called upon thee, and water was given them out of the rock, and their thirst slakened out of the hard stone. For by the things, where thorough their enemies were punished, were they helped in their need. For unto the enemies thou gavest man's blood in stead of living water. And where as they had scarceness in the rebuke when the children were slain, thou gavest unto thine own a plenteous water unlooked for declaring by the thirst that was at that time, how thou wouldest bring thine own unto honour, and slay their adversaries. For when they were tried and nurtured with fatherly mercy, duty viii ● they knowledged how the ungodly were judged, and punished thorough the wrath of God. These haste thou exhorted as a father, & proved them: but unto the other thou hast been a boisterous king, laid hard to their charge, and condemned them. Whether they were absent or present, their punishment was alike. For their grief was double: namely, mourning, and the remembrance of things past. But when they perceived that their punishments did them good, they thought upon the Lord, & wondered at the end. For at the last they held much of him, of whom in the out casting they thought scorn, as of an abject. Nevertheless the righteous did not so when they were thirsty: but even like as the thoughts of the foolish were, so was also their wickedness. Sapien xii ● Rome i c Where as certain men now (thorough error) did worship dom serpents & vain beasts, thou sendedst a multitude of dumb beasts, upon them for a vengeance that they might know that wherewith a man sinneth, 〈◊〉▪ xuj. d 〈◊〉 vi▪ a 〈◊〉 viii c by the same also shall he be punished. For unto the almighty hand, that made the world of naught, it was not unpossible to sand among them an heap of beeres, or would lions, or cruel beestes of a strange kind, such as are unknown, or spout fire, or cast out a smoking breath, or shoot horrible sparks out of their eyes, which might not only destroy them with hurting, but also kill them with their horrible sight. Yea without these beasts might they have been slain with one wind, being persecuted of their own works, and scattered abroad thorough the breath of thy power. Nevertheless thou hast ordered all things in measure number and weight: for thou hast ever had great strength and might, and who may with stand the power of thy arm? And why? like as the small thing that the balance weigheth, so is the world before thee: yea as a drop of the morning dew, that falls down upon the earth. Thou hast mercy upon all, for thou hast power of all things, & makest thee, as though thou sawest not the sins of men, because they should amend. For thou lovest all the things that are, and hatest none of them whom thou hast made: neither didst thou ordain or make any thing of evil will. How might any things endure, if it were not thy will? Or how could any thing be preserved, except it were called of thee? But thou sparest all, for all are thy, oh Lord, thou lover of souls ¶ The mercy of God toward sinners, the works of God are unreprovable. God giveth leisure to repent us. CAPI. XII. O Lord, how gracious and sweet is thy spirit in all things? Therefore chastenest thou them measurably that go wrong, & warnest them concerning the things wherein they offend: thou speakest unto them, oh Lord, & exhortest them to leave their wickedness, 〈◊〉 ix. ● 〈…〉 b and put their trust in the. As for those old inhabiters of thy holy land, thou mightest not away with them, for they committed abominable works against thee: as witch craft, sorcery and idolatry: they slay their own children without mercy, they ate up men's bowels, and devoured the blood: yea because of such abominations, misbileves & offerings, thou slewest the fathers of the desolate souls by the hands of our fore fathers, that the land which thou lovest above all other might be a dwelling for the children of God. Nevertheless thou sparedst them also, as men, & sendedst the forerunners of thy host even hornettes to destroy them out by little and little. Not that thou wast unable to subdue the ungodly unto the righteous in battle, or with cruel beasts, 〈◊〉 ●●ii. d 〈…〉. d or with one rough word to destroy them together: But thy mind was to drive them out by little & little, giving them time and place to amend, knowing well that it was an unrighteous nation, and wicked of nature, & that their thought might never be altered: for it was a cursed seed from the beginning, and feared no man: Yet hast thou pardoned their sins. For who will say unto thee: why hast thou done that? Or who will stand against thy judgement? Or who will come before thy face, an avenger of unrighteous men? Or who will blame that, if the people perish whom thou hast made? For there is none other God but thou, that carest for all things: i Petri u ● that thou mayst declare how that thy judgement is not unright: there dare neither king ne tyrant in thy sight require accounts of them whom thou hast destroyed. For so much then as thou art righteous thyself, thou ordrest all things ryghtously, job ix ● & punysshest even him that have not deserved to be punished, and takest him for a stranger and an alyaunt in the land of thy power. For thy power is the beginning of righteousness: and because thou art Lord of all things, therefore art thou gracious unto all. When men think the not to be of a full strength, thou declarest thy power, and boldly deliverest thou them over that know the not. But thou Lord of power judgest quietly, and ordrest us with great worship, for thou mayst do as thou wilt. By such works now hast thou taught thy people, that a man also should be just and loving, and hast made thy children to be of a good hope: for even when thou judgest, thou givest room to amend from sins. For in so much as thou hast punished, and with such diligence delivered the enemies of thy servants which were worthy to die (wherethrough thou gavest them time and place of amendment, that they might turn from their wickedness) with how great diligence than punysshest thou thine own children unto whose fathers thou hast sworn and made covenants of good promises? so where as thou dost but chasten us, thou punisshest our enemies divers ways, to the intent that when we punish, we should remember thy goodness: & when we ourselves are punished, to put our trust in thy mercy. Wherefore where as men have lived ignorantly and unrightously thou hast punished them sore, even thorough the same things that they worshipped: Sapien xi c Roma i c for they went astray very long in the way of error, and held the beasts (which even their enemies despised) for gods, living as children of no understanding. Therefore hast thou sent a scornful punishment among them, as among the children of ignorance. As for such as would not be reformed by those scorns & rebukes, they felt the worthy punishment of God. For the things that they suffered, they bore them unpatiently, being not content in them, but unwilling. And when they perished by the same things that they took for gods, they knowledged then that there was but one true God, whom afore they would not know: therefore came the end of their damnation upon them. ¶ All things be vain, except the knowledge of God. Idolaters and Idols are mocked. CAPI. XIII. Vain are all men, which have not the knewlege of God: as were they that out of the good things, which are seen knew not him, that of himself is everlasting. Roma i c Vain philosophers. Neither took they so much regard of the works that are made, as to know who was the craftsman of them: but some took the fire, some the wound or air, some that course of the stars, some the water, some took sun and moon, or the lights of heaven, which rule the earth for gods. But though they had such pleasure in their beauty, that they thought them to have been gods, yet should they have known how moche more fairer he is that made them: for the maker of beauty hath ordained all these things. Or if they marveled, at the power and works of them they should have perceived thereby that he which made these things is myghtyer than they. For by the greatness and beauty of the creature, the maker thereof may plainly be known. Notwithstanding they are the less to be blamed that sought God, and would have found him, and yet miss, and why? for in as much as they went about in his works, & sought after them, it is a token that they regarded & held moche of his works that are seen, how be it, Roma i c they are not wholly to be excused. For if their understanding and knowledge was so great, that they could discern the world & the creatures, why did they not rather find out the Lord thereof. But unhappy are they, and among the deed is their hope that call them gods, which are but the works of men's hands: He mocketh the ydolaters. gold, silver, and the thing that is found out by cunning, the similitude of beestes, or any vain stone that hath been made by hand of old. Or as when a carpenter cutteth down a tree out of the wood, and pareth of the bark of it cunningly, and so with the one part maketh a vessel to be used, and dresseth meat with the residue. As for the other part that is left, which is profitable for nothing (for it is a crooked piece of wood and full of knobs) he carueth it diligently thorough his vanity, images. and according to the knowledge of his cunning, he giveth it some proportion, facioneth it after the similitude of a man, or maketh it like some be'st, streketh it over with read, and painteth it, and look what foul spot is in it, he casts some colour upon it. Then maketh he a convenient tabernacle for it, setteth it in the wall, and maketh it fast with iron, providing so for it, jest it happen to fall, for it is well known that it can not help itself. And why? it is but an image, & must of necessity be helped. Then goeth he and offereth of his goods unto it, for his children, and for his wife, he seeketh helpeth at it, he asketh counsel at it, he is not ashamed to speak unto it that hath no soul, for health: he maketh his petition unto him that is sick, for life: he prayeth unto him that is deed: he calleth upon him for help, that is not able to help himself, & to sand him a good journey, he prayeth him that may not go. And in all the things that he taketh in hand (whether it be to obtain any thing or to work) he prayeth unto him that can do no manner of good. ¶ The detestation and abomination of images. A curse of them and of him that maketh them. The evils that come of idolatry. CAPI. XIIII. Again, an other man purposing to sail, and beginning to take his journey thorough the raging see, calleth for help unto a stock that is far weyker than the tree that beareth him. For as for it covetousness of money hath found it out, & the crattesman made it with his cunning. But thy providence, oh father, Exodi xiiii ● governeth all things from the beginning: for thou hast made a way in the see, and a sure path in the midst of the waves: declaring thereby, that thou hast power to help in all things, yea though a man went to the see without ship. Nevertheless that the works of thy wisdom should not be vain, thou haste caused an ark to be made, Gene. vi ● and therefore do men commit their lives to a small piece of wood, passing over the see in a ship, and are saved. For in the old time olso when the proud giants perished, Gene. vii b he (in whom the hope was left to increase the world) went in to the ship which was governed thorough thy hand, and so left seed behind him unto the world. For happy is the tree where thorough righteousness cometh: but cursed is the image of wood, that is made with hands, yea both it and he that made it. He because he made it: and it, because it was called God, Psalm. ●x● and. xxx● Baruch. 〈◊〉 Psalm. vii● where as it is but a frail thing, For the ungodly and his ungodliness are both like abominable unto God. Even so the work and he that made it also shall be punished together. Therefore shall there a plague come upon the images of the Heathen, for out of the creature of God they are become an abomination, a temptation unto the souls of men, and a snare for the feet of the unwise. And why? the seeking out of images is the beginning of hoordom and the bringing up of them is the destruction of life. For they were not from the beginning, neither shall they continued for ever. The wealthy idleness of men hath found them out upon earth, therefore shall they come shortly to an end. When a father mourned for his son that was taken away from him, he made him an image (in all the haste) of his deed son, and so began to worship him as a God, which was but a deed man, & ordained his servants to offer unto him. Thus by process of time, & thorough long custom, this error was kept as a law, and tyrants compelled men by violence to honour images. As for those that were so far of, that men might not worship them presently, their picture was brought from far (like the image of a king whom they would honour) to the intent that with great diligence they might worship him, which was far of, as though he had been present. Again, the singular cunning of the craftsman gave the ignorant also a great occasion to worship images. For the workman willing to do him a pleasure that set him a work, laboured with all his cunning to make the image of the best fashion. And so, thorough the beauty of the work, the common people was deceived, in so moche that they took him now for a God, which a little afore was but honoured as a man. And this was the error of man's life, when men (either for to serve their own affection or to do some pleasure unto kings) ascribed unto stones and stocks the name of God, which aught to be given unto no man. Moreover this was not enough for them that they erred in the knowledge of God: but where as they lived in the great wars of ignorance, those many and great plagues called they peax. For either they slew their own children, 〈◊〉 xviii. b 〈◊〉 seven. a 〈◊〉 and offered them and did sacrifice in the night season, or else held unreasonable watches: so that they kept neither life ne marriage clean: but either one slew an other to death maliciously, or else grieved his neighbour with adultery. And thus were all things mixed together: blood, manslaughter, theft, dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, sedition, perjury, disquieting of good men, unthankfulness, defiling of souls, changing of birth, unsteadfastness of marriage, misorder, of adultery and uncleanness. And why? the honouring of abominable images is the cause, the beginning and end of all evil. For they that worship idols, either they are mad when they are merry, or prophecy lies, 〈◊〉 wor●. or live ungodly, or else lightly forswear themselves: for in so much as their trust is in the idols, which have neither soul ne understanding, though they swear falsely, yet they think it shall not hurt them. Therefore cometh a great plague upon them, and that worthily: for they have an evil opinion of God, giving heed unto idols, swearing unjustly to deceive, and despising righteousness: for their swearing is no virtue, but a plague of them that sin, & goeth ever with the offence of the ungodly. ¶ The voice of the faithful praising the mercy of God, for whose graces sake they serve not Idols. CAPI. XU. But thou, oh our God, art sweet, long suffering and true, and in mercy ordrest thou all things. Though we sin, yet are we thine, for we know thy strength. If we sin not, then are we sure that thou regardest us. For to know thee, is perfect righteousness: Yea to know thy righteousness and power, is the root of immortality. As for the thing that men have found out thorough their evil science, it hath not deceived us: as the painting of the picture (an unprofitable labour) and carved image with divers colours, whose sight entyseth the ignorant: so that he honoureth and loveth the picture of a deed image that hath no soul. Nevertheless they that love such evil things are worthy of death: they that trust in them they that make them, they that love them, & they that honour them. The potter also taketh and tempereth soft earth, laboureth it, and giveth it the fashion of a vessel, what so ever serveth for our use: and so of one piece of clay he maketh some clean vessel for service, and some contrary. But where to every vessel serveth, that knoweth the potter himself. So with his vain labour he maketh a God of the same clay: this doth even he which a little afore was made of earth himself and within a little while after (when he dieth) turneth to the earth again. Notwithstanding he careth not the more because he shall labour, ne because his life is short but striveth to excel goldsmiths, the syluersmythes & coppersmythes, and taketh it for an honour to make vain things. For his heart is ashes, his hope is but vain earth, and his life is more vile than clay: for so moche as he knoweth not his own maker, that gave him his soul to work, Images. and breathed in him the breath of life. They count our life but a pastime, and our conversation to be but a market, and that men should ever be getting, and that by evil means. Now he that of earth maketh frail vessels and images, land knoweth himself to offend above all other. All the enemies of thy people and that hold them in subjection, are unwise, unhappy, and exceeding proud unto their own souls: Psal. cxiii.d for they judge all the idols of the Heathen to be gods, which neither have sight to see, nor noses to smell, ne ears to hear, nor fingers of hands for to grope: and as for their feet, they are to slow to go: for man made them, & he that hath but a borrowed spirit fashioned them. But no man can make a God like unto him: for seeing he is but mortal himself, it is but mortal that he maketh with unryghtous hands. He himself is better than they whom he worshippeth, for he lived though he was mortal, but so did never they. Yea, they worship beasts also, which are most miserable: for compare things that can not feel unto them, an they are worse than those. Yet is there not one of these beasts that with his sight can behold any good thing, neither have they given praise ne thanks unto God. ¶ The punishment of Idolaters, and the benefits done unto the faithful. CAPI. XVI. FOr these and such other things have they suffered worthy punishment, & thorough the multitude of beestes are they rooted out. In stead of the which punishments, thou haste graciously ordered thine own people, & given them their desire that they longed for: Nun xxi a a new and strange taste, preparing them quails to be their meat, to the intent that by the things which were showed and sent unto them, they that were so greedy, might be withdrawn even from the desire that was necessary. But these within short time were brought unto poverty, and tasted a new meat. For it was requisite that (without any excuse) destruction should come upon those which used tyranny, and to show only unto the other, how their enemies were destroyed. For when the evil wodnesse of the beestes came upon them, they perished thorough the stynges of cruel serpents. notwithstanding thy wrath endured not perpetually, but they were put in fear for a little season, that they might be reform, having a token of salvation, to remember the commandment of thy law. For he that converted, was not healed by the thing that he see but by thee, oh saviour of all. So in this thou showedst thine enemies, that it is thou which deliverest from all evil. Exodi xii d As for then when they were bitten with greshoppers & flies, they died, for they were worthy to perish by such: But neither the teeth of dragons ne of venomous worms overcame thy children, for thy mercy was ever by them and helped them. Therefore were they punished to remember thy words, but hastily were they healed again: jest they should fall in to so deep forgetfulness, that they might not use thy help. It was neither herb ne plaster that restored them to health, but thy word, oh Lord, which heals all things. Deut. xxxii t i Regum ii d It is thou, oh Lord, that hast the power of life and death: thou ledest unto deaths door, & bringest up again. But man thorough wickedness sleeth his own soul, & when his spirit goeth forth, it turneth not again, neither may he call again the soul that is taken away: It is not possible to escape thy hand. 〈◊〉 ix c For the ungodly that would not know thee, were punished by the strength of thine arm: with strange waters, hails and rains were they persecuted, & thorough fire were they consumed. For it was a wondrous thing that fire might do more than water, which quencheth all things, but the world is the avenger of the righteous. Sometime was the fire so tame, that the beasts which were sent to punish the ungodly, brent not: and that because they should see & know that they were persecuted with the punishment of God. And sometime brent the fire in the water on every side, that it might destroy the unrighteous nation of the earth. Again thou hast fed thine own people with angels food, Exodi xvi a and sent them breed ready from heaven, without their labour, being very pleasant and well gusted. And to show thy riches and sweetness unto thy children, thou gavest every one their desire, so that every man might take what liked him best. But the snow and ice abode the violence of the fire, and melted not: that they might know that the fire burning in the hail and rain, destroyed the fruit of the enemies, the fire also forgot his strength again, that the righteous might be norisshed. For the creature that serveth thee (which art the maker) is fierce in punishing the unrighteous, but is easy and gentle to do good, unto such as put their trust in the. Therefore did all things altar at the same time, & were all obedient unto thy grace, which is the nurse of all things, according to the desire of them that had need thereof, that thy children, oh Lord, Deut viii. a Math. iiii a whom thou lovest, might know that it is not nature and the growing of fruits that feedeth men, but that it is thy word which preserveth them that put their trust in thee: for look what might not be destroyed with the fire, as soon as it was warmed with a little sun beam, it melted: that all might know that thanks ought to be given unto the before the sun rise, and that thou oughtest to be worshipped before the day spring: for the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter ice, and perish as water that is not necessary. ¶ The judgements of God upon the Egyptians. CAPI. XVII. GReat are thy judgements, oh Lord, and thy counsels can not be expressed, Roma xl d therefore men do err, that will not be reform with thy wisdom. Exodi x c For when the unrighteous thought to have thy holy people in subjection, they were bond with the bands of darkness and long night, shut under the roof, thinking to escape the everlasting wisdom. And while they thought to be hid in the darkness of their sins, they were scattered abroad in the very midst of the dark covering of forgetfulness, put to horrible fear and wondrously vexed for the corner where they might not keep them from fear: because the sound came down & vexed them: yea many terrible and strange visions made them afryde. No power of the fire might give them light, neither might the clear flames of the stars lighten that horrible night: for there appeared unto them a sudden fire very dreadful. At the which (when they see nothing) they were so afraid, that they thought the thing which they see to be the more fearful. Exodi vii ● As for the sorcery and enchantment that they used, it came to derision, & the proud wisdom was brought to shame: for they that promised to drive away the fearfulness and dread from the weak souls, were sick for fear themselves, and that with scorn. And though none of the wonders feared them, yet were they afraid at the beestes which came upon them, and at the hissing of the serpents. In so much that with trembling they swowned, and said they saw not the air, which no man yet may escape. For it is an heavy thing, when a mans own conscience beareth record of his vickednesse & condemneth him. And why? a vexed & wounded conscience, taketh ever cruel things in hand. 〈…〉. a Fearfulness is nothing else, but a declaring that a man seeketh help and defence, to answer for himself. And look how moche less the hope is within, the more is the uncertainty of the matter for the which he is punished. But they that came in the mighty night slept the sleep that fallen upon them from under and from above: sometime were they afraid thorough the fear of the wonders, & sometime they were so weak that they swowned withal: for an hasty & sudden fearfulness came upon them. afterward, if any of them had fallen he was kept & shut in prison, but without chains. But if any dwelled in a village, if it had been an herd or husbandman he suffered intolerable necessity: for they were all bond with one chain of darkness. Whether it were a blazing wind, or a sweet song of the birds among the thick branches of the trees, or the vehemence of hasty running water, or great noise of the falling down of stones, or the playing and running of beestes whom they saw not, or the mighty noise of roaring beestes, or the sound that answereth again in the high mountains, it made them swoon for very fear. For all the earth shined with clear light, and no man was hindered in his labour. Only upon them there fallen an heavy night, an image of darkness that was to come upon them. Yea they were unto themselves the most heavy and horrible darkness. ¶ The fire light that the Israelites had in Egipt● The persecution of the faithful. The Lord smote all the first born of Egypt. The sin of the people in the wilderness. Aaron stood betwixt the live and the deed, with his censor. CAPI. XVIII. Nevertheless thy holy had a very great light (& the enemies herd their voice but they saw not the figure of them.) And because they suffered not the same things, they magnified thee, and they that were vexed afore (because they were not hurt now) thanked thee, and besought thee, oh God, that there might be a difference. 〈◊〉 xiii a Therefore had they a burning pillar of fire to lead them in the vnknow●n way, and thou gavest them the sun for a free gift, without any hurt. Reason it was that they should want light, and be put in the prison of darkness, which kept thy children in captivity, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law of the world was for to be given. 〈…〉. When they thought to slay the babes of the righteous (one being laid out, and preserved to be leader unto the other) thou broughtest out the hole multitude of the children, Exodi. xii●● and destroyedst these in the mighty water. Of the night were our fathers certified afore, that they knowing unto what oaths they had given credence, might be of good cheer. Thus thy people received the health of the righteous but the ungodly were destroyed. For like as thou hast hurt our enemies, so hast thou promoted us whom thou called'st afore. For the righteous children of the good men offered secretly, and ordered the law of rigtousnesse unto unite, that the just should receive good and evil in like manner, singing praises unto the father of all men. Again, there was herd a disaccording voice of the enemies, and a piteous cry for children that were bewailed. The master and the servant were punished in like manner. For they all together, had innumerable that died one death. Neither were the living sufficient to bury the deed, for in the twinkling of an eye, Exod. xii ● the noblest nation of them was destroyed. As often as God helped them afore, yet would it not make them believe, but in the destruction of the first born, they knowledged that it was the people of God. For while all things were still, and when the night was in the midst of her course, thy almighty word, oh Lord, leapt down from heaven out of thy royal throne as a rough man of war, in the midst of the land that was destroyed: and the sharp sword performed their straight commandment, standing and filling all things with death: yea it stood upon the earth, and reached unto the heaven. Then the sight of the evil dreams vered them suddenly, and fearfulness came upon them unawares. Then lay there one here, an other there, half deed, half quick, and showed the cause of his death. For the visions that vexed them, showed them these things afore: so that they were not ignorant wherefore they perished. The temptation of death touched the righteous also, and amongs the multitude in the wilderness there was insurrection, but thy wrath endured not long. Nun xvi ● For the faultelesse man went in all the haste, and took the battle upon him, brought forth the weapon of his ministration: even prayer, and the censors of reconciling: set himself against the wrath, and so brought the misery to an end: declaring thereby, that he was thy servant. For he overcame not the multitude with bodily power, ne with weapons of might: but with the word he subdued him that vexed him, putting the in remembrance of the oath and covenant made unto the fathers. For when the deed were fallen down by heaps one upon an other, he stood in the midst, pacified the wrath, and parted the way unto the living. Ex xxviii b c And why? in his long garment was all the beauty, and in the four rows of the stones, was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy majesty was written in the crown of his heed, Unto these the destroyer gave place, & was afraid of them: for it was only a temptation worthy of death. ¶ The death of the Egyptians, and the great joy of the Hebrews. The meat that was given at the desire of the people. The elements serve not only to the will of God, but also the will of man. CAPI. XIX. AS for the ungodly, the wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end. For he known what should happen unto them, how that (when they had consented to let them go, & had sent them out with great diligence) they would repent and follow upon them. Exodi xiiii a For when they were yet mourning and making lamentation by the graves of the deed, they devised an other foolishness, so that they persecuted them in their fleeing, whom they had cast out afore with prayer. Worthy necessity also brought them unto this end, for they had clean forgotten the things that happened unto them afore. But the thing that was wanting of their punishment, was requisite so to be fulfilled upon them with torments: that thy people might have a marvelous passage thorough, and that these might find a strange death. Then was every creature fashioned again of new, according to the will of their maker, obeying thy commandments that thy children might be kept without hurt. For the cloud overshadowed their tents, & the dry earth appeared, where afore was water: so that in the read see, there was a way without impediment, and the great deep become a green field, where thorough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeing thy wondrous and marvelous works. For as the horses, so were they fed, and leapt like lambs praising thee, oh Lord, which hadst delivered them. And why? they were yet mindful of the things that happened while they dwelled in the land: how the ground brought forth flies in stead of cattles, & how the river scrauled with the multitude of frogs in stead of fishes. But at the last they see a new creation of of birds, Exodi xvii c Nun xi g what time as they were deceived with lust, and desired delicate meats. For when they were speaking of their appetite, the quails came up to them from the see, and punishments came upon the sinners, not without the tokens which came to pass afore by the vehemence of the streams: for they suffered worthily according to their wickednesses, they dealt so abominably & churlishly with strangers. Some received no unknown gests, some brought the strangers in to bondage that did the good. Beside all these things there were some, that not only received no strangers with their wills, but persecuted those also, iii john. b and did them much evil, that received them gladly. Therefore were they punished with blindness, like as they that were covered with sudden darkness at the doors of the righteous, Gene. xix c iiii. Re. vi d so that every one sought the entrance of his door. Thus the elements turned in to them selves, like as when one time is changed upon an instrument of music, and yet all the residue keep their melody, which may easily be perceived by the sight of the things that are come to pass. The dry land was turned in to a watery, and the things that afore swum in the water, went now upon the dry ground. The fire hath power in the water (contrary to his own virtue) and the water forgot his own kind, to quench. Again, the flames of the noisome beestes hurt not the flesh of them that went with them, neither melted they the ice, which else melteth lightly. In all things hast thou promoted thy people (oh Lord) and brought them to honour: thou haste not despised them, but alway and in all places hast thou stand by them. ¶ The end of the book of wisdom. THE BOOK OF 〈◊〉 jesus. JESUS THE SON OF SIRACH, WHICH IS CALLED IN LATIN ECCLESIASTICUS. ¶ The prologue of jesus the son of Sirach, unto his book. MAny and great men have declared wisdom unto us, out of the law, out of the Prophets, and out of other that followed them. In the which things Israel aught to be commended, by the reason of doctrine, & wisdom: Therefore they that have it, and read it, should not only them selves be wise there thorough, but serve other also with teaching and writing. After that my grandfather jesus had given diligent labour to read the law, the Prophets, & other books that were left us of our fathers, and had well exercised himself therein: he purposed also, to write some thing of wisdom, and good manners, to the intent that they which were willing to learn and to be wise might have the more understanding, and be the more apt to lead a good conversation. Wherefore I exhort you to receive it lovinly, to read it with diligence, and to take it in good worth, though our words be not so eloquent as the famous Orators. For the thing that is written in the Hebrew tongue, soundeth not so well, when it is translated in to an other speech. Not only this book of mine, but also the law, the Prophets, & other books, sound far otherwise, than they do, when they are spoken in their own language. Now in the xxxviij year when I came in to Egypt, in the time of Ptolemy Euerges, and continued there all my life, I got liberty to read and write many good things. Wherefore I thought it good and necessary, to bestow my diligence and travail to interpret this book. And considering that I had time, I laboured and did my best to perform this book, & to bring it unto light: that the strangers also which are disposed to learn, might apply themselves unto good manners, and live according to the law of the Lord. ¶ wisdom proceedeth and cometh of God. A praise of the fear of God. righteousness is a degree to come by wisdom. CAPI. I ALl wisdom cometh of God the Lord, iii Reg. iii d and iiii c job xxviii ● Hacob i ● and hath been ever with him, and is before all tyme. Who hath numbered the sand of the see, the drops of the rain & the days of the time? Who hath measured the heygthe of heaven, the breadth of the earth, & the deepness of the see? Who hath sought out the ground of God's wisdom, which hath been before all things? wisdom hath been before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting. (God's word in the height, is the well of wisdom, and the everlasting commandments are the entrance of her.) Unto whom hath the rote of wisdom been declared? Or who hath known her wit? Unto whom hath the doctrine of wisdom been discovered & showed? and who hath understand the manifold entrance of her? There is one: even the highest, the maker of all things, the almighty, the king of power (of whom men aught to stand greatly in awe) which sitteth upon his throne, being a God of dominion: He hath created her thorough the holy ghost: he hath seen her, numbered her, and measured her: He hath poured her out upon all his works, and upon all flesh, according to his gift: he giveth her richly unto them that love him. The fears of the Lord is worship and triumph, gladness and a joyful crown. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, giveth gladness, joy and long life. Who so fears the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and in the day of his death he shall be blessed. The love of God is honourable wisdom: look unto whom it appeareth, they love it, for they see what wondrous things it doth. Psal cx b Prove ix d The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and was made with the faithful in the mother's womb: it shall go with the choose women, and shall be known of the righteous and faithful. The fear of the Lord is the right Gods service, Fear of the Lord. that preserveth and justfieth the heart, and giveth mirth a gladness. Who so fears the Lord, shall be happy: and when he have need of comfort, he shall be blessed. To fear God is the wisdom that maketh rich, and bringeth all good with her. She filleth the hole house with her gifts: and the garners with her treasure. The fear of the Lord, is the crown of wisdom, and giveth plenteous peaxe and health. He hath seen her and numbered her: knowledge and understanding of wisdom hath he poured out as rain: and them that held her fast, hath he brought unto honour. The fear of the Lord is the rote of wisdom, and her branches are long life. In the treasures of wisdom, is understanding and devotion of knowledge, but wisdom is abhorred of sinners. The fear of the Lord driveth our sin, for he that is without fear, can not be made righteous, and his wilful boldness is his own destruction. A patient man will suffer unto the time, and then shall he have the reward of joy. A good understanding will hide his words for a time, and many men's lips shall speak of his wisdom. In the treasures of wisdom is the declaration of doctrine, but the sinner abhorreth the worship of God. My son, if thou desire wisdom, keep the commandment, and God shall give her unto thee: for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and nurture, he hath pleasure in faith and loving meekness, and he shall fill the treasures thereof. Be not obstinate and unfaithful to the fear of the Lord, & come not unto him with a double heart. Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest. Mark well these things, jest thou happen to fall, and bring thy soul to dishonour, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast the down in the midst of the congregation: because thou wouldest not receive the fear of God, and because thy heart is full of feignedness and disobeyed. ¶ He exhorteth the servants of God to righteousness, love, understanding, and patience, and exhorteth him that fears God, to believe, to hope, and to love: because God never confoundeth ne forsakes them that trust in him. A curse upon the subtle, fierce, and impatient of heart. CAPI. II MY son, if thou wilt come into the service of God, Math. four a two. Timo. i●i. b two. Petri four b stand fast in righteousness and fear, and arm thy soul to temptation: settle thine heart, and be patient: bow down thine ear, receive the words of understanding, and shrink not away, when thou art enticed. Hold the fast upon God, join thyself unto him and suffer, that thy life may increase at the last. Whatsoever happeneth unto thee, receive it: suffer in heaviness, and be patient in thy trouble. For like as gold and silver are tried in the fire, even so are acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. Sapien four a Prove xvii a Believe in God, and he shall help thee: order thy way aright▪ & put thy trust in him. Hold fast his fear, & grow therein. O you that fear the Lord, take sure hold of his mercy: shrink not away from him, that you fall not. O you that fear the Lord, believe him, and your reward shall not be empty. O you that fear the Lord put your trust in him, and mercy shall come unto you for pleasure: O you that fear the Lord set your love upon him, and your hearts shall be lightened consider the old generations of men (O you children) and mark them well: Psalm xxx ● Isaiah xxvi ● was there ever any one confounded, that put his trust in the Lord? Who ever continued in his fear and was forsaken? Or whom did he ever despise, that called faithfully upon him? For God is gracious and merciful, he forgiveth sins in the time of trouble, and is a defender for all them that seek him in the truth. Woe be unto him that hath a double heart wicked lips and evil occupied hands, & to the sinner that goeth two manner of ways. Woe be unto them that are lose of heart, which put not their trust in God, & therefore shall they not be defended of him. Woe be unto them that have lost patience, forsaken the right ways, and are turned back, in to froward ways. What will they do, when the Lord shall begin to visit them? They that fear the Lord, will not mistrust his word: and they that love him, john xiiii b will keep his commandment. They that fear the Lord will seek out the things, that are pleasant unto him: and they that love him shall fulfil his law. They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts▪ Roma xlii▪ b and humble their souls in his sight. They that fear the Lord keep his commandments, two. Reg. xxliiis ● and will be patient till they see himself, saying: better it is for us to fall into the hands of the Lord, then in to the hands of men: for his mercy is as great as himself. ¶ To our father and mother ought we to give double honour. Of the blessing and curse of the father and mother. No man ought over curyously to search out the secrets of God. CAPI. III THe children of wisdom are a congregation of the righteous, and their exercise is obedience and love. Fathers. Hear me your father (O my dear children) and do thereafter, that you may be safe. Exodi. x●. b duty u b Ephe. vi a For the Lord will have the father honoured of the children, and look what a mother commandeth her children to do, he will have it kept. Who so honoureth his father, his sins shall be forgiven him: and he that honoureth his mother is like one that gathereth treasure together. Who so honoureth his father, shall have joy of his own children: & when he maketh his prayer he shall be herd. Ephe. v●●. He that honoureth his father, shall have a long life: and he that is obedient for the lords sake, his mother shall have joy of him. He that fears the Lord, honoureth his father and mother, and doth them service, as it were unto the Lord himself. Honour thy father in deed, in word, Gene. x●● and xlix Deut x● and in all patience, that thou mayst have his blessing: for the blessing of the father buildeth up the houses of the children, but the mother's curse roteth out the foundatyons. Rejoice not when thy father is reproved, for it is no honour unto thee, but a shame. For the worship of a man's father, is his own worship, and where the father is without honour, it is the dishonesty of the son. My son, make much of thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth. And if his understanding fail, have patience with him, and despise him not in thy strength. For the good deed that thou showest unto thy father, shall not be forgotten: and when thou thyself wantest, it shall be rewarded thee (and for thy mother's offence, thou shalt not be recompensed with good, yea it shall be founded for the in righteousness) and in the day of trouble thou shalt be remembered: thy sins also shall melt away, like as the ice in the fair warm wether. He that forsaketh his father, shall come to shame: and he that defyeth his mother, is cursed of God. My son, perform thy works with loving meekness, so shalt thou be loved above other men. The greater thou art, the more humble thyself (in all things) and thou shalt find favour in the sight of God. For great power belongeth only unto God, and he is honoured of the lowly. Seek not out the things that are above thy capacity, 〈◊〉. ●●v. d 〈◊〉 twelve. a 〈…〉. and search not the ground of such things as are to mighty for thee: but look what God hath commanded thee, think upon that always, and be not curious in many of his works. For it is needful for the to see with thine eyes, the things that are secret. Make not thou to moche search in superfluous things, and be not curious in many of his works: for many things are showed unto the already, which be above the capacity of men. The meddling with such hath beguiled many a man, and tangled these wits in vanity. Now he that loveth peril, shall perish therein. An hard heart shall far evil at the last, (an heart that goeth two ways, shall not prospero: and he that is froward of heart, will ever be the worse and worse.) A wicked heart shall be laden with sorrows, and the ungodly sinner will heap one sin upon an other. The counsel of the proud hath no health, for the plant of sin shall be rooted out in them. The heart of him that hath understanding shall perceive high things, and a good ear will gladly hearken unto wisdom. An heart that is wise and hath understanding, will abstain from sins, and increase in the works of righteousness. Water quencheth burning fire, 〈◊〉 xl 〈…〉 four d 〈◊〉 u ● and mercy reconcileth sins. God hath respect unto him that is thankful: he thinketh upon him against the time to come: so that when he falls, he shall find a strong hold. ¶ Alms must be done with all meekness. The study of wisdom and her fruit. A judge aught to be merciful. An exhortation to eschew evil and to do good. CAPI. FOUR MY son, defraud not the poor of his alms and turn not away thy eyes from him that hath need. Deut xv. a Math xxiii c Despise not an hungry soul, and defy not the poor in his necessity: grieve not the heart of him that is helpless, and withdraw not the gift from the needful. Refuse not the prayer of one that is in trouble, and turn not away thy face from the needy. Cast not thine eyes aside from the poor, that thou give him not occasion to speak evil of the. For if he complain of the in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be herd: even he that made him, shall hear him. Be courteous unto the company of the poor humble thy soul unto the elder, and bow down thy head to a man of worship. Let it not grieve that to bow down thy ear unto the poor, but pay thy debt, and give him a friendly answer, and that with meekness. deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor, Gene. xiiii c Exodi ii d and be not faint hearted when thou sittest in judgement. Be mercyfulll unto the fatherless as a father▪ & be in stead of an husband unto their mother so shalt thou be as an obedient son of the highest and he shall love the more than thy mother doth. Wisdom bretheth life into her children, receiveth them that seek her, and will go before them in the way of righteousness. He that loveth her loveth life: and they that seek her diligently, shall have great joy. They that keep her, shall have the heritage of life: for where she entereth in, there is the blessing of God. They that honour her, shall be the servants of the holy one: and they that love her, are beloved of God. Who so giveth ear unto her, shall judge the Heathen: and he that hath respect unto her, shall devil safely. He that believeth her, shall have her in possession, and his generation shall endure: for when he falls, she shall go with him, before al. Fear, dread and temptation shall she bring upon him, and try him in her doctrine: till she have so proved him in his thoughts, that he commit his soul unto her. Then shall she stablish him, bring the right way unto him, make him a glad man, show him her secrets, and heap upon him the treasures of knowledge, understanding and righteousness. But if he go wrong, she shall forsake him, and give him over in to the hands of his enemy. My son make much of the time, eschew the thing that is evil, and for thy life, Ephesi u b Math. ten e shame not to say the truth. For there is a shame that bringeth sin, and there is a shame that bringeth worship and favour. Accept no person after thine own will, Leviti xix d that thou be not confounded to thine own decay. Be not ashamed of thy neighbour in his adversity, and keep not back thy counsel when it may do good, neither hide the wisdom in her beauty. For in the tongue is wisdom known, so is understanding, knowledge and learning in the talking of the wise and steadfastness in the works of righteousness. In no wise speak against the word of truth, but be ashamed of the lies of thine own ignorance. Shame not to confess thine error, submit not thyself unto every man because of sin. Withstand not the face of the mighty, and strive not against the stream. But for the truth strive thou unto death, and God shall fight for the against thine enemies. Be not hasty in thy tongue, neither slack and negligent in thy works. Be not as a lion in thine own house, destroying thy household folks, and oppressing them that are under the. Let thine hand be stretched out to receive, Acto twenty d and shut when thou shouldst give. ¶ In richesse may we not put any confidence. The vengeance of God aught to be feared, and to repentance may we not be slow. CAPI. V TRust not unto thy riches, and say not: tush, Luke xii b Eccle. xi c I have enough for my life. (For it shall not help in the time of vengeance and temptation.) Follow not the lust of thine own heart in thy strength, and say not: tush, how have I had strength, or who will bring me under because of my works? for doubtless God shall avenge it. And say not: I have committed more sins, but what evil hath happened me? For the almighty is a patient rewarder. Because thy sin is forgiven thee, Roma vii a Eccl. xxi a be not therefore without fear, neither heap one sin upon an other. And say not: tush, the mercy of the Lord is great, he shall forgive me my sins, be they never so many. Eccle. xvi b For like as he is merciful, so goeth wrath from him also, and his indignation cometh down upon sinners. Make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord, and put not of from day to day: for suddenly shall his wrath come, and in the time of vengeance he shall destroy the. Prove ten a and xi a Ezec vii b Sopho i c Trust not in wicked riches, for they shall not help in the day of punishment and wrath. Be not carried about to every wind, and go not in to every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue. Stand taste in the way of the Lord, be steadfast in thy understanding, abide by the word, and follow the word of peace & righteousness. Be gentle to hear the word of God, that thou mayest understand it, and make a true answer with wisdom. jacob i b Be swift to hear, but slow and patient in giving answer. If thou hast understanding, shape thy neighbour an answer: If no, lay thine hand upon thy mouth: jest thou be trapped in an undiscrete word, and so confounded. Honour and worship is in a man's wise talking, but the tongue of the undiscrete, Leviti xix d is his own destruction. Be not a privy accuser as long as thou livest, and use no slander with thy tongue. For shame and sorrow goeth over the thief, and an evil name over him that is double-tongued: but he that is a privy accuser of other men, shall be hated envy and confounded. See that thou justify the small and great alike. ¶ It is the property of a sinner to be evil-tongued. The doctrine and good counsel of the wise is to be embraced wisdom should be searched for. The profit thereof. CAPI. VI BE not thy neighbours enemy for thy rinds sake: for who so is evil shall be the heir of rebuke and dishonour and who so ever heareth envy and a double tongue offendeth. Roma twelve▪ Phili ii a Be not proud in the device of thine own understanding, jest thy leaves whither, and thy fruit be destroyed, & so thou be left as a dry tree. For a wyked soul destroyeth him that hath it, maketh him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies (& bringeth him to the portion of the ungodly) A sweet word multyplyeth friends and pacyfyeth them that be at variance, Eccl. twenty b and a thankful tongue will be plenteous in a good man. Hold friendship with many, nevertheless have but one counselor of a thousand. If thou gettest a trende, prove him first, and be not hasty to give him credence. Friends. Deut. xxiii ● and xxxiii b Mich vii ● Math. x c For some man is a friend, but for a time, & will not abide in the day of trouble. And there is some friend that turneth to enimytie, and taketh part against thee: and if he know any hurt by thee, he telleth it out. Again, Eccl. xxxvii▪ a some friend is but a companion at the table, and in the day of need he continueth not. But a sure friend will be unto the even as thine own self, and deal faithfully with thy household folk. If thou suffer trouble and adversity, he is with thee, and hideth not himself from the Depart from thine enemies, yea and beware of thy friends. A faithful friend is a strong defence: who so findeth such one, findeth a noble treasure. A faithful friend hath no peace, the weight of gold and silver is not to be compared to the goodness of his faith. A faithful friend is a medicine of life, & they that fear the Lord shall find him. Who so fears the Lord, shall prosper with friends: and as he is himself so shall his friend be also. My son receive doctrine from thy youth up, so shalt thou find wisdom till thou be old. Go to her as one that ploweth, & soweth, & wait patiently for her good fruits. Eccle. ii ● For thou shalt have but little labour in her work, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon. O how exceeding sharp is wisdom to unlearned men? an unsteadfast body will not remain in her. Unto such she is as it were a touchstone, & he casts her from him in all the haste, for wisdom is with him but in name, there be put few that have knowledge of her. But with them that know her, she abideth even unto the appearing of God. give eat (my son) receive my doctrine, Math. xi● and refuse not my counsel. Put thy foot in to her lynckes, and take her yoke upon thy neck: bow down thy shoulder under her, bear her patiently, and be not weary of her bands. Come unto her with thy hole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power. Seek after her, and she shall be showed thee: and when thou hast her, forsake her not. For at the last thou shalt find rest in her, and that shall be turned to thy great joy. Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her yock a glorious raiment. For the beauty of life is in her, and her bands are the coupling together of salvation. Yea a glorious raiment is it, thou shalt put it on, & the same crown of joy shalt thou wear. My son, if thou wilt take heed, thou shalt have understanding: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be wise. If thou wilt bow down thine ear, thou shalt receive doctrine: and if thou delight in hearing, thou shalt be wise. Stand with the multitude of such elders as have understanding, and consent unto their wisdom with thine heart: that thou mayest hear all godly sermons, 〈…〉 and that the worthy sentences escape the not. And if thou seist a man of discrete understanding, get the soon unto him, and let thy tote tread upon the steps of his doors. Let thy mind be upon the commandments of God, 〈…〉 and be earnestly occupied in his laws: so shall he stably●she thy heart, and give the wisdom at thine own desire. ¶ We must forsake evil, and yet not justify ourselves. The behaviour of the wise, toward his wife, his friend, his children, his servants, his father and mother, the priests, etc. CAPI. VII. DO no evil, so shall there no harm happen unto the. Depart away from the thing that is wicked, and no misfortune shall meddle with the. My son, sow no evil things in the sorrows of unrighteousness, so shalt thou reap them sevenfold. Labour not unto man for any lordship, neither unto the king for the seat of honour. justify not thyself before God (for he knoweth the heart) and desire not to be reputed wise in the presence of the king. 〈…〉 iiiiis. b Make no labour to be made a judge, except i● so were, that thou couldst mightily put down wickedness: for if thou shouldst stand in awe of the presence of the mighty, thou shouldst fail in giving sentence. Offend not in the multitude of the city, and put not thyself among the people. 〈…〉 Bind not two sinners together, for in one sin shalt thou not be unpunished. Say not: tush, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the highest God, he will accept it. He not faint hearted when thou makest thy prayer, neither slack in giving of alms. Laugh no man to scerne in the heaviness of his soul, for God (which seethe all things) is he that can bring down, and set up again. i Reg. ii b Accept no lesinge against thy brother neither do the same against thy friend. Use not to make any manner of lie, for the custom thereof is not good. Math. vi d Rome xii b Make not many words when thou art among the elders: & when thou prayest, make not much babbling. Let no laborious work be tedious unto thee, neither the husbandry which the almighty hath created. Make not thy boast in the multitude of thy wickedness, but humble thyself even from thine heart: and remember that the wrath shall not be long in tarrying, and that the vengeance of the flesh of the ungodly is a very fire and worm. give not over thy friend for any good, ne thy faithful brother for the best gold. Departed not from a discrete and good woman, that is fallen unto the for thy portion in the fear of the Lord, for the gift of her honesty is above gold. Leviti xix c Where as thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil, ne the hireling that is faithful unto the. Love a discrete servant as thine own soul defraud him not of his liberty, neither leave him a poor man. If thou have cattles, Deu xxv a look well to them: and they be for thy profit keep them. If thou have sons, bring them up in nurture and learning, Eccle. xxx ● and hold them in awe from their youth up. If thou haste daughters keep their body, and show not thy face cheerful toward them. Marry thy daughter, & so thou shalt perform a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding. If thou have a wife after thine own mind forsake her not (but commit not thyself to the hateful). Honour thy father from thy hole heart, Eccle. iii a Tobi four ● and forget not the sorrowful travail that thy mother had with thee: remember that thou wast born thorough them, and how canst thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee? Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and honour his ministers. love thy maker with all thy strength, De xii a and forsake not his servants. Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and honour his priests. Nu. xvi●i b. ● give them their portion of the first fruits and increase of the earth, like as it is commanded the give them the shoulders, and their appointed offerings and firstlings. Reach thine hand unto the poor, that God may bless the with plenteousness. Galat. vi ● Tobi i d Be liberal unto all men living, yet let not but do good even to them that are dead. Let not them that weep be without comfort, but mourn with such as mourn. Roma xii b Math twenty-five. ● Let it not grieve the to visit the sick, for that shall make the to be beloved What so ever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss. ¶ Against thy better is no striving. Of the death of thine enemy mayst thou not rejoice, ne despise thy neighbours, ne the words of the wise. CAPI. VIII. strive not with a mighty man, jest thou chance to fall in to his hands. Math. v c Make no variance with a rich man, least he happen to bring up an hard quarrel against the. Eccl. xxxi a For gold and silver hath undone many a man, yea even the hearts of kings hath it made to fall. strive not with a man that is full of words, and lay no styckes upon his fire: Keep no company with the unlearned, jest he give thy kindred an evil report. Despise not a man that turneth himself away from sin, Galath vi a two. Corin ii b and cast him not in the teeth withal: but remember that we are frail everichone. Levit xix g Think scorn of no man in his old age, for we wax old also. Be not glad of the death of thine enemy, but remember that we must die all the sort of us (and feign would we come in to joy. Eccle. vi c ) Despise not the sermons of such elders as have understanding, but acquaint thyself with the wise sentences of them: for of them thou shalt learn wisdom and the doctrine of understanding, and how to serve great men without complaint. Go not from the doctrine of the elders, for they have learned it of their fathers. For of them thou shalt learn understanding, so that thou mayest make answer in the time of need. Kindle not the cools of sinners, jest thou be brent in the fiery flames of their sins. resist not the face of the blasphemer, that he lay not wait for thy mouth. Eccl. xxix a Lend not unto him that is myghtyer than thyself: If thou lendest him, count it but lost. Be not surety above thy power: if thou be, then think surely to pay it. Go not to law with the judge, for he will judge according to his own honour. Gen. four b Travail not by the way with him that is brainless, jest he do the evil: for he followeth his own wilfulness, and so shalt thou perish thorough his folly. strive not with him that is angry and cruel, Prou. twenty d Isaiah iii a and go not with him in to the wilderness: for blood is nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he shall murder the. Take no counsel at fools, Eccl. ix c & xxxvii a. b for they love no thing but the things that please them selves. Make no counsel before a stranger, for thou canst not tell what will come of it. Open not thine heart unto every man, jest he be unthankful to thee, and put the to reproof. ¶ The ieoperdyes of chasteness are to be eschewed. An old friend is to be preferred before a new. The glory and richesse of sinners. righteous men should be bidden to gest. Labour is the chief thing in a workman, and wisdom in a prince. CAPI. IX. BE not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, that she show not some shrewd point of wicked doctrine upon the. give not the power of thy life unto a woman, jest she come in thy strength, and so thou be confounded. Look not upon a woman that is desirous of many men, jest thou fall in to her snares. Use not the company of a woman that is a player and dancer, & hear her not, jest thou perish thorough her enticing. Prove u ● Behold not a maiden, that thou be not hurt in her beauty. Cast not thy mind upon harlots in any manner of thing, jest thou destroy both thyself and thine heritage. Go not about gazing in every lane of the city, neither wandre thou abroad in the streets thereof. Turn away thy face from a beautiful woman, Math. v c and look not upon the fairness of other. Many a man hath perished thorough the beauty of women, Gen. xxxiiii ● two. Re. xi a judit x and. xi.xii for thorough it the desire is kindled as it were a sire. (An adulterous woman shall ve trodden under foot as mire, of every one that goeth by the way. Many a man wondering at the beauty of a strange woman, hath been cast out, for her words kindle as a fire.) Sit not with an other man's wife by any means, lie not with her upon the bed, make no words with her at the wine jest thine heart consent unto her, and so thou with thy blood fall in to destruction. Forsake not an old friend, Old fre●●● for the new shall not be like him. A new friend is new wine: let him be old and thou shalt drink him with pleasure. Desire not the honour and riches of a sinner, for thou knowest not what destruction is for to come upon him. delight not thou in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in, being sure that the ungodly shall not be accepted until their grave. Keep the from the man that hath power to slay, so needest thou not to be afraid of death. And if thou comest unto him, make no fault, jest he hap to take away thy life. Remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and upon the bulwark of the city. Eccle. viii 〈◊〉 and xxxvii▪ 〈◊〉 Beware of thy neighbour as nigh as thou canst, and meddle with such as be wise and have understanding. Let just men be thy gests, let thy mirth be in the fear of God, let the remembrance of God be in thy mind and let all thy talking be in the commandments of the highest. duty vi b and xi c iii Reg. iii b In the hands of craftsmen shall the works be commended so shall the princes of the people in the wisdom of their talking. A man full of words is perilous in his city: and he that is temerarious and past shame in his talking, is to be abhorred. ¶ Of kings and judges. Pride, and covetousness are to be abhorred. Labour is praised. CAPI. X. A wise judge will order his people with discretion, Kings. and where a man of under standing beareth rule, there goeth it well. Plove. xx●● As the judge of the people is himself even so are his officers: and look what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are they that devil therein also. iii Reg▪ twelve▪ ● An unwise destroyeth his people, but where they that be in auctoritite are men of understanding, there the city prospereth. The power of the earth is in the hand of God, and when his time is, be shall set a profitable ruler upon it, in the hand of God, is the power of man, and upon the scribes shall he lay his honour. Remember no wrong of thy neighbour, 〈◊〉 ●ii. ● and meddle thou with no unryghtous works. Pride is hateful before God and man, and all wickedness of the Heathen is to be abhorred. Because of unrighteous dealing, 〈◊〉 xvii 〈…〉. ii●i c wrong, blasphemies, and divers disobeyed, a realm shall be translated from one people to an other. There is nothing worse than a covetous man. Why art thou proud, oh thou earth and ashes? There is not a more wicked thing then to love money. And why? such one hath his soul to cell: yet is he but filthy dung while he liveth. And though the physician show his help never so long, yet in conclusion it goeth after this manner, to day a king, to morrow deed. For when a man dieth, he is the heir of serpents, beestes and worms. The beginning of man's pride, is to fall away from God: & why? his heart is go from his maker, for pride is the original of all sin. Who so taketh hold thereof, shall be filled with cursynges, & at the last it shall overthrow him. Therefore hath the Lord brought the congregations of the wicked to dishonour, and destroyed them unto the end. God hath destroyed the seats of proud princes, 〈◊〉 vi. b 〈…〉 ●viii. b 〈…〉 and set up the meek in their stead. God hath withered the rotes of the proud Heathen, and planted the lowly among them. God hath overthrown the lands of the Heathen, and destroyed them out of the ground. He hath caused them to wither away, he hath brought them to nought, and made the memorial of them to cease from out of the earth (God hath destroyed the name of the proud, and left the name of the humble of mind.) Pride was not made for man, neither wrothfulnes for men's children: the seed of man that feareth God shall be brought to honour: but the seed which transgresseth the commandments of the Lord, shall be shamed. He that is the ruler amongs brethren is held in honour among them, and he regardeth such as fear the Lord The glory of the rich, of the honourable, & of the poor is the fear of God. Despise not thou the just poor man, and magnify not the rich ungodly. Great is the judge, & mighty in honour, yet is there none greater than he that fears God. 〈◊〉 xvii. a Unto the servant that is discrete, shall the fire do service. 〈…〉 b He that is wise and well nurtured, will not grudge when he is reform, and an ignorant body shall not come to honour. Be not proud to do thy work, and despair not in the time of adversity. Better is he that laboureth, and hath plenteousness of all things, than he that is gorgeous and wanteth breed. My son, keep thy soul in meekness, and give her, her due honour. Who shall justify him that sinneth against himself? who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life? The poor is honoured for his faithfulness & truth, but the rich is had in reputation, because of his goods. He that ordereth himself honestly in poverty. How much more shall he behave himself honestly in riches? And who so ordereth himself unhonestly in riches, how moche more shall he behave himself unhonestly in poverty. ¶ The praise of humility. After the outward appearance aught we not to judge. Of hedy and rash judgement. The rich is not without offence. All things come of God. All men are not to be brought in to thy house. CAPI. XI. THe wisdom of him that is brought low, shall life up his heed, Gene. xli f Danieli vi a & shall make him to sit among great men. Commend not a man in his beauty, neither despise a man in his utter appearance. The Bee is but a small be'st among the fowls, yet is her fruit exceeding sweet. Acto xii d Be not proud of thy raiment, and exalt not thyself in the day of thy honour: for the works of the highest only are wondered: yea glorious secret and unknown are his works. i Reg. xu ● i Hest. vi.vii Many tyrants have been fain to sit down upon the earth, and the unlikely hath worn the crown. Many mighty men have been brought low, and the honourable have been delivered in to other men's hands. * Deut. xiii b seven. b joshua vii c and .xx c Condemn no man before thou have tried out the matter, & when thou hast made inquisition, them reform rightously. φ Pro xviii d give no sentence before thou haste heard the cause, but first let men tell out their tales. strive not for a matter that toucheth not thyself, and stand not in the judgement of sinners. My son, meddle not with many matters: & if thou wilt be rich, Math. xix c i Timot vi b Prouer. x c thou shalt not get it: and though thou rennest thy way afore, yet shalt thou not escape. There is some man that laboureth, and the more he wearieth himself, the less he hath. Again some man is slothful, hath need of help, wanteth strength and hath great poverty, & God's eye looketh upon him to good, setteth him up from his low estate, and lifteth up his heed, job xlii c so that many men marvel at him, and give honour unto God. Prosperity and adversity, life & death, poverty and riches come of the Lord. job i c Ezec xxviii a (wisdom, nurture and knowledge of the law are with God: love, and the ways of good are with him. Error and darkness are made for sinners: and they that exalt themselves in evil, aware old in evil.) The gift of God remaineth for the righteous, and his good will shall have prosperity for ever. Some man is rich by living nygardly, Luke xii b and that is the portion of his reward, in that he saith now have I got rest, and now will I eat and drink of my goods myself alone. And yet be consydreth not, that the time draweth nigh, that he must leave all these things unto other men, and die himself. Stand thou fast in thy covenant, and exercise thyself therein, and remain in the work unto thy age. Continued not in the works of sinners, but put thy trust in God, and bide in thine estate: for it is but an easy thing in the sight of God, to make a poor man rich, and that suddenly. The blessing of God hasteth to the reward of the righteous, and maketh his fruits soon to flourish and prosper. Say not: what helpeth it me? & what shall I have the while? Again, say not: I have enough, how can I want? When thou art in welfare, Eccle. xviii c forget not adversity: and when it goeth not well with thee, have a good hope that it shall be better. For it is but a small thing unto God in the day of death to reward every man according to his ways. The adversity of an hour maketh one to forget all pleasure: and when a man dieth, his works are discovered. Praise no body before his death, for a man shall be known in his children. Bring not every man in to thine house, for the deceitful layeth await diversly. Like as a partridge in a mand, so is the heart of the proud: and like as a spy that looketh upon the fall of his neighbour. For he turneth good unto evil, & sclaundreth the choose. Of one spark is made a great fire, and an ungodly man layeth wait for blood. Beware of the deceitful, for he ymagyneth wicked things to bring the in to a perpetual shame. If thou takest an alient unto thee, he shall destroy the in unquietness, & drive the from thine own ways. ¶ Unto whom we ought to do good. Enemies aught to be eschewed. CAPI. XII. WHen thou wilt do good, know to whom thou dost it, & so shalt thou be greatly thanked for thy benefits. Do good unto the righteous, Galath vi b Timoth u a and thou shalt find great reward: though not of him, yet (no doubt) the Lord himself shall reward the. He standeth not in a good case that is always occupied in evil, & giveth no alms: for the highest hateth the sinners, and hath mercy upon them that show the works of repentance. give thou unto such as fear God, and receive not a sinner. As for the ungodly and sinners, he shall recompense vengeance unto them, and keep them to the day of wrath. give thou unto the good, and receive not the sinner: do well unto him, that is lowly, but give not unto the ungodly. Let not the breed be given him, that he be not myghtyer than thyself therein. For so shalt thou receive twice as much evil, in all the good that thou dost unto him: And why? the highest hateth sinners, and shall reward vengeance to the ungodly. In prosperity a friend shall not be known, and in adversity an enemy shall not be hid. For when a man is in wealth, it grieveth his enemies: but in heaviness and trouble a man shall know his friend, Trust never thine enemy, for like as an iron rusteth, so doth his wickedness. And though he make moche crouching and kneeling, yet keep well thy mind, and beware of him. Set him not by thee, neither let him sit at thy right hand, least he turn him, get in to thy place, take thy room and seek thy seat, and so thou at the last remember my words, & be pricked at my sayings. Bind not two sins together, for there shall not be one unpunished. Eccl. uli. ● and xxi a Who will have pity of the charmer that is stinged of the serpent, or of all such as come nigh the beestes? Even so is it with him that keepeth company with a wicked man, and lappeth himself in his sins. For a season will he hide with thee, but if thou stumble, he tarrieth not. An enemy is sweet in his lips, he can make many words, and speak many good things: jeremy. x●i. ● Yea he can weep with his eyes, but in his heart he ymagineth how to throw the in to the pit, and if he may find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood. If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first, & though he pretend to do the help, yet shall he undermine the. He shall shake his heed & clap his hands over the for very gladness, and while he maketh many words, he shall disguise his countenance. ¶ The companies of the proud and of the rich are to be eschewed. The love of God. Like do company with their like. CAPI. XIII. WHo so toucheth pitch, shall be filed withal: Deuter vii ● and he that is famylier with the proud, shall cloth himself with pride. He taketh a burden upon him, that accompanieth a more honourable man then himself. Therefore keep no familiarity with one that is richer than thyself. How agree the kettle and the pot together? for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken. The rich dealeth unrighteously, and threteneth withal: but the poor being oppressed and wrongously dealt withal, suffereth scarcenesss, and giveth fair words. If thou be for his profit, he useth thee: but if thou have nothing, he shall forsake the. As long as thou hast any thing of thine own, he shall be a good fellow with thee: yea he shall make the a bore man, & not be sorry for the. If he have need of thee, he shall defraud thee: and (with a privy mock) shall he put that in an hope, and give the all good words, and say: what wantest thou? Thus shall he shame the in his meat, until he have supped the clean up twice or thrice, and at the last shall be laugh the to scorn. afterward when he saith that thou hast nothing, he shall forsake thee, and shake his heed at the. Beware thou be not deceived & brought down in thy simpleness. Be not to humble in thy wisdom, jest when thou art brought low, thou be deceived thorough foolishness. If thou be called a mighty man, absent thyself, so shall he call the to him the more often. Press not unto him, that thou be not shot out: and go not far of, least he forget the. Withdraw not thyself from his speech, but believe not his many words. For with moche communication shall he tempt thee, & (with a privy mock) shall he question the of thy secrets. The unmerciful mind of his shall mark thy words, he shall not spare to do the hurt, and to put the in prison, Beware, and take good heed to thyself, for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing. Now when thou hearest his words, make as though thou werest in a dream, and wake up. Love God all thy life long, & call upon him in thy need. Every be'st loveth his like, even so let every man love his neighbour. All flesh will resort to their like. And every man will keep company with such as he is himself. But as the wolf agreeth with the lamb, so doth the ungodly with the righteous. 〈…〉 c What fellowship should an holy man have with a dog? How can the rich and the poor agree together? The wild ass is the lions pray in the wilderness, even so are poor men the meat of the rich. Like as the proud may not away with lowliness, even so doth the rich abhor the poor. If a rich man fall, his friends set him up again, but when the poor falls, his friends forsake him. If a rich man fall in to an error, he hath many helpers, he speaketh proud words, and yet men justify him. But if a poor man go wrong, he is punished: yea though he speak wisely, yet can it have no place. When the rich man speaketh every body holdeth his tongue, and look what he saith, they praise it unto the clouds. But if the poor man speak, they say: What fellow is this? And if he do amiss, they shall destroy him. riches are good unto him that hath no sin in his conscience, and poverty is a wicked thing in the mouth of the ungodly. The heart of man changeth his countenance, whether it be in good or evil. A cheerful countenance is a token of a good heart, for else it is an hard thing to know the thought. ¶ The offence of the tongue. Man is but a vain thing. Happy is he that continueth in wisdom. CAPI. XIIII. BLessed is the man, that hath not fallen with the word of his mouth, 〈…〉 and is not pricked with the conscience of sin. Happy is he that hath no heaviness in his mind, and is not fallen from his hope. It becometh not a covetous man & a niggard to be rich: and what should a niggard do with gold? He that with all his carefulness heapeth together unrighteously gathereth for other folks, and an other man shall make good cheer with his goods. He that is wicked unto himself, how should he be good unto other men? How can such one have any pleasure of his goods? There is nothing worse than when one disfavoureth himself, and this is a reward of his wickedness. If he do any good, he doth it not knowing thereof, & against his will, and at the last he declareth his ungraciousness. A niggard hath a wicked eye, he turneth away his face, and despiseth his own soul. A covetous man's eye hath never enough in the portion of wickedness, Prou. xxvii c Eccle. i a until he wither away, and have lost his own soul. A wicked eye spareth breed, & there is scarcenesss upon his table. My son, do good to thy self of that thou hast, and give the Lord his due offerings. Remember that death tarrieth not, and that the covenant of the grave is showed unto thee: Eccl. four a Tobi four b Luke xvi b for the covenant of this world shall die the death. Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability, reach out thy hand and give unto the poor. Be not dispointed of the good day, and let not the portion of the good day over pass the. Shalt thou not leave thy travails and labours unto other men? In the dividing of the heritage give and take, and sanctify thy soul. Work thou righteousness before thy death, for in the hell there is no meat to found. Esay xl a 1. Petri i b jaco i b All flesh shall fade away like grass, and like a florisshing lief in a green tree. Some grow some are cast down: even so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end, an other is born. All transitory things shall fail at the last, and the worker thereof shall go withal. Every choose work shall be justified, and he that meddleth withal, shall have honour therein. Blessed is the man that keepeth him in wisdom, and exercyseth himself in understanding, and with discretion shall he think upon the foreknowledge of God. Which considereth the ways of wisdom in his heart, hath understanding in her secrets, goeth after her (as one that seeketh her out) and continueth in her ways. He looketh in at her windows, and hearkeneth at her doors: He taketh his rest beside her house, and fasteneth his stake in her walls: He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her hand, and in his tent shall good things rest for evermore: He shall set his children under her covering, and shall dwell under her branches. Under her covering shall he be defended from the heat, and in her glory shall he rest. ¶ The goodness which followeth him that seareth God. God rejecteth and casts of the sinner. God is not the author of evil. CAPI. XU. HE that feareth God, will do good: and who so keepeth the law, shall obtain wisdom. As an honourable mother shall she meet him, and as a virgin shall she receive him. Math. four b With the breed of life and understanding shall she feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink. If he be constant in her, john four b he shall not be moved: and if he hold him fast by her, he shall not come to confusion. She shall bring him to honour among his neighbours, and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth. With the spirit of wisdom and understanding shall she fill him, and cloth him with the garment of glory. She shall heap the treasure of mirth and joy upon him, and give him an everlasting name to heritage. Foolish men will not take hold upon her, but such as have understanding, will meet her, for she is far from pride and disobeyed. Men that go about with lies, will not remember her: but men of truth shall be found in her: even unto the beholding of God. Praise is not seemly in the mouth of the ungodly, for he is not sent of the Lord. For of God cometh wisdom, and the praise shall stand by the wisdom of God, and shallbe plenteous in a faithful mouth, and the Lord shall give her unto him. Say not thou: It is the lords fault that I am go by, for thou shalt not do the thing that God hateth. Say not thou: he hath caused me to go wrong, for he hath no need of the ungodly, God hateth all abomination of error, & they that fear God will love none such. God made man at the beginning, and left him in the hand of his counsel. He gave him his commandments and precepts, Gene. i d if thou wilt observe the commandments, and keep acceptable faithfulness for ever, they shall preserve the. He hath set water and fire before thee, reach out thine hand unto which thou wilt. jeremy xxi b Before man is life & death, good and evil: look what him liketh, shall be given him: for the wisdom of God is great and mighty in power, and beholdeth all men continually. The eyes of the Lord are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth all the works of man. Psal xxxiii b He hath commanded no man to do ungodly, neither hath he given any man leave to sin. ¶ Of unhappy and wicked children. No man can hide himself from God. An exhortation to the receiving of instruction. CAPI. XVI. delight not thou in the multitude of ungodly children, and have no pleasure in them, if they fear not God. Trust not thou to their life, and regard not their labours: for one son that fears God, is better than a thousand ungodly. And better it is better for a man to die without children, then to leave behind him such children as are ungodly. For by one that hath understanding, may a hole city be upholden, but though the ungodly be many, yet shall it be wasted thorough them. Many such things hath mine eye seen, and greater things than these have I heard with mine ears. Eccle. xxi b In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire burn, and amongs unfaithful people shall the wrath be kindled. The old giants obtained no grace for their sins which were destroyed, trusting to their own strength. Gen. vi b Gen xix c Neither spared he them amongs whom Loth was stranger, but smote them and abhorred them because of the pride of their words. He had no pity upon them, but destroyed all the people that were so stout in sin. Nun. ●iii● and xxvi f And for so moche as he oversaw not the six hundred thousand that gathered themselves together in the hardness of their heart, it were marvel if one being hardnecked should be free. For mercy and wrath is with him: Eccle. u a he is both mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure. Like as his mercy is great, even so is his punishment also, he judgeth a man according to his works The ungodly shall not escape in his spoil, and the long patience of him that showeth mercy, shall not bide behind. All mercy shall make place unto every man according to the deserving of his works, and after the understanding of his pilgrimage. say not thou: I will hide myself from God, for who will think upon me from above? I shall not be known in so great a heap of people, for what is my soul among so many creatures? Behold, the heaven, yea the heaven of heavens, the deep, the earth, and all that therein is shall be moved at his presence: the mountains, the hills, and the foundations of the earth shall shake for fear, when God visiteth them. These things doth no heart understand, but he understandeth every heart, and who understandeth his ways? No man saith his storm, and the most part of his works are secret. Who will declare the works of his righteousness? Or who shall be able to abide them? For the covenant is far from some, and the trying out of men is in the fulfilling. He that is humble of heart, thinketh upon such things: but an unwise and erroneous man casts his mind unto foolish things. My son hearken thou unto me, and learn understanding, and mark my words with thine heart: I will give the a sure doctrine, and plainly shall I instruct the. God hath set his works in good order from the beginning, and part of them hath he sundered from the other. He hath garnished his works from everlasting, and their beginnings, according to their generations. None of them hindered an other, neither was any of them disobedient unto his word. After this, God looked upon the earth, and filled it with his goods. With all manner of living beasts hath he covered the ground, and they all shall be turned unto earth again. ¶ The creation of man, and the goodness that God hath done unto him. Of alms and repentance. CAPI. XVII. 〈…〉 GOd shope man of the earth, and turned him unto earth again. He gave him the number of days and certain time, yea and gave him power of the things that are upon earth. He clothed him with strength, and made him after his own likeness. He made all flesh to stand in awe of him, so that he had the dominion of all beasts and fowls. 〈…〉 He made out of him an helper like unto himself, and gave them discretion and tongue, eyes and ears, and a heart to understand, & filled them with instruction and understanding. He created for them also the knowledge of the spirit, filled their hearts with understanding, and showed them good and evil, He set his eye upon their hearts, declaring unto them his great and noble works, that they should praise his holy name together, rejoice of his wonders, and be telling of his noble acts. 〈…〉 u 〈◊〉. Beside this he gave them instruction and the law of life for an heritage. He made him an everlasting covenant with them, and showed them his righteousness and judgements. They see his glory with their eyes, and their ears heard the majesty of his voice. And he said unto them: beware of all unryghtous things. He gave every man also a commandment concerning his neighbour. Their ways are ever before him, and are not hid from his eyes. He hath set a ruler upon every people, 〈…〉 but Israel is the lords portion. Albina their works are as the sun in the sight of God, and his eyes are alway looking upon their ways. Albina their unryghtousnesses are manifest unto him, and all their wyckednesses are open in his sight. 〈…〉 The mercy that a man showeth, is as it were a purse with him, and a man's good deed preserveth him as the apple of an eye. 〈…〉 At the last shall he awake, and reward every man upon his heed as he hath deserved, and shall turn them together in to the nethermoost parts of the earth. But unto them that will repent, 〈…〉 he hath given the way of righteousness. As for such as be weike he comforteth them, suffereth them, and sendeth them the portion of the verity. O turn then unto the Lord, forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before the Lord, do the less offence, turn again unto the Lord, forsake thine unryghtousnes, be an utter enemy to abomination, learn to know the righteousness and judgements of God, stand in the portion that is set forth for thee, and in the prayer of the most high God, Go in to the portion of the holy world, with such as he living, and give thanks unto God. Who will praise the Lord in the hell? Abide not thou in the error of the ungodly, but give him thanks before death. As for the deed, Psal vii a Esa xxxviii d thankfulness peryssheth from him as nothing. give thou thanks in thy life, yea while thou art living and hole, shalt thou give thanks, and praise God, and rejoice in his mercy. O how great is the loving kindness of the Lord and his merciful goodness unto such as turn unto him? For all things may not be in man: And why? the son of man is not immortal, and he hath pleasure in the vanity of wickedness. What is more clear than the sun? yet shall it fail. Or what is more wicked than the thing that flesh and blood hath imagined? and that same shall be reproved. The Lord saith the power of the high heaven, and all are but earth and ashes. ¶ The marvelous works of God, the misery and wretchedness of man. Against God aught we not to complain. Pray must we continually. CAPI. XVIII. HE that liveth for evermore, made all things together. Gene. i a God only is righteous, & remaineth a victorious king for ever. Who shall he able to express the works of him? Who hath sought out the ground of his noble acts? Who shall declare the power of his greatness? Or who will take upon him to tell out his mercy? As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, nothing may be put unto them, neither may the ground of them be found out. But when a man hath done his best, he must begin again: and when he thinketh to be come to an end, he must go again to his labour. What is man? Whereto is he worth? Psal lxxxix ● What good or evil can he do? If the number of a man's days be almost an hundredth years, it is moche. Like as the drops of rain are unto the see, and as a gravel stone is in comparison of the sand: so are these few years to the days everlasting. two. Petri iii b Therefore is the Lord patient with them, and poureth out his mercy upon them. He saw and perceived the thoughts and imaginations of their heart, that they were evil: therefore heaped he up his merciful goodness upon them, and showed them the way of righteousness. The mercy that a man hath, reacheth to his neighbour, but the mercy of God is upon all flesh. He chasteneth, he teacheth and nourtoureth: yea even as a shepherd turneth again his flock, so doth he all them that receive chastening, nurture and doctrine. Esay lxvi a Merciful is he unto them that stand in awe of his judgements. My son, when thou dost good, make no grudging at it: and what so ever thou givest speak no uncomfortable words. Shall not the dew cowl the heat? Even so is a word better than a gift. Is not a friendly word a good honest gift? but a gracious man giveth them both. A fool shall cast a man in the teeth, and that roughly, and a gift of the niggard putteth out the eyes. Prouer. xu a and xxv c Get the righteousness before thou come to judgement: learn before thou speak, and go to physic or ever thou be sick: examine and judge thyself before the judgement come, and so shalt thou find grace in the sight of God. Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in time of thy disease show thy conversation. Let not to pray alway, Luke xviii a two. Tessa u d and stand not in fear to be reformed unto death, for the reward of God endureth for ever. Before thou prayest prepare thy soul, and be not as one that tempteth God. Eccl. vii b Think upon the wrathful indignation that shall be at the end, and the hour of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face. When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger, Eccle. xi e and when thou art rich, think upon the time of poverty and scarcenesss. From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all such things are soon done in the sight of God. A wise man fears God in all things, & in the days of transgression, he keepeth himself from sin. A discrete man hath pleasure in wisdom, and he that findeth her, maketh much of her. They that have had understanding, have dealt wisely in words, have understand the truth and righteousness, Rome vi b and xiii b and have sought out wise sentences & judgements. Follow not thy lusts but turn the from thine own will. For if thou givest thy soul her desires, it shall make thy enemies to laugh that to scorn. Take not thy pleasure in great voluptuousness, and meddle not to much withal. Make not to great cheer of the thing that thou hast wone by advantage, least thou fall in to poverty, and have nothing in thy purse. ¶ Wine and hoordome bring men to povetye In thy words must thou use discretion. The difference of the wisdom of God and man▪ whereby thou mayest know what is in a man. Correction must be used without anger. CAPI. XIX. A Labouring man that is given unto drunkenness, shall not be rich: and he that maketh not much of small things, shall fall by little and little. Wine wine. & women, women. make wise men rennagates, & put men of understanding to reproof, and he that accompanieth adulterers, shall become a wicked man. Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, yea he shall be set up to a greater example, and his soul shall be rooted out of the number. He that is hasty to give credence is light minded, and doth against himself. Who so rejoiceth in wickedness shall be punished: he that hateth to be reformed, his life shall be shortened: and he that abhorreth babbling of words, quencheth wickedness. He that offendeth against his own soul, shall repent it: and he that rejoiceth in wickedness shall be punished. Rehearse not a wicked and churlish word twice, and thou shalt not be hindered. Show thy secrets, neither to friend ne foo, and if thou hast offended, tell it not out. For he shall hearken unto the and mark thee, and when he finds opportunity, he shall hate the. If thou hast heard a word against thy neighbour, let it be deed within thee: and be sure thou shalt have no harm thereby. A fool travaileth with a word, Leuiti. xi●. d Math. xv●●● like as a woman that is pained with bearing of child. Like as an a-row shot in a dogs thigh, so is a word in a foles' heart. Tell thy friend his fault, jest he be ignorant, & say: I have not done it, or if he have done it, that he do it no more. Reprove they neighbour, that he keep his tongue, & if he have spoken, that he say it no more. Tell thy neighbour his fault, for oft times an offence is made, and give not credence to every word. Eccle. xiiii▪ ● and xxv b jacob iii ● A man falls sometime with his tongue, but not with his will. For what is he that hath not offended in his tongue? give thy neighbour warning before thou threaten him, and give place unto the law of the Lord. The fear of God is all wisdom, and he that is a righteous man keepeth the law. As for the doctrine of wickedness it is no wisdom, and the prudence of sinners is no good understanding: it is but wickedness and abomination, and a blaspheming of wisdom. A simple man of small understanding that fears God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the highest. A crafty subtle man can be wise, but he is unryghtous, and with gifts he wresteth the open & manifest law. A wicked man can behave himself humbly, and can donke with his heed, and yet is he but a disceyver within. He hideth his face, and disguyseth it: Math. vi b and because he should not be known, he preventeth the. And though he be so weak that he can do the no harm, yet when he may find opportunity, he shall do some evil. A man may be known by his face, and one that hath understanding may be perceived by the look of his countenance. Eccle. xxi c A man's garment, laughter, and going, declare what he is. ¶ Of correction and repentance. Of the gift of the wise man and of the fool. Of lying. CAPI. XX. SOme man reproveth his neighbour oft times, but not in due season. Again, some man holdeth his tongue, Eccles xxxi d and he is wise and discrete. It is much better to give warning, and to reprove, then to bear evil will: for he that knowledgeth himself openly, shall be preserved from hurt and destruction. Like as when a gelded man thorough desire and lust defileth a maiden, even so is it with him that useth violence, and unrighteousness in the law: O how good a thing is it, a man that is reproved, to show openly his repentance, for so shalt thou esscape wilful sin. Some man keepeth silence, and is found wise: but he that is not ashamed what he saith: is hateful. Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not the understanding of the language: and some man keepeth silence, 〈…〉. a 〈◊〉 xxxii. a waiting a convenient tyme. A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity, but a wanton and undiscrete body shall regard no tyme. He that useth many words, shall hurt his own soul: and he that taketh authority upon him unrighteously shall be hated. Some man hath often times prosperity in wicked things: Again, some man getteth moche, and hath harm and loss. There is some gift that is nothing worth: Again, there is some gift, whose reward is double. Some man getteth a fall, for being to proud, and some cometh to worship from the low estate. Some man buyeth much for a little price, and must pay for it sevenfold. 〈◊〉 vi. a A wise man with his words maketh himself to be loved, but the favours of fools shall be poured out. The gift of the unwise shall do the no good, for his eyes are sevenfold: He shall give little, and say he gave much: 〈◊〉 ●viii. ● he openeth his mouth and crieth out, as it were one that crieth out wine. To day he dareth, to morrow he asketh it again, and such a man is to be hated. The fool sayeth: I have no friend, I have no thank for all my good deeds: yea even they that eat my breed, speak no good of me. O how often, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn? He taketh a more perilous fall by such words, then if he fallen upon the ground: even so shall the falls of wicked men come hastily. In the mouth of him that is untaught, are many unconvenient and unmeet words. A wise sentence shall not be allowed, at the mouth of the fool, for he speaketh it not in due season. Some man sinneth not, because he hath not wherewithal, and in his rest he shall be stinged. Some man there is that destroyeth his own soul with shame, and for an unwise bodies sake, destroyeth he it, and with accepting of people, shall he undo himself. Some man promiseth his friend a gift for very shame, and getteth an enemy of him for naught. A lie is a wicked shame in a man, yet shall it be ever in the mouth of the unwise. A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie, but they both shall have destruction to heritage. The conditions of liars are unhonest, and their shame is ever with them. A wise man shall bring himself to honour with his words, 〈…〉 and he that hath understanding shall be set by among great men. 〈◊〉 twelve. b He that tylleth his land●, shall increase his heap of corn: he that worketh righteousness, shall be exalted, and he that pleaseth great men shall escape much evil. Ex xxiii a De xvi d Eccle. xli c Rewards and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and make him dom, that he can not tell men their faults. wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoardward up, what profit is in them both? Better is he that keepeth his ignorance secret, than a man that hideth his wisdom. ¶ Of the repentance of sin we may not heap sin upon sin. The boldness of an heretic. The end of sinners. Of the fool and of the wise man. Of him that curseth the devil. CAPI. XXI. MY son if thou hast sinned, do it no more: but pray for thy foresynnes, that they may be forgiven the. Sin. Ecc u a seven. a twelve c Flee from sin, even as from a serpent: for if thou comest to nigh her, she will bite the. The teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, to slay the souls of men. The wickedness of man is as a sharp two edged sword, which maketh such wounds that they can not be healed. Strife and wrongous dealing shall waste away a man's goods: and thorough pride a rich house shall be brought to naught: so the riches of the proud shall be rooted out. The prayer of the poor goeth out of the mouth, and cometh unto the ears, and his vengeance (or defence) shall come, and that hastily. Who so hateth to be reformed it is a token of an ungodly person: but he that fears God, will remember himself. A mighty man is known a far of by his tongue but he that hath understanding perceiveth that he shall have a fall. Who so buildeth his house with other men's cost, is like one that gathereth stones in winter. The congregation of the ungodly is like stubble gathered together, their end is a flame of fire. The way of the ungodly is set with stones, but in their end is hell, darkness & pains. He that keepeth the law will hold fast the understanding, thereof and the end of the fear of God is wisdom. He that is not wise, will not be taught in good: but the unwise man aboundeth in wickedness: and where bitterness is there is no understanding. The knowledge of the wise shall flow like water that runneth over, and his counsel is like a fountain of life. The heart of a fool is like a broken vessel, he can keep no wisdom. When a man of understanding heareth a wise word, he shall commede it, and make moche of it. But if a voluptuous man hear it, he shall have no pleasure therein, but cast it behind his back. The talking of a fool is like an heavy burden by the way: but to hear a wise man speak it is a pleasure. Where a doubt is in the congregation, it is asked at the mouth of the wise, and they shall ponder his words in their hearts. Like as a house that is destroyed, even so is wisdom unto a fool: As for the knowledge of the unwise, i● is but dark words. Doctrine is unto him th●t hath no understanding, even as fetters about his feet, and like manacles upon his right hand. A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter, but a wise man shall scarce laugh secretly. Eccle. xix d Learning is unto a wise man a jewel of gold, and like an arm let upon his right arm. A foolish man's foot is soon in his neighbours house, but one that hath experience, shall be ashamed at the person of the mighty. A fool will peep in at the window in to the house, but he that is well nurtured, will stand without. A foolish man standeth herkening at the door, but he that is wise, will be ashamed. The lips of the unwise will be telling foolish things, but the words of such as have understanding, shall be weighed in the balance. The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their heart. When the ungodly curseth the blasphemer, he curseth his own soul. A privy accuser of other men shall defile his own soul, and be hated of every man: (but he that keepeth his tongue and is discrete, shall come to honour.) ¶ The purgation of the slothful. Of the foolish son and daughter, we must have discretion, how and to whom we aught to preach, of sorrowing upon the deed. A fool is not to be moche talked withal. Injuries and wrongs do break friendship and amity. CAPI. XXII. A Slothful body is moulded of a stone of clay: he that toucheth him, must wash his hands again. A misnurtured son is the dishonour of the father. A foolish daughter shall be little regarded. A wise daughter is an heritage unto her husband: but she that cometh to dishonesly, bringeth her father in to heaviness. A daughter that is past shame, dishonoureth both her father and her husband: the ungodly shall regard her, but they both shall despise her, the playing of music is not meet where heaviness is, even so is the correction & doctrine of wisdom ever unpleasant unto fools. Who so teacheth a fool, is even as one that gleweth a pot sherde together: as one that telleth a tale to him that heareth him not, and as one that raiseth a man out of an heavy sleep. Who so telleth a fool of wisdom, is even as a man, which speaketh to one that is a sl pe. When he hath to told his tale, he saith: what is the matter? When one dieth, lamentation is made for him, because the light faileth him: even so let men mourn over a fool: for he wanteth understanding. Gene. u b Make but little weeping because of the deed: for he is come to rest, but the life of the fool is worse than the death. Seven days do men mourn for him that is deed, but the lamentation over the unwise and ungodly should endure all the days of their life. Talk not much with a fool, and go not with him that hath no understanding. Beware of him, jest it turn the to travail, and thou shalt not be defiled with his sin. Depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, & shalt not be wrothen back into his foolishness. What is mightier than lead? And what should a fool be called else but lead? Sande, salt, and a lump of iron is easier to bear, Prou. xxvii ● than an unwise, foolish, and ungodly man. Like as the band of wood bound together in the foundation of the house can not be loosed, even so is it with the heart that is stablished in the thought of counsel. The thought of the wise, shall neither fear ne be offended at any tyme. Like as a fair playstered brickwall in a winter house, and an high building, may not abide the wind and storm: even so is a fools heart afraid in his imagination: he fears at every thing, and can not endure. He that nyppeth a man's eye, bringeth forth tears: and he that pricketh the heart, bringeth forth the meaning and thought. Who so casts a stone at the birds, frayth them away: and he that blasphemeth his friend breaketh the friendship: though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not, for thou mayst come again to thy friend. If he speak sowrelye, fear not, for you may be agreed together again: except it be that thou blaspheme him, disdain him open his secrets & wound him traitorously for all such things, shall drive away a friend. Be faithful unto thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayst rejoice with him also in his prosperity. Abide steadfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayst be heir with him in heritage. Like as the vapour and smoke goeth ou● at the oven before the fire, even so evil words, rebukes and threatenings go before bloodshedding. Be not ashamed to defend thy friend: as for me. I will not hide my face from him, Psal cxli though he should do me harm. Whosoever heareth it shall beware of him. Who shall set a watch before my mouth, & a sure scale upon my lips, that I fall not with them, and th●t my tongue destroy me not? ¶ A prayer against pride, lechery, and gluttony. Of oaths, blasphemy, and of wise communication. Of the three kinds of sins. Many sins proceed of adultery. Of the fear of God. CAPI. XXIII. O Lord, father and governor of my life, leave me not in their imagination and counsel. O let me not fall into such reproof. Who will keep my thought with the scourge, and the doctrine of wisdom in mine heart? that he spare not mine ignorance, that I fall not with them, least mine ignorances increase, that mine offences be not many in number, and that my sins exceed not: jest I fall before mine enemies, and so my adversary rejoice. O Lord thou father and God of my life, leave me not in their imagination. O let me not have a proud look, but turn away all voluptuousness fro me. Take fro me the lusts of the body, let not the desires of uncleanness take hold upon me, and give me not over in to an unshamefast and obstinate mind. Hear me (O you ciyldrens) I will give you a doctrine, how you shall order your mouth: who so keepeth it, shall not perish thorough his lips, ne be hurt thorough wicked works. As for the sinner, he shall be taken in his own vanity: 〈…〉 seven. d he that is proud and cursed, shall fall therein. Let not thy mouth be accustomed with swearing, for in it there are many falls. Let not the naming of God be continually in thy mouth: 〈…〉. d for like as a servant which is often punished, can not be without some sore, even so what so ever he be that sweareth and nameth God, shall not be clean purged from sin. A man that useth much swearing, shall be filled with wickedness, and the plague shall never go from his house. If he beguile his brother, his fault shall be upon him: if he knowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence, and if he swear in vain, he shall not be found righteous, for his house shall be full of plagues. The words of the swearer bringeth death, (God grant that it be not found in the house of jacob. 〈◊〉. xxliii c ) But they that fear God, eschew all such, and lie not weltering in sin. Use not thy mouth to unhonest and filthy talking, 〈…〉. a for in it is the word of sin. Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou art set among great men: jest God forget the in their sight, and jest thou doting in thy custom, suffer rebuke, and wish not to have been unborn, and so curse the day of thy nativity. The man that is accustomed with the words of blasphemy, will never be reformed all the days of his life. To sin twice is to moche, but the third bringeth wrath and destruction. An hot stomach can not be quenched (even like a burning fire) till he have swallowed up something: even so an unnourtred man hath no rest in his flesh: till he have kindled a fire. All bread is sweet to an horemonger, he will not leave of, till he have his purpose. A man that breaketh wedlock, an regardeth not his soul, 〈…〉. but saith: Tush, who saith me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, 〈…〉 c no body saith me: whom need I to fear? The highest will not remember my sins. He understandeth not that his eyes see all things, for all such fear of men driveth away the fear of God from him, for he fears only the eyes of men, and considereth not that the eyes of the Lord are clearer than the Sun, beholding all the ways of men, and the ground of the deep, and looking even to men's hearts in secret places. The Lord God knew all things or ever they were made, and after they be brought to pass also, he looketh upon them al. The same man shall be openly punished in the streets of the city, Levit twenty b duty xxii c and shall be chased a broad like a young horse fool: and when he thinketh least upon it, he shallbe taken. Thus shall he be put to shame of every man, because he would not understand the fear of the Lord. And thus shall it go also with every wife that leaveth her husband, and getteth inheritance by a strange marriage. first she hath been unfaithful unto the law of the highest: Secondly, Exodi .xx c she hath forsaken her own husband: Thirdly she hath played the whore in adultery, and got her children by an other man. She shall be brought out of the congregation, and her children shallbe looked upon. Her children shall not take rote, and as for fruit, her branches shall bring forth none. A shameful report shall she leave behind her, and her dishonour shall not be put out. And they that remain, shall know that there is nothing better than, the fear of God: and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord. A great worship is it to follow the Lord, for long life shallbe received of him. ¶ A praise of wisdom proceeding forth of the mouth of God. Of her works and place where she rests. CAPI. XXIIII. wisdom wysdom● shall praise herself, and be honoured in God, and rejoice in the midst of his people: In the congregations of the highest shall she open her mouth, and triumph in the beholdonge of his power: In the midst of her people shall she be exalted, & wondered at in the holy fullness: In the multitude of the choose she shall be commended, and among such as be blessed she shall be praised, and shall say: I am come out of the mouth of the highest, first-born before all creatures. I caused the light that faileth not, to arise in the heaven, & covered all the earth as a cloud. My dwelling is above in the heith, and my seat is in the pillar of the cloud. I myself alone have go round about the compass of heaven, and pierced the ground of the deep: I have walked in the floods of the see, and have stand in all lands: my dominion is in every people and in every nation, and with my power have I trodden down the hearts of all, both high and low. In all these things also I sought rest, and a dwelling in some inheritance. So the creature of all things gave me a commandment: and he that made me, appointed me a tabernacle, and said unto me: Let thy dwelling be in jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel, and rote thyself amongs my choose. I was created from the beginning and before the world, Prouer. viii c and shall not leave the world to come. In the holy habitation have I served before him, & so was I stablished in Zion. In the holy city resied I in like manner: Exodi xxxi a and in Jerusalem was my power, I took rote in an honourable people, Psal cxxxii b even in the portion of the Lord and in is his heritage, and kept me in the fullness of the saints. I am set up on high like a Cedar upon Lybanus, and as a Cypress tree upon the mount Hermon: I am exalted like a palm tree in Cades, and as a rose plant in jericho: As a fair olive tree in the field, and am exalted like a planteyn tree by the water's side. I have given a smell in the streets, as the cinnamon and Balm, that hath so good a savour: yea a sweet odour have I given, as it were Myrrh of the best. I have made my dwellynges to smell as it were of rosin, Galbanum, Clowes, and Incense, and as Libanus when it is not hewn down, and mine odour is as the pure Balm. As the Terebint have I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and ioving favour. john xu a As the vine, have I brought forth fruit of a sweet savour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and richesse. I am the mother of beauty, of love, of fear, of knowledge and of holy hope. john xiiii a In me is all grace of life & truth: In me is all hope of life and virtue. O come unto me, all you that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits: for my spirit is sweeter than honey, and so is mine inheritance more than the honey comb: the remembrance of me endureth for evermore. They that eat me, shall have the more hunger: & they that drink me, shall thirst the more. Who is herkeneth unto me, shall not come to confusion: and they that work in me, shall not offend. They that make me to be known, shall have everlasting life. All these things are the book of life, the covenant of the highest, and the knowledge of the truth. Exodi twenty a and xxiiii a Moses commandeth the law in the precepts of righteousness, for an heritage unto the house of jacob, and committed the promises unto Israel. Out of David his servant, Psal cxxxi b Acto ii d he ordained to raise up a most mighty king, sitting in the seat of honour for evermore. This filleth with wisdom, like as the flood of Physon, Deut. four a. and. xx●x. b and as the flood of Tigris, wh●n the new fruits are a growing. This bringeth a plenteous understanding like Euphrates: and filleth it up as jordane in the time of harvest. joshua iii e This maketh nurture to break forth as the light, and as the water Gihen in the harvest. The first hath not known her perfectly, no more shall the last seek out the ground of her. For her thought is fuller than the see, and her counsel is profounder than the great deep. I wisdom have cast out floods. I am as a great waterbroke out of the river. I am as the river Dorir, and as a water conduit am I come out of the garden of pleasure. I said: I will water the garden of my young plants, and fill the fruit of my birth. So my water broken become exceeding great, and my river approached unto the see. For I make doctrine to be unto all men, as light as the fair morning, and I shall make it to be ever the clearer, I will pierce thorough all the lower parts of the earth, I will look upon all such as sleep, and lighten all them that put their trust in the Lord. I shall yet pour out doctrine, like as prophesy, and leave it unto such as seek after wisdom, and their generations shall I never fail, unto the holy everlasting world. Behold how that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all them that seek after the truth. ¶ Of three things which please God, and of three which he hateth. Of nine things that be not to be suspect, and of the tenth: chyefly of the malice of a woman. CAPI. XX●V. Three things there are, that my spirit favoureth, which be also allowed before God and men: The unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, Gen. xlii d Rome xii ● and man and wife that agree well together. Three things there be which my soul hateth and I utterly abhor the life of them. A poor man that is proud. A rich man that is a liar, and an old body that doteth, Eccl. xl d and is unchaste. If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, what wilt thou find then in thine age? O how pleasant a thing is it when grey headed men are discrete, and when the elders can give good counsel? O how comely a thing is wisdom unto aged men? yea understanding and counsel is a glorious thing. The crown of old men is to have much experience, and the fear of God is their worship. There be nine things, which I have judged in my heart to be happy and the tenth will I tell forth unto men with my tongue. A man that while he liveth, hath joy of his children, and seethe the fall of his enemies. Well is him that dwelleth with an housewife of understanding, and that hath not fallen with his tongue, and that hath not been fain to serve such as are unmeet for him. Well is him, that findeth a faithful friend, and well is him, which talketh of wisdom to an ear that heareth him. O how great is he that findeth wisdom and knowledge? Yet is he not above him, that fears the Lord. The fear of God hath set itself above all things. Blessed is the man, unto whom it is granted to have the fear of God. Unto whom shall he be likened, that keepeth it fast? The fear of God is the beginning of his love, and the beginning of faith is to cleave fast unto it. The heaviness of the heart is all punishment, and the wickedness of a woman goeth above all. All punishment and plague is nothing in comparison of the plague of the heart, even so all wickedness is nothing to the wickedness of a woman. What so ever happeneth unto a man, is nothing in comparison of it, that his evil willers do unto him: and all vengeance is nothing to the vengeance of the enemy. 〈…〉 There is not a more wicked heed then the heed of the serpent, and there is no wrath above the wrath of a woman. I will rather devil with a lion and dragon, then to keep house with a wicked wife. The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, she shall moffell her countenance as it were a Beer, and as a sack shall she show it among the neighbours. Her husband is brought to shame amongs his neighbours, and when he heareth it, it maketh him to sigh. All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman, the portion of the ungodly shall fall upon her. Like as to climb up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, 〈…〉. b 〈…〉 even so is a wife full of words to a still quiet man. Look not to narrowly upon the beauty of a woman, jest thou be provoked in desire toward her. The wrath of a woman is dishonour and great confusion. If a woman get the mastery, then is the contrary to her husband. A wicked wife maketh a sorry heart, an heavy countenance, 〈…〉 viii. b and a deed wound. Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and thorough her we all are deed. give thy water no passage, not not a little, neither give a wicked woman her will. If she walk not after thy hand, she shall confound the in the sight of thy enemies. Cut her of then from thy flesh, that she do not alway abuse the. ¶ The praise of a good woman. Of the fear of three things, and of the fourth. Of the jealousy and drunken woman. Of two things that cause sorrow, and of the third which moveth wrath. It is hard to find a merchant without disobeyed, or a a taverner without sin in his tongue. CAPI. XXVI. HAppy is the man that hath a virtuous wife, 〈…〉 for the number of his years shall be double. An honest woman maketh her husband a joyful man, and she shall fill the years of his life in peace. A virtuous woman is a noble gift, which shall be given for a good portion, unto such as fear God. Whether a man be rich or poor, he may have ever a merry heart, and a cheerful countenance, there be three things that my heart fears, and my face is afraid of the fourth. Treason in a city, a seditious people, and noisome tongues, all these are heavier than death. But when one is jealous over his wife, it bringeth pain and sorrow unto the heart: and a woman that telleth out all things, is a scourge of the tongue. When one hath an evil wife, it is even as when an unlike pair of oxen must draw together, he that getteth her, getteth a scorpion. A drunken woman is a great plague, for she can not cover her own shame. 〈◊〉 xuj. The hordome of a woman may be known in the pride of her eyes, and eyelyddes. If thy daughter be not shamefast, hold her straitly, least she abuse herself thorough overmuch liberty. Ecclesi xlii ● Beware of all the dishonesty of her eyes, and marvel not if she do against the. Like one that goeth by the way and is thirsty, so shall she open her mouth, and drink of every next water that she may get. By every hedge shall she sit her down, and open her quiver to every arrow. A loving wife rejoiceth her husband and feedeth his bones with her wisdom. A woman of few words, is a gift of God, and to a well nurtoured mind may nothing be compared. An honest and mannerly woman is a gift above other gifts, and there is no weight to be compared, unto a mind that can rule itself. Like as the sun when it ariseth, is an ornament in the high heaven of the Lord so is a virtuous wife the beauty of all her house. Like as the clear light is upon the holy candlestick, Gen. u d so is the beauty of the face upon an honest body. Like as the golden pyllers are upon the sockettes of silver, so are the fair legs upon a woman that hath a constant mind. Perpetual are the foundations that be laid upon a hole stony rock, so are the comaundementes of God upon an holy woman. There be two things that grieve my heart and in the third is displeasure come upon me. When an expert man of war suffereth scarceness and poverty. When men of understanding and wisdom are not set by: And when one departeth from righteousness unto sin. Who so doth such, the Lord hath prepared him unto the sword. There be two manner of things, which me think to be hard and perilous. A merchant ☜ merchants. can not lightly keep him from wrong, neither a taverner himself from sin. ¶ Of the poor that would be rich. The probation of the man that teareth God. The unconstantnes of a fool. The secrets of a friend are not to be uttered. The wicked ymagyneth evil, which returneth upon himself. CAPI. XXVII. Because of poverty have many one offended: and he that seeketh to be rich, turneth aside. Like as a nail in the brickwall stycketh fast betwixt two stones, even so doth sin stick betwixt the bier and seller. If he hold him not diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown. Like as when one syfteth▪ the filthiness remains in the five: So, remaineth there some unclean thing in the thought of man. The oven proveth the potter's vessel so doth temptation of trouble try righteous men. Sap●en iii a i Petri iii b Math seven. b The tree of the field is known by his fruit, so is the thought of man's heart known by his words. Praise no man except thou have heard him, for a man is known by his words. If thou folowest righteousness, thou shalt get her, a put her upon the as a fair garment. And thou shalt devil with her, and she shall defend the for ever, and in the day of knowledge thou shalt find steadfastness. The birds resort unto their like, so doth the truth unto them that be occupied withal. The lion waiteth forth the pray: so do the sins lurk upon the workers of wickedness. The talking of him that fears God, is no thing but wisdom: as for a fool, he changeth as the Moon. If thou be amongs the undiscrete, keep thy word to a convenient time, but among such as be wise, speak on hardly. The talking of fools is an abomination, and their sport is voluptousnesse and misnurtour, Much swearing maketh the here to stand up, and to strive with such, stoppeth the eats. The strife of the proud is bloudsheding, and their blaspheming is heavy to hear. Who so discovereth secrets, Eccl. xvi b xxii. d loseth his credence, and findeth no friend after his will. love thy friend, and bind thyself in faithfulness with him: but if thou bewrayest his secrets, thou shalt not get him again: For like as the man is that destroyeth his enemy, so is he also that dealeth falsely in the friendship of his neighbour. Like as one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, can not take her again: Even so thou, if thou give over thy frend●, thou canst not get him again: Yea thou canst not come by him, for he is to far of. He is unto the as a roo escaped out of the snare, for his soul is wounded. As for wounds, they may be bound up again, and an evil word may be reconciled: but who so bewrayeth the secrets of a friend, here is no more hope to be had unto him. Prouer. ten b He that wynketh with the eyes, ymagyneth some evil, and no man shall take him from it. When thou art present, he shall hylie commend and praise thy words, but at the last, be shall turn his tale, and slander thy saying. Many things have I hated, but nothing so evil, for the Lord himself also abhorreth such one. Who so casts a stone on high, it shall fall upon his own heed: Exod. xxi b and he that smiteth with guile, woundeth himself. Who so dyggeth a pit, shall fall therein: and he that layeth a snare, shall be taken in it himself. Who so giveth a wicked noisome counsel, it shall come upon himself, and he shall not know from whence. The proud blaspheme and are scornful, but vengeance lurketh for them as a lion. They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous, shall be taken in the snare, anguish of heart shall consume them before they die. Anger and rygorousnesse are two abominable things, and the ungodly hath them both upon him. ¶ We aught not to desire vengeance, but to forgive the offence. Of the vices of the tongue, & of the dangers thereof. CAPI. XXVIII. HE that seeketh vengeance, Vengeau● Deut. xxx● Rome xii▪ c Math. u ● b xviii b shall find vengeance of the Lord, which shall surely keep him his sins. forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done thee, and so shall thy sins be forgiven the also, when thou prayest. A man that beareth hatred against an other, how dare he desire forgiveness of God? He that showeth no mercy to a man which is like himself, how dare he ask forgiveness of sins? If he that is but flesh, beareth hatred and keepeth it, who will entreat for his sins? Rememembre the end, and let enimitye pass which seeketh death and destruction, and abide thou in the commandments. Remember the commandment, so shalt thou not be rigorous over thy neighbour. Think upon the covenant of the highest, and forgive thy neighbours ignorance. Beware of strife, and thou shalt make thy sins fewer. Ecclesi. viii● For an angry man kyndleth variance and the ungodly disquyeteth friends and putteth discord amongs them that be at peax. The more would there is, the more vehement is the fire: and the mightier the men be, Prove. xxv● the greater is the wrath: & the longer the strife endureth the more it burneth An hasty brawling kyndleth a fire, and an hasty strife sheds blood. If thou blow the spark: it shall burn: If thou spit upon it: it goeth forth, Evil tou● Eccle. xxi ● and both these go out of thy mouth. The slanderer and double-tongued is cursed, for many one that be friends setteth he at variance. The third tongue hath disquyeted many one, and driven them from one land to an other. Strong cities hath it broken down, and overthrown the houses of great men. The third tongue hath cast out many an honest woman, and rob them of their labours. Who so herkeneth unto such, shall never find rest never devil safely. The stroke of the rod maketh yedders, but the stroke of the tongue smiteth the bones insunder. There be many that have perished with the sword, but many more thorough the tongue. Well is him that is kept from an evil tongue, and cometh not in the anger thereof which draweth not the yoke of such, and is not bound in the bands of it. For the yoke thereof is of iron, and the band of it of steel. The death, thereof is a very evil death: hell were better for one, than such a tongue. But the fire of it may not oppress them that fear God, and the flame thereof may not burn them. Such as forsake the Lord, shall fall therein: and it shall burn them, and no man shall be able to quench it. It shall fall upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard. Thou hedgest thy goods with thorns: why dost thou not rather make doors and bars for thy mouth? Thou weigh'st thy gold and silver: why dost thou not way thy words also upon the balance? Beware that thou slide not in thy tongue & so fall before thine enemies, that lay wait for the ¶ How we aught to lend our money, and do alms. Of a faithful man answering for his friend. Of liberality and hospytalytie. CAPI. XXIX. WHo so will show mercy, let him lend unto his neighbour: and he that is able let him keep the commandment. 〈…〉 Lend unto thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season. Keep thy word, & deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for the. There have been many, that when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and made them travail and labour that had helped them. While they receive any thing, they kiss the hands of such as give them, and for their neighbours good they humble their voice. But when they should pay again, they keep it back, and give evil words, & make many excuses by reason of the time: and though he be able, yet giveth he scarce the half again, and reckoneth the other to be found. And if he withhold not his money, yet hath he an enemy of him, and that undeserved. He payeth him with cursing and rebuke & giveth him evil words for his good deed. There be many one which are not gl●d for to lend, not because of evil, but they fear to lose the thing that they lend. Yet have thou patience with the simple, and withhold not mercy from him. Help the poor for the commandments sake, and let him not go empty from the because of his necessity. Lese thy money for thy brother and neighbours sake, and bury it not under a stone, where it rusteth and corrupteth. 〈…〉 vi d 〈◊〉. Gather thy treasure after the commandment of the highest, and so shall it bring the more profit than gold. Say up the alms in the hand of the poor, and it shall keep the from all evil. A man's alms is a purse with him, and shall keep a man's favour, 〈◊〉 four d 〈…〉 as the apple of an eye: and afterward shall it arise, and pay every man his reward upon his heed. It shall fight for the against thine enemies, better than the shield of a giant, or spear of the mighty. A good honest man is surety for his neighbour, but a wicked person letteth him come to shame. 〈…〉. Forget not the petition of thy surety, for he hath given his soul sore the. The ungodly despiseth the good deed of his surety, and the unthankful and ignorant leaveth his surety in danger. Some man promiseth for his neighbour: and when he hath lost his honesty, he shall forsake him. Suretyshyp hath destroyed many a rich man, and removed them as the waves in the see. Mighty people hath it driven away, and caused them to wander in strange countries. An ungodly man, transgressing the commandment of the Lord, shall fall in to an evil suretyshyp: and though he force himself to get out, yet shall he fall in to judgement. Help thy neighbour out after thy power, & beware that thou thyself fall not in such debt. The chief thing that keepeth in the life, Eccles xxxix ● is water and breed, clothing and lodging to cover the shame. Better is it to have a poor living in a man's own house, then delicate fare among the strange. Psal xxxvi b i Timon vi b Hebr xiii a Be it little or moche that thou hast, hold the content withal, and thou shalt not be blamed as a vacabounde: for a miserable life is it to go from house to house: and where a man is fremde, he dare not open his mouth. Though one be lodged, and have meat and drink, yet shall he be taken as unworthy, and hear many bitter rough words, namely thus: Go thy way thou stranger, and prepare a table for thyself, and feed me also of that thou haste. Away thou stranger (so that he regardeth his honour no more) my brother cometh in to my house, and so he telleth him the necessity of his house: these things are heavy to a man that hath understanding: namely the forbidding of the house, & that the lender casts him in the teeth. ¶ Of the correction of children. Of the commodity of health. Death is better than a sorrowful life. Of hid wisdom. Of the joy and sorrow of the heart. CAPI. XXX. WHo so loveth his child, holdeth him still under correction, that he may have joy of him afterward, Nurtenred children. Prove xiii c and xxiii b and that he grope not after his neighbours doors. He that teacheth his son, shall have joy in him, and need not to be ashamed of him amongs his acquaintance. Who so enfourmeth and teacheth his son, grieveth the enemy: Deut. vi a and before his friends he may have joy of him. Though the father die, yet is he as though he were not deed: for he hath left one behind him, that is like him. In his life he see him and had joy in him, and was not sorry in his death, neither was he ashamed before the enemies. For he left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and a good doer unto the friends. For the life of children he shall bind the wounds together, and his heart is grieved at every cry. An untamed horse will be hard, & a wanton child will be wilful. If thou bring up thy son delicately: he shall make the afraid: and if thou play with him, he shall bring the to heaviness. Laugh not with him, least thou weep with him also, and least thy teeth be set on edge at the last, give him no liberty in his youth, and excuse not his folly. Eccle. vii c Bo●●e down his neck while he is young, it him upon the sides while he is yet but a child, least he were stubborn, and give no more force of thee, and so shalt thou have heaviness of soul. Teach thy child, and be diligent therein, jest it beyt thy shame. Better is the poor being hole & strong, than a man to be rich & not to have his health. Health and welfare is above all gold, and a hole body above all treasure. There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart. Death is better than a wretched life, or continual sickness. The good things that are put in a close mouth, are like as when meat is laid upon the grave. What good doth the offering unto an idol? Daniel xiiii b For he can neither eat, taste, nor smell. Even so he that is chased of the Lord, and beareth the rewards of iniquity. He seethe with his eyes, and groaneth like a gelded man, that lieth with a virgin and sygheth. give not over thy mind in to heaviness, and vex not thyself in thine own counsel. The joy and cheerfulness of the heart, is the life of man, and a man's gladness is the prolonging of his days. love thine own soul, and comfort thine heart: as for sorrow and heaviness, drive it far from thee, for heaviness hath slain many a man, and bringeth no profit. Zeal and anger shorten the days of the life: carefulness and sorrow, bring age before the tyme. Unto a merry heart every thing hath a good taste, that he eateth. ¶ We aught to give diligent heed to honesty. Of them that take pain to gather riches. The praise of a rich man without a fault. we aught to fly drunkenness, and to follow soberness. CAPI. XXXI. Travail and carefulness for richesse taketh away the sleep, i Timoth vi b and maketh the flesh to consume. When one lieth & taketh care, he waketh ever up, like as great sickness breaketh the sleep. The rich hath great labour in gathering his riches together, and then with the pleasure of his riches, he taketh his rest, and is refreshed: but who so laboureth and prospereth not, he is poor: and though he leave of, yet is he a beggar. He that loveth riches, shall not be justified: and who so followeth corruption, shall have enough thereof. Many one are come in great misfortune by the reason of gold, and have found their destruction before them. It is a tree of falling unto them that offer it up, and all such as be foolish fall therein. Blessed is the rich which is found without blemish, and hath not go after gold, ne hoped in money and treasures. Where is there such one, and we shall commend him, and call him blessed, for great things doth he amongs his people. Who so is tried, and found perfect in such things, shall be commended and praised. Who might offend, & hath not offended? who could do evil, & hath not done it? Therefore shall his good be established, & the hole congregation shall declare his alms. If thou sit at a great man's table, open not thy mouth wide upon it, and make not many words. Remember that an evil eye is a shrew. What thing created is worse than a wicked eye? therefore weepeth it before every man's face: Say not thine hand upon every thing that thine eye seethe, and strive not with him in the dish. Ponder by thyself what thy neighbour would fain have, and be discrete in every point. Eat the thing that is set before the mannerly, Sobrenes. as it becometh a man, and eat not to much, least thou be abhorred. Leave thou of first of all because of nurture, least thou be he whom no man may satisfy, which may turn to thy decay. When thou sittest amongs many men, reach not thine hand out first of all. O how well content is a wise man with a little wine? so that in sleep thou shalt not be sick thereof, nor feel any pain. A sweet wholesome sleep shall such one have, and feel no inward grief. He riseth up betimes in the morning, and is well at ease in himself. But an unsatiable eater sleepeth unquietly, and hath ache and pain of the body. If thou feelest that thou hast eaten to much, arise go thy way, cast it of thy stomach, and take thy rest. My son, hear me, and despise me not: and at the last thou shalt find as I have told the. In all thy works be diligent and quick, Roma xli b so shall there no sickness happen unto the. Who so is liberal in dealing out his meat, many men shall bless him, Prouer. xxi●▪ ● and praise him with their lips: and the same is a sure token of his love and faithfulness. But he that is unfaithful in meat, the hole city shall complain of him: and that in a sure experience of his infidelity and wickedness. Be not thou a wine bybber, for wine hath destroyed many a man. The fire proveth the hard iron, even so doth wine prove the hearts of the proud when they be drunken. Wine soberly drunken, quyckeneth the life of man. wine. If thou drynkest it measurably thou shalt be temperate. What life is it, that may continue without wine? Wine was made from the beginning, to make men glad, (and not for drunkenness.) Wine measurably drunken, is a reioysnge of the soul and body. But if it be drunken with excess it maketh bitterness and sorrow unto the mind. Drunkenness filleth the mind of the foolish with shame and ruin, minissheth the strength, and maketh wounds. Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth. give him no despytfull words, and press not upon him with contrary sayings. ¶ Of the dyscryption and praise of the preacher, and of the hearer. Of the fear, faith, and confidence of God. CAPI. XXXII. IF thou be made a ruler, extol not thyself therein, 〈◊〉 ●vii. d but be thou as one of the people. Take diligent care for them, and look well thereto: and when thou hast done all thy duty, sit the down, that thou mayst be merry with them, and receive a crown of honour, talk wisely and honestly, for wisdom becometh the right well. hinder not musyck. Speke not where there is no audience: and pour not forth wisdom out of time, at an importunity. Like as the Carbuncle stone shineth that is set in gold, 〈…〉. so doth a song garnish the wine feast: and as the smaragd that is set in gold so is the sweetness of music by the mirth of wine. Thou young man, speak that becometh thee, and that is profitable, and yet scarce when thou art twice asked. Comprehend moche with few words. In many things be as one that is ignorant, give ear, & hold thy tongue withal. If thou be amongs men of higher authority, desire not to compare thyself unto them: and when an elder speaketh, make not thou many words therein. Before the thunder goeth lightening, and before nurture and shamefastness goeth love and favour. Stand up bytymes, and be not the last, but get the home soon, and there take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: so that thou do no evil, and defy no man. But for all things give thanks unto him that hath made thee, and replenished the with his goods. Who so fears the Lord, will receive his doctrine: and they that get them to him bytymes, shall find grace. He that seeketh the law, shall be filled withal: as for him that is but feigned, he will be offended thereat. They that fear the Lord, shall find the judgement, and their ryghousnesse shall be kindled as a light. An ungodly man will not be reform, but can help himself with the example of other in his purpose. A man of understanding despiseth no good counsel: but a wild and proud body hath no fear. My son, do nothing without advisement, so shall it not repent the after the deed. Go not in the way where thou mayst fall, ne where thou mayst stumble against the stone. give not thyself in to a laborious slippery way, and beware of thine own children. In all thy works put thy trust in God from thy hole heart, for that is the keeping of the commandments. Who so believeth God's word taketh heed to the commandments: and he that putteth his trust in the Lord, shall want nothing. ¶ The deliverance of him that fears God. The answer of the wise. The little discretion of a fool. Man is in the hand of God, as the earth is in the hand of the potter. we ought not to dispose ourselves, to become subject to other. CAPI. XXXIII. THere shall no evil happen unto him that fears God, but when he is in temptation, the Lord shall deliver him A wise man hateth not the law, but an hypocrite is as a ship in a raging water. A man of understanding giveth credence unto the law of God, and the law is faithful unto him. Be sure of the matter, then talk thereof: Be first well instruct, then mayst thou give answer. The heart of the foolish is like a cart wheel, and his thoughts ren about like the axle tree. Like as a wild horse that neyeth under every one that sitteth upon him, so is it with a scornful friend. Holy days. Why doth one day excel an other, saying all the days of the year come of the sun? The wisdom of the Lord hath so parted them asunder, and so hath he ordained the times and solemn feasts. Some of them hath he choose and hallowed before other days. And all men are made of the ground, and out of the earth of Adam. In the multitude of science hath the Lord sundered them, and made their ways of divers fashions. Some of them hath he blessed, made moche of them, hallowed them, and claimed them to himself. But some of them hath he cursed, brought them low, and put them out of their estate. Like as the clay is in the potter's hand, Rome ix ● and all the ordering thereof at his pleasure: so are men also in the hand of him that made them, so that he may give them as it liketh him best. Against evil is good, and against death is life: so is the ungodly against such as fear God. Behold thus all the works of the highest, and there are ever φ Some read two against one. Eccles xxiiii d two against two, and one set against an other. I am awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after in harvest. In the gifts of God and in his blessing I am increased, and have filled my wine press like a grape gatherer. Behold how I have not laboured only for myself, but for all such as love nurture and wisdom. Hear me, O you great men of the people, and hearken with your ears you rulers of the congregation. give not thy son, and wife, ☜ thy brother and friend power over thee, while thou livest: and give not away thy substance, and good to an other, least it repent thee, and thou be fain to beg therefore thyself. As long as thou livest and hast breath, let no man change thee: for better it is thy children to pray thee, then that thou shouldst be fain to look in their hands. In all thy works be excellent, that thy honour be never stained. At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance. The fodder, Servants. the whip, and the burden belongeth unto the ass: Meat, correction, and work unto the servant. If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest. But if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty. The yoke and the whip bow down the neck, but tame thou thy evil servant with bonds and correction. Sand him to labour, that he go not idle: for idleness bringeth much evil. Set him to work, for that belongeth unto him, and becometh him well. If he be not obedient, bind his feet, but do not to much unto him in any wise, and without discretion do nothing. Eccle. vii c If thou have a (faithful) servant, let him be unto the as thine own soul, for in blood hast thou got him. If thou have a servant, hold him as thyself, for thou haste need of him as of thyself. If thou entreatest him evil, and keepest him hard, and makest him to be proud, and to ren away from thee, thou canst not tell what way thou shalt seek him. ¶ Of dreams, dyvinations, and enchantments▪ we aught to confute vain hope, and lying. The praise of them that fear God. Of divers works of men. God doth not allow the works of an unfaithful man. CAPI. XXXIIII. Unwise people beguile themselves with vain and deceitful hope, and fools trust in dreams. Dreams. Who so regardeth dreams, is like him that will take hold of a shadow, and follow after the wind: Even so is it with apperinges of dreams. Before the face is the likeness of a face. Who can be cleansed of the unclean? Or what truth can be spoken of a liar? Sothsayinge, witchcraft, sorcery and dreaming is but vanity: like as when a woman travaileth with child, and hath many fantasies in her heart. Where as such visions come not of God, set not thine heart upon them: for dreams have deceived many a man, and they failed that put their trust therein. The law shall be fulfilled without lies, & wisdom is sufficient to a faithful mouth. A wise man that is well instruct, understandeth moche, and he that hath good experience can talk of wisdom. He that hath no experience knoweth little, and he that erreth causeth moche wickedness. When I was yet in error, I learned much also: yea I was so learned, that I could not express it all, and came often in peril of death the rover, till I was delivered from it. Now I see that they which fear God, have the right spirit: for their hope standeth in him that can help them. Who so fears the Lord, standeth in awe of no man, & is not afraid, for the Lord is his hope and comfort. Blessed is the soul of him that fears the Lord: In whom putteth he his trust? who is his strength? For the eyes of the Lord have respect unto them that love him. He is their mighty protection and strong ground: A defence for the heat, a refuge for the hot none day, a succour for stumbling, and an help for falling. He setteth up the soul, and lyghteneth the eyes: He giveth health, life, and blessing. He that giveth an offering of unryghtous good, his offering is refused: and the scornful dealynges of the unryghtous please not God. God hath no delight in the offerings of the ungodly, neither may sin be reconciled in the multitude of oblations. Who so bringeth an offering out of the goods of the poor, doth even as one that killeth the son before the father's eyes. The breed of the needful is the life of the poor: he that defraudeth him thereof, is a man of blood. Who so robbeth his neighbour of his living, doth as great sin as though he slew him to death. He that defraudeth the labourer of his hire, Deut. xxiiii ● Eccle. vii c is a bloudshedder. When one buildeth an other breaketh down, what profit have they then but labour? When one prayeth, and an other curseth, Numer xix b Penance. whose voice will the Lord hear? He that washeth himself because of a deed body, and then toucheth the deed again, what doth his washing? So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, Prove xxvi b two. Petri ii b and doth them again: who will hear his prayer? Or what doth his fasting help him? ¶ It is well done to pray and to do sacrifice. The prayer of the fatherless, and of the widow: and of him that humbleth himself. CAPI. XXXV. WHo so keepeth the law, bringeth offerings enough. Jere. uli. e He that holdeth fast the commandment, offereth the right helthoffring. He that is thankful, and recompenseth, Heb. xiii ● Philip four ● offereth fine flower, Who so is merciful and giveth alms, that is the right thankoffring. God hath pleasure when one departeth from sin, and forsake unrighteousness, reconcileth us with him. Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord, for all such is done because of the commandment. The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and a sweet smell is it before the highest. The offering of the righteous is acceptable unto God, and shall never be forgotten. give God his honour with a cheerful eye, and keep not back the firstlings of thy hands. In all thy gifts show a merry countenance, and hallow thy tithes unto God with gladness. give unto God, according as he hath enriched and prospered thee, and look what thine hand is able, that give with a cheerful eye, for the Lord recompenseth, and giveth the seven times as much again. give no unrighteous gifts, for such will he not receive. Beware of wrongous offerings, for the Lord is a righteous judge: and regardeth no man's person. He accepteth not the person of the poor, but he heareth the prayer of the oppressed. Iud. four b Exo iii b He despiseth not the desire of the fatherless, nor the widow, when she poureth out her prayer before him. Doth not God see the tears that run down the cheeks of the widow? Or heareth he not the complaint over such as make her to weep? Who so serveth God after his pleasure shall be accepted, and his prayer reacheth unto the clouds. The prayer of him that humbleth himself, 〈◊〉. ●i●i. d 〈…〉 goeth thorough the clouds till she come nigh. She will not be comforted, ne go her way, till the highest God have respect unto her, give true sentence, and perform the judgement. And the Lord will not be slack in coming, ne tarry long, till he have smitten in sunder the backs of the unmerciful, and avenged himself of the Heathen: till he have taken away the multitude of the cruel, and broken the sceptre of the unryghtous: till he give every man after his works, and reward them as they have deserved: till he have delivered his people, maintained their cause, and rejoiced them in his mercy. O how fair a thing is mercy in the time of an anguish and trouble? It is like a cloud of rain that cometh in the time of a drought. ¶ A prayer to God in the person of all faithful men with the praise of a good woman. CAPI. XXXVI. Have mercy upon us, oh Lord, thou God of all things. Have respect unto us, show us the light of thy mercies, and sand thy fear among the Heathen and strangers, which seek not after thee: that they may know how that there is no God but thou, & that they may show thy wondrous works.) life up thine hand over the outlandysshe Heathen, that they may learn to know thy might and power. Like as thou art hallowed in us before them, so bring to pass that thou mayst be magnified also in them before us: that they may know thee, like as we know the. For there is none other God, but only thou, oh Lord. Renew the tokens, & change the wondrous works. Show thine hand and thy right arm gloriously. Raise up thy indignation, and pour out thy wrath. Take away the adversary, and smite the enemy. Make the time short, remember thy covenant, that thy wondrous works may be praised. Let the wrath of the fire consume them that live so careless: and let them perish, that do thy people hurt. Smite insunder the heed of the princes, that be our enemies, and say: there is none other but we. Gather all the tribes of jacob together again, that they may know, how that there is none other God but only thou, that they may show thy wondrous works, and be thy people and heritage, like as from the beginning. 〈…〉. f O Lord have mercy upon the people that hath thy name, and upon Israel whom thou haste likened to a first born son. O be merciful unto jerusalem the city of thy Sanctuary the city of thy rest. 〈◊〉 vi. g Fill Zion with thy unspeakaeble virtues, and thy people with thy glory. give witness unto thy creature, whom thou madest from the beginning, and raise up the prophecies that have been showed in thy name. Reward them that wait for thee, that thy Prophets may be found faithful. O Lord hear the prayer of thy servants according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people: that all they which devil upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord the eternal God, Num vi d which is from everlasting. The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than an other. Like as the tongue tasteth venison, i Cor ii b so doth an heart of understanding mark false words. A frowade heart giveth heaviness, but a man of experience lifteth him up again. The woman receiveth every man, yet is one daughter better than an other. A fair wife rejoiceth her husband, & a man loveth nothing better. If she be loving and virtuous withal, then is not her husband like other men. He that hath got a virtuous woman, hath got a goodly possession: she is unto him an help and pillar whereupon he rests. Where no hedge is, there the goods are spoiled, and where no housewife is, there the friendless mourneth. Like as there is no credence given to a robber that goeth from one city to an other: So is not the man believed, that hath no nest, & must turn in where he may abide in the night. ¶ How a man should know friends and counsellors, and search the company of a holy man. CAPI. XXXVII. EVery friend saith, I will be friendly unto him also. But there is some friend, Friends. which is only a friend in name. Remaineth there not heaviness unto death, when a companion and friend, is turned to an enemy? O most wicked presumption: Eccle. vi b from whence art thou sprung up, to cover the earth with falsehood and deceit? There is some companion which in prosperity rejoiceth with his friend: but in the time of trouble he taketh part against him. There is same companion that mourneth with is friend for the belie sake: but when trouble cometh, he taketh hold of the shield. Forget not thy friend in thy mind, & think upon him in thy richesse. Every counsellor bringeth forth his counsel: Nevertheless there is some that counseleth but for his own profit. Beware of the counsellor, and be advised afore whereto thou wilt use him, for he will counsel for himself. least he cast the lot upon thee, and say unto thee: Thy way and purpose is good, & afterward he stand against thee, and look what shall become of the. Ask no counsel at him that suspecteth the for an enemy, and hide thy counsel from such as hate the. Ask no counsel Counsel. at a woman, concerning the things that she longeth for: nor at a fearful and faint hearted body in matters of war: or at a merchant, how dear he will cheap thy wares toward his: or at a bier, of selling: Or at an envious man, of thanksgiving: Or at the unmerciful, of loving kindness: Or at the slothful, of working: Or at an hireling which hath no house, of profit or wealth. (An idle body would not gladly hear speak of moche labour.) Take no such folks to counsel, but be diligent to seek counsel at a virtuous man that fears God, such one as thou knowest to be a keeper of thy commaunnementes, which hath a mind after thine own mind, and is sorry for the when thou stomblest. And hold thy counsel fast in thine heart: for there is no man more faithful to keep it then thou thyself. For a man's mind is sometime more disposed to tell out, the vij watch men that sit above in an high place looking about them. And above all this pray the highest that he will lead thy way in faithfulness and truth. Before all thy works ask counsel first, & or ever thou dost any thing, be well advised. There be four things that declare a changed heart, whereout there springeth evil and good, death and life, and a masterful tongue that babbleth moche. Some man is apt and well instruct in many things, & yet very unprofyoable unto himself. Some man there is that can give wise and prudent counsel, and yet is he hated, and continueth a beggar: for that grace is not given him of God to be accepted. An other is rob of all wisdom, yet is he wise unto himself, and the fruit of understanding is faithful in his mouth. A wise man maketh his people wise, and the fruits of his wisdom fail not. A wise man shall be plenteously blessed of God, and all they that see him shall speak good of him. The life of man standeth in the number of the days, but the days of Israel are innumerable. A wise man shall obtain faithfulness and credence among his people, & his name shall be perpetual. My son prove thy soul in thy life, & if thou see any evil thing, give it not unto her. For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing. Be not greedy in every eating, i Corin vi c and. ●c Eccle. xxxi b and be not to hasty upon all meats. For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and glo●ony cometh at the last to an unmeasurable heat: thorough gluttony have many one perished: but he that dyeteth himself temperately, prolongeth his life. ¶ A physician. In sickness aught we to pray, and find a physician whi●h hea●eth by prayer. The beweping of the deed. Sadness, wisdom. Artifycers or craftsmen. CAPI. XXXVIII. HOnour the Physician: Physician. honour him because of necessity. God hath creted him (for of the highest cometh medicine) and he shall receive gifts of the king. The wisdom of the Physician bringeth him to great worship, and in the sight of the great men of this world, he shall be honourably taken. The Lord hath created medicine of the earth, and he that is wise will not abhor it. Was not thy bitter water made sweet with a tree, Exodi xu d iiii. Reg. iiii▪ c that men might learn to know the virtue thereof. The Lord hath given men wisdom and understanding, that he might be honoured in his wondrous works. With such doth he heal men, and taketh away their pains: Of such doth the apothecary make a confection, yet can no man perform all his works. For of the Lord cometh prosperous wealth over all the earth. My son, despise not this in thy sickness, but pray unto the Lord, and he shall make the hole. Leave of from sin, Esa xxxvii●. ● two. Pate xvi ● and order thy hands aright: cleanse thine heart from all wickedness, give a sweet savoured offering, and the fine flower for a token of a remembrance: make the offering fat, as one that giveth the first fruits, and give room to the Physician. For the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou haste need of him. The hour may come, that the sick may be helped thorough them, when they pray unto the Lord, that he may recover, and get health to live longer. He that sinneth before his maker, shall fall in to the hands of the Physician. My son, bring forth thy tears over the deed, and begin to mourn as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself: Ecclesi xxii c and then cover his body after a convenient manner, and despise not his burial. Enforce thyself to weep and provoke thyself to mourn and make lamentation expediently, and that a day or two, least thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself because of the heaviness. Tess four a For of heaviness cometh death the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength. heaviness and poverty grieveth the heart in temptation and offence. Prouer. xli d and xvii d Eccles xxx c Take no heaviness to heart, drive it away, and remember the last things. Forget it not for there is no turning again. Thou shalt do him no good, but hurt thyself. Remember his judgement, thine also shall be likewise: unto me yester day, unto the to day. two. Re. xii e Let the remembrance of the deed cease in his rest, and comfort thyself again over him, seeing his spirit is departed from him. The wisdom of the scribe is at convenient time of rest: and he that ceaseth from exercise and labour, shall be wise. He that holdeth the plough, & hath pleasure in prodding and driving the orens, and goeth about with such works, he can speak of oxen. He sets his heart to make forowes, and is diligent to give the kine fodder. So is every carpenter also and workmaster that laboureth still night and day: he carueth, graveth and cutteth out, and his desire is in sundry cunning things, and his heart ymageneth, how he may connynglye cast an image his diligence also and watching performeth the work. The yronsmyth in like manner bideth by his stychye, and doth his diligence to labour the iron. The vapour of the fire brenneth his flesh, and he must fight with the heat of the furnace. The noise of the hammer soundeth ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the thing that he maketh. He hath set his mind there upon, that he will make out his work, and therefore he watcheth, how he may set it out, and bring it to an end. So doth the potter sit by his work, he turneth the wheel about with his feet, he is diligent and careful in all doings, and his labour and work is without number. He fashyoneth the clay with his arm, and with his feet he tempereth it. His heart ymagyneth how he may make it pleasant, and his diligence is to cleanse the oven. All these hope in their hands, and every one thinketh to be cunning in his work. Without these may not the cities be manteyned, inhabited ne occupied: yet come they not high in the congregation: they understand not the covenant of the law: they can not declare equity and judgement: they can not find out the dark sentences, but thorough them shall the creature of the world be manteyned: their prayer concerneth only the work and labour of cunning. ¶ A wise man. The works of God. Unto the good, good things do profit: but unto the evil even good things are evil. CAPI. XXXIX. HE that aplyeth his mind to understand the law of God, doth diligently seek out wisdom of them of the old time, and exercyseth himself in the Prophets. He keepeth the sayings of famous men, and presseth to the understanding of dark sentences of wisdom. He seeketh out the mystery of secret sayings, and exercyseth himself therein continually. He doth service among great men, and appeareth before the prince. He goeth in to a strange country, and travaileth thorough it: look what good or evil is among men, he proveth it and seeketh it out. He purposeth in his heart, to resort early unto the Lord that made him, and to pray before the highest God. He openeth his mouth in prayer, and prayeth for his sins. When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding, that he may then pour out wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer. He shall order his device, and lead his knowledge aright, and give him understanding of secret things. He shall show forth the science of his learning, 〈◊〉 ●ii. d and rejoice in the covenant of the law of the Lord. The hole congregation shall commend his wisdom, & it shall never be put out. The remembrance of him shall never be forgotten, and his name shall continue from one generation to an other. His wisdom shall be spoken of, and the hole congregation shall openly declare his praise. While he liveth, he hath a greater name than a thousand beside: and after his death, the same name remaineth unto him. Yet will I speak of more men of understanding, for I am full as the moon. hearken unto me (you holy virtuous children bring forth fruit, as the rose that is planted by the brokes of the field, and give you a sweet smell as Lybanus. Flourysh as the rose garden, sing a song of praise. O give thanks unto God over all his works. Gene. i d give glory and honour unto the Lord, show his praise with your lips. Yea even with the song of your lips, with haps & playing, and in giving thanks unto him, say after this manner: All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and all his commandments are meet and convenient in due season. A man need not to say: what is that? Gen. vii d what is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought. At his commandment the water was a brickwall, & at the word of his mouth the waters stood still. In his commandment is every thing acceptable and reconciled, & his health can not be mynyshed. The works of all flesh are before him & there is nothing hid from his eyes. He seethe from everlasting to everlasting, and there is nothing to wonderful or high unto him. A man need not to say what is this or that? For he hath made all things to do good unto man. His blessing shall run over as the stream, and moisture the earth like a flood of water. Like as he maketh the water for drought, so shall his wrath fall upon the heathen. His ways are plain and right unto the just, but the ungodly stumble at them. For the good are good things created from the beginning, and evil things for the ungodly. All things necessary for the life of man are created from the beginning: water fire iron and salt, meal, wheat, and honey milk and wine, oil and clothing. All these things are created for the best to the faithful: But to the ungodly shall all these things be turned to the hurt and harm. There be spirits that are created for vengeance and in their rigorousness have they fastened their torments. In the time of the end they shall pour out their strength, & pacify the wrath of him that made them. Fire, hail, hunger, and death: all these things are created for vengeance. The teeth of wild noisome beasts, the scorpions, serpents, and the sword are created also for vengeance to the destruction of the ungodly They shall be glad to do his commandments: and when need is, they shall be ready upon earth: and when their hour is come, they shall not overpass the commandment of the Lord Therefore have I taken a good courage unto me from the begnning, and thought to put these things in writing, and to leave them behind me. All the works of the Lord are good, and he giveth every one in due season, and when need is, so that a man need not to say: this is worse than that. For in due season they are all pleasant and good: And therefore praise the Lord with hole heart and mouth, and give thanks unto his name. ¶ Many miseries light in a man's life. All things pass away, but affirm and stable faith remaineth. Of the blessing of the righteous, and prerogative of the fear of God. CAPI. XL. miseries of light. A Great travail is created for all men, and an heavy yoke upon all men's children, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till they be buried in (the earth) the mother of all things: namely, their thoughts and imaginations, fear of the heart, counsel, meditations, longing and desire, the day of death: from the highest that sitteth upon the glorious seat, unto the lowest and most simple upon the earth: from him that is gloriously arrayed and weareth a crown, until him that is but homely and simply clothed. There is nothing but wrath, zeal, fearfulness, unquietness, and fear of death, rigorous anger and strife. And in the night when one should rest and sleep upon his bed, the sleep changeth his understanding and knowledge. A little as nothing is in his rest, in the sleep as well as in the day of labour. He fears and is disquyeted in the vision of his heart, as one that runneth out of a battle: and in the time of health he awaketh, and marueleth that the fear was nothing. Such things happen unto all flesh, both man and best: but sevenfolde to the ungodly. Moreover death, Eccle. xxxix e Gen. vii d and iii a bloodshedding, strife and sword, oppression, hunger, destruction and punishment: these things are all created against the ungodly, and for their sakes came the flood also. All that is of the earth, shall turn to earth again: and all waters ebb again in to the see. All bribes and unrighteousness shall be put away, but faythfullness● & truth shall endure for ever. The substance and goods of the ungodly shallbe dried up, and sink away as a water flood, and they shall make a sound: like a great thunder in the rain. Like as the righteous rejoiceth when he openeth his hand, so shall the transgressors be faint, when their goods vanish and consume a way. Eccle xli. b The children of the ungodly shall not obtain many branches: and the unclean rotes upon the high rocks, shall be rooted out before the grass by the water side, and upon the river banks. Frendlynesse & liberality in the increase and blessing of God, is like a paradise and ga●den of pleasure: such mercy also & kindness endureth for ever. i Timot vi ● Philip four ● To labour & to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet pleasant life: and that is to find a treasure above all treasures. To beget children and to repair the city, maketh a perpetual name: but an honest woman is more worth than they both. Wine and minstrelsy rejoice the heart, but the love of wisdom is above them both. Piping & harping make a sweet noise, but a friendly tongue goeth beyond them both. Thine eye desireth favour and beauty, but a green sede time rather than they both. A friend and companion come together at oportunytye, but above them both is a wife that agreeth with her husband. One brother helpeth an other in the time of trouble, but alms shall deliver more than they both. Gold and silver fasten the feet, but a good counsel is more pleasant than they both. Temporal substance and strength life up the mind: but the fear of the Lord more than they both. The fear of the Lord wanteth nothing and needeth no help. The fear of the Lord is a pleasant garden of blessing, and nothing so beautiful as it is. My son, lead not a beggars life, for better it were to die then to beg. Who so looketh to an other man's table, taketh no thought for his own living how to uphold his life, for he feedeth himself with other men's meat. But a wise and well nourtoured man will beware thereof. Begging is sweet in the mouth of the unshamefast, but in his belly there burneth a fire. ¶ Of the remembrance of death. Death is not to be feared. A curse upon them that forsake the law of God. Good name and fame. An Exhortation to give heed unto wisdom. Of what things a man aught to be ashamed. CAPI. XLI. O Death, Death. how bitter is the remembrance of thee, to a man that seeketh rest and comfort in his substance and riches, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things, yea unto him that yet is able to receive meat? O death, how acceptable and good is thy judgement unto the needful, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in his age, and that in all things is full of care & fearfulness: unto him also in despair, and hath no hope ne patience? Be not thou afraid of death: remember them that have been before thee: & that come after thee, this is the judgement of the Lord over all flesh. Gene. viii And why wouldest thou be against this pleasure of the highest? Whether it be ten, an hundredth, or a thousand years: death asketh not how long one hath lived. The children of the ungodly are abominable children and so are they that keep company with the ungodly. Eccle. xl c The inheritance of ungodly children shall come to nought, and their posterity shall have perpetual shame and confusion. The children complain of an ungodly father: and why? for his sake they are rebuked and despised. Woe be unto you (O you ungodly) which have forsaken the law of the highest God: if you be born, you shall be born to cursing, if you die, the curse shall be your portion. 〈◊〉 xl b All that is of the earth, shall turn to earth again: so go the ungodly also out of the curse in to destruction. The sorrow of men is in their body: but the name of the ungodly shall be put out, for it is nothing worth. Labour to get the a good name, 〈◊〉 xxii. a for that shall continue surer by thee, than a thousand great treasures of gold. A good life hath a number of days, but a good name endureth ever. My children, keep wisdom in peaxe, for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, 〈◊〉. d what profit is in them both? A man that hideth his foolishness, is better than a man that hideth his wisdom. Therefore be you turned at my words: for it is not good, in all things and alway to be ashamed. True faith must prove and measure it. 〈◊〉 thin●●tught 〈…〉 Be ashamed of hordome before father and mother: Be ashamed of losing before the prince and men of authority: O sin, before the judge and ruler: Of offence before the congregation and people: Of unrighteousness, before a companion and friend: Of theft, before the neighbours. As for the truth of God and his covenant, 〈…〉 be not ashamed thereof. Be ashamed to lie wi●h thine elbows upon the bread: Be ashamed to look upon harlots: Be ashamed to turn away thy face from thy friend: Be ashamed to take, and not to give: Be ashamed also to look upon an other man's wife, and to make many teyfling words with her maiden, or to stand by her bed side. Be ashamed to upbraid thy friend: when thou givest any thing, cast him not in the teeth withal. ¶ Secrets may not be opened. The law of God must be taught. A daughter. A woman. God knoweth all things, yea even the secrets of the heart. CAPI. XLII. Rehearse not a thing twice, and disclose not the words, that thou hast herd in secret. 〈…〉. Be shamefast and well mannered in deed, so shall every man favour the. Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to offend. Namely, of these things be not ashamed: Of the law of God, of the covenant, of judgement: to bring the ungodly from his ungodliness unto righteousness, and to make him a good man: to deal faithfully with thy neighbour & companion: to distribute the heritage unto the friends: to be diligent to keep true measure & weight: to be content, whether thou getest much or little: to deal truly with temporal goods in buying and selling: to bring up children with diligence: to correct an evil servant, to keep that thine is from an evil wife: to set a lock where many hands are: what thou deliverest and givest out to be kept, to tell it and to way it: to write up all the out giving, and receiving: to inform the unlearned and unwise: Of the aged, that are judged of the young. If thou be diligent in these things, truly thou shalt be learned & wise and accepted of all men. The daughter A daughter. maketh the father to watch secretly: and the carefulness that he hath for her, taketh away his sleep: yea in the youth, least she should overgrow him: And when she hath an husband, least she should be hated: least she should be defiled or ravished in her virgynyty, or got with child in her father's house: Or (when she cometh to the man) least she behave herself not right or continue unfruitful. Eccles xxvi ● If thy daughter be wanton, keep her straightly, least she cause thy enemies to laugh the to scorn, & the holeꝭ city to give the an evil report, and so thou be fain to hear thy shame of every man, and be confounded before all the people. Behold not every bodies beauty, Eccle. xxv d Gen iii d and have not much dwelling among women. For like as the worm and moth cometh out of clothing, so doth wickedness come of women. It is better to be with an evil man, them with a friendly wife that putteth one to shame and rebuke. I will remember the works of the Lord, and declare the thing that I have seen. In the words of the Lord are his works The Sun overloketh all things with his shine, and all his works are full of the clearness thereof. Hath not the Lord brought to pass, that his saints should tell out all his wondrous works, which the almighty Lord hath stablished? All things endure in his glory. He seeketh out the ground of the deep and the heart, and he knoweth all their imagination and wisdom. For the Lord knoweth all science, and he looketh in to the token of the tyme. He declareth the things that are past and for to come, and discloseth things that are secret. Not thought may escape him, job. xx●iii. a Isaiah xxix c neither may any word be hid from him. He hath garnished the high excellent works of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to everlasting. Unto him may nothing be added neither can he be minished he hath no need also of any counsel. O how amiable are all his works and as a spark to look upon? They live all, and endure foruer: and when soever need is, they are all obedient unto him. They are all double, one against an other: he hath made nothnnge that hath fault or blemish: He hath established the goods of everichone: duty xxxii ● and who may be satifyed with his glory, when he seethe it? ¶ The sum of the creation of the works of God. CAPI. XLIII. THe glory of the height, is the fair and clear firmament, Psal ix a the beauty of the heaven in his glorious clearness. The sun when it appeareth, declareth the day in the going out of it, a marvelous work of the highest. At noon it burneth the earth, and who may abide for the heat thereof? Who so keepeth an oven when it is hot, three times more doth the Sun burn upon the mountains, when it breatheth out the fiery beams and shineth: with the brightness of it, it blindeth the eyes. great is the Lord that made it, and in his commandment he causeth it to ren hastily. Gene. i b The Moon also is in all, and at convenient season it showeth the times, and is a token of the tyme. The token of the solemn feast is taken of the Moon, Exod. xii a a light that mynissheth and increaseth again. The month is called after the Moon, it groweth wondrously in her changing. The army of heaven also is in the height, in the firmament of heaven it giveth a clear and glorious shine. This is the clearness of the stars, the beautiful apparel of heaven, the apparel that the Lord lyghteneth in the height. In his holy work they continue in their order, and not one of them faileth in his watch. Look upon the rain bow, and praise him that made it: Gen. ix d very beautiful is it in his shine. He compasseth the heaven about with his clearness and glory, the hands of the highest have bended it. Thorough his commandment he maketh the snow to fall, and the thunder of his judgement to smite hastily. Thorough his commandment the treasures are opened, and the clouds fly as the fowls. In his power hath he strengthened the clouds, and broken the hail stones. The mountains melt at the sight of him, the wind bloweth according to his will. The sound of his thunder beareth the earth so doth the storm of the north: the whirl wind also lighteth down as a feathered fowl, casts out and spreadeth the snow abroad: and as the greshoppers that destroy all, so falls it down. The eye marueleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is afraid at the rain of it. He poureth out the frost upon the earth, like salt, and when it is frozen, it is as sharp as the prick of a thistle. When the cold Northwind bloweth, hard Crystal cometh of the water. He lighteth down upon all the gatherynges together of water, and putteth on the waters as a breast plat. He devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wyldernesses, and look what is green, he putteth it out like fire. The medicine of all these is, when a cloud cometh hastily: and when a dew cometh upon the heat, it shall be refreshed again. In his word he stylleth the wind. In his counsel he setteth the deep, and the Lord jesus planted it. They that sail over the see, tell of his perils and harms: and when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat. For there be strange wondrous works diverse manner of nice beasts, and whalefisshes. Thorough him are all things set in good order & performed, and in his word all things endure. I speak much, but I can not sufficiently attain unto it, for he himself only is the perfection of all words. We should praise the Lord after all our power, for he is great in all his works. The Lord is to be feared: yea very great is he, Psalm xxvi ● and is marvelous is he power. Praise the Lord, and magnify him as much as you may, yet doth he far far exceed all praise. O magnify him withal your power, and labour earnestly, Psalm cvi a yet are you in no wise able sufficiently to praise him. Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? Who can magnify him so greatly as he is? For there are hid yet greater things than these be: as for us, we have seen but few of his works. For the Lord hath made all things, and given wisdom to such as fear God. ¶ The praise of certain holy men, Henoch, No, Abraham, Isaac, and jacob. CAPI. XIIII. LEt us commend the noble famous men and the generation of our fore elders & fathers. Many more glorious acts hath the Lord done, and showed his great power ever since the beginning. The noble famous men reigned in their kingdoms, & bore excellent rule. In their wisdom and understanding, they followed the counsel showed in the prophecies. They led the folk thorough the council & wisdom of the scribes of the people. Exodi xvii ● wise sentences are found in their instruction: They sought the sweetness and melody of Music, and brought forth the pleasant songs in scripture. They were rich also, and could comfort and pacify those that dwelled with them. All these were very noble and honourable men in their generations and were well reported of in their times. These have left a name behind them so that their praise shall alway be spoken of. afterward there were some, whose remembrance is go. Gene. vii d They came to nought and perished, as though they had never been: and become as though they had never been born, yea and their children also with them. Nevertheless these are loving men whose righteousness shall never be forgotten, but continued by their posterity. Their children are an holy good heritage: their seed endured fast in the covenant. For their sakes shall their children and seed continue for ever, and their praise shall never be put down. Their bodies are buried in peax, but their name liveth for evermore. The people can speak of their wisdom, Eccle. xlix ● Gene. v c and the congregation can talk of their praise. Enoch walked right and acceptably before the Lord: therefore was he translated for an example of amendment to the generations. No was a steadfast & righteous man: and in the time of wrath, he become a reconcyling. Therefore was he left a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came. An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perish no more with the water. Abraham was a great father of many people, in glory was there none like unto him. He kept the law of the highest, and came in to a covenant with him. He set the covenant in his flesh, and when he was tempted, he was found faithful, Therefore sworn God unto him with an oath, that he would bless all people in his seed, that he would multiply and increase him as the dust of the earth, and to exalt his seed as the stars: yea and that his seed should have the possession and inheritance of the land from see to see, and from the river unto the borders of the land. 〈…〉 a With Isaac did he establish the same covenant, for Abraham his father's sake. Yea that gracious blessing and health of all men, and covenant did he stablish with Isaac, and made it to rest upon the heed of jacob. He knew him, in that he prospered him so well and richly, 〈◊〉 viii. ● and gave him an heritage, and sundered his portion by itself, and parted it among the twelve tribes. Merciful men brought he out of him, which found favour before all flesh. ¶ The praise of Moses, Aaron, and Phinehes. CAPI. XLV. MOses beloved of God and men, whose remembrance is in high praise: him hath the Lord made like in the glory of saints, and magnified him, so that the enemies stood in awe of him, thorough his words he did great wonders. He made him great in the sight of kings, gave him commandment before his people, and showed him his glorious power. He stablished him with faithfulness and meekness, and chose him out of all men. 〈…〉 For he heard his voice, and led him in the dark cloud, and there he gave him the commandments, yea the law of life and wisdom, that he might teach jacob the covenant, and Israel his laws. He chose Aaron his brother also out of the tribe of Levi, exalted him and made him such like. An everlasting covenant made he with him: and gave him the priesthood in the people. He made him glorious in beautiful array, and clothed him with the garment of honour. He put perfect joy upon him, and girded him with strength. He decte him with side clotheses, and a tunicle, with an overbody co●e also and a girdle. Round about made he him bells of gold, and that many: that when he went i●, the sound might be herd, that they might make a noise in the Sanctuary, and give the people warning. The holy garment was 〈◊〉 aught & bro●●●d with gold, yellow silk and purple. And in the breast, lap there was a goodly work, wherein was fastened light and perfectness. Upon the same also there was a work fastened, & set with costly precious stones, Exod. xxviii ● all bond with gold: and this he brought in his ministration. The stones were fastened for a remembrance, after the twelve tribes of Israel. Upon his mitre there was a plate of pure gold, a graven image of holiness, a famous and noble work, garnished, and pleasant to look upon. Before him were there seen no such fair ornaments, & these it behoved him always to use: There might none other put them on, but only his children and his childers children perpetually. Leviti viii ● Daily performed he his burnt-offerings two times. Moses filled his hands, & anointed him with holy oil. This was now confirmed him with an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, as the days of heaven: namely that his children should always minister before him, and perform the office of the priesthood, and wish the people good in his name. Before all men living those he him, that he should offer before the Lord, and make odours for a sweet savour and remembrance, that he should reconcile the people of the Lord with him again. He gave him authority also in his commandments and in the covenant that he should teach jacob the statutes and testymonyes, duty xvii e and xxi. a Mala ii a and to inform Israel in his law. Therefore there stood up certain against him and had envy at him in the wilderness: Nun xvi b namely, they that were of Dathan, and Abirams side, and the furious congregation of Chore. This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrothful indignation were they consumed. A great wonder did he upon them, and consumed them with the fire. Besides this he made Aaron yet more honourable and glorious. Nun xvii c He gave him an heritage, and departed the first fruits unto him. Exod. xxv f levit xxiiii b Unto him specially he appointed the bread for sustenance (for the priests ate of the offerings of the Lord) this gave he unto him and his seed. Other heritage or portion he had none in the land, with the people. For the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance. The third noble and excellent man is Phinehes the son of Eleazar, which pleased the God of Israel, because he had the zeal and fear of the Lord. Numer xu ● For when the people were turned back, he put himself forth right soon, and that with a good will, to pacify the wrath of the Lord toward Israel. Therefore was there a covenant of peax made with him, that he should be the pryncypal amongs the righteous and the people that he and his posterity should have the office of the priesthood for ever. Like as there was made a covenant with David of the tribe of juda, that from among his sons only there should be a king: and that Aaron also and his seed should be the heritage, to give us wisdom in our heart, to judge his people in righteousness: that his goods should not come in to forgetfulness, and that their honour might endure for ever. ¶ The praise of joshua, Caleb, and Samuel. CAPI. XLVI. MAnly and strong in battle was jesus the son of Nave, josu xii e Num xxvii d Deu xxxiiii b joshua i a which in stead of Moses the prophet, was given to be captain of the people, which according unto his name, was a great saviour unto the elect of God, to punish the enemies that rose up against Israel. that Israel might obtain their inheritance. O how great, noble, and excellent was he, when he life up his hand, and drew out his sword against the cities? Who stood so manly before him? For the Lord himself brought in the enemies. Ios● Stood not the Sun still at his commandment, and one day was as long as two? He called upon the highest and most mighty, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side: and the Lord heard him with hail stones. They smote the Heythennysh people mightily, and in falling down they slew all the adversaries, lo that the Heathen knew his host, and all his defence, that the Lord himself fought against them, for he lowed upon the mighty men of them. In the time of Moses, also he had Caleb the son of jephune, did a good work, which stood against the enemies, withheld the people from sin, and stylled the wicked murmuring. And of six hundredth thousand people of foot, they two were preserved, when they were brought in to the heritage, namely, a land that floweth with milk and honey. The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto his age: so that he went up in to the high places of the land, joshua xiiii e and his seed conquered the same for an heritage: that all the children of Israel might see, how good a thing it is, to be obedient unto the Lord. And the judges or eulers (every one after his name) whose heart went not a horing, ne departed from the Lord, and that forsake not the Lord unfaithfully, whose remembrance hath a good report: Yea their bones florysshe out of their place, and their name shall never be changed. Samuel the prophet beloved of the Lord, ordained a king, and anointed the princes over the people. In the law of the Lord ruled he, and judged the congregation, and the Lord had respect unto jacob. The prophet was found diligent in his faithfulness: yea in his faithfulness was the faithfulness of the vision known. He called upon the Lord the mighty, when the enemies pleased upon him an every side, what time as he offered the sucking lambs. And the Lord thondred from heaven, and made his voice to be herd with a great noise. i Regum. ●ii. a He discomfyted the princes of tire, all the rulers of the philistines. Before his last end, he made protestation in the sight of the Lord, and his anointed, that he took neither substance ne good of any man, not not so much as a shoe: & no man might accuse him. After this he told, that his end was at hand, and showed the the king also his end and death: and from the earth lift he up his voice in the prophecy, that the ungodly people should perish. ¶ The praise of Nathan, David, and Solomon CAPI. XLVII. afterward in the time of king David, there rose up a prophet called Nathan: i Regum ● For like as the fat is taken away from the offering, so was David choose out of the children of Israel. He took his pastime with the lions & with kyddes, and with bears like as with lambs. i Regum. x● Slew he not a giant when he was yet but young, and took away the rebuke from his people? what time as he took the stone in his hand, and smote down proud Goliath with the sling? For he called upon the highest Lord, which gave him strength in his right hand, so that the overthrew the mighty giant in the battle, that he might set up the horn of his people again. Thus brought he him to worship above all princes, and made him to have a good report in the praise of the Lord, i Regum. xv● that he should were a crown of glory. two. Regum. v● For he destroyed the enemies on every side, rooted out the the Philistines his adversaries, and broke their horn insunder like as it is broken yet this day. In all his works he praised the highest and holiest, and ascribed the honour unto him. two. Par. xx● With his hole heart did he praise and love him that made him. He set syngers also before the altar, and in their tune he made sweet songs. He ordained to keep the holy days worship fully, and that the solemn feasts thorough the hole year should de honourably held, with praising the name of the Lord, and with his singing betimes in the morning in the Sanctuary. The Lord took away his sins, i Reg. xii● and exalted his horn for ever He gave him the covenant of the kingdom, and the throne of worship in Israel. two. Reg. iii ● After him there rose up the wise son called Solomon, and for his sake he drove the enemies away far of. This Solomon reigned with peax in his time (for God gave him rest from his enemies on every side, that he might build him an house in his name, and prepare the Sanctuary for ever) like as he was well instruct in his youth and filled with wisdom as and understanding, as it were with a water flood. He covered and filled the hole land with symylytudes and wise prudent sentences. His name went abroad in the Isles, because of his peax he was beloved. All lands marveled at his songs, proverbs, symylytudes, and at his peax, & at the name of the Lord God, iii Reg. ten ● which is called the God of Israel. He gathered gold as tin, and he had as much silver as lead. He was moved in unordinate love toward women, and was overcome in affection, he stained his honour and worship: yea, his posterity defiled he also, 〈◊〉 xi. ● in bringing the wrath of the Lord upon his children, and sorrow after his joy: so that his kingdom was divided, 〈◊〉 twelve c and Ephraim become an unfaithful and an unconstant kingdom. Nevertheless God forsook not his mercy, 〈◊〉 seven c neither was he utterly destroyed because of his works, that he should leave him no posterity. As for the seed that came upon him which he loved, he brought it not utterly to nought, but gave yet a remnant unto jacob, and a rote unto David out of him. Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and out of his seed he left behind him a very foolishness of the people, and such one as had no understanding: 〈◊〉 ●ii. b 〈…〉. d namely Roboam, which turned away the people thorough his counsel, and Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which caused Israel to sin, and showed Ephraim the way of ungodliness: In so much that their sins, and misdeeds had the upper hand so sore that at the last they were driven out of the land for the same: Yea he sought out and brought up all the wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them. ¶ The praise of Eliah, Helizeus, Ezechias, and Isaiah. CAPI. XLVIII. THen stood up Eliah the prophet as a fire and his word brent like a creshet. He brought an hunger upon them, and in his zeal he made them few in number. 〈◊〉 xvii. a For they might not away with the commandments of the Lord. Thorough the word of the Lord, he shut the heaven, and three times brought he the fire down. Thus become Eliah honourable in his wondrous deeds. Who may make his booste to be like him? 〈…〉 One that was deed raised he up from death, and in the word of the highest he brought him out of the grave again. 〈◊〉 ●vii c He cast down kings and destroyed them, and the honourable from their seat. Upon the mount Syna he heard the punishment, and upon Horeb the judgement of the vengeance. He prophesied recompensing unto kings, and ord●yned Prophets after him. 〈…〉 He was taken up in the storm of fire in a chariot of horses of the Lord. He was ordained in the reprovings in time to pacify the wrath, to turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and to set up the tribes of jacob again. Blessed were they that saw thee, and were garnished in love: for we live in life. Eliah was covered in the storm, but Heliseus was filled with his mouth. While he lived, he was afraid of no Prince, & no man might overcome him. There could no word deceive him, and after his death his body prophesied. He did wonders in his life and in death were his works marvelous. For all this, the people amended not, neither departed they from heir sins, till they were carried away prisoners out of the land, and were scattered abroad in all countries, so that of them there remained but a very little people, and a Prince unto the house of David. How be it some of them did right, and some heaped up ungodliness. Ezechias made his city strong, conveyed water in to it, i Par. xxxii a digged thorough the stony rock with iron, and made up a well by the water side. In his time came Sennacherib up, and sent Rabsakeh, lift up his hand against Zion, and defied them with great pride. Then trembled their hearts and hands, so that they sorrowed like a woman traveling with child. So they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and life up their hands before him. Immediately the Lord herd them out of the heaven, and delivered them by the hand of Esay. He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them. For Ezechias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and remained steadfastly in the way of David his father. Which Isaiah was great and faithful in his visions. In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the kings life. With a right spirit prophesied he, what should come to pass at the last: and to such as were sorrowful in Zion, he gave consolation, wherewith they might comfort themselves for evermore. He showed things that were for to come & secret, or ever they came to pass. ¶ Of josiah, Ezechias, David, jeremy, Ezechiel, zorobabel, jesus, Nehemias, Enoch, & joseph. CAPI. XLIX. THe remembrance of josiah is like as when the apothecary maketh many precious sweet smelling things together. iiii. Re. xxii a xxiii ii pa. xxxiiii a His remembrance shall be sweet as honey in all mouths, and as the playing of music by the wine. He was appointed to turn the people again, and to take away all abominations of the ungodly. He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly he set up the worship of God again. All kings (except David, Ezechias and josiah) committed wickedness: for even the kings of juda also forsook the law of God. For they gave their horn unto other, their honour and worship also unto a strange people. Therefore was the elect city of the Sanctuary brent with fire, iiii. Re. xxv b and the streets thereof lay desolate and waste: for they entreated jeremy evil, which nevertheless was a prophet ordained from his mother's womb, that he might rote out, break of, and destroy, and that he might build up, and plant again. jeremy i a Ezechiel saw the glory of the Lord in a vision, which was showed him upon the chariot of the Cherubyns. For he thought upon the enemies in the rain, to do good unto such as had ordered their ways aright. And the bones of the twelve Prophets florysshe from out of their place, for they gave comfort and consolation unto jacob, and delivered them faithfully. How shall we praise Zorobabel, which was as a ring in the right hand? Agg ii a i Esdr. iii a iii Esdr v. a So was jesus also the son of josedec: these men in their times builded the house, & set up the Sanctuary of the Lord again, which was prepared for an everlastynnge worship. Agge i c two. Esdr. vii a two. Esdr. vii a two. Esdr. vii a And Nehemiah is alway to be commended, which set up for us the walls that were broken down, made the ports and bars again, & builded our houses of the new. Gene. v c Eccles xliiii. b Hebr xi a But upon the earth is there no man created like Enoch, for he was taken up from the earth. And joseph which was lord of his brethren, and the upholder of his people: his bones were covered and kept. Seth and Sem were in great honour among the people: and so was Adam above all the beasts when he was created. ¶ Of Simon the son of Oniah. CAPI. L. SYmon the son of Oniah the high priest, which in his life set up the house again, i Ma. iii.iiii. and in his days made fast the temple. The height of the temple was founded of him, the double building and the high walls of the temple. In his days the wells of water flowed out, and were exceeding full as the see. He took care for his people, and delivered them from destruction. He kept his city and made it strong, that it should not be besieged. He dwelt in honour and worship among his people, and enlarged the entrance of the house and the court. He giveth light as the morning star in the mids of the clouds, and as the Moon when it is full. He shineth as the sun in the temple of God, he is as bright as the rainbow in the fair clouds, and floryssheth as the flowers and roses in the spring of the year, and as lylyes by the rivers of water: Like as the branches upon the mount Lybanus in the time of summer: as a fire and incense that is kindled: Like as an hole ornament of pure gold, set with all manner of precious stones: and as an olive tree that is fruitful, and as a Cypress tree which groweth up on high. When he put on the garment of honour, and was clothed with all beauty: when he went to the holy altar, to garnish the covering of the Sanctuary: when he took the portions out of the priests hand, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar, and his brethren round about in order. As the branches of cedar tree upon the mount Lybanus, so stood they round about him. And as the branches of the olive tree, so stood all the sons of ●aron in their glory. And that he might sufficiently perform his service upon the altar, and garnish the offering of the highest God, he stretched out his hand, & took of the drink-offering, and poured in of the wine: so be poured upon the bottom of the altar good smell unto the highest prince. Then began the sons of Aaron to sing, and to blow with trumpets, and to make a great noise for a remembrance and praise unto the Lord. Then were the people afraid and fell down to the earth upon their faces, to worship the Lord their God, and to give thanks to the almighty God. They song goodly also with their voices, so there was a pleasant noise in the great house of the Lord And the people in their prayer besought the Lord the highest that he would be merciful till the honour of the Lord were performed. Thus ended they their ministration and service. Then went he down and stretched out his hands over the hole multitude of the people of Israel, that they should give praise and thanks out of their lips unto the Lord, and to rejoice in his name. He began yet once also to pray, that he might openly show the thanksgiving before the highest, namely thus: O give praise and thanks (yea all) unto the Lord our God, which hath ever done noble and great things: which hath increased our days from our mother's womb, and dealt with us according to his mercy: that he will give us the joyfulness of heart, and peax for our time in Israel. Which faithfully keepeth his mercy for us ever more, and alway delivereth us in due season. There be two manner of people that I abhor fro my heart: as for the third, whom I hate, it is no people: They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, the Philistines and the foolish people that dwell in Sichimis. I jesus the son of Sirach Eleazarus of jerusalem, have tokened up these informations and documents of wisdom and understanding in this book, and poured out the wisdom of my heart. Blessed is he that exerciseth himself therein: and who so taketh such to heart shall be wise. If he do these things, he shall be strong in all. For the light of the Lord leadeth him. ¶ The prayer of jesus the son of sirach. CAPI. LIVELY I Thank thee, oh Lord and king, and praise thee, oh God my saviour. I will yield praise unto thy name, for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of traitorous tongues, and from the lips that are occupied with lies. Thou hast been my helper, from such as stood up against me, and hast delivered me after the multitude of thy mercy, and for the holy names sake: thou hast delivered me from the roaring of them that prepared themselves to devour me out of the hands of such as sought after my life: from the multitude of them that troubled me, & went about to set fire upon me on every side, so that I am not brent in the midst of the fire: From the deep of hell, from an unclean tongue, from lying words, from the wicked king, and from an unrighteous tongue. My soul shall praise the Lord unto death, for my life drawn nigh unto hell. They compassed me round about on every side, & there was no man to help me. I looked about me, if there were any man that would secure me, but there was none: them thought I upon thy mercy, oh Lord, & upon thy acts that thou haste done ever of old: namely, that thou deliverest such as put their trust in thee, and riddest them out of the hands of the Heathen. Thus lift I up my prayer from the earth, and prayed for deliverance from death. I called upon the Lord my father, that he would not leave me without help in the day of my trouble & in the time of the proud. I praised thy name continually, yielding honour & thanks unto it, & so my prayer was herd. Thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from the unrighteous time. Therefore will I acknowledge and praise thee, and magnify the name of the Lord. When I was yet but young, or ever I went astray, I desired wisdom openly in my prayer I came therefore before the temple, & sought her unto the last. Then florisshed she unto me as a grape that is soon ripe. My heart rejoiced in her, than went my foot the right way, yea from youth up, sought I after her: I bowed down mine ear and received her. I found in me moche wisdom, and prospered greatly in her. Therefore will I ascribe the glory unto him that giveth me wisdom: for I am advised to do thereafter. I will be jealous to cleave unto the thing that is good, so shall I not be confounded. My soul hath wrestled with her, and I have been diligent to be occupied in her. I lift up mine hands on high, them was my soul lightened thorough wisdom, that I knowledged my foolishness, I ordered my soul after her, she and I were one heart from the beginning, and I found her in cleanness. And therefore shall I not be forsaken. My heart longed after her, & I got a good treasure. Thorough her the Lord hath given me a new tongue, wherewith I will praise him. O come unto me you unlearned, and devil in the house of wisdom: withdraw not yourselves from her, but talk & common of these things, for your souls are very thirsty. I opened my mouth and spoke: O come & buy wisdom without money, how down your neck under her yoke, and your soul shall receive wisdom. She is hard at hand, and is content to be found. Behold with your eyes, how that I have had but little labour, and yet have found moche rest. O receive wisdom, and you shall have plenteousness of silver & gold in possession. Let your mind rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise. Work his work bytymes, and he shall give you your reward in due tyme. ¶ The end of the book of jesus the son of sirach, which is called in latin Ecclesiasticus. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET BARUCH. THese are the words of the book that Baruch the son of Nerias', the son of Maasia, the son of Sedechias the son of Sedei, the son of Helchia written at Babylon, in the fifth year, the seventh day of the month, what time the Caldees won jerusalem, and brent it. CAPI. I ¶ Baruch readeth the book before the king and all the people, which send it with money to jerusalem. ANd Baruch did read the words of this book that jechonias the son of joacin king of juda might hear: and in the presence of all the people, that were come to hear the book: yea and before all the noble kings sons, before the lords of the counsel and elders: and before the hole people, from the lowest unto the highest: before all them that dwelt at Babylon by the water of Sody. Which when they heard it, wept, fasted, and prayed before the Lord. They made a collection also of money, according to every man's power, and sent it to jerusalem unto joacin the son of Helchiah the son of Salon Priest, with the other Preestes, and to all the people which were with him at jerusalem, what time as they had got the ornaments of the temple of the Lord (that were taken away out of the temple) that they might bring them again in to the land of juda, the tenth day of the month Siban: namely, silver vessels (which Sedechiah the son of josiah king of juda had made.) After that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had taken jechoniah, with all his princes, lords, & all the people, and led them captive from Jerusalem unto Babylon. And they said: Behold, we have sent you money to buy you burned offerings and incense withal: Deut. xiiii c jerem xxix b i Timon ii a make you unleavened bread And offer for sin upon the altar of the Lord our God. And pray for the prosperity of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and of Balthasar his son: that their days m●ye be upon earth, as the days of heaven: that God also may give us strength and lighten our eyes: that we may live under the defence of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and under the protection of Balthasar his son, that we may long do them service, and find favour in their sight. Pray for us also unto the Lord our God, or we have sinned against the Lord our God, and unto this day is not his wr●the turned yet away from us. And see that ●e read this book (which we have sent unto you to be rehearsed in the temple of the Lord) upon the high days, and at a time convenient. Thus shall you say: The Lord our God is righteous, Baruch. ii● Daniel ix ● but we are worthy of confusion and shame: like as it is come to pass this day unto all juda, and to every one that dwelleth at jerusalem: to our Kings, Princes, priests, Prophets, and to our fathers. We have sinned before the Lord our God, we have not put our trust in him, nor given him credence, we have not obeyed him, we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the commandments that he gave us. Sithence the day that he brought our fore fathers out of the land of Egypt unto this present day we have been ever a misbelieving, and an unfaithful people unto the Lord our God: destroying ourselves utterly, and shrinking back, that we should not hear his voice. Wherefore there are come upon us great plagues and divers curses, like as the Lord devised by Moses his servant: which brought our fore fathers out of the land of egypt, to give us a land that floweth with milk and honey, like as it is to see this day. Nevertheless, we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, Leu xvi Deut. xx●● according to all the words of the Prophets whom he sent unto us, and unto our rulers, but every man followed his own mind and wicked imagination: to offer unto strange gods, to do evil in the sight of the Lord our God. ¶ The jews confess that they suffer justly for their sins. The Lord will that we obey unto princes, although they be evil. He promiseth that he will call again the people from captivity, and give them a new and everlasting testament. CAPI. II FOr which cause the Lord our God hath performed his device, whereof he certified us and our heeds that ruled in jerusalem: yea and our kings, our princes, Daniel ix ● with all Israel and juda. And such plagues hath the Lord brought upon us, as never came to pass under the heaven, like as it is fulfilled in jerusalem, according as it is written in the law of Moses: Deut. xxvi●i ● iiii. Reg. vi ● Treno four ● that a man should eat the flesh of his own son, and the flesh of his own daughter. Moreover he hath delivered them in to the hands of all the kings that are round about us (to be confounded and desolate) and scattered them abroad in all lands and nations. Thus are we brought beneath and not above, for we have sinned against the Lord our God, and not been obedient unto his voice: therefore the Lord our God is righteous, and we with our fathers (as reason is are brought to open shame as it is to see this day. And as for these plagues that are come upon us already, the Lord had devised them for us: yet would we not pray unto the Lord our God, that we might every man turn from his ungodly ways. So the Lord hath caused such plagues to come upon us, for he is righteous in all his works, which he hath commanded us, which we also have not done nor hearkened unto his voice for to walk in the commaundementꝭ of the Lord, that he had given unto us. And now, O Lord God of Israel, thou that hast brought thy people out of the land of egypt with a mighty hand, with tokens and wonders, with thy great power and out stretched arm: and hast got thyself a name, as it is come to pass this day. O Lord our God, we have sinned, we have done wickedly, 〈◊〉 v●ii. ix we have behaved ourselves ungodly in all thy ryghtousnesses. Turn thy wrath from us (we beseech thee) for we are but a few left among the Heathen, where thou hast scattered us. Hear our prayers, oh Lord, and our petitions, bring us out of captivity, for thine own sake: get us favour in the sight of them, which have led us away, that all lands may know that thou art the Lord our God, and that Israel and his generation calleth upon thy name. 〈…〉 O Lord, look down from thy holy house upon us: incline thine ear, and hear us. For the deed that be go down to their graves, and whose souls are out of their bodies ascribe unto the Lord neither praise nor righteous making: but the soul that is vexed for the multitude of her sins, which goeth on heavily and weykely, whose eyes begin to fail: such a soul ascribeth praise and righteousness unto the Lord. O Lord, we pour out our prayers before thee, and require mercy in thy sight, oh Lord our God: not for any godliness of our fore fathers, but because thou hast sent out thy wrath and indignation upon us, according as thou didst threaten us by thy servants the Prophets, saying: 〈…〉 Thus saith the Lord: Bow down your shoulders & necks, and serve the king of Babylon, so shall you remain still in the land, that I gave unto your fathers. If you will not do this, nor hear the voice of the Lord your God, to serve the king of Babylon, I shall destroy you in the cities of juda, within jerusalem and without. I will also take from you the voice of mirth, and the voice of joy, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, and there shall no man devil more in the land. But they would not hearken unto thy voice, to do the king of Babylon service: and therefore haste thou performed the words that thou spakest by thy servants the prophets: namely, that the bones of our kings, and the bones of our fathers should be translated out of their place. And lo now are they laid out in the heat of the sun, and in the cold of the night, and deed in great misery, with hunger, with sword, with pestilence, & are clean cast forth. As for the temple wherein thy name was called upon, thou hast laid it waste, as it is to see this day: and that for the wickedness of the house of Israel & the house of juda. O Lord our God, thou hast entreated us after all thy goodness, and according to all that great loving mercy of thine, like as thou spakest by thy servant Moses, in the day when thou didst command him to write thy law before the children of Israel, saying: Deu four d If you will not hearken unto my voice, then shall this great multitude be turned in to a very small people, for I will scatre them abroad. Notwithstanding I am sure that this folk will not hear me: for it is an hardnecked people. But in the land of their captivity, they shall remember themselves, and learn to know that I am the Lord their God, when I give them an heart to understand, and ears to hear. Then shall they praise me in the land of their captivity, and think upon my name. Then shall they turn them from their hard backs and from their ungodliness: Then shall they remember the things, that happened unto their fore fathers, which, sinned against me. So will I bring them again in to the land, which I promised with an oath unto their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and jacob: and they shall be lords of it: yea I will increase them, and not minish them. And I will make an other covenant with them, Hebre viii c zach viii b. Apoca xxi b such one as shall endure for ever: namely, that I will be their God, and they shall be my people: and I will no more drive my people the thyldrens of Israel out of the land that I have given them. ¶ He praiseth wisdom unto the people, showing that so great adversaries came unto them, for the despising thereof. Of the incarnation of christ. CAPI. III ANd now, oh Lord almighty, thou God of Israel: our souls that is in trouble and our spirit that is vexed crieth unto thee: hear us, oh Lord, and have pity upon us, for thou art a merciful God, be gracious unto us, for we have sinned before the. Thou endurest for ever, should we then utterly perish? O Lord almighty, thou God of Israel: Ephe. ii a Daniel iii c jer ii c ii● c and v c Hear now the prayer of the deed Israelites and of their children, which have sinned before thee, & not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord their God, for which cause these plagues hung now upon us. O Lord, remember not the wickedness of our fore fathers, but think upon thy power and name now at this time: Num four a Psal lxxvi ● for thou art the Lord our God and thee, oh Lord will we praise. For thou hast put thy fear in our hearts, to the intent we should call upon thy name, and praise the in our captivity, & that we might turn from the wickedness of our fore fathers that sinned before the. Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where as thou haste scattered us, to be an abomination, curse, and sin: like as it hath happened unto our fathers also, Psal lxxix a because of all their wickedness and departing from the. O Israel hear the commandments of life: ponder them well with thine ears, that thou mayst learn wisdom. But how happeneth it Israel that thou art in thine enemies land? thou art waxed old in a strange country, and defiled with the deed. Why art thou become like them that go down to their graves? Even because thou haste forsaken the well of wisdom. jeremy ii b For if thou hadst walked in the way of God, truly thou shouldst have remained still safe in thine own land. Prouer. i a. & iii a O learn then where discretion is, where virtue is, where understanding is, that thou mayst know also from whence cometh long life, a necessary living, the light of the eyes, and quietness. Who ever found out her place? Psa. xix b and cxix c or who came ever in to her treasures? Where are the princes of the Heathen become, and such as ruled the beasts upon the earth? They that had the pastime with the fowls of the air, they that hoardward up silver and gold (wherein men trust so moche) and made no end of their gathering? What is done of them that coined silver, and were so careful, and could not bring their works to pass? They be rooted out, and hone down to hell. and other men are come up in their stead? Young men have seen light and dwelt upon earth: but the way of reformation, have they not known nor under stand the paths thereof: neither have their children received it: yea right far is it from them. It hath not been herd of, in the land of Canaan, neither hath it been seen at Theman. The Agarenes sought after wisdom, but that which is earthly, like as the merchants of the land do. They of Theman are cunning also, and they labour for wisdom & understanding, but the way of true wisdom they know not, neither do they think upon the paths thereof. O Israel, how great is the house of God? duty iiii c jerem xxii. d Psa. cxlu a and how large is the place of his confession? great is he, and hath no end: high and unmeasurable. What is become of those famous giants, that were so great of bodies, & so worthy men of war? Those had not the Lord choose, neither have they found the way of reformation: therefore were they destroyed: and forasmuch as they had no wisdom, they perished because of their foolishness. Who hath go up in to heaven to take wisdom there, & brought her down from the clouds? Who hath go over the see to found her, and hath choose her above gold, & so brought her hither? No man knoweth the ways of wisdom, neither is there any that can seek out her paths. Gen. i 〈…〉. xx.●i●i b Eccl. xlvi ● But he that woteth all things knoweth her, and he hath found her out with his 〈◊〉 knowledge. This same is he which prepared the earth at the beginning, & filled it with all manner fowls and beestes. When he sendeth out the light, it goeth: and when he calleth it again, it obeyeth him with fear. The stars keep their watch, & give their light, yea and that gladly. When he calleth them, they say: here we be. And so with cheerfulness they show light unto him that made them. This is our God, Psal. xxlvi●● Deut. four ● Ioh. i a i john i a and there shall none other be compared unto him: It is he that hath found out all wisdom, and hath given her unto jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved. afterward did he show himself upon earth, and dwelled among men. ¶ The reward of them that keep the law, and the punishment of them that despise it. A complaint of jerusalem, and under the figure thereof, of the church CAPI. FOUR THis is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth for ever. Albina they that keep it shall come to life: but such as forsake it, shall come to death. Turn thee, oh jacob, and take hold of it: walk by this way thorough his brightness and shine. Give not thine honour to an other, and thy worship to a strange people: O Israel, how happy are we, Psal xxiiii ● sith that God hath showed us such things as are pleasant unto him? Be of good cheer thou people of God, O thou ancient Israel. Now are you sold among the Heathen, how be it not for your utter destruction: but because you provoked God the Lord to wrath and displeasure, therefore were you delivered unto your enemies: for you displeased the everlasting God that made you, offering unto devils, & not to God. You have forgotten him that brought you up, and your nurse jerusalem have you grieved. When she see that the wrath of God was coming upon you, she said: hearken, The cōpla● of the chur● O you that devil about Zion, for God hath brought me in to great heaviness: and why? I see the captivity of my people, of my sons and daughters, which the everlasting God will bring upon them. With joy did I nourish them, but now must I leave them with weeping and sorrow. Let no man rejoice over me widow & forsaken, which for the sins of my children am desolate of every man. For why? they departed from the law of God, they would not know his righteousness, nor walk in the way of his commandments: and as for the paths of the troth and godliness, they had no lust to go in them. O you dwellers about Zion: come, and let us call to remembrance the captivity that the everlasting God hath brought upon my sons and my daughters. Deut. xxvii ● jeremy v c He hath brought a people upon them from far, an uncurteus people, & of a strange language, which neither regard the old, nor pity the young. These have carried away the dear beloved of me a widow. leaving me alone, both desolate and childless. But alas, what can I help you? Now he that hath brought these plagues upon you, deliver you also from the hands of your enemies. Go your way (O my children) go your way: for I am desolate and forsaken. I have put of the clothing of peace, & put upon me the sack clot of prayer, 〈◊〉 iiii c 〈…〉. xxxx. a 〈◊〉 comfort 〈…〉 church. and for my time I will call upon the most highest. Be of good cheer O my children: cry unto the Lord, and he shall deliver you from the power of the princes, your enemies. For verily, I have ever a good hope of your prosperous health: yea a very gladness is come upon me from the holy one, because of the mercy that you shall have of our everlasting saviour. With mourning and wepynye did I let you go from me, but with joy and perpetual gladness shall the Lord bring you again unto me. Like as the neighbours of Zion saw your captivity from God: Even so shall they also see shortly your health in God, which shall come on you with great honour and everlasting worship. O my children, suffer patiently the wrath that shall come upon you. For the enemy hath persecuted thee, but shortly thou shalt see his destruction, and shalt tread upon his neck. My derlynges have go rough ways, for they are led away as a flock that is scattered abroad with the enemies. But be of good comfort (O my children) and cry unto the Lord: For he that led you away, hath you yet in remembrance: and like as you have been minded to serve from your God, so shall you now endeavour selves ten times more, 〈…〉 to turn again, and to seek him. For he that hath brought these plagues upon you, shall bring you everlasting joy again with your health. Take a good heart unto thee, O jerusalem: for he which gave the that name, exhorteth the so to do. ●lab c The wicked doers that now put the to trouble, shall perish: and such as have rejoiced at thy fall, shall be punished. The cities whom thy children serve, and that have carried away thy sons, shall be correct. For like as they be now glad of thy decay, so shall they mourn in their own destruction. The joy of their multitude shall be taken away, and their cheer shall be turned to sorrow. For a fire shall fall upon them from the everlasting God, long to endure: and it shall be inhabited of devils for a great season. ¶ jerusalem is moved unto gladness, for the return of her people, and under the figure thereof, the church. CAPI. V O jerusalem look about the toward the east, and behold the joy that cometh unto the from God. For lo, thy sons (whom thou hast forsaken, and that were scattered abroad) come gathered together from the East and West, rejoicing in the word of the holy one, unto the honour of God. Put of thy mourning clotheses (O jerusalem) and thy sorrow, and deck the with the worship and honour, that cometh unto the from God, with everlasting glory. God shall put the cloak of righteousness upon thee, and set a crown of everlasting worship upon thine head: for upon the will God declare his brightness, that is under the heaven: yea an everlasting name shall be given the of God, with peax of righteousness, and the honour of God's fear. Arise O jerusalem, stand up on high: look about the toward the east, and behold thy children gathered from the east, unto the west which rejoice in the holy word, having God in remembrance. They departed from the on foot, and were led away of their enemies: but now shall the Lord bring them carried with honour, as children of the kingdom. For God is purposed to bring down all stout mountains, yea and all high rocks to fill the valleys, and so to make them even with the ground: that Israel may be diligent to live unto the honour of God. The woods and all pleasant trees shall overshadow Israel, at the commandment of God. For hither shall God bring Israel with joyful mirth, and in the light of his majesty: with the mercy and righteousness that cometh of himself. CAPI. VI ¶ A copy of the epistle that jeremy sent unto the jews, which were led away prisoners by the king of Babylon: wherein he certyfyeth them of the thing that was commanded him of God. BEcause of the sins that you have done against God, jere xxv a.b. you shall be led away captive unto Babylon even of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon. So when you be come into Babylon, you shall remain there many years & for a long season: namely vij generations: and after that will I bring you away peaceably from thence. Now shall you see in Babylon gods of gold, of silver, of wood, & of stone: born upon men's shoulders to cast out a fearfulness before the heathen. But look that you do not as the other: be not you afraid, and let not the fear of them over come you. Therefore when you see the multitude of people woryshpping them behind and before say you in your hearts: O Lord, it is thou, that oughtest only to be worshipped? Deuter vi c Mine angel also shall be with you, and I myself will care for your souls. As for the timber of those gods, the carpenter hath polysshed them: yea gylted be they, & laid over with silver, ye● are they but vain things, & can not speak. L●●e as a wench that loveth pe●amours is trimly dechte, even so are these made and hanged with gold. Crowns of gold have their gods upon their heeds: so the priests themselves take the gold and silver from them, and put it to their own uses: yea they give of the same unto harlots, and trim their hoores withal: ☞ again, they take it from the hoores, and deck their gods therewith. jeremy ten a Yet can not these gods deliver themselves from rust and moths. When they have covered them with clothing of purple, they wipe their faces for the dust of the temple, whereof there is much among them. One hath a sceptre in his hand, as though he were judge of the country: yet can he not slay such as offend him. An other hath a sword or an axe in his hand, for all that, is he neither able to defend himself from battle, nor from murderers. By this you may understand, that they be no gods, therefore see that you neither worship them, nor fear them. For like as a vessel that a man useth▪ is nothing worth when it is broken, even so is it with their gods. when they be set up in the temple, their eyes be full of dust, thorough the feet of those that come in. And like as the doors are shut in, round about upon him that hath offended the king: Or as it were a deed body kept beside the grave: Even so the priests keep the doors with bars and locks, jest their Gods be spoiled with robbers. They set up candles before them Setting up of candles before idols. (yea verily and that many) whereof they can not see one, but even as blocks, so stand they in the temple. It is said: that the serpents and worms, which come of the earth, gnaw out their hearts, eating them and their clotheses also, and yet they feel it not. Their faces are black, thorough the smoke that is in the temple. The owls, swallows, and birds fly upon them, yea and the cats run over their heeds. By this you may be sure, that they are not gods, therefore fear them not. The gold that they have, is to make them beautiful: and yet nevertheless, unless some body wipe of their rust, they will give no shine: and when they were cast in to a form, they felt it not. They are bought for money, and have no breath of life within them. They must be born upon men's shoulders, as those that have no feet: whereby they declare unto men, that they be nothing worth. Confounded be they then, that worship them. For if they fall to the ground, they can not rise up again of themselves. Yea though one help them up and set them right, yet are they not able to stand alone: but must have props see under them like deed men. As for the thing that is offered unto them, their priests cell it, and abuse it: yea the priests wives take thereof, but unto the sick & poor they give nothing of it, the women with child and the menstruous lay hands of their offerings. By this you may be sure, that they are no gods, therefore be not you afraid of them. From whence cometh it then, that they be called gods? The women sit before the gods of silver, gold, and would, & the priests sit in their temples, having open clotheses, whose heads and beards are shaven & have nothing upon their heads: roaring and crying upon their gods, as men do at the feast, when one is deed. The priests also take away the garments of the images, and deck their wives & children withal. Whether it be good or evil that any man do unto them, they are not able to recompense it: they can neither set up a king nor put him down. In like manner they may neither give riches, nor reward evil. Though a man make a vow unto them and keep it not, Eccle. u a they will not require it. They can not restore a blind man to his sight, ne help any at his need. They can show no mercy to the widow, nor do good to the fatherless. Their gods of wood stone, gold and silver, are but even as other stones, that be hewn of the mountain. They that worship them shall be confounded. How should they then be taken for gods? yea how dare men call them gods? And though the Caldees worshipped them not, hearing that they were but dom and could not speak: Yet they themselves offer unto Bel, and would fain have him to speak: as who say, they could feel, that may not move. But when these men come to understanding, they shall forsake them, for their gods have no feeling. A great sort of women gird with cords sit in the streets, & burn olive berries. Now if one of them be conveyed away and lie with any such as come by: she casts her neyghbouresse in the teeth, because she was not so worthily reputed, nor her cord broken. What so ever is done for them, it is but vain & lost: How may it then be thought or said that they are gods? Carpenters and gold smiths make them, neither be they any other thing, but even what the work men will make of them. Yea the goldsmiths themselves that make them, are of no long continuance: How should then the things that are made of them, be gods? Vain therefore are the things (yea very shame is it) that they leave behind them for their posterity. For as soon as there cometh any war or plague upon them, the priests imagine, where they may hide themselves with them. How can men think then they be gods, which neither may defend themselves from war nor deliver them fro mysfortyne? For seeing they be but of wood, of stone, of silver and of gold: all people and kings shall know here after, that they be but vain things: yea it shall be openly declared, that they be no gods: but even the very works of men's hands, & that God hath nothing to do with them. They can set no king in the land nor give rain unto men. They can give no sentence of a matter, neither defend the land from wrong: For they are not able to do so much as a crow, that flieth between heaven and earth. When there happeneth a fire in to the house of those gods of wood, of silver and of gold, the priests will escape and save themselves, but the gods burn as the balks therein. They can not withstand any king or battle: how may it then be thought or granted, that they be gods? Moreover, these gods of wood, of stone, of gold and silver, may neither defend themselves from thieves ne robbers: yea the very wicked are stronger than they. These stryp them out of their apparel, that they be clothed withal, these take their gold and silver from them, and so get them away: yet can they not help themselves. Therefore it is much better for a man to be a king, and to show his pours or else a profitable vessel in a house, wherein he that oweth it, might have pleasure: yea or to be a door in a house, to keep such things safe as be therein, then to be such a vain god. The Sun, the Moon, and all the stars when they give their shine and light, are obedient, and do men good: When the lightening glystreth, all is clear: The wind bloweth in every country, and when God commandeth the clouds to go round about the hole world, they do as they are bidden: when the fire is sent down from above and commanded, it burneth up hills & woods. But those gods are not like one of these things, neither in beauty nor in strength. Wherefore men shall not think nor say that they be gods, seeing they can neither give sentence in judgement, nor do men any good. Wherefore for asmuch as you be now assured, that they be no gods, see you fear them not: for they can speak neither good ne evil of kings. They can show no tokens in heaven for the Heythen, neither shine as the Sun, ne give light as the Moon. Yea the unreasonable beasts are better than they, for they can get them under the shade, and do themselves good. So can you be certified by no manner of means, that they be gods: therefore fear them not. 〈◊〉 ●og● i● a thing 〈◊〉 of clow●●●the 〈◊〉 up in 〈◊〉 seld, 〈◊〉, to 〈◊〉 birds 〈…〉 ●●yer a●●● whitnage he 〈◊〉 ●neth 〈◊〉. For like as a frayboggarde in a garden of cucumbers keepeth nothing, even so are their gods of wood, of silver & gold: and like as a white thorn in an orchard, that every bird sitteth upon: yea like as a deed body that is cast in the datke: Even so is it with those gods of wood, silver and gold. By the purple and scarlet which they have upon them, and soon fadeth away, you may understand, that they be no gods: yea they themselves shall be consumed at the last, which shall be a great confusion of the land. Blessed is the goldy man, that hath no images and worshippeth none, for he shall be far from reproof. ¶ The end of the Prophet Baruch, which is not in the Canon of the Hebrew. ¶ The song of the three children, which were put in to the hot brenning oven. The comen translation, readeth this song in the iii chap. of Daniel. ANd they walked in the midst of the flame, praising God & magnyfying the Lord Asariah stood up, & prayed on this manner. Even in the midst of the fire opened he his mouth, & said: Blessed be thou (O Lord God of our fathers) right worthy to be praised and honoured is that thy name, for evermore: for thou art tyghtous in all the things that thou haste done to us: Yea faithful are all thy works thy ways are right, & thy judgements true. In all the things that thou haste brought upon us, and upon the holy city of our fathers (even jerusalem) t●●u haste executed true judgement: yea accu●●ynge to right and equity hast thou brought these things upon us, because of our synnet. For why? we have o●●●nded, Dani ix ● and done wickedly, departing from ●he: in all things have we trespased, a●● not obeyed thy commandments, ne ●●●t them, neither done as thou hast bidden ●s, that we might prosper. Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, Baruch ii b and every thing that thou haste done to us, thou hast done them in true judgement: As in delivering us into the hands of our enemies among ungodly and wicked abominations, and to an unrighteous king: yea the most froward upon earth. And now we may not open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproof unto thy servants and to them that worship the. jeremy ii b Yet for thy name's sake (we beseech thee) cast us not out for ever, break not thy covenant, and take not away thy mercy from us, for thy beloved Abraham's sake, for thy servant Isaac's sake and for thy holy Israel's sake: Gene. xv c xxii c xxvi a duty, x. d to whom thou hast spoken, and promised that thou wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the see shore. For we (O Lord) are become less than any people, and be kept under at this day in all the world, because of our sins: So that now we have neither prince duke, prophet, burntoffring, sacrifice, oblation, incense, ne Sanctuary before the. Nevertheless, in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us be received that we may obtain thy mercy. Like as in sacrifice of rams and bullocks, and in thousands of fat lambs: i Pet. ii a Roma x c Esay xxviii d Roma ix g so let our offering be in thy sight this day, that it may please the. for there is no confusion unto them that put their trust in thee. And now we follow the with all our heart we fear the. and seek thy face. Put us not to shame, but deal with us after thy loving kindness, & according to the multitude of thy mercies. deliver us by thy miracles (O Lord) and get thy name an honour: that all they which do thy servants evil, may be confounded. Let them be ashamed thorough thy almighty power, and let their strength be broken: that that they may know, how that thou only art the Lord God, and glorious throughout all the world. And the kings servants that put them in, ceased not to make the oven hot, with wild fire, dry straw, pith and fagottes: so that the flame braced forth of the oven upon a forty and nine cubytes, yea it took away, and brent up those Caldees that it got hold upon beside the oven. But the angel of the Lord came down in to the oven to Asaria and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the oven, and made the midst of the oven, as it had been a cold wind blowing, so that the fire neither touched them, grieved them, ne did them hurt. Then these three (as out of one mouth) praised, honoured, and blessed God in the furnace, saying. i Math. four d Blessed be thou, O Lord God of our fathers: for thou art ●orthy of praise and honour, yea and to be ●agnifyed for evermore. Blessed be the holy ●●me of thy glory, for it is worthy to be prayed, Psalm lxxii c and advanced in all worlds. Blessed be ●ou in the holy temple of thy glory, for above ●ll things thou art to be praised, yea and ●ore then worthy to be magnified for ever. Blessed be thou in the throne of thy kingdom, for above all thou art worthy to be well spoken of, and to be more than magnified for ever. Blessed be thou that lookest thorough thy deep, and sittest upon the Cherubyns: for thou art worthy to be praised, and above all to be magnified for ever Blessed be thou in the firmament of heaven, for thou art praise and honour worthy for ever. O all be works of the Lord: speak good of the Lord, praise him, and set him up for ever. Psalm cii c etc xlix a O you Angels of the Lord, speak good the Lord, praise him, and set him up for ever. O you heavens, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O all you waters that he above the firmament, speak good of the Lord, praise him, and set him up for ever. O all you powers of the Lord, speak good of the Lord, praise him, and set him up for ever. Psal cxlix a O you Sun and Moon, speak good of the Lord praise him and see him up for ever. Psal cxxxvi a O you stars of heaven, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O you showers and dew, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O all you winds of God, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O you fire and heat, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O you winter and summer, speak good of the Lo●de: praise him and set him up for ever. O you dews and frosts, speak god of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O you frost and cold, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O you ice and snow, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O you nights and days: speak good of the Lord, praise him and set him up for ever. O you light and darkness, speak good of the Lord praise him and set him up for ever. O you lyghtenynges and clouds, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O let the earth speak good of the Lord: yea let it praise him, and set him up for ever. O you mountains and hills speak good of the Lord: praise him and set up for ever O all you green things upon the earth, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O you wells, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O you seas and ●●oudes, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O you whales and all that live in the waters speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever. O all you fowls of the air speak good of the Lord: praise him & set him up for ever. O all you beasts & cattles, speak good of the Lord, praise him & set him up for ever. O you children of men, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O let Israel speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O you priests of the Lord, speak good of the Lord, praise him and set him up for ever. Psalm cxiii ● cxxxv. a and cxxxiiii. a Apoca xix a O you servants of the Lord, speak good of the Lord: praise him and set him up for ever O you spirits and souls of the righteous, speak good of the Lord: praise him and and set up for ever. O you holy and humble men of heart, speak you good of the Lord, praise you him, and set him up for ever. O Ananias, Asarias', and Misael, speak you good of the Lord: praise you him, and set him up for ever. jeremy. xx● Which hath delivered us from the hell, kept us from the hand of death, rid us from the midst of the burning flame and saved us even in the midst of the fire. Isaiah xliii ● Ps. cv. a. cv● O give thanks therefore unto the Lord: for he is kind hearted, and his mercy endureth for ever. O all devout men speak good of the Lord, even the God of all gods: O praise him & give him thanks, for his mercy endureth world without end. THE HISTORY OF SUSANNA WHICH IS THE. XIII. CHAP. OF DANYEL AFTER THE LATIN. THere dwelt a man in Babylon, called joachim, that took a wife whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Helchias, a very fair woman, and such one as feared God. Her father and her mother also were godly people, & taught their daughter according to the law of Moses. joachim her husband was a great rich man, & had a fair orchard joining unto his house. And to him resorted the jews commonly, because he was a man of reputation amongs them. The same year were made two judges, such as the Lord speaketh of: All the wickedness of Babylon, cometh from the elders (that is) from the judges, which seem to rule the people. These came oft to joachims' house, and all such as had any thing to do in the law, came thither unto them. Now when the people came again at after noon, Susanna went in to her husbands orchard, to walk. The elders seeing this, that she went in daily, and walked: they were enamoured upon her, yea they were almost out of their wits, and cast down their eyes, that they should not see heaven, ne remember that God is a righteous judge. For they were both wounded with the love of her, neither dutst one show an other his grief. And for shame they dared not tell her, their inordinate lust, that they would fain have had to do with her. Yet they laid wait for her earnestly from day to day, that they might at the least, have a sight of her. And the one said to the other: Arise, let us go home, for it is dinner tyme. So they went thyr way from her. When they returned again, they came together, enquering out the matter between themselves, yea the one told the other of his wicked lust. Then appointed they a time when they might take Susanna alone. It happened also that they espied out a convenyenc time, when she wents forth to walk (as her manner was) and no body with her, but two maidens, and thought to wash herself in the garden, for it was an hot season: And there was not one person there, save the two elders, that had hid themselves, to behold her. 〈…〉 So she said to her maidens: go fet me oil and soap, and shut the orchard door, that I may wash me. And they did as she bade them, & shut the orchard door, & went out themselves at a back door, to set the thing that she had commanded: but Susanna knew not. that the elders lay there hid within. Now when the maidens were go forth, the two elders got them up: and ran upon her, saying: now the orchard doors are shut, that no man can see us: we have a lust unto thee, therefore consent unto us. & lie with us. If thou will not, we shall bring a testymoniall against thee: that there was a young fellow with thee, and that thou hast sent away thy maidens from the for the same cause. Susanna syghed, and said: Alas, I am in trouble on every side. Though I follow your mind, it will be my death: and if I consent not unto you, I can not escape your hands. Well, it is better for me, to fall in to your hand without the deed doing, then to sin in the sight of the Lord: and with that, she cried out with a loud voice: the elders also cried out against her. Then ran there one to the orchard door, and smote it open. Now when the servants of the house heard the cry in the orchard, they rushed in at the back door, to see what the matter was. So when the elders told them the servants were greatly ashamed, for why there was never such a report made of Susanna. On the morrow after came the people to joachim her husband & the two elders came also, full of mischievous imaginations against Susanna, to bring her unto death, and spoke thus before the people: Sand for Susanna the daughter of Helchias, joachims' wife. And immediately they sent for her. So she came with her father & mother, her children & all her kindred. Now Susanna was a tender person, & marvelous fair of face. Therefore the wicked men commanded to take of the clotheses from her face (for she was covered) that at the least, they might so be satisfied in her beauty: Then her friends, yea & all they that known her, began to weep. These two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and laid their hands upon the head of Susanna: Levit xxiiii c which wept & looked up toward heaven, for her heart had a sure trust in the Lord. And the elders said: As we were walking in the orchard alone, this woman came in with her two maidens whom she sent away from her, and sparred the orchard doors. With that a young fellow (which there was hide) came unto her, & lay with her. As for us, we stood in a corner of the orchard. And when we see this wickedness we ran to her: and perceived, that they had meddled together But we could not hold him, for he was stronger than we: thus he opened the door, & got him away. Now when we had taken this woman, we asked her, what young fellow this was: but she would not tell us. This is the matter, & we be witnesses of the same. The comen sort believed them, as those that were the elders & judges of the people, & so they condemned her to death. Susanna cried out with a loud voice, & said. O everlasting God, thou searcher of secrets, Hebru iiii c thou the knowest all things afore they come to pass●: thou wottest, that they have born false witness against me: and behold, I must die where as I never did any such things, as these men have malyciously invented against me. And the Lord heard her voice. For when she was led forth to death, the Lord raised up the spirit of a young child, whose name was Daniel, which cried with a loud vyyce: I am clean from this blood. Then all the people turned them toward him, two. Reg. iii ●●et twenty d and said: What mean these words, that thou hast spoken? Daniel stood in the midst of them, & said: Are you such fools, O you children of Israel, that you can not discern? You have here condemned a daughter of Israel unto death, & know not the truth wherefore: Go sit on judgement again, for they have spoken false witness against her. Wherefore the people turned again in all that haste. And the elders (that is the principal heeds) said unto him: come sit down here amongs us, and show us this matter, seeing God hath given the as great honour as an elder. two. Reg. iii d And Daniel said unto them. Put these two aside one from an other, and then shall I hear them. When they were put asunder one from an other, he called one of them, and said unto him: O thou old canckerde carl, that hast used thy wickedness so long: thine ungracious deeds, which thou hast done afore, are now come to light. For thou hast given false judgements, thou hast oppressed the innocent, and let the guilty go free, where as yet the Lord saith: Exodi xxiii. a Prove xvii c The innocent and righteous see thou slay not. Well than if thou hast seen her, tell me under what tree sawest thou them talking together? He answered: Under a Molbery tree. And Daniel said: very well, now thou liest even upon thine heed. Lo the messenger of the Lord hath received the sentence of him, to cut the in two. Then put he him aside, and called for the other, and said unto him: O thou seed of Canaan, but not of juda: fairness hath deceived thee, and lust hath subverted thine heart. Thus dealt you afore with the daughters of Israel, and they (for fear) consented unto you: but the daughter of juda would not abide your wickedness. Now tell me then under what tree didst thou take them, speaking together? He answered: Under a Pomgranete tree. Then said Daniel unto him: Very well, now thou liest also even upon thine heed. The messenger of the Lord standeth waiting with the sword to cut the in two, and to slay you both. With that, all the hole multitude gave a great shout, and praised God, which alway delivereth them that put their trust in him. And they came upon the two elders (whom Daniel had convict with their own mouth: Psalm xvii a that they had given false witness) & dealt with them, duty xix d Prouer. xix a even likewise as they would have done with their neyghbouresse: yea they did according to the law of Moses, & put them to death. Thus the innocent blood was saved the same day. Then Helchias and his wife praised God, for their daughter Susanna, with joachim her husband and all the kindred: that there was no dishonesty found in her. Fron that day forth, was Daniel had in great reputation in the sight of the people. ¶ The end of the history of Susanna. ¶ The history of Bel, and of the Dragon, which is the fourteen chapter of Daniel after the Latin. THere was at Babylon an image, called Bel & there were spent upon him every day twelve cakes forty sheep, and vi. great pots of wine. Him did the king worship himself, and went daily to honour him but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said unto him: Why dost not thou worship Bel? He answered: Because I may not worship things made with hands, Deu iiii c and u a Exodi .xx▪ Deuter. ● Math. iii● but the living God which made heaven and earth, & hath power upon all flesh. The king said unto him: thinkest thou not that Bel is a living God? Or sayst thou not, how much he eateth & drinketh every day? Daniel smiled and said: O king deceive not thyself: this is but made of clay with in, and of metal without, neither eateth he ever any thing. Eccl. xxx c Then the king was wroth and called for his priests, & said unto them: If you tell me not, who is this, that eateth up these expenses, you shall die: but if you can ascerteyne me, that Bel eateth them, Leuiti. xx● than Daniel shall die, for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel. And Daniel said unto the king let it so be, even as thou hast said. The priests of Bel were lxx beside their wives and children. And the king went with Daniel in to the temple of Bel. So Bells priests said: Lo we will go out and set thou the meat there (O king) and pour in the wine: then shut the door fast, & seal it with thine own signet: and to morrow when thou comest in, if thou findest not, that Bel hath eaten up all, we will suffer death: or else Daniel, that hath lied upon us. The priests thought themselves sure enough, for under the altar they had made a privy entrance, and there went they in ever, & ate up what there was. So when they were go forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes & these be sifted throughout all the temple, that the king might see. Then went they out, and sparred the door, sealing it with the kings signet, and so departed. In the night came the priests with their wives and children (as they were wont to do) and ate and drunk up all. In the morning be times at the break of the day, the king arose, and Daniel with him. And the king said: Daniel are the seals hole yet? He answered: Yea O king, they be hole. Now as soon as he had opened the door, the king looked unto the altar, and cried with a loud voice: great art thou O Bel, and with the is no deceit. Then laughed Daniel, and held the king, that he should not go in, and said: Behold the pavement, mark well, whose foot steps are these? The king said I see the foot steps of men, women and children. Then the king was angry, and took the priests, with their wives and children, and they showed him the privy doors, where they came in and ate up such things as were upon the altar. For which cause the king slay them, and delivered Bel in to Daniels power, 〈…〉 ●vi. a 〈…〉 which destroyed him and his temple. And in that same place was a great dragon which they of Babylon worshipped. And the king said unto Daniel: sayest thou, this is but a God of metal also? lo he liveth, he eateth and drinketh, so that thou canst not say that he is no living God, therefore worship him. 〈…〉 c Daniel said to the king: I will worship the Lord my God, he is the true living God: surely this is not the God of life. But give me leave, oh king, and I shall destroy this dragon without sword or staff. The king said I give the leave. Then Daniel took pitch, fat and heery will, and did seethe them together and made lompes thereof: this he put in the dragon's mouth, and so the dragon braced insunder: and Daniel said: lo, here is he whom you worshipped. When they of Babylon herd that, they took great spite, and gathered them together against the king, saying: The king is become a jew also, he hath destroyed Bel, he hath slain the dragon, and put the priests to death. So they came to the king, & said: let us have Daniel, or we will surely destroy the and thine house. 〈…〉 When the king see, that they rushed in so sore upon him, & that necessity constrained him, he delivered Daniel unto them, which cast him in to the lions den: where he was six days. In the den were seven lions, and there given them every day two bodies, and two sheep, which then were not given them, to th'intent they might devour Daniel. There was in jury a Prophet called Abacuc, which had made pottage, and broken breed in a deep platter, and was going in to the field, to bring it to the mowers. But the angel of the Lord said unto Abacuc: go carry the meat that thou hast, in to Babylon, unto Daniel which is in the lions den. And Abacuc said: Lord, I never see Babylon: and the den I know not. Then the angel of the Lord took him by the top, Ezech. viii a and bore him by the here of the heed, and (thorough a mighty wind) set him in Babylon upon the den. And Abacuc cried, saying: O Daniel thou servant of God, have, iii Reg. xvii ● take the breakfast that God hath sent the. And Daniel said, O God hast thou thought upon me? well, thou never faylest them that love the. So Daniel arose, and ate: and the angel of the Lord set Abacuc in his own place again forthwith. Upon the seventh day, the king went to bewep Daniel: & when he came to the den, he looked in: and behold Daniel sat in the midst of the lions. Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying: Great art thou oh Lord God of Daniel: jere xxxvii d Hester vii b Dani vi c and he drew him out of the den. Then those that were the cause of his destruction he did cast in to the den, and they were straight devoured before his face. After this written the king unto all people, kynredes and tongues, that dwelt in all countries, saying: peax be multiplied with you. My commandment is, in all the dominion of my realm, that men fear and stand in awe of Daniels God, Dani vi c Luke i c Isaiah xliii b Osee xiii b Daniel iii ● for he is the living God, which endureth ever: his kingdom abideth uncorrupt, and his power is everlasting. It is he that can deliver and save: he doth wonders and marvelous works in heaven and in earth, for he hath saved Daniel from the power of the Lions. ¶ The end of the history of Bel. ❧ The prayer of Manasses king of juda, when he was held captive in Babylon. O Lord almighty, God of our fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and jacob: and of the righteous seed of them: which hast made heaven & earth with all the furniture thereof, which hast ordained the see by the word of thy commandment: which hast shut up the deep, and hast sealed it for thy fearful and laudable name, which all men fear, and tremble before the face of thy virtue, and for the anger of thy threatening, which is importable to sinners. But the mercy of thy promise is great and unsearchable: for thou art the Lord God most high above all the earth, long suffering, and exceeding merciful, and repentant for the malice of men. Thou Lord after thy goodness hast promised repentance of the remission of sins: and thou that art the God of the ryhtous haste not put repentance to the righteous, Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, unto them that have not sinned against thee: But because I have sinned above the number of the sands of the see, and that mine iniquities are multiplied, I am humbled with many bands of iron, and there is in me no breathing. I have provoked thine anger, & have done evil before thee, in committing abhonations and multiplying offences. And now I bow the knees of my heart, requiring goodness of thee, oh Lord. I have sinned Lord, I have sinned, and know mine iniquity. I desire the by prayer, oh Lord forgive me: forgive me, and destroy me not with mine iniquities, neither do thou always remember mine evils to punish them, but save me (which am unworthy) after thy great mercy, & I will praise the everlastingly, all the days of my life, for all the virtue of heaven praiseth thee, and unto the belongeth glory world without end. Amen. THE first BOOK OF THE MACCABEES. ¶ After the death of Alexander king of Macedodonia, Antiochus taketh the kingdom. Many of the children of Israel make covenant with the gentiles. Antiochus subdueth Egypt and jerusalem. jerusalem being burned maketh laws of her own, and forbiddeth to keep God's laws. Antiochus setteth up an Idol over the altar of God. CAPI. I AFter that Alexander the son of Philip, king of Macedonia went forth of the land of Cethim, and slay Darius' king of the Persians and Medes: It happened that he took great wars in hand, won very many strong cities, and slew many kings of the earth: going thorough to the ends of the world, and getting many spoils of the people: In so much that the world stood in great awe of him, and therefore was proud in his heart. Now when he had gathered a mighty host, and subdued the lands and the people with their princes, so that they become tributaryes unto him: he fallen sick. And when he perceived, that he must needs die, he called for his noble estates (which had been brought up with him of children) & parted his kingdom amongs them, while he was yet alive. So Alexander reigned twelve year, Daniel. ● and viii▪ ● and then died. After his death fallen the kingdom unto his princes, & they obtained it every one in his room, and caused themselves to be crowned as kings: and so did their children after them many years, and much wickedness increased in the world. i Mat. v● Out of these came the ungracious rote, noble Antiochus, the son of Antiochus the king (which had been a pledge at Rome) and he reigned in the. Cxxxvij. year of the reign of the Greeks. In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, which moved moche people with their counsel, saying: Let us go and make a covenant with the Heathen that are round about us, for sithence we departed from them, we have had much sorrow. So this device pleased them well, and certain of the people took upon them to go unto the king, which gave them licence to do after the ordinance of the Heathen. Then set they up an open school (at jerusalem) of the laws of the Heathen, and were no more circumcised, but forsook the holy testament, & joined them selves to the Heathen, and were clean sold to do mischief. So when Antiochus began to be mighty in his kingdom, he went about to obtain the land of Egypt also, that he might have the dominion of two realms. Upon this entered he in to egypt with a strong boast, with charettes, elephants, horsemen, and a great number of ships, and began to war against Ptolemy the king of Egypt. But Ptolemy was afraid of him, and fled: and many of his people were wounded to death. Thus Antiochus won many strong cities, & took away great good out of the land of egypt. And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he turned again in the. Cxliii. year, & went toward Israel, and came up to jerusalem with a mighty people, and entered proudly in to the Sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, the candlestick, & all the ornaments thereof, the table of the shewbred, the pouring vessel, the chargers, the golden spoons, the vale, the crowns & golden apparel of the temple, and broke down all. He took also the silver and gold, the precious jewels and the secret treasures that he sound. And when he had taken away all, he caused a great murder of men, and so fulfilled his malicious pride, and departed in to his own land. Thus arose great heaviness and misery in all the land of Israel. The princes and elders of the people mourned, the young men and the maids were defiled, and the fair beauty of women was changed: the bridegroom and the bride took them to mourning: the land and those that dwelt therein was moved, for all the house of jacob was brought to naught. After two years the king sent his chief treasurer unto the cities of juda, 〈◊〉 u ● which came to jerusalem with a great multitude of people, speaking peaceable words unto them, but all was disobeyed: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it sore, & destroyed much people of Israel. 〈…〉 c And when he had spoiled the city, he set fire on it, casting down houses and walls on every side. The women and their children took they captive, 〈…〉 and led away their cattle. Then builded they the castle of David with a great and thick brickwall, 〈…〉 and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them. Beside all this, they set wicked people, & ungodly men to keep it, stored it with weapons and victuals, gathered the goods of jerusalem, and laid them up there: thus become it a thevish castle. And this was done to say wait for the people that went in to the Sanctuary, and for the cruel destruction of Israel. Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it: In so much that the cityzins were fain to depart, and the city become an habitation of strangers, being desolate of her own seed, for her own natives were fain to leave her. Her Sanctuary was clean wasted, her holy days were turned in to mourning, 〈…〉. b her Sabothes were had in derision, & her honour brought to naught. Look how great her glory was afore, so great was her confusion, and her joy turned in to sorrow. Antiochus also the king sent out a commission unto all his kingdom, two. Math. vi a that all the people should be one. Then they left every man his law, and all the Heathen agreed to the commandment of king Antiochus: Yea, many of the israelites consented thereunto, offering unto idols, & defiling the Saboth. So the king Antiochus sent his messengers with his commission unto jerusalem, and to all the cities of juda, that they should follow the laws of the Heathen, and forbade either burntoffring, meat-offering or peaceoffering to be made in the temple of God, and that there should no Saboth ne high feast day be kept: but commanded that the Sanctuary, and the holy people of Israel should be defiled. He commanded also there should be set up other altars, temples and idols: to offer up swines flesh and other unclean beasts, that men should leave their children uncircumcised, to defile their souls with all manner of uncleanness and abominations, that they might so forget the law, and change all the holy ordinances of God: and that who so ever would not do according to the commandment of king Antiochus, should suffer death: In like manner commanded he thorough out all his realm, and set rulers over the people, for to compel them to do these things, commanding the cities of juda to do sacrifice unto idols. Then went the people unto the Heathen by heaps, forsook the law of the Lord, and committed much evil in the land: yea and chased out the secret Israelites, which had hid themselves in corners and privy places. The xv. day of the month Casleu, in the. Cxlu. year, set king Antiochus an abominable idol of desolation upon the altar of God, & they builded altars thorough out all the cities of juda on every side, before the doors of the houses, and in the streets, where they brent incense and did sacrifice. jere xxxvi ● And the books of the law of God, they brent them in the fire, and rend them in pieces. What so ever he was that had a book of the testament of the Lord found by him: yea who so ever endeavoured himself to keep the law of the Lord, the kings commandment was, that they should put him to death. And thorough his authority they executed these things every month, upon the people of Israel that were found in the cities. The five and twenty day of the month what time as they did sacrifice upon the altar (which stood in the stead of the altar of the Lord) according to the commandment of king Antiochus, i Mach vi b they put certain women to death, which had caused their children to be circumcised: Not only that, but they hanged up the children by the necks thorough out all their houses, and slew the circumcisers of them. Yet were there many of the people of Israel which determined in themselves, that they would not eat unclean things, but chose rather to suffer death, than to be defiled with unclean meats. So because they would not break the blessed law of God, they were cruelly slain. And this great tyranny increased very sore upon the people of Israel. ¶ The mourning of Mathathiah and his sons, for the destruction of the holy city. They refuse to do sacrifice unto Idols. The zeal of Mathathiah for the law of God. They are slain and will not fight again because of the Sabbath day. Mathathiah dying commandeth his sons to stick by the word of God, after the example of the fathers. CAPI. II IN those days there did stand up one Mathathiah the son of simeon the priest (out of the kindred of joaris) from jerusalem, and dwelled upon the mount of Modin, & had u sons: John called Gaddis Simon called Thasi: jadas otherwise called Machabeus: Eleazar, otherwise called Abaron: and jonathas, whose surname was Apphus These saw the evil that was done among the people of juda and jerusalem. And Mathathiah said: Woe is me, alas that ever I was born, to see this misery of my people, and the piteous destruction of the holy city, and thus to sit so still, it being delivered in to the hands of the enemies. i Math. i b Her Sanctuary is come in to the power of strangers, her temple is as it were a man that hath lost his good name. Her precious ornaments are carried away captive, her old men are slain in the streets and her young men are fallen thorough that sword of the enemies. What people is it that hath not some possession in her kingdom? Or who hath not got some of her spoils? All her glory is taken away. She was a queen, and now she is become an handmaid. Behold our Sanctuary, our beauty and honour is wasted away, and defiled by the gentiles. What helpeth it us them to live? And Mathathiah rend his clotheses and his sons, and put sackcloth upon them, and mourned very sore. Then came the men thither which were sent of king Antiochus to compel such as were fled in to the city of Modin, for to do sacrifice and to burn incense unto idols, & to forsake the law of God. So many of the people of Israel consented and inclined unto them, but Mathathiah & his sons remained steadfast. Then spoke the commissioners of king Antiochus, and said unto Mathathiah: thou art a nobleman of high reputation and great in this city, having fair children and brethren. Come thou therefore first, and and fulfil the kings commandment, like as all the Heathen have done, yea & the men of juda, and such as remain at jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy children be in the kings favour, and enriched with gold, silver, & great rewards. Mathathiah answered and spoke with a loud voice: Though all nations obey the king Antiochus, and fall away every man from keeping the law of their fathers: though they consent to his commandments, yet will I & my sons and my brethren, not fall from the law of our fathers. God forbidden we should, that were not good for us, that we should forsake the law and ordinances of God, and to agree unto the commandment of king Antiochus. Therefore we will do no such sacrifice, neither break the statutes of our law, to go an other way. And when he had spoken these words, there came one of the jews, which openly in the sight of all, did sacrifice unto the idols upon the altar in the city of Modyn, according to the kings commandment. When Mathathiah see this, it grieved him at the heart, so that his reins shaken withal, and his wrath kindled for very zeal of the law With that he gave a skip forth, ☜ and killed the jew beside the altar: yea and slay the kings commissioner, that compelled him to do sacrifice, and destroyed the altar at the same time, such a zeal had he unto the law of God, like as Phinebes did unto Zambry the son of Salomi. Nun. xx● And Mathathiah cried with a loud voice thorough the city, saying: Who so is fervent in the law, two. Mach. ●● & will keep the covenant, let him follow me. So he & his sons fled in to the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city. Many other godly men also departed in to the wilderness with their children, their wives and their cattle, and remained there, the tyranny increased so sore upon them. Now when the kings servants and the host, which was at jerusalem in the titye of David heard that certain men had broken the kings commandment, and were go their way to the wilderness in to secret places, and that there were many departed after them: they followed upon them to fight against them in the Saboth day, and said: Will you yet rebel? Get you hence, and do the commandment of king Antiochus, and you shall live. They answered: we will not go forth, neither will we do the kings commandment, to defile the Saboth day. joshua i c Then began they to fight against them, nevertheless they gave them none other answer, neither cast they one stone at them, nor made fast their privy places, but said: We will die all in our innocency, heaven and earth shall testify with us, that you put us to death wrongouslye. Thus they fought against them upon the Saboth, and slew both men and cattles, their wives and their children, to the number of a thousand people. When Mathathiah and his friends heard this, they mourned for them right sore, and said one to an other: If so he that we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and for our laws against the Heathen: then shall they the sooner root us out of the earth. So they concluded amongs them selves at the same time, saying: What so ever he be that cometh to make battle with is upon the Saboth day, we will fight against him, and not die all, as our brethren, that were murdered so heinously. Upon this came the synagogue of the jews unto them, strong men of Israel, all such as were fervent in the law. And all they that were fled for persecution, came to help them, and to stand by them: In so much that they gathered an host of men, and slew the wicked doers in their jealousy, and the ungodly men in their wrath. Some of the wicked fled unto the Heathen, and escaped. Thus Mathathias and his friends went about, and destroyed the altars, and circumcised the children, that had not yet received circumcision: as many as they found within the coostes of Israel: and followed myghtylye upon the children of pride, and this act prospered in their hands: In so much that they kept the law against the power of the gentiles and the kings, and gave not over their dominion unto wicked doers. After this, when the time drew on fast, the Mathathias ●hias 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 should die, he said unto his sons: Now is pride and persecution increa? sed: now is the time of destruction & wrathful displeasure: wherefore (oh my sons) be you fervent in the law, & jeopard your lives for the testament of the fathers: call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time, so shall you receive great honour, and an everlasting name. Remember Abraham, was not he found faithful in temptation, 〈◊〉 two c 〈…〉 d 〈◊〉 ●xii. a 〈◊〉 f 〈◊〉 xv c and it was reckoned unto him: for righteousness? joseph in time of his trouble, kept the commandment, and was made a lord of egypt. Phinehes our father was so fervent for the honour of God, that he obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood. 〈◊〉 seven. d 〈…〉 ●iii. a joshua for fulfilling the word of God, was made the captain of Israel. Caleb bore record before the congregation, and received an heritage. David also in his merciful kindness, 〈◊〉. ●iii. a obtained the throne of an everlasting kingdom. Eliah being gelious and fervent in the law, 〈◊〉 two was taken up in to heaven. Hananias Asarias' and Misael, remained steadfast in faith, 〈…〉 d and were delivered out of the fire. In like manner Daniel being unguilty, 〈…〉 was saved from the mouth of the lions. And thus you may consider throughout all ages sithence the world began, that who so ever put their trust in God were not overcome. 〈…〉 Fear not you then the words of an ungodly man, 〈◊〉 d 〈◊〉 li. e 〈…〉 ●iii. b 〈◊〉 ●vi c for his glory is but dung & worms: to day is he set up, and to morrow is he go: for he is turned in to earth, and his memorial is come to naught. Wherefore, oh my sons, take good hearts unto you, & quite your selves like men in the law: for if you do the things that are commanded you in the law of the Lord your God, you shall obtain great honour therein. And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of wisdom, see that you give ear unto him always, he shallbe a father unto you As for judas Machabeus, he hath ever been mighty and strong, from his youth up: let him be your capiteyn, & order the battle of the people: thus shall you bring unto you all those that favour the law, & see you avenge the wrong of your people, and recompense the Heathen again, and apply yourselves hole to the commandment of the law. So he gave them his blessing, and was laid by his fathers: and died in the. C. & xlvi year at Modin, where his sons buried him in his father's sepulchre, and all Israel made great lamentation for him. ¶ judas is made ruler over the jews. He killeth Appolonius and Seron the prince of Syria. The confidence of judas toward God. judas determyneth to fight against Lisias, whom Antiochus had made captain over his host. The prayer of the abstayners. CAPI. III THen stood up judas Machabeus in his father's stead, and all his brethren helped him: judas. josephus cap. viii.ix.li.xii. Antiq. and so did all they that held with his father, & fought with cheerfulness for Israel. So judas got his people great honour: he put on a breastplate as a giant, and arrayed himself with his harness, and defended the host with his sword. In his acts he was like a lion, & as a lions whelp roaring at his prey. He was an enemy to the wicked, Psalm c b two. Mach viii and hunted them out, and brent up those that vexed his people: so that his enemies fled for fear of him, and all the workers of ungodliness were put to trouble, such luck and prosperity was in his hand. This grieved divers kings, but jacob was greatly rejoiced thorough his acts, and he got himself a great name for ever. He went thorough the cities of juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, turning away the wrath from Israel, and receiving such as were oppressed: & the fame of him went unto the uttermost part of the earth. Then Appollonius Apollonius. (a prince of Syria) gathered a mighty great host of the Heathen, and out of Samaria, to fight against Israel, which when judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, fought with him, slew him, and a great multitude with him: the remnant fled, and he took their substance. judas also took Appolonius own sword, and fought with it all his life long. Now when Seron (an other prince of Syria) heard say, that judas had gathered unto him the congregation and church of the faithful, he said: I will get me a name and a praise thorough out the realm, for I will go fight with judas, and them that are with him, as many as have despised the kings commandment. So he made him ready, and there went with him a great mighty host of the ungodly to stand by him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel. And when they came nigh unto Bethoron, judas went forth against them with a small company. And when his people see such a great host before them, they said unto judas: How are we able (being so few) to fight against so great a multitude and so strong? seeing we be so weary, and have fasted all this day. But judas said: It is a small matter for many to be overcome with few: i Reg. xiiii a yea there is no difference to the God of heaven, to deliver by a great multitude or by a small company: for the victory of the battle standeth not in the multitude of the host, two. Para xxv b but the strength cometh from heaven. Behold, they come against us with a presumptuous and proud multitude, to destroy us, our wives and our children, and to rob us. But we will fight for our lives, and for our laws, and the Lord himself shall destroy them before our face: therefore be not you afraid of them. As soon as he had spoken these words, he leapt suddenly upon them. Thus was Seron Seron smitten, and his host put to flight, and judas followed upon them beyond Bethoron unto the plain field, where there were slain eight hundred men of them, and the residue fled in to the land of the Philistines. Then all the Heathen on every side were afraid for judas and his brethren: so that the rumour of him came unto the kings ears, for all the gentiles could tell of the wars of judas. So when king Antiochus heard these tidings, he was angry in his mind: wherefore he sent forth and gathered an host of his hole realm, very strong armies, and opened his treasury and gave his host a years wages in hand, commanding them to be ready at all times. Nevertheless when he saw that there was not money enough in his treasuryes, & that thorough the discord and persecution, which he made in the land (to put down the laws that had been of old times) his customs and trybutes of the land were mynysshed: he feared that he was not able for to bear the costs and charges any longer, nor to have such gifts, to give so liberally as he did afore, more than the kings that were before him. i Matha vi a Wherefore he was heavy in his mind, and thought to go in to Persides for to take tributes of the land, & so to gather much money. So he left Lysias (a noble man of the kings blood) to oversee the kings businesses, Lisias. from the water Euphrates, unto the borders of Egypt, and to keep well his son Antiochus, till he came again. Moreover he gave him half of his host, and Elephants, committed unto him eu●ry thing of his mind, concerning those w●i●h dwelled in juda and jerusalem, that he should send out an army against them, to destroy and to rote out the power of Israel, and the remnant of jerusalem: to put out their memorial from that place to s●t strangers for to inhabit all their quarters, and to p●●te their land amongs them. Thus the king took the other part of ●he host, josep. 〈…〉 xii 〈◊〉 and departed from Andtioh (a city of his realm) over the water of Euphrates, in the hundred and xlvij year, and went thorough the high countries. And Lysias chose unto him Ptolemy the son of Dorminus, Nicanor, two. Ma. xv● and Gorgias mighty men, and the kings friends. These he sent with xl thousand footmen, and vij thousand horsemen, for to ●o in to the land of juda, and to destroy it, as the king commanded. So they went forth with all their power, & came to Emmaus in to the plain field. When the merchants heard the rumour of them, they and their servants took very much silver and gold, for to buy the children of Israel to be their bon●emen. There came unto them also yet more ●en of war on every side, out of Syria, and from the Palestines. Now when judas and his brethren saw that trouble increased, & that the host drawn nigh unto the borders, considering the kings words which he commanded unto the people: namely, that they should utterly waste and destroy them. They said one to an other. Let us redress the decay of our people, let us fight for our folk, and for our Sanctuary. Then the congregation were soon ready gathered to fight, to pray, and to make supplication unto God for mercy & grace. As for jerusalem, it lay void, and was as it had been a wilderness. i Math. i d There went no man in nor out at it, and the Sanctuary was trodden down. The alcauntes kept the castle there was the habitation of the Heathen. The mirth of jacob was taken away, the pipe and the harp was go from among them. The israelites gathered them together, and came to Maspha before Jerusalem: i Regum xii b For in Maspha was the place where they prayed afore tyme. So they fasted that day, and put sackeclothes upon them, cast ashes upon their heads, rent their clotheses, and laid forth the books of the law (whereout the Heathen sought the likeness of their images (and brought the Preestes ornaments the firstlinges and the tithes. They set there also the abstayners (which had fulfilled their days) before God, Nun vi ● and cried with a loud voice toward heaven, saying: What shall we do with these? and whither shall we carry them away? For the Sanctuary is trodden down and defiled, thy priests are come to heaviness dishonour: and behold the Heathen are come together for to destroy us. Thou knowest what things they imagine against us. How may we stand before them, except thou, oh God, be our help? They blue out the trumpet also with a loud voice, Exodi xviii d Then judas ordained capitains over the people: over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten. But as for such as builded them houses, married wives, planted them vineyards, and those that were fearful: he commanded them every man to go home, according to the law. So the host removed, 〈…〉 and pytched upon the southside of Emmaus. And judas said: Arm yourselves, be strong (O my children) make you ready against to morrow in the morning, that you may fight with these people, which are agreed together to destroy us and our sanctuary. Better is it for us to die in battle, then to see our people and our sanctuary in such a mirable case. 〈◊〉 xl b 〈…〉 Nevertheless, as the will is in heaven, so be it. ¶ judas goeth against Gorgias, which lieth in wait. He putteth Gorgias and his host to flight. Lisias invadeth jewrye, but judas driveth him out. judas purifieth the temple, and dedycateth the altar. CAPI. FOUR THen took Gorgias five thousand men of foot, and a thousand of the best horsemen: and removed by night, to come nigh where the jews host say, and so to slay them suddenly. Now the men that kept the castle, were the conveyors of them. Then arose judas to smite the chief and principal of the kings host at Emmaus, for the army was not yet come together. In the mean season came Gorgias by night in to judas tents: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains & thought they had been fled away because of him. But when it was day, judas showed himself in the field with three thousand men only, which hath neither harness ne sweardes to their minds. But on the other side, they saw that the Heythen were mighty and well harnessed, and their horsemen about them, and all these well expert in feats of war. 〈◊〉 Then said judas to the men that were with him: Fear not you the multitude of them, be not afraid of their violent running: remember how our fathers were delivered in the reed see, when Pharaoh threatened them with a great host. 〈…〉 Even so let us also cry now toward heaven: and the Lord shall have mercy upon us▪ and remember the covenant of our fathers, yea and destroy this host before our face this day: And all the heathen shall know that it is God himself, which delivereth and saveth Israel. Then the Heythen life up their eyes: and when they saw that they were coming against them, they went out of their tents in to the battyle: and they that were with judas, blue up the trumpets. So they buckled together, 〈◊〉 viii. d and the Heythen were discomfyted, and fled over the plain field: but the hynmost of them were slain. For they followed upon them unto Assaremoth, and in to the fields of Idumea, toward Azot and jamnia: so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men. So judas turned again with his host, and said unto the people: Be not greedy of the spoils, we have yet a battle to fight: for Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountains, but stand you fast against our enemies, and overcome them: then may you safely take the spoils. As judas was speaking these words, there appeared one part of them upon the mount. But when Gorgias see that they of his party were fled, and the tents brent up (for by the smoke they might understand what was done) they perceiving this, were very sore afraid: an when they saw also that judas and his host were in the field ready to strike battle, they fled everichone in to the land of the heathen. So judas turned again to spoil the tents, where they got much gold and silver, precious stones, purple, and great riches▪ thus they went home and song a Psalm of thanksgiving and praised God in heaven for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever: Psa. cvii Psal cxviii a And so Israel had a great victory in that day. Now all the heathen that escaped, came and told Lisias every thing as it happened. Wherefore Lisias was sore afraid and grieved in his mind, because Israel had not got such misfortune as he would they should neither as the king commanded. The next year following, gathered Lisias Lisias. three score thousand choose men, of foot, & five thousand horsemen to fight against them. So they came in so jewrye, and pitched their tents at Bethoron, where judas came against them with ten thousand men. And when he saw so great mighty an host, he made his prayers and said: Blessed be thou (O saviour of Israel) which didst destroy the violent power of the giant, i Regum vii g in the hand of thy servant David, iiii. Re. xiiii b and gavest the host of the heathen into the hand of jonathas (the son of Saul) and of his weapon bearer. Put this host now into the hand of thy people of Israel, and let them be confounded in their multitude of horsemen. Make them afraid, and dicomfort the boldness of their strength, that they may be moved thorough ●h●ir destruction. Cast them down thorough the sword of thy lovers, then shall all they that know thy name, praise the with thanksgiving. So they struck the battle, & there were slain of Lisias host, five thousand men. Then Lisias seeing the discomfeting of his men, and the manliness of the jews, how they were ready, either to live or to die like men: He went unto Antioch and chose out men of war: that when they were gathered together, they might come again in to jewry. Then said judas and his brethren: behold our enemies are discomfeted: Let us now go up, The Sanctuary is repaired. to cleanse and repair the Sanctuary. Upon this all the host gathered them together▪ and went up unto mount Zion. two. Ma. ten a Now when they saw the Sanctuary laid waste, the altar defiled, the doors brent up, the shrubs growing in the courts, like as in a wood, or upon mountains, yea and that the priests Cells were broken down: They rend their clotheses, made great lamentation, cast ashes upon their heeds, fallen down flat to the ground, made a great noise with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven. Then judas appointed certain men to fight against those which were in the castle, till they had cleansed the Sanctuary. So he chose priests that were undefiled, such as had pleasure in the law of God: and they cleansed the Sanctuary, and bore out the defiled stones, in to an unclean place. And for so much as the altar of burntoffrynges was unhallowed, he took advisement, what he might do with all: so he thought it was best to destroy it (least it should happen to do them any shame) for the Heythen had defiled it, and therefore they broke it down. As for the stones they laid them up upon the mountain, by the house in a convenient place: till there came a prophet to show, what should be done with them. So they took hole stones according to the law, Exod. twenty d Deut. xxvii a joshua viii g and builded a new altar, such one as was before, & made up the Sanctuary within and without, and hallowed the courts. They made new ornaments, and brought the candlestick, the altar of incense, and the table in to the temple. The incense laid they upon the altar, and lighted the lamps which were upon the candlestick, that they might burn in the temple. They set the shewbreed upon the table, and hanged up the vale, and set up the temple as it was afore. And upon the xxv day of the ninth month, which is called the month of Casleu, two. Macha ten a Casleu is Novembre. in the. C.xlviii. year: they rose up bytymes in the morning for to do sacrifice (according to the law upon, the new burnt-offering altar, that they had made: after the time and season that the heathen had defiled it. The same day was it set up again, with songs, pipes, haps, and cymbales. And all the people fallen upon their faces, worshipping and thanking the God of heaven which had given them the victory. So they kept the dedication of the altar viii days, two. Para vii d offering burntsacrifyces and thankoffrynges with gladness. They decte the temple also with crowns and shyldes of gold, and hallowed the ports & cells, and hanged doors upon them. Thus there was very great gladness among the people, Dedication. because the blasphemy of the Heithen was put away. So judas & his brethren with the hole congregation of Israel, ordained that the time of the dedication of the altar should be kept in his season, john x c from year to year, by the space of eight days, from the twenty & fifth day of the month Casleu: yea and that with mirth and gladness. And at the same time builded they up the mount Zion, with high walls and strong towers round about: jest the gentiles should come and tread it down, ● Mac vi d c as they did afore. Therefore judas set men of war in it, to keep it: and made it strong, for to defend Bethsura: that the people might have a refuge against the Edomites. ¶ judas vaynquysshed the heathen that go about to destroy Israel, and is helped of his brethren Simon and jonathas. He overthroweth the city of Ephron, because they denied him passage thorough it. CAPI. V IT happened also that when the Heathen round about herd, joseph. 〈…〉 twelve. libro xii how that the altar and the Sanctuary were set up in their old estate: it displeased them very sore wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of jacob that was amongs them: In so much that they began to slay and to persecute certain of the people. Then judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea, Ezech. xxv c and xxxv a and against those which were at Arabathane (for they dwelled round about the Israelites) where he slew and spoiled a great multitude of them. two. Math x c He thought also upon the malice and unfaithfulness of the children of Bean, how they were a snare and stop unto the people, an how they laid wait for them in the high way wherefore he shut them up in to towers, and came unto them, condemned them, and brent up their towers with all that were in them. After ward went he against the children of Ammon, whereof he found a mighty power, and a great multitude of people, with Timothy their captain. So he struck many battles with them, which were destroyed before him. And when he had slain them, he won Gazer the city, with the towns belonging thereto, and so turned again into jewry. The Heathen also in Galaad gathered them together, against the israelites that were in their quarters to slay them: but they fled to the castle of Datheman, and sent letters unto judas and his brethren, saying: The heathen are gathered against us on every side, to destroy us, and now they make them for to come, and lay siege to the castle whereunto we are fled, and Timothy is the captain of their host, come therefore and deliver us out of their hands: for there is a great multitude of us slain all ready. Yea and our brethren that were at Tubin, are slain and destroyed (well nigh a thousand men) and their wives, their children & their goods have the enemies led away captive. While these letters were yet a reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee, with rend clotheses, which told even the same tidings, and said, that they of Ptolomaus, of Tirus and of Sidon were gathered against them, and that all galilee was filled with enemies to destroy Israel. When judas and the people heard this, they came together (a great congregation) to devise, what they might do for their brethren, that were in trouble and besieged of their enemies. And judas said unto Simon his brother: chose the out certain men, and go deliver thy brethrn in Galilee: As for me and my brother jonathas, we will go in to Galaadithim. So he left josephus the son of Zacharye, and Asarias' to be Captains of the people, and to keep the remnant of the host in jewrye, and commanded them, saying: Take the oversight of this people, & see that you make no war against the Heythen, until the time that we come again. And unto Simon he gave three thousand men, for to go into Galilee, but judas himself had eight thousand in Galaadithim. Then went Simon in to Galilee, and struck divers battles with the Heithen: who he discomfyted, and followed upon them unto the port of Ptolomais. And there were slain of the heathen almost three thousand men. So he took the spoils of them, and carried away the israelites, that were in Galilee and Arbatis, with their wives, their children, and all that they had, and brought them in to jewry with great gladness. judas Machabeus also and his brother jonathas, went over jordane, and travailed three days journey in the wilderness: Where the Nebuthees met them, and received them lovingly, and told them every thing that had happened unto their brethren in Galaadithim, and how that many of them were besieged in Barasa. Bosor, Alimis, Casphor, Mageth & Carnaim (all these are strong walled & mighty great cities) and that they were kept in other cities of Galaad also: and tomorrow they are appointed to bring their host unto these cities, to take them and to win them in one day. So judas and his boost turned in all the haste in the wilderness toward Bosor, and won the city, slew all the males with the sword, took all their goods, and set fire upon the city. And in the night they took their journey from thence, and came to the castle. And bytymes in the morning when they looked up, behold, there was an innumerable people, bearing laders & other instruments of war, to take the castle and to overcome them. When judas saw that the battle began, and that the noise thereof went up and range in to the heaven, and that there was so great a cry in the city: He said unto his host: fight this day for your brethren. And so came behind their enemies in three companies, and blew the trumpets, and cried in their prayer to God. But as soon as Timothis' host perceived that Machabeus was there, they fled from him, and the other slew them down right sore: so that there were killed of them that same day, almost eight thousand men. Then departed judas unto Maspha, laid siege unto it and won it, slay all the males in it, spoiled it, and set fire upon it. From thence went he & took Casbon, Mageth. Bosor, and the other cities in Galaad. After this gathered Tymothy an other booste, which pitched their tents before Raphon beyond, the water. judas sent to spy the host, and they brought him word again saying: All the heathen that be round about us, are gathered unto him, & the boost is very great: Yea they have hired the Arabians to help them, and have pitched tents beyond the water, and are ready to come and fight against the. So judas went on to meet them. And Timothy said unto the captains of his host: when judas and his host come nigh the river: if he go over first, we shall not be able to withstand him: for why, he will be to strong for us. But if he dare not come over so that he pitch his scent beyond the water: then will we go over, for we shall be strong enough against him. Now as soon as judas came to the river he appointed certain scribes of the people, and commanded them, saying: see that you leave none behind upon this side of the river, but let every man come to the battle. So he went first over unto them and his people after him. And all the heathen were discomfeted before him, and let their weapons fall, and ran in to the temple that was at Carnaim. Carnaim Which city judas won, and brent the temple with all that were in it: So was Carnaim subdued and might not withstand judas. Then judas gathered all the Israelites that were in Galaadithim, from the least unto the most, with their wives and their children (a very great host) for to come in to the land of Israel. So they came unto Ephron, which was a mighty, great and strong city and say in their way. For they could not go by it, neither of the right hand ne of the left, but must go thorough it. Nevertheless they that were in the city, would not let them go thorough but walled up the ports with stones. And judas sent unto them with peaceable words, saying: Let us pass thorough your land, that we may go in to our own country: there shall no body do you harm, we will but only go thorough. But they would not let them in. Wherefore judas commanded a proclaymation to be made thorough out the host, that every man should keep his order: and so they did their best like valiant men. And judas besieged the city all that day and all that night, and so won it: where they slew as many as were males, and destroyed the city and spoiled it, and went thorough all the city over them that were slain. Then went they over jordan into the plain field before Bethsan. And judas helped those froward that came behind, and gave the people good exhortation all the way thorough till they were come in to their land of juda. Thus they went up unto the mount Zion, where they offered with mirth and thanksgiving: because there were none of them slain, but came home again peaceably. Now what time as judas and jonathas were in the land of Galaad, and Simon their brother in Galilee before Ptolomays: Then josephus josephus. the son of Zachary, and Asaryas Asarias'. the captains, hearing of the acts that were done, and the battles that were strooken, Presumptuous personnes said: Let up get us a name also, and go fight against the Heythen that are round about us. So they gave their host a commandment, and went toward jamnyah. Then came Gorgyas and his men out of the city, to fight against them: josephus also and Asarias' were chased unto the borders of jewry and there were slain that day of the people of Israel two. M. men: so that there was a great misery amongs the people, and all because they were not obedient unto judas and his brethren, but thought they should quite themselves manfully. Nevertheless, they came not of the seed of these men, by whom Israel was helped. But the men that were with judas, were greatly commended in the sight of all Israel and all Heythen, where so ever their name was herd upon, and the people came unto them, bidding them welcome. After this went judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau, in the land that lieth toward the south where he wan the city of Hebron, and the towns that lie beside it: and as for the walls and towers round about it, he brent them up. Then removed he to go in to the land of the Philistines, and went thorough Samaria. At the same time were there many priests slain in the battle, ☞ which wilfully and without advisement went out for to fight to get them honour. And when judas came to Azot in the Philistines land, he broke down their altars, brent the images of their Idols, spoiled the cities, and came again in to the land of juda. ¶ Antiochus willing to take the city of Elimas for a pray, is driven away of the Cytezyns. He falls in to sickness and dieth. His son Antiochus is made king. The besiege of the tower of Zion. Eupator cometh to jewry with a great army The boldness of Eleazar. CAPI. VI josephus cap. xiii libr xii Antiq. NOw when king Antyochus travailed thorough the high countries, he heard that Elymas in Persia was a noble and plenteous city in silver and gold, and that there was in it a very rich temple: where as were clotheses, cote armours, and shyldes of gold, which Alexander the son of Philip king of Macedonia had left behind him. Wherefore he went about to take the city and to spoil it, but he was not able: for the cytezins were warned of it, & fought with him. And so he fled and departed with great heaviness, and came again in to Babylon. Moore over there came one which brought him tidings to Persyde, that his hosts which were in the land of juda, i Mocha iii c and four were driven away, and how that Lisias went forth first with a great power, and was driven away of the jews: how that they had wone the victory, and got great goods out of the hosts the perished: how they had broken down the abomination, which he set up upon the aultare at jerusalem, i Ma. i f and fenced the Sanctuary with high walls, like as it was afore yea and Bethsura his city also. So it chanced, that when the king had herd these words, he was afraid and grieved very sore. Wherefore he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for very sorrow: and all because it had not happened as he had devised. And there continued he long, for his grief was ever more and more, so that he saw he must needs die. Therefore he sent for his friends: and said unto them, the sleep is go from mine eyes for the very sorrow and vexation of heart that I have. For when I consider in my mind the great adversity that I am come unto, & the floods of heaviness which I am come in, where as afore time I was so merry and so greatly set by (by reason of my power) Again, considering the evil that I have done at jerusalem, from whence I took all the riches of gold and silver that were in it, and sent to fetch away the inhabytauntes of jewrye without any reason why: I know, that these troubles are come upon me for the same cause. And behold, I must die with great sorrow in a strange land. Then called he for one Philip a friend of his whom he made ruler of all his realm, and gave him the crown, his rob and his ring: that he should take his son Antiochus unto him, and bring him up, till he might reign himself. So the king Antiochius Antiohus dieth i Mach ix ●● c. d. e died there, in the cxlix year. When Lisias known that the king was deed, he ordained Antiochlus his son (whom he had brought up) to reign in his father's stead, and called him Eupator. Now they that were in the castle (at jerusalem) kept in the jews round about the Sanctuary, joseph. ca● xiii. libro xii Mat iii d and sought ever still to do them harm, for the strengthening of the Heathen. Wherefore judas thought to destroy them, and called all the people together, that they might say siege unto them. So they came together in the. Cl. year, and besieged them, laying forth their ordinance and instruments of war. Then certain of them that were besieged went forth (unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves also) and went unto the king saying: How long will it be, or thou punish and avenge our brethren? We have ever been minded to do thy father service to walk in his statutes and to obey his commandments. Therefore our people fallen from us, & wherso ever they found any of us, they slay them and they have not only meddled with us, but with all our countries: and behold, thi● day are they besieging the castle at jerusalem, i Math. four ● and have made up the strong hold in Bethsura: And if thou dost not prevent them right soon, they will do more than these, and thou shalt not be able to overcome them. When the king heard this, he was very angry, 〈◊〉 xiii. a and called all his friends, the captains of his footmen and of all his horsemen together. He hired men of war also out of other realms, and out of the Isles of the see, which came unto him. And the number of his host was an hudreth thousand footmen, & xx. thousand horsemen, 〈◊〉 iiii. g 〈…〉 and xxxii Elephants well exercised in battle. These came thorough Idumea unto Bethsura, and besieged it a long season, and made divers instruments of war against it. But the jews came out and brent them, and fought like men. Then departed judas from the castle at jerusalem, and removed the host toward Bethzacaran over against the kings army. So the king arose before the day, and brought the power of his host in to the weigheth Bethzacaran, where the hosts made them to the battle, blowing the trumpets. And to provoke the Elephants for to fight, they showed them the sap of read grapes, and molberyes. And divided the Elephauntes among the host: so that by every Elephaunt there stood a thousand men well harnessed, and helmettes of steel upon their heeds: Yea unto every one of the Elephants also, were ordained five hundredth horsemen of the best, which waited of the Elephaunte, going where so ever he went, and departed not from him. Every elephaunt was covered with a strong tower of wood, whereupon were thirty and two valiant men, with weapons to fight, and within it was a man of Ind to rule the beast. As for the remnant of the horsemen, he set them upon both the sides in two parts with trumpets, to provoke the host, and to stir up such as were stow in the army. And when the sun shone upon their shyldes of gold and steel, the mountains glistered again at them, and were as bright as the tressettes of fire. The kings host also was divided, one part upon the high mountains, the other low beneath: so they went on taking good heed, and keeping their order. And all they that dwelled in the land, were afraid at the noise of their host, when the multitude went forth, and when the weapons smote together, for the host was both great and mighty. judas also and his host entered in to the battle, and slay vi C. men of the kings army. Now when Eleasar the son of Saura did see one of the Elephauntes decked with the kings badge, and was a more goodly beast than the other: he thought the king should be upon him, and jeopardy himself to deliver his people, and to get him a perpetual name. Wherefore he ran with a courage unto the Elephaunt in the midst of the host, smiting them down of both the sides, and slay many about him. So went he to the Elephauntes' feet, and got him under him, and flew him: then fallen the Elephaunte down upon him, and there he died. judas also and his men seeing the power of the king, and the mighty violence of his host, departed from them. And the kings army went up against them toward jerusalem, & pytched their tents in jewrye beside mount Zion. Moreover, the king took truce with them that were in Bethsura. But when they came out of the city (because they had no vytayles within, i Math. four ● vi. d two. Math. xi a xiii. a and the land lay untiled) the king took Bethsura, and set men to keep it, and turned his host to the place of the Sanctuary, and laid siege to it a great while. Where he made all manner ordinance: handbowes, fire darts, rackettes to cast stones, scorpions to shout arrows, and slynges. The jews also made ordinance against theirs, and fought a long season. But in the city there were no vyttayles, for it was the seventh year of the wars, & those heathen that remained in jewrye had eaten up all their store. And in the Sanctuary were few men left for the hunger came so upon them, that they were scattered abroad every man to his own place. So when Lisias heard that philip (whom Antiochus the king while he was yet living, two. Math. vi b had ordained to bring up Antiochus his son, that he might be king) was come again out of Persia & Medea with the kings host and thought to obtain the kingdom: he got him to the king in all the haste, and to the captains of the host, and said we decrease daily, and our vyttayles are but small: Again, the place that we lay siege unto is very strong, and it were our part to see for the realm. Let us agree with these men & take truce with them, and with all their people and grant them to live after their law as they did afore. For they be grieved & do all these things against us, be cause we have despised their law. So the king and the princes were content, and sent unto them to make peax, and they received it. Now when the king & the princes had made an oath unto them they came out of the castle, and the king went up to mount Zion. But when he see that the place was well fenced, he broke the oath that he had made, & commanded to destroy the wall round about. Then departed he in all the haste, & returned unto Antioch, where he found Philip having dominion of the city. So he fought against him and took the city again into his hands. ¶ Demetrius reigneth after he had killed Antyochus and Lisias. He troubleth the children of Israel thorough the counsel of certain wicked personnes. The prayer of the priests against Nycanor. judas killeth Nicanor, after he had made his prayer. CAPI. VII. IN the. Cli. year came Demetrius Demetrius. the son of Seleucus from the city of Rome with a small company of men, unto a city of the see cooste, and there he bore rule. And it chanced, that when he came to Antioch the city of his progenitors, his host took Antiochus & Lisias, to bring them unto him. But when it was told him, he said: let me not see their faces. So the host put them to death: Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom, there came unto him wicked and ungodly men of Israel: whose captain was Aleimus, that would have been made high priest: These men accused the people of Israel unto the king, saying: judas & his brethren have slain thy friends, and driven us out of our own land. Wherefore send now some man (to whom thou givest credence) that he may go & see all the destruction, which he hath done unto us and to the kings land, and let him be punished with all his friends and favourers. Then the king chose Bachides a friend of his, which was a man of great power in the realm (beyond the great water) & faithful unto the king: and sent him to see the destruction that judas had done. And as for that wicked Alcimus, he made him high priest, and commanded him to be avenged of the children of Israel, Alcimus high pressed. So they stood up, and came with a great host in to the land of juda, sending messengers to judas & his brethren, and speaking unto them with peaceable words: but under disobeyed. Therefore judas and his people believed not their saying, for they saw that they were come with a great host. After this came the scribes together unto Alcimus & Bachides, trusting the best unto them. And first the Assidans required peaxe of them, saying: Alcimus the priest is come of the seed of Aaron, how can he deceive us? So they gave them loving words, and sworn unto them, and said: we will do you no harm, neither your friends: and they believed them. But the very same day took they lx men of them, and slay them according to the words that are written: Psal lxxix a They have cast the flesh of thy saints, and shed their blood round about jerusalem, and there was no man that would bury them. So there came a great fear & dread among the people, saying: there is neither truth nor righteousness in them, for they have broken the appointment and i'the that they made. And Bachides removed his host from jerusalem, and pitched his tent at Bethzecha: where he sent forth, and took many of them that had forsaken him: He slew many of the people also, and cast them in to a great pit. Then committed he the land unto Alcimus, and left men of war with him to help him, and Bachides himself went unto the king. And thus Alcimus defended his high priesthood, and all such as vexed Israel, resorted unto him: In so much that they obtained the land of juda, and did much evil unto the israelites. Now when judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done (yea more than the Heythen themselves) unto the israelites: He went forth round about all the borders of jewry, & punished those unfaithful rennagates, so that they came no more but in the country. So when Alcimus see, that judas and his people had got the upperhand, and that he was not able to abide them: he went again to the king, & said all the worst of them that he could. Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his chief princes (which bore evil will unto Israel) and commanded him that he should utterly destroy the people. So Nicanor came to jerusalem with a great host, two. Mach. 〈…〉 and sent unto judas and his brethren with friendly words (but under deceit) saying: there shall be no war betwixt me and you: I will come with a few men, to see how you do, with friendship. Upon this he came unto judas, and they saluted one an other peaceably: but the enemies were appointed to take judas by violence: Nevertheless it was told judas, that he came unto him but under deceit: wherefore he got him away from him, & would see his face no more. When Nicanor perceived that his council was bewrayed, he went out to fight against judas beside Capharsalama: where there were slain of Nicanors host u M. men: the residue fled unto the castle of David. After this came Nicanor up unto mount Zion: and the priests with the elders of the people went forth to salute him peaceably and to show him the burntsacryfyces that were offered for the king. But he laughed them to scorn, mocked them, defiled their offerings, and spoke dysdaynedly yea & sworn in his wrath, saying: If judas and his host be not delivered now in to my hands, two. Mack. x●● as soon as ever I come again (and far well) I shall burn up this house. With that went he out in a great anger. Then the priests came in, two. Para vii ● iii Reg. v●●●. ● Isaiah. 〈…〉 Math. ●x●. ● and stood before the altar of the temple, weeping and saying: For so moche as thou, O Lord, hast choose this house, that thy name might be called upon therein and that it should be an house of prayer an petition unto thy people: Be avenged of this man & his host, & let them be slain with the sword: remember the blasphemies of them, and suffer them not to continue any longer. When Nicanor was go from Jerusalem he pitched his tent at Bethoron, and there an host met him out of Syria. And judas came to Adarsa with three. M. men and made his prayer unto God, saying: O Lord, because the messengers of king Sennacherib blasphemed thee, the angel went forth, Esay. ●●x● two. Mac. v● 〈◊〉 and xu d iiii. Reg. 〈…〉 and slay an Clxxxu. thousand of them: Even so destroy thou this host before us to day the other people may know how that he hath blasphemed thy Sanctuary: & punish him, according to his maliciousness. And so the hosts struck the field, the xiii day of the month Adar: and Nicanors host was discomfyted and he himself was first slain in the battle. Nicanor ii Math. xu ● When Nicanors men of war saw that he was killed, they cast away their weapons & fled: but the jews followed upon them an hole days journey, from Adazer unto Gazara, blowing with the trumpets, & making tokens after them. So the jews came forth of all the towns there about & blew out their horns upon them, & turned against them: thus were all slain, and not one of them left. Then they took their substance for a pray and smote of Nicanors heed & his right hand (which he held up so proudly) and brought it with them, and hanged it up afore Jerusalem Wherefore the people were exceedingly rejoiced, and passed over that day in great gladness. And judas ordained that the same day (namely the xiii day of the month Adar) should be kept in mirth every year. Thus the land of juda was in rest a little while. ¶ judas considering the power and godly policy of the Romans, maketh peace with them. The rescrypt of the Romans sent unto the jews. CAPI. VIII. IVdas herd also the fame of the Romayns that they were mighty & valiant men, and agreeable to all things that are required or them, and make peaxe with all men which come unto them, and how they were doughty men of strength. Besides that it was told him of their battayls and noble acts which they did in Galacia, how they had conquered them, and brought them under tribute: and what great things they had done in spain, how th●e with their wisdom and sober behaviour, they had wone the mines of silver and gold that are there, and obtained all the land, with other places far from them, how they had discomfeted and slain down the kings that came upon them, from the uttermost part of the earth, & how other people gave them tribute every year. How they had slain and overcome Philip & Perses king of Cethim, and other more in battle, which had brought their ordinance against them: how they discomfeted great Antiochus' king of Asia, that would needs fight with them, having an. Cxx. Elephants, with horsemen, charettes, and a very great host: how they took himself alive, and ordained him (with such as should reign after him) to pay them a great tribute, yea and to find them good sureties and pledge: besides all this, how they had taken from him Iudia, Media and Lydia (his best lands) and given them to king Eumenus. 〈…〉 Again, how they perceiving that the Greeks were coming to vex them: sent against them a capiteyn of an host, which gave them battle, slay many of them, led away their wives and children captive, spoiled them, took possession of their land, destroyed their strong holds, and subdued them to be their bondmen unto this day. Moreover how that as for other kingdoms & Isles, which sometime withstood them, they destroyed them, & brought them under their dominion: but helped ever their own friends and those that were confederate with them, and conquered kingdoms both far & nigh: and that who so ever herd of their renown, was afraid of them: for whom they would help to their kingdoms, those reigned: and whom it like not them to reign, they put him down. And how they were come to great pre-eminence: having no king among them, neither any man clothed in purple, to he magnified there thorough, but had ordained themselves a parliament, wherein there sat three. C. and twenty Senators daily upon the counsel, to dipatche ever the business of the people, and to keep good orbre: And how that every year they chose a Mayor, to have the governance of all their land: to whom every man was obedient, & that there was neither evil will ne dissension among them. Then judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of jacob, and jason the son of Eleazar, & sent them unto Rome for to make friendship and a bond of love with them, that they might take from them the bondage of the Greeks, for the jews saw that the Greeks would subdue the kingdom of Israel. So they went unto Rome (a very great journey) & came in to the parliament, & said: judas Machabeus with his brethren and the people of the jews hath sent us unto you, to make a bond of friendship and peax with you, and you to note us as your lovers and friends. And the matter pleased the Romans right well, wherefore it was written up: of the which the Romans made a writing in tables of latin, and sent it to jerusalem, that they might have by them a memorial of the same peax & bond of friendship after this manner: God save the Romans, & the people of the jews, both by se & by land, and keep the sword and enemy from them for evermore. If there come first any war upon the Romans, or any of their friends, throughout all their dominion, the people of the jews shall help them (as the time requireth) & that with all their hearts. Also they shall neither give nor sand unto their enemies victuals, weapons, money, ne ships: but fulfil this charge at the Romayns pleasure, & take nothing from them therefore. Again, if the people of the jews happen first to have war, the Romayns shall stand by them with a good will, according as the time will suffer. Neither shall they give unto the jews enemies, vytayles, weapons, money, nor ships. Thus are the Romayns content to do, and shall fulfil their charge without any disobeyed. According to these articles, the Romans made the bond with the jews. Now after these articles, said they, if any of the parties will put to them, or take any thing from them: they shall do it with the consent of both: and what so ever they add unto them or take from them, it shall stand fast. And as touching the evil that Demetrius hath done unto the jews, we have written unto him, saying: Wherefore layest thou thy heavy yoke upon the jews our friends and lovers? If they make any complaint of the again unto us, we shall defend them, and fight with the by see and by land. ¶ After the death of Nicanor Demetrius sendeth his army against judas. judas is slain. jonathas is put in the stead of his brother. The strife between jonathas and Bachides. Alcimus is taken with the palsy and dieth. Ba●hides returns again unto the king. He cometh upon jonathas by the counsel of certain wicked people, and is overcome. The truce of jonathas with Bachides. CAPI. IX. IN the mean season, when Demetrius herd that Nicanor and his host was slain in the field, i Ma. vii f jose. ca. xvii libro xii he proceeded further, to send Bachides and Alcimus again in to jury, & those that were in the right wing of his host with ehem. So they went forth by the way that leadeth unto Galgala, and pitched their tents before Mesaloth, which is in Arbellis, & won the city, & slay much people. In the first month of thee. Clii. year, they brought their host to jerusalem, and rose up and came to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen, and two thousand horsemen. Now judas had pitched his tent at Laisa with three. M. choose men. And when they see the multitude of the other army, that it was so great, they were sore afraid, and many conveyed themselves out of the host. In so much that there abode no more of them but eight hundred men. When judas see that his host failed him, and that he must needs fight, it broke his heart, that he had no time to gather them together: wherefore the man was in extreme trouble. Nevertheless he said unto them that remained with him: Up, let us go against our enemies, peradventure we shall be able to fight with them. But they would have stopped him saying: we shall be able, therefore let us now save our lives, & turn again to our brethren and then will we fight against them, for we are here but few. And judas said: God forbid, that we should i'll from them. Wherefore if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour. Then the host removed out of the tents, and stood against them. The horsemen were divided in two parts: the sling casters, and the archers went before the host, and all the mighty men were formest in the field. Bachides himself was in the right wing of the battle, and the host drawn nigh in two parts, and blue the trumpets. They of judas side blue the trumpets also, & the earth shaken at the noise of the hosts, and they struck a field from the morrow till night. And when judas see that Bachides host was strongest of the right side, he took with him all the hardy men, and broke the right wing of their order, and followed upon them unto the mount Azot. Now when they which were of the left wing saw that the right side was discomfeted, judas is slain. they persecuted judas and them that were with him. Then was there a sore battle for many were slain and wounded of both the parties: judas also himself was killed, and the remnant fled. So jonathas and Simon took judas their brother, and buried him in his father's sepulchre, in the city of Modin. And all the people of Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned long saying: Alas that this worthy should be slain which delivered the people of Israel. As for other things pertaining to the battles of judas, the noble acts that he did, and of his worthiness: they are not written, for they were very many. And after the death of judas, wicked men came up in all the costs of Israel, josep. ca●● libro xii 〈◊〉 and there arose all such as work ungodliness. In those days was there a great dearth in the land, & all the country gave over themselves and there's unto Bachides. So Bachides chose wicked men, & made them lords in the land. These sought out, and made search for judas friends, and brought them unto Bachides: which avenged himself upon them, with great despite. And there came so great trouble in Israel, as was not since the time that no prophet was seen there. Then came all judas friends together, & said unto jonathas: For so much as thy brother judas is deed, there is none like him to go forth against our enemies, against Bachides, and such as are adversaries unto our people. Wherefore this day we chose the for him, to be our prince & capiteyn, to order our battle. And jonathas took the governance upon him at the same time, and ruled in stead of his brother judas. When Bachides got knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him: But jonathas and Simon his brother perceiving that, fled in to the wilderness of Thecua with all their company, and pitched their tents by the water pole of Asphar. Which when Bachides understood, he came over jordan with all his host upon the Saboth day. Now had jonathas sent his brother John (a capiteyn of the people) to pray his friends the Nabuthites, that they would lend them their ordinance, for they had moche So the children of Jambry came out of Madaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way withal. Then came word unto jonathas and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambry made a great marriage and brought the bride from Madaba with great pomp: for she was daughter to one of that no blessed princes of Canaan. Wherefore they remembered the blood of John their brother, & went up, & hide themselves under the shadow of the mountain. So they life up their eyes, and looked, and behold there was moche ado, and great repair, for the bridegroom came forth, & his friends and his brethren met them with tympanies, instruments of music, and many weapons. Then jonnathas and they that were with him, rose out of their lurking places against them, and slay many of them. As for the remnant, they fled in to the mountains and they took all their substance. Thus the marriage was turned to mourning, and the noise of their melody in to lamentation. And so when they had avenged the blood of their brother, they turned again unto jordane. Bachides hearing this, came unto the very border of jordan with a great power upon the Saboth day. And jonathas said to his company: let us get up, and fight against our enemies: for it standeth not with us to day as in times past. Behold, our enemies are in our way, the water of jordane upon the one side of us, with banks, fens and woods of the other side, so that there is no place for us to departed unto. Wherefore cry now unto heaven, 〈…〉 b that you may be delivered from the power of your enemies. So they struck the battle. And jonathas stretched out his hand to smite Bachides, but he fled backward. Then jonathas and they that were with him leapt in to jordan, and swymmed over jordan unto him, & there were slain of Bachides side that day, a. M. men. Therefore Bachides with his host turned again to Jerusalem, and built up the castles & strong holds that were in jury, jericho, Emaus Bethoron, Bethel, Thamnata, Phara & Topo, with high walls, with ports, and with locks, and set men to keep them, that they might use their malice upon Israel. He walled up Bethsurah, Gazarah, and the castle at Jerusalem also, & provided them with men & victuals. He took also the chyefest men's sons in the country for pledges, & put them in the castle at jerusalem to be kept. Afterwards in the. Cliij. year in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the walls of the inmost sanctuary should be destroyed, and the buildings of the Prophets also. And when he began to destroy them, the things that he went about were hindered, for he was smitten with a palsy, & his mouth shut so that he could no more speak, ne command any of his house concerning his business. Thus died Alcimus in great misery at the same time, and when Bachides see that Alcimus was deed, he turned again to the king and so the land was in rest two years. Then all the ungodly men held a counsel, saying: Behold, jonathas and his company are at ease, and devil without care. Wherefore let us bring Bachides hither, & he shall take them all in one night. So they went & gave Bachides this counsel, which arose to come with a great host, & sent letters privily to his adherentes which were in jury, to take jonathas & those that were with him: but they might not, for the other had got knowledge of their device. And jonathas took l men of the country (which were the ring leaders of them) & slay them. Then jonathas and Simon, with their company departed unto the city Bethbessen, which lieth in the wilderness, and repaired the decay thereof, and made it strong. When Bachides known this, he gathered all his host, & sent word to them that were of jury. Then came he & laid siege to Bethbessen, & fought against it a long season, and made instruments of war. Now jonathas left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself in the country, and came with a certain number, and slay Odares and his brethren, and the children of Phaseron in their tents: so that he began to be strong, and to increase in power. As for Simon & his company, they went out of the city, and brent up the instruments of war, and fought against Bachides, and dyscomfeted him. And Bachides was sore vexed because his counsel and travail was in vain. Wherefore he was wroth at the wicked men (that gave him counsel to come in to their land) and slay many of them. Then purposed he with his company to go away in to his own country: whereof when jonathas had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him for to make peax with him, and that he should deliver him his prisoners again. To that which Bachides consented gladly, and did according to his desire, yea & make an oath that he should never do him harm all the days of his life. So he restored unto him all the prisoners that he had taken out of the land of juda, and then turned and went his way in to his own land, neither proceeded he any further to come unto the borders of juda. Thus Israel had no more war. And jonathas dwelt at Machmas, and began there to govern the people, and destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel. ¶ Demetrius desireth to have peace with jonathas. Alexander moveth war against Demetrius. Demetrius is slain. The friendship of Ptolomeus and Alexander. CAPI. X. IN the. Clx. year, came Alexander, the son of noble Antiochus, and took Ptolomais, Alexander. joseph. capi. ii.iii. libr xiii whose citizens received him, and there he reigned. When Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight. Wherefore Demetrius sent letters unto jonathas with loving words, and praised him greatly. For he said: we will first make peax with him, before he bind himself with Alexander against us, else he shall remember the evil that we have done against him, his brother & his people, and so he gave jonathas leave to gather an host, to make weapons, and to be confederate with him, and commanded the pledges that were in the castle to be delivered unto him. Then came jonathas to jerusalem, & read the letters, in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the castle. And therefore were they sore afraid, because they heard that the king had given him licence to gather an host. Thus were the pledges delivered unto jonathas, which delivered them to their elders. jonathas also dwelled at jerusalem, and began to build up and to repair the city, commanding the workmen to brickwall it, and the mount Zion round about with free stone, to be a strong hold, and so they did. As for the Heathen that were in the castles which B●chides had made up, they fled, so that every man left the place, & went in to his own country. Only at Bethsura remained certain of the jews, which had for saken the law & commandments of God, for Bethsura was their refuge. Now when king Alexander herd of the promises that Demetrius had made unto jonathas, & when it was told him of the battles and noble acts, which he & his brethren had done, and of the great travails that they had taken, he said: where shall we find such a man? well, we will make him our friend, and be confederate with him. Upon this he written a letler unto him, with these words: king Alexander saluteth his brother jonathas. We have herd of thee, that thou art a valiant man, and meet to be our friend: wherefore this day we ordain the to be the high priest of thy people, and to be called the kings friend. (Upon this, he sent him a purple clothing, and a crown of gold) that thou mayst consider what is for our profit, and keep friendship toward us. So in the seventh month of thee. Clx. year upon the solemn feast day of the tabernacles jonathas put the holy raiment upon him. Then gathered he an host, and made many weapons. Which when Demetrius herd, he was marvelous sorry, & said: Alas, what have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in getting the friendship of the jews, for his own defence? Yet will I write lovingly unto them also, yea & promise' them dignities and rewards, that they may be of my side. Whereupon he written unto them these words: King Demetrius sendeth greeting unto the people of the jews. Where as you have kept your covenant toward us, and continued in our friendship, not inclining to our enemies we were glad, when we herd thereof. Wherefore remain still and be faithful to us: and we shall recompense you for the things, that you have done on your party: we shall release you of many charges, & give you rewards. And now I discharge you and all the jews from tributes, I forgive you the customs of salt, and lease you of the crown taxes, of the third part of sede, and half of the fruit of trees, which is mine own duty. These I leave for you, from this day forth: so that they shall not be taken of the land of juda, nor of the three cities which are added thereunto out of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore. jerusalem also with all things belonging thereto, shall be holy and free: yea the tithes and tributes shall perteyn unto it. As for the power of the castle which is at jerusalem, I remit and give unto the high priest, that you may set in it such men, as he shall choose to keep it. I freely deliver all the jews that are prisoners thorough out all my realm: so that every one of them shall be free from paying any tribute, yea even of their cattles. All the solemn feasts, Sabothes, newemoones, the days appointed, the three days before & after the feast, shall be free fro all the jews in my realm, so that in them no man shall have power to do any thing, or to move any business against any of them, in any manner of cause. There shall xxx M. also of the jews be written up ini the kings host, and have their wages paid, as all other men of war of the kings should have, and of them shall be ordained certain to keep the kings strong holds: yea and some of them shall be set over the kings business, that they may faithfully deal with the same. The jews also shall have princes of their own, & walk in their own laws, as the king hath commanded in the land of juda. And the three cities that are fallen unto jury from the country of Samaria and Galilee, shall be taken as jury, and be under one: neither be subject to any strange lord, but to the high priest. As for Ptolomais & the land pertaining thereto, I give it unto the Sanctuary at jerusalem, for the necessary expenses of the holy things. Moreover I will give every year xu thousand sickles of silver out of the kings chequer (which pertaineth unto me) to the work of the temple: yea and look what remaineth (which they that had our matters in hand in times past have not paid) that same shall they give unto them also. And besides all this, the five thousand sickles which they took yearly of the rents of the Sanctuary, shall belong unto the priests that do service. Item, who so ever they be that i'll unto the temple at jerusalem, or within the liberties thereof, where as they are fallen in to the kings danger for any manner of business, they shall be pardoned, and all the goods that they have in my realm, shall be free. For the building also and repairing of the work of the Sanctuary, expenses shall be given out of the kings chequer: Yea and for the making of the walls round about jerusalem, for the breaking down of the old, & for the setting up of the strong holds in jury, shall the costs and charges be given out of the kings chequer. But when jonathas and the people heard these words, they gave no credence unto them, i Mac vii ● neither deceived them: for they remembered the great wickedness that he had done unto Israel, and how sore he had vexed them. Wherefore they agreed unto Alexander, for he was a prince that had dealt friendly with them, and so they stood by him always. Then gathered king Alexander a great host, and brought his army against Demetrius. josep. capi v l. bro xiii So the two kings stroke battle together, but Demetrius boast fled, and Alexander followed after and fallen upon them. A mighty sore field was it, contynning till the sun went down, and Demetrius was slain Demetri●● slain the same day. And Alexander sen●e ambassadors unto Ptolemy the king of Egypt with these words, saying: for so much as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenytours, and have got the dominion overcomed Demetrius, conquered the land, & strike a field with him, so that we have discomfeted both him and his host, and sit in the throne of his kingdom: Let us now make friendship together, give me thy daughter to wife: so shall I be thy son in law, and give the rewards, and her great dignity. Ptolemy the king gave answer, saying: Happy be the day wherein thou art come again to the land of thy progenitors, and set in the throne of their kingdom. And now will I fulfil thy writing: but meet me at Ptolomais, that we may see one an other, and that I may marry my daughter unto the according to thy desire. So Ptolemy went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and came unto Ptolomais in the Clxii. year, where king Alexander met him, and he gave Alxander his daughter Cleopatra, and married them at Ptolomais with great worwyp, like as the manner of kings is to be. Then written king Alexander unto jona t'has, that he should come and meet him. So he went honourably unto Ptolomais, and there he met the two kings, and gave them great presents of gold and silver, & found favour in their sight, And there came together against jonathas certain wicked men, and ungracious people of Israel, making complaints of him, but the king regarded them not. As for jonathas the king commanded to take of his garments, and to cloth him in purple: and so they did. Then the king appointed him to sit by him, and said unto his princes: Go with him in to the midst of the city, and make a proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him, for any manner of cause. So it happened that when his accusers see the worship which was proclaimed of him and that he was clothed in purple, they fled everichone. And the king made moche of him, written him among his chief friends, made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion. Thus jonathas went again to jerusalem. with peace and gladness. 〈◊〉 ●api. ●●●an. In the. Clxu. year came Demetrius the son of Demetrius from Creta in to his father's land, whereof when Alexander heard tell, 〈…〉 a he was right sorry, and returned unto Antioch. And Demetrius those Appolonius, which had the governance of Celosiria, to be his captain. So he gathered a great host, and came unto jamnia, and send word unto jonathas the high priest, saying: Darest thou withstand us thyself alone? As for me, I am but laughed to scorn and shamed, because thou provedst thy strength against us in the mountains. Now therefore if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to us in to the plain field, and there let us prove our strength together: thou shalt find, that I have valiant men of war with me, and shalt know whom I am, and the other that stand by me, Which say that your foot is not able to stand before our face, for thy fathers have been twice chased in to their own land. And now, how wilt thou he able to abide so great an host of horsemen and footmen in the field, where as is neither rock, stone ne place to i'll unto? When jonathas heard the words of Appolonius, he was moved in his mind, wherefore he chose ten thousand men, and went out of jerusalem, and Simon his brother met him, for to help him: and they pitched their tents at joppa, but the city kept him forth, for joppa was an hold of Appolonius. Then jonathas laid siege to it, and they that were in the city for very fear let him in: and so jonathas won joppa. Appolonius hearing of this, took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of foot, and went as though he would go to Azotus, and came immediately in to the plain field: because he had so many horsemen, and put his trust in them. So jonathas followed upon him to Azotus, and there they struck the battle. Now had Appolonius left a thousand horsemen behind them privily in the tents. And when jonathas knew that such wait was laid behind them, they went round about the enemies host, and shot darts at the people from the morning to the evening. As for jonathas people, they kept their order as he had commanded them, and the enemies horses were ever labouring. Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen. For the horsemen were weary already. So he discomfeted them, and they fled. And they that were scattered in the field, got them to Azotus, and came in to the temple of Dagon their ydol, that they might there save their lives. But jonathas set fire upon Azotus, and all the cities round about it, and took their gods, and brent up the temple of Dagon with all them that were fled in to it. Thus were slain and brent well nigh eight thousand men. i Mach xi ● So jonathas removed the host from thence, and brought them to Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great worship. After this went jonathas and his host again to jerusalem, with great substance of good. And when king Alexander heard these things, he thought to do jonathas more worship, and sent him a collar of gold, as the use is to be given unto such as are of the kings next blood. He gave him also the city of Accaron (with the lands belonging there to) in possession, ¶ The dissension betwixt Ptolomeus and Alexander his son in law. The death of Alexander. Demetrius ragneth after the death of Ptolomeus. Zion is besieged of jonathas. Demetrius seeing that no man resisted him, send his army again. Typhon moveth Antiochus against Demetrius. Demetrius is delivered by the succour of jonathas. After his deliverance he breaketh his covenant that he had made. CAPI. XI. ANd the king of egypt gathered an host (like the sand that lieth upon the see shore) and many ships: joseph. Ca. vii libr xiii and went about thorough disobeyed to obtain the kingdom of Alexander, and to join it unto his own realm. Upon this he took his journey in to Syria, and was let in to the cities, and men came forth to meet him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his father in law. Now when Ptolemy entered in to any city, he left men of war to keep it, and this he did thorough out all the cities. And when he came to Azotus, they showed him the temple of Dagon and Azotus that was brent up, with the other things which were destroyed, the deed bodies cast abroad▪ and the graves that they had made by the way side, for such as were slain in the field: And told the king that jonathas had done all these things, to the intent they might get him evil will. But the king: said not a word thereto. And jonathas met the king with great honour at joppa, where they saluted one an other, and took their rest. So when jonathas had go with the king, unto the water that is called Eleutherus, he turned again to jerusalem. Now Ptolemy had got the dominion of the cities unto Seleucia upon the see cost, imagining wicked counsels against Alexander, and sent ambassadors unto Demetrius, saying: Come, let us make a bond bitwyxte us, so shall I give the my daughter that Alexander hath, & thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom. I repent that I gave Alexander my daughter, for he goeth about to slay me. And thus he slandered Alexander, because he would have had his realm. Thus he took his daughter from him, gave her unto Demetrius, and forsook Alexander so that his malice was openly known. And Ptolemy came to Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his own heed: the crown of Egypt and of Asia. In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, for they that dwelled in those places, had rebelled against him. But when Alexander herd of this, he came to war against him. So king Ptolemy brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and chased him away. Then fled Alexander into Araby, there to be defended, & king Ptolomys honour increased. And Zabdiel the Arabian smote of Alexander's heed, & sent it unto Ptolemy. Alexaunder is slain. But the third day after died king Ptolemy himself, and they whom he had ●et in the strong holds, were slain of those that were within the cities. And D●metrius reigned in the hundred lxvij year. At the same time gathered jonathas them that were in jewry to lay siege unto the castle which was at jerusalem, and so they made many instruments of war against it. Thou went there certain ungodly people (which hated their 〈◊〉 people) unto king Demetrius, and to 〈…〉 jonathas besieged the ca●●el, 〈…〉 herd it, he was angry, & immediately came unto Ptolomais, and written unto jonathas that he should not say siege to the castle, but come and speak with him in all the haste. Nevertheless when jonathas heard this, he commanded to besiege it. He chose also certain of the elders & priests of Israel, and put himself in the peril: and took with him gold, silver, clothing, and divers presents: and went to Ptolomais unto the king, and found him gracious. And though certain ungodly men of his own people made complaints upon him, yet the king entreated him, like as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends, confirmed him in the high priesthood, with all the worship that he had afore, & made him his chief friend. jonathas also desired the king that he would make jury free, with the three head cities in Samaria and the lands perteing thereto: upon this did jonathas promise him three. C. talentes. Whereunto the king consented and gave jonathas writing of the same, containing these words: King Demetrius sendeth greeting unto his brother jonathas, and to the people of the jews. We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our elder Lasthenus, concerning you, that you should know it. King Demetrius sendeth greeting unto Lasthenus his elder. For the faithfulness that our friends the people of the jews keep unto us, and for the loving kindness which they bear toward us: we are determined to do them good. Wherefore we ordain all the costs of jewrye with three cities, Lyda and Ramatha, which are added unto jury from Samaria, and all the lands pertaining thereunto, to be freely separated for such as do sacrifice in jerusalem: both concerning the payments which the king took yearly afore time, and the fruits also of the earth and trees. As for other tithes and trybutes that belonged unto us, we discharge them thereof from this time forth. In like manner we grant unto them all the customs of salt & crown taxes which were brought unto us. And this freedom shall they have firm and & steadfast, from this time forth for evermore. Therefore see that you make a copy of these our letters, and deliver it unto jonathas: that it may be kept upon the holy mount in a convenient place. After this, when Demetrius the king see that his land was in rest, and that no resistance was made him: he sent away all his host every man to his own place, except an army of strangers, whom he brought from the isles of the Heathen, wherefore all his father's host had evil will at him. i Math. xii ● Now was there one Triphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, which when he saw that all the host murmured against Demetrius, he went to Emalcuel the Arabian (that brought up Antiochus the son of Alexander) and lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus: that he might reign in his father's stead. He told him also what great evil Demetrius had done, and his men of war loved him not: and so remained there a long season. And jonathas sent unto king Demetrius, to drive them out which were in the castle at jerusalem & in the other refugyes, for they did Israel great harm. So Demetrius sent word unto jonathas, saying: I will not only do these things for the and thy people, but at time convenient I will do both the and thy people great worship. But now thou shalt do me a pleasure, if thou wilt send me men to help me: for all mine army is go fro me. So jonathas sent him three. M. strong men unto antioch, and they came unto the king, wherefore the king was very glad at their coming. But they that were of the city (even an. Cxx. thousand men) gathered them together, and would have slain the king, which fled in to his court: and the cytezyns kept the streets of the city, and began to fight. Then the king called for the jews help, which came unto him all together, and went abroad thorough the city, and slew the same day an. C.M. men: set fire upon the city, got many spoils in that day, and delivered the king. So when the cytezyns saw that the jews had got their will of the city, and they themselves dispointed of their purpose they made their supplication unto the king, saying: Grant us peace, and let the jews cease from troubling us and the city, and upon this they cast away their weapens. Thus they made peace, and the jews got great worship in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm, and were spoken of thorough out the kingdom: and so they came again to Jerusalem with great goods. So the king Demetrius sat in the throne of his kingdom, and had peace in his land. Nevertheless he dyssembled in all that ever he spoke, and withdrew himself from jonathas, neither rewarded him according to the benefits which he had done for him, but troubled him very sore. After this came Tryphon again with young Antiochus, which reigned and was crowned king. Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away: these fought against Demetrius, which fled and turned his back. So Triphon took the Elephants, and wan Antioch. And young Antiochus written unto jonathas, saying: I confirm the in thy preestode, and make the ruler of four countries, that thou mayst be a friend of the kings. Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold to be clothed in purple, and to were a collar of gold. He made his brother Simon also captain, from the coostes of Tyrus unto the borders of egypt. Then jonathas took his journey, and went thorough the cities beyond the water of jordane, and all the men of war of Syrya gathered them unto him for to help him. So he came unto Ascalon, and they of the city received him honourably: and from thence went he unto Gaza, but they would not let him in: wherefore he laid siege unto it burning up and spoiling the places that were about the city. And the cytezyns of Gaza submytted themselves unto the jonathas, which made peax with them, but took of their sons to pledge sent them to jerusalem, and went thorough the country unto Damascus. Now when jonathas heard that Demetrius princes were come in to Cades (which is in Galilee) with a great host, purposing to put Demetrius out from meddling in the realm: he came against them, and left Simon his brother in the land: which came to Bethsura, and laid siege to it a long season, and dyscomfyed them. So they desired to have peax with him which he granted them and afterward put them out from thence took the city, & set men to keep it. And jonathas with his host came to the water of Genesar, & bytymes in the morning got them to the plain field of Azor. And behold, the hosts of the heathen met them in the field, & laid watch for them in the mountains: so that when jonathas came against them the other (which were laid to watch) rose out of their places, & fought, & they that were of jonathas side, fled every man: & there was not one of them left, except Mathathias the son of Absalomus, and judas the son of Calphi the captain of the host. Then jonathas rend his clotheses, laid earth upon his head, made his prayer, and turned again to them in the field: where they fought together, and he put them to flight. Now when his own men that were fled, see this: they turned again unto him, and helped him to follow upon all their enemies unto their rents at Cades. So there were slain of the heathen the same day three M. men, & jonathas turned again to jerusalem, ¶ jonathas sendeth ambassadors to Rome and to the people of Sparta to renew their covenant of friendship. jonathas putteth to flight the princes of Demetrius. Triphon taketh jonathas by disobeyed. CAPI. XII. IOnathas seeing that the time was meet for him, chose certain men and sent them unto Rome for to stablish and to renew the friendship with them. He sent letres also unto Sparta, i Mat vii ● and to other places in like manner. So they went unto Rome, and entered into the counsel, and said: jonathas the high pressed and the people of the jews sent us unto you, for to renew the old friendship and bond of love. Upon this the Romans gave them free pasportes, that men should lead them home into the land of juda peaceably. And this is the copy of the letters that jonathas written unto the Sparcians. jonathas the high priest with the elders, priests, and the other people of the jews, send greeting unto the Sparcyan their brethren. There were letters sent long ago unto Onias the high priest, from Arius, which then reigned among you: that you are our brethren, as the writing made thereupon specifyeth. And Onias entreated the embasadoure that was sent honourably, and received the letters: wherein there was mention made of the bond of love and friendship. But as for us, we need no such writings: for why, we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to our comfort. Nevertheless, we had rather send unto you, for the renewing of the brotherhood and friendship: least we should be strange unto you, for it is long, sithence the time that you sent words unto us. Wherefore in the sacrifices that we offer, and other ceremonies upon the high solemn days and other, we always remember you without ceasing (like as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren) yea and are right glad of your prosperous honour. And though we have had great troubles and wars, so that the kings about us have fought against us: yet would we not be grievous unto you, nor to other of our lovers and friends in these wars. For we have had help from heaven, so that we are delevered, and our enemies subdued. Wherefore we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus and Antipater the son of jason, and sent them unto the Romans, for to renew the old bode of friendship and love with them. We commanded them also to come unto you, to salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renovocacyon of our brotherhood. And now you shall do right well, to give us an answer thereunto. And this is the copy of the writing, which Arius the king of Sparta sent unto Onias: Arius king of the Sparcians sendeth greeting unto Onias the high priest. It is found in writing, that the Sparcians and jews are brethren, and come out of the generation of Abraham. And now for so moche as this is come to our knowledge, you shall do well, to write unto us of your prosperity. As for us, we have written our mind unto you: Our cattles and goods are yours, and yours ours. These things have we commanded to be showed unto you. When jonathas heard, that Demetrius princes were come forth to fight against him, with a greater host than afore, he went from jerusalem, and met them in the land of Hemath, for he gave them not space to come in to his own country. And he sent spies unto their tents, which came again and told him, that they were appointed to come upon him in the night season. Wherefore when the sun was go down, jonathas commanded his men to watch all the night and to be ready with weapons for to fight: and set watchmen round about the host. But when the adversaries herd that jonathas was ready with his men to the battle, they feared, and were afraid in their hearts and kindled fires in in their tents broke up, and got them away. Nevertheless jonathas and his company, knew it not till the morning, for they saw the fires burning. Then jonathas foloweh upon them, but he might not overtake them, for they were go over the water Eleutherus. So jonathas departed unto the Arabians (which were called Zabadei) slay them, and took their goods. He proceeded further also, and came unto Damascus, and went thorough all that country. But Simon his brother took his journey and came to Ascalon and to the next strong holds: departing unto joppa, and won it. For he heard that they would stand of Demetrius party: wherefore he sent men of war in the city, to keep it. After this came jonathas home again, and called the elders of the people together: and devised with them for to build up the strong holds in jewry, & the walls of Jerusalem, to set up an high wall betwixt the castle & the city, for to separate it from the city, that it might be alone, and that men should neither buy nor cell in it. Upon this they came together for to build up the city: and for as much as the brickwall upon the broken of the west side (called Caphetherah) was fallen down, they repaired it. And Simon let up Adiadah in Sephelah, & made it strong setting ports and locks upon it. Now when Tryphon purposed to reign in Asia, to be crowned, i Math ●● c josep. ca. xix lib xiii. and to slay the king Antiochus: he was afraid the jonathas would not suffer him, but right against him. Wherefore he went about to take jonathas & to kill him. So be departed, and came unto Bethsan. Then went jonathas forth against him to the battle with forty thousand choose men and came unto Bethsan also. But when Triphon saw that jonathas came with so great an host to destroy him, he was afraid: and therefore he received him honourably commended him unto all his friends, & gave him rewards, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself. And said unto jonathas: why hast thou caused this people to take such travail, saying there is no war betwixt us? Therefore send them home again and, chose certain men to wait upon thee, and come thou with me to Ptolomais: for I will give it with the other strong holds, men of war and their officers. As for me, I must depart, this is only the cause of my coming. jonathas believed him, and did as he said, putting away his host, which went into the land of juda. He kept but three M. by him, whereof he sent ii M. in to Galilee, and one thousand went with himself. Now as soon as jonathas entered in to Ptolomais, the cytysyns sparred the gates of the city, and took him, and slay all them with the sword, that came in with him. Then sent Triphon an host of footmen and horsemen in to Galilee, and in to the great plain field, 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 to destroy all jonathas company. But when they known that jonathas was taken, and all they slain that waited upon him: they took counsel together, and came forth ready to the battle. So when they which followed upon them, see that it was a matter of life, they turned back again. As for the other, they went in to the land of juda peaceably, and bewailed jonathas, and then that were with him right sore. And Israel made great lamentacon. Then all the Heathen that were round about them, thought to destroy them. For they said: now have they no captain, nor any man to help them. Therefore let us overcome them, and rote out their name from among men. ¶ After jonathas was taken, Simon is choose captain, of whom Triphon taking his children and money for the redemption of jonathas, killeth him and his children. The grave of jonathas. Triphon killeth Antiochus, & possesseth the realm. Demetrius taketh truce with Simon. Simon winneth Gaza. He possesseth the tower of Zion. He maketh his son Iohn captain. CAPI. XIII. NOw when Simon heard that Triphon gathered a great host, to come in to the land of juda, and to destroy it: and saw that the people was in great fearfulness and care: He came up to jerusalem, and gathered the people together, and gave them exhortation, saying: You know what great battles I and my brethren and my father's house have stricken for the law and the Sanctuary, 〈◊〉 lx 〈◊〉 and what manner of troubles we have seen: thorough occasion whereof, all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, & I am left alone. And now let not me spare mine own life in any manner of trouble, for I am no better than my brethren: but will avenge my people and the Sanctuary, our children and our wives: for all the Heathen are gathered together to destroy us of very malice. At these words, the hearts of the people were kynled together, so that they cried with a loud voice, saying: Thou shalt be our captain in stead of judas and jonathas thy brethren, order thou our battle, and whatsoever thou commandest us, we shall do it. So he gathered all the men of war making haste to finyssh all the walls of jerusalem, which he made strong round about. Then sent he jonathas the son of Absolomus with a fresh host unto joppa, which drove them out that were in the castle, and remained there himself. Triphon also removed from Ptolomais with a great army, to come in to the land of juda, & jonathas with him inward. And Simon pytched his tents at Addus, before the plain field. But when Triphon knew that Simon stood up in stead of his brother jonathas, & that he would war against him: he sent messengers unto him, saying: Where as we have kept jonathas thy brother, it is for money that he is a wing in the kings account concerning the business that he had in hand. Wherefore send now an. C. talentes of silver & his two sons for surety, that when he is let forth he shall not forsake us: & we shall send him again. Nevertheless Simon knew, that he dyssembled in his words yet commanded he the money and children to be delivered unto him: jest he should be the greater enemy against the people of Israel, and say: because he sent him not the money and the children, therefore is jonathas deed. So Simon sent him the children and an hundredth talentes, but he dyssembled, and would not let jonathas go. Afterwards came Triphon in to the land, to destroy it, & went round about by the way that leadeth unto Ador. But where so ever they went thither went Simon and his host also. Now they that were in the castle sent messengers unto Tryphon, that he should make haste to come by the wilderness and to send the vyttayles: And Triphon made ready all his horsemen to come that same night. Nevertheless it was a very great snow, so that he came not in Galaadithim. And when he drew nigh Baschama, jonathas & his sons are slain. he slew jonathas and his sons there and then turned for ●o go home in to his own land. Then sent Simon for to fet his brother's deed corpse, and buried it in Modin his father's city. So all Israel bewailed him with great lamentation, and mourned for him very long. And Simon made upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren a building high to look unto of free stone behind and before: and set up seven pyllers one against an other, for his father, his mother & four brethren, and set great pyllers round about, with arms upon them for a perpetual memory, and carved ships beside the arms: that they might be seen of men sailing in the see. This sepulchre which he made at Modin standeth yet unto this day. Now as Triphon went forth to walk with the young king Antiochus, Triphon. josep. capi ten libro xiii he slew him traitorously, and reigned in his stead, crowned himself king of Asia, and did much evil in the land. Simon also built up the castles in jewry, making them strong with high towers, great walls, ports and locks, & laid up vyttayles in the strong holds. And Simon chose certain men and sent them to king Demetrius: to desire him, that he would discharge the land from all bondage, for Triphon had spoiled it very sore. Where upon Demetrius the king answered him, and written unto him after this manner. Demetrius the king sendeth greeting unto Simon the high pressed his friend with the elders & people of the jews. The golden crown and precious stone that you sent unto us, have we received: and are ready to make a steadfast peace with you, yea and to write unto our officers, for to release you, concerning the things wherein we made you free: and the appointment that we make with you, shall be firm and stable. The strong holds which you have builded, shall be your own. As for any over sight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax that you aught us also. And where as was any other tribute in jerusalem, it shall now be no tribute: and look who are meet among you to be in our court, let them be written up, that there may be peace betwixt us. Thus the yoke of the Heathen was taken from Israel, in the hundredth three score and ten year. And the people of the jews began to write in their letters and acts on this manner. i Mat, xiiii. d In the first year of Simon the high priest, and prince of the jews. In those days went Simon unto Gaza, and besieged it round about, where he set up ordinance of war. And won a tower which he took. So they that got in to the tower leapt in the city, which was in a great fear: In so much that the people of the city rent their clotheses, and climbed up upon the walls with their wives and children, beseeching Simon to be at one with them: saying. O reward us not after our wickedness, but be gracious unto us, and we shall do the service. Then Simon for very pity, would fight no more against them, but put them out of the city, and caused the houses (wherein the Images were) to be cleansed: and so entered the city with Psalms of praise, giving thanks unto the Lord. So when he had cast all abominations out of the city, he set such men in it as kept the law of God and made the city strong, and builded a dwelling place for himself. Now when they in the castle of jerusalem were kept so straitly, that they could not come forth ne in to the country, & might neither buy ne cell: they were very hungry, and many of them famysshed to death: In so much that they besought Simon to be at one with them, which he granted them. So he put them out from thence, and cleansed the castle from filthiness. And upon the xxiii day of the second month in the hundredth lxxi year, they entered into it with thanks giving and branches of palm trees, with haps, crowds, cimbales, and lutes singing Psalms, and songs or praise unto God, for that the great enemy of Israel was overcome. And Simon ordained that the same day should be kept every year in gladness, and made strong the hill of the temple that was beside the castle, where he dwelt himself with his company. Simon also perceiving that john his son was a mighty man of arms, made him captain of all the hosts, and caused him to devil at Gaza. ¶ Demetrius is over come of Arsaces. Simon being captain there is a great quietness in Israel. The covenant of friendship with the Romans & with the people of Sparta is renewed. CAPI. XIIII. IN the. Clxxij. year gathered king Demetrius his host, and departed unto Media to get him help for to fight against Triphon. Now when Arsaces' the king of Persia & Media herd, that Demetrius was entered within his borders: he sent one of his princes to take him alive, and to bring him unto him. So he went and slew Demetrius host, took himself, Demetrius is taken. brought him to Arsaces which kept him inward. And all the land of juda was in rest, so long as Simon lived for he sought the wealth of his people, therefore were they glad to have him for their ruler and to do him worship alway. Simon won the city of joppa also for an haven town, and made it an entrance in to the Isles of the see. He enlarged the borders of his people, and conquered them more land: He gathered up many of their people that were prisoners he had the dominion of Gaza, Bethsura and the castle, which he cleansed from filthiness, and there was no man that resisted him: So that every man tilled his ground in peax, the land of juda and the trees gave their fruit and increase. The elders sat all in judgement, and took their device for the wealth of the land: the young men put on worship and harness upon them. He provided vyttayles for the cities, & made goodly strong holds of them: so that the fame of his worship was spoken of unto the end of the world. Levit xxvi ● iii Reg. ●iii. ● For he made peax thorough out the land, and Israel was full of mirth and joy. Every man sat under his vine & fig trees and there was no man to fray them away. There was none in the land to fight against them, for then the kings were overcome. He helped those that were in adversity amongs his people he was diligent to see the law kept: as for such as were ungodly & wicked he took them away. He set up the Sanctuary and increased the holy vessels of the temple. When the Romans and Sparcyan had got word that jonathas was deed, they were right sorry. But when they heard that Simon his brother was made high pressed in his stead, and how he had wone the land again with the cities in it: they written unto him in tables of latin, to renew the friendship and bond of love, which they had made afore with judas and jonathas his brethren. Which writings were read before the congregation at jerusalem. And this is the copy of the lettres, i Math. 〈…〉 d. and twelve. ● that the Sparcyan scent: The Senators and cytysyns of Sparta send greeting unto Simon the great priest with the elders, priests, & the other people of the jews their brethren: When your ambassadors that were sent unto our people, certified us of your worship, honour & prosperous wealth: we were glad of their coming, and have written the errand which they spoke before the counsel of the people: namely, that Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of jason, the jews ambassadors are come unto us, for to renew the old friendship with us. Upon this the people consented, that the men should be honourably entreated, and that the copy of their errand should be written in the special books of the people, for a perpetual memory unto the Sparcians: yea and that we should send a copy of the same unto Simon the great priest. After this did Simon send Numenius unto Rome, with a golden shield of a thousand pound weight to confirm the friendship with them: which when the Romans understood, they said: what thanks shall we recompense again unto Simon and his children? For he hath stablished his brethren, and overcome the enemies of Israel. Wherefore they granted him to be free. And all this written the jews in tables of latin, and nailed it unto the pyllers upon the mount Zion. The copy of the writing is this. The xviii day of the month Elul in the Clxxii. year, in the third year of Simon the high priest, in the great congreacyon of the priests, rulers of the people, and elders of the country at Asarame, were these words openly declared. For so much as there was much war in our land, therefore Simon the son of Mathathiab (come of the children of jareb) and his brethren, put themselves in peril, and resisted the enemies of their people: that their Sanctuary and law might be manteyned, and did their people great worship. jonathas in like manner, after that he had governed his people and been their high priest: died, and lieth buried beside his elders. After that would their enemies have trodden their holy things under foot, destroyed their land, and utterly wasted their Sanctuary. Then Simon withstood them, and fought for his people, spent much of his own money, weapened the valiant men of his people, gave them wages, made strong the cities of juda, with Bethsurah, that lieth upon the borders of jewrye (where the ordinance of their enemies lay sometime) and set jews there for to keep it. He made fast joppa also, which lieth upon the see, and Gaza that bordreth upon Azotus (where the enemies dwelt afore) and there he set jews to keep it: & what so ever was meet for the subduing of the adversaries, that laid he therein. Now when the people saw the noble acts of Simon, and what worship he purposed to do for them, his godly behaviour, and faithfulness which he kept unto them, and how he sought by all ways the wealth of his people, because he did all this, therefore they chose him to be their prince and high priest. And in his time they prospered well by him, so that the Heathen were taken out of their land and they also which were in the city of David at jerusalem in the castle (where they went out and defiled all things that were about the Sanctuary) and did great harm unto cleanliness, and Simon put men of the jews in it for the defence of the land and the city, & set up the walls of jerusalem. And king Demetrius confirmed him in his high priesthood, made him his friend, and did him great worship. For he heard that the Romans called the jews their friends lovers & brethren: how honourably they received Symons ambassadors: how the jews' and priests consented that he should be their prince & high pressed perpetually (till God raised up the true prophet) and that he should be their captain, to care for the Sanctuary, and to set officers upon the works thereof, over the land, over the weapons, over the houses of defence, to make provision for the holy things and to be obeyed of every man, & all the writings of the land to be made in his name: that he should be clothed in purple and gold, & that it should be lawful for none of the people nor priests to break any of these things, to withstand his words, ne to call any congregation in the land without him: that he should be clothed in purple, & wear a collar of gold. And if there were any which disobeyed or broke this ordinance that he should be punished. So all the people consented to allow Simon, and to do according to these words. Simon also himself took it upon him, and was content to be the high priest, the captain and prince of the jews and priests, and to govern them all. And they commanded to make this writing in tables of latin, and fasten it unto the compass of the Sanctuary in an open place: and to say up a copy of the same in the treasury, that Simon and his posterity might have it. ¶ Antiochus maketh a covenant of friendship with Simon, and Triphon is persecuted. The Romans write letres unto kings and nations in the defence of the jews. Antiochus refusing the help that Simon sent him, breaketh his covenant. CAPI. XU. moreover, king Antiochus the son of Demetrius sent letres from the Isles of the see, unto Simon the high priest and prince of the jews, and to all the people, containing these words: Antiochus the king sendeth greeting unto Simon the high priest and to the people of the jews. For so much as certain wicked men have got the kingdom of our progenytours, I am purposed to challenge the realm again and to restore it to the old estate. Wherefore I have gathered a great host and made ships of war: that I may go thorough the the country, & be avenged of them which have destroyed our land, and wasted many cities in my realm. And therefore now I make the fire also from all the trybutes, whereof all kings my progenytours have discharged thee, and from their customs (wherfrom they have released thee) what so ever they be: Yea I give the leave to coin money of thine own with in thy land. As for jerusalem, I will that it be holy and free: and all the weapons and houses of defence which thou hast builded and keepest in thine hands, shall be thine. Where as any thing is or shall be owing unto the king. I forgive it thee, from this time forth for evermore. And when we have obtained our kingdom, we shall do the, thy people, and the temple great worship, so that your honour shall be known thorough out the hole world. In the. Clxxiiii. year went Antiochus in to his father's land, and all the men of war came together unto him, so that few were left with Triphon. So the king Antiochus followed upon him, but he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the see side: for he saw that there was mischief coming unto him, and that his host had forsaken him. Then came Antiochus unto Dora with an hundredth and twenty thousand men of arms upon foot, and eight thousand horsemen. So he compassed the city round about, and the ships came by the see. Thus they vexed the city by land and by water, in so much that they suffered no man to go in nor out. i Mat xiiii d In the mean season came Numenius (and they that had been with him) from the city of Rome, having letters written unto the kings and provinces, wherein were contained these words: Lucius the Mayor of Rome sendeth greeting unto ptolemy the king. The ambassadors of the jews, our friends being sent from Simon the high priest and from the people of the jews, came unto us, for to renew the old friendship, and bond of love, and brought a shield of gold weying a thousand pound, which were content to receive of them. Wherefore we thought it good to write unto the kings and provinces, to do them no harm, nor to take part against them, their cities ne countries neither to maintain their enemies against them. If there be any wicked people therefore fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law. The same words written the Romans also unto Demetrius the king, to Attalus, Araba, Arsaces, and to all regions: as Samsanes, to them of Sparta, Delo, Mido, Sydon, Caria, Samos, Phamphilia, Licia, Alicarnassum, and to the Rhodes, to Faselis Coo, Syda, Arado, Gortina, Gnidum, to Cypress and to Cyren. And of every letter they sent a copy to Simon the high priest and to the people of the jews. So Antiochus the king brought his host unto Dora the second time, to take it: where he made divers ordinance of war, and kept Triphon in, that he should not come forth. Then sent Simon Antiochus two thousand choose men to help him with gold, silver and other plenteous gecr: Nevertheless he would not receive them but broke all the covenant which he made with Simon afore, & withdrew himself from him. He sent Athenobius also a friend of his unto Simon, for to reason with him saying: You withhold fro me joppa & Gaza (with the castle that is at jerusalem) which are cities of my realm, whose borders you have destroy and done great evil in the land, having the domination in many other places of my kingdom. Wherefore deliver now the cities which you have taken with the trybutes of the places that you have rule upon without the borders of jewrye: Or else give me u hundredth talentes of silver, yea and for the harm that you have done in the cities and for the trybutes of the same, other u C. talentes. If no, we shall come and fight against you. So Athenobius the kings friend came to jerusalem, and when he saw the great worship and honour of Simon in gold, silver, and so great plenty of ornaments: he marveled, and told Simon as the king commanded him. Then answered Simon and said unto him: As for us, judi xi ●. ● we have neither taken other men's land, ne withholden them, but only our father's heritage, which our enemies had unrightously in possession a certain tyme. This heritage, of our father have we challenged in process of tyme. And where as thou complainest concerning joppa and Gaza, they did great harm to our people and in our land yet will we give an hundredth talentes for them. Nevertheless Athenobius answered him not one word, but turned again wrothfully unto the king, and told him all these words, and the great dignity of Simon with all that he had seen, and the king was very angry. In the mean time fled Triphon by ship unto Orthosaida. Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the see cost & gave him an host of footmen and horsemen commanding him to remove the host toward jewrye, and to build up the city of Cedron, to make up the ports, and to war against the people of the jews. As for the king himself, he followed upon Tryphon. So Cendebeus came unto jamnia, and began to vex the people to tread down jewrye, to take the people prisoners, to slay them and to build up Cedron: where he set horsemen & other men of war, that they might come forth & go thorough the streets of jewry, like as the king had commanded him. ¶ Cendebeus the captain of Antiochus host is put to flight of the sons of Simon Ptolomeus the son of Abobus kyllet Simon and h●s ii sons at a banquet. john killeth them that lie in wait for his life. CAPI. XVI. THen came John up from Gaza, & told Simon his father what Cendebeus had done among their people. Upon this called Simon two of his elder sons, judas and John, and said unto them: I & my brethren and my father's house, have ever from our youth up unto this day, fought against the enemies of Israel, and God gave us good fortune to deliver Israel oft times. And now for so moche as I am old, be you in stead of me and my brother, to go forth and fight for our people, and the help of God be with you. So he chose twenty. M. fighting men of the country, with horsemen also which went forth against Cendebeus and rested at Modyn. In the morning they arose and went in to the plain field: and behold, a mighty great host came against them, both of footmen and horsemen. Now was there a water broken betwixt them, and John removed the host toward them. And when he see that the people was afraid to go over the water broken he went over first himself: and the men seeing this followed him. Then John set his horsemen & footmen in order the one by the other, for their enemies horsemen were very many. But when they blew up with the priests trumpets, Cendebeus fled with his host, whereof many were slain and the remnant got them to their strong hold. judas also Ihons' brother was wounded at the same time. And John followed still upon the enemies, till he came to Cedron which he builded. The enemies fled also unto the towers that was in the fields of Azotus, and those did John burn up. Thus there were slain two thousand men of them, & John turned again peaceably to Jewry. And in the field of jericho was Ptolemy the son of Abolus made capiteyn, which because he had abundance of silver and gold (for he had married the daughter of Simon the high priest) waxed proud in his mind, & thought to conquer the land, ymagining falsehood against Simon and his sons, to destoy them, Now as Simon was going about thorough the cities that were in the country of jury, and caring for them, he came down to jericho with Mathathiah & judas his sons, in the Clxxvii. year, in the xi month called Sabat. Then Ptolemy the son of Abobus received them (but with deceit) in to a strong house of his called Doch, which he had builded, where he made them a banquet. So when Simon & his sons were merry and had drunken well, Ptolemy stood up with his men (whom he had hid there) & took their weapons, entered in to the banquet house, & slay Simon with his two sons, Simon is slain. and certain of his servants. Such great unfaithfulness did Ptolemy in Israel, & recompensed evil for good. Then written this Ptolemy the same unto king Antiochus, requiring him that he should sand him an host to help him, and so should he deliver him the land, with the cities and tributes of the same. He sent other men also unto Gaza, for to take John: and written unto the captains to come to him, and he should give them silver, gold, and rewards. And to jerusalem he sent other to take it and the Sanctuary. Then ran there one before, & told John in Gaza, that his father & his brethren were slain, and how that Ptolemy had sent to slay him also. When John heard this, he was sore abashed, & laid hands of them that were come to destroy him, and slay them: for he known that they went about to kill him. As for other things concerning John: of his wars, of his noble acts (wherein he behaved himself manfully) of the building of walls which he made, and other of his deeds: they are written in the chronicles of his priesthood, from the time forth that he was made high priest after his father. ¶ The end of the first book of the Maccabees. THE II BOOK OF THE MACCABEES. ¶ An Epistle of the jews that dwelled at Jerusalem sent unto them which dwelled at Egypt, wherein they exhort them to give thanks for the death of Antiochus: Of the fire that was hid in the pit. The prayer of Nehemias. CAPI. I THe brethren of the jews which be at jerusalem, & in the land of jury, wish unto those brethren of the jews that are thorough out Egypt: good fortune health and peaxe. God the Lord be gracious unto you, & think upon his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac & jacob his faithful servants, and give you all such an heart, that you may love & serve him: yea & perform his will with an hole heart & a willing mind: He open your hearts in his law, and in his commandments, send you peax: hear your prayers, be at one with you, & never forsake you in time of trouble. This is here our prayer for you. What time as Demetrius reigned in the Clxix. year, we jews written unto you in the trouble and violence that came unto us. In those years after that jason departed out of the holy land and kingdom, they brent up the ports, & shed innocent blood. Then made we our prayer unto the Lord, and were herd: we offered and lighted the candles, setting forth cakes and breed, and now come you unto the feast of tabernacles in the month Casleu. In the. Clxxxviij. year the people that was at jerusalem and in jury, the counsel and judas himself, sent this wholesome salutation unto Aristobolus king Ptolomys master, which came of the generation of the anointed priests, and to the jews that were in egypt: In so much as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly, in that we resisted so mighty a king. And why? he brought men out of Persis by heaps to fight against us and the holy city. For as he was in Persis (namely the captain with the great host) he perished in the temple of Naneas, being deceived thorough the device of Naneas priests. For as he was purposed to have dwelt, there Antiochus and his friends came thither to receive moche money for a dowry. So when Naneas priests had laid forth the money, he entered with a small company in to the compass of the temple, and so they shut the temple. Now when Antiochus entered by opening the privy entrance of the temple, the priests stoned the captain to death, hewed them in pieces that were with him, smote of their heeds, and threw them out in all things, God be praised, which hath delivered the wicked in to our hands. Where as we now are purposed to keep the purification of the temple upon the xxv day of the month Casleu, we thought necessary to certify you thereof, that you also might keep the tabernacles feast day, and the day of the fire which was given us when Nehemiah offered after that he had set up the temple and the altar. For what time as our fathers were led away unto Pesis, the priests which them sought the honour of God, took the fire privily from the altar, & hid it in a valley, where as was a deep dry pit, and therein they kept it, because the place was unknown to every man. Now after many years when it pleased God that Nehemiah should be sent from the king of Persia, he sent the childers children of those priests (which had hid the fire) to seek it. And as they told us they found no fire, Levi vi a x. a xvi ● but thick water. Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it him, & the offerings with all. Now when the sacrifices were laid on and ordered, the priest Nehemiah commanded to sprynckle them and the would with the water. When this was done, and the time come that the sun shone which afore was hid in the cloud: there was a great fire kindled. In so much that every man marveled. Now all the priests prayed while the sacrifice was a making. jonathas prayed first, and the other gave answer. And Nehemias prayer was after this manner: O Lord God, maker of all things, the fearful and strong, thou righteous and merciful, thou that art only a gracious king, only liberal, only just, almighty and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, thou that hast choose the fathers and hallowed them: receiving the offering for the hole people of Israel, preserve thine own portion, and hallow it. Gather those together that are scattered abroad from us: deliver them that are under the Heathens bondage, look upon them which are despised and abhorred that the Heathen may know and see, how that thou art our God: Punish shen that oppress, Deuter. 〈…〉 and proudly put us to dishonour. Set thy people again in thy holy place, like as Moses hath spoken. And the priests song Psalms of thanksgiving, so long as the sacrifice endured. Now when the sacrifice was brent, Nehemiah commanded the great stones to be sprinkled with the residue of the water. Which when it was done, there was kindled a flame of them also: but it was consumed thorough the light that shined from the altar. So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that in the place where the priests which were led away, had hid fire, there appeared water in stead of fire, and t●●t Nehemias & his company had purified the sacrifices withal. Then the king considering and pondering the matter diligently, made him a temple to prove the thing that was done. And when he found it so in deed, he gave the priests many gifts, and divers rewards, yea he took them with his own hand and gave them. And Nehemias called the same place Nephthar, which is as much is say, as a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi. ¶ How jeremy hid the tabernacle, the ark, and the altar in the hill. Of the five books of jason contained in one. CAPI. II IT is found also in the writings of jeremy the peophet, 〈…〉 that he commanded them which were carried away to take fire, as it is said afore. 〈…〉 He commanded them also, that they should not forget the law and commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in their minds, 〈…〉 when they see images of silver and gold with their ornaments. These and such other things commanded he them, and exhorted them, that they should not let the law of God go out of their hearts. It is written also, how the prophet (at the commandment of God) charged them to take the tabernacle and the ark with them: and he went forth unto the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God. 〈◊〉. ●ii. a And when jeremy came there, he found an open cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, the ark, and the altar of incense, & so stopped the hole. There came certain men together also following him, to mark the place, but they could not find it. Which when jeremy perceived, he reproved them saying: As for that place it shall be unknown, until the time that God gather his people together again, and receive them unto mercy. 〈…〉 b Then shall God show them these things, and the majesty of the Lord shall appear and the cloud also, like as it was showed unto Moses, and like as when Solomon desired that the place might be sanctified, and it was showed him. For he being a wise man, handled honourably and wisely offering unto God in the hallowing of the temple when it was finisshed. And like as when Moses prayed unto the Lord the fire came down from heaven and consumed the burned offering: Even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down from heaven, 〈…〉. a and consumed the burntoffering. And Moses said: because the synoffring was not eaten, therefore it is consumed. In like manner Solomon kept the dedication, or hallowing, eight days. In the annotations and writings of φ jeremy were these things put also: 〈…〉 & how he made a library, and how he gathered out of all countries the books of the prophets, of David, the epistles of the kings, & of the presents, Even so judas also, look what he learned by experience of war, & such things as hath happened unto us, he gathered them all together, and so we have them by us. If you now desire to have the same, send some body to fetch them unto you. Where as you than are about to celebrated the purification, we have written unto you. Therefore you shall do well if you keep the same days. We hope also that the God (which delivered his people, & gave them all the heritage, duty xxx a kingdom priesthood & Sanctuary that he promised them in the law) shall shortly have mercy upon us, & gather us together from under the heaven in to his holy place: for he hath saved us from great perils, and hath cleansed the place. As concerning judas Machabeus and his brethren, the purification of the great temple, the dedication of the altar: yea & of the wars that concern noble Antiochus and Eupator his son, i Macha vi of the shyninges that came down from heaven upon those, which manfully defended the jews. For though they were but few, yet defended they the hole land, drove away the enemy's host, recovered again the temple that was spoken of thorough out all the world, delivered the city, doing their best that the law of the Lord which was put down might with all tranquillity be restored again unto the Lord that was so merciful unto them. As touching jason also of Cyren, we have undertaken compendiously to bring in to one book, the things that were comprehended of him in five. For we considering the multitude of the books, & how hard it should be for them that would meddle with stories & acts (and that because of so divers matters) have undertaken so to comprehend the stories that such as are disposed to read, might have pleasure and pastime therein: and that they which are diligent in such things, might the better think upon them: yea & that who so ever read them, might have profit thereby. Nevertheless, we ourselves that have meddled with this matter for the shortening of it, have taken no small labour, but great diligence, watchings & travail. Like as they that make a feast would fain do other men pleasure: Even so we also, for many men's sakes, are very well content to take the labour, where as we may shortly comprehend the things that other men have truly written. For he that buildeth an house anew, must provide for many things to the hole building: but he that painteth it afterward, seeketh but only what is comely, meet, and convenient to garnish it withal. Even so do we also in like manner, And why? He that beginneth to write a story for the first, must with his understanding gather the matter together, set his words in order, and diligently seek out of every part: But he that afterward will shorten it, useth few words, and toucheth not the matter at the largest. Let this be sufficient for a prologue, now will we begin to show the matter: for it is but a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself. ¶ Of the honour done unto the temple by the kings of the gentiles. Simon uttereth what treasure is in the temple. Heliodorus is sent to take them away. He is stricken of God, and healed at the prayer of Onias. CAPI. III WHat time as the holy city was inhabited in all peax and wealth, and when the laws were yet very well kept. (For so was it ordained by Onias the high priest, & other godly men that were enemies to wickedness. two. Mac i c ) It came thereto that even the kings and princes themselves did the place great worship, and garnisshed the temple with great gifts: In so much that Seleucus king of Asia, two. Math. four a of his own rents bore all the costs belonging to the service of the offerings. Then Simon of the tribe of BenIamin, a ruler of the temple, laboured to work some mischief in the city: but the high priest resisted him. two. Mach iii b Nevertheless when he might not overcome Onias, he got him to Appolonius the son of Thersa (which then was chief lord in Celosyria and Phenices) and told him that the treasury in jerusalem was full of innumerable money, & how that the commons goods, which belonged not unto the offerings, were exceeding great also: yea, and how it were possible that all these might come under the kings power. Now when Appolonius had showed the king of the money, as it was told him: the king called for Heliodorus his steward, and sent him with a commandment, to bring him the same money. Immediately Heliodorus took his journey, but under a colour, as though he would go thorough Celosyria and Phenices to visit the cities, but his purpose was to fullfyl the kings pleasure. So when he came to jerusalem, and was lovingly received of the high priest in to the city, he told what was determined concerning the money, and showed the cause of his coming: he asked also if it were so in deed. Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the upholding of widows and fatherless children, and how that a certain of it belonged unto Hyrcanus Tobias a noble man: and that of all the money (which that wicked Simon had bewrayed) there were four hundred talentes of silver, and two hundred of gold: yea, and that it were unpossible for those men's meaning to be deceived, that had laid up their money in the place and temple, which is had in worship thorough the hole world, for the maintenance and honour of the same. Whereunto Heliodorus answered, that the king had commanded him in any wise to bring him the money. So at the day appointed, Heliodorus entered in to the temple to order this matter. But there was no small fear throughout the hole city. The priests fell down before the altar in their vestiments, and called unto heaven upon him, which had made a law concerning stuff given to keep, Exo xxii ● that they should be safely preserved for such as commit them unto keeping. Then who so had looked the high priest in the face, it would have grieved his heart: For his countenance and the changing of his colour, declared the inward sorrow of his mind. The man was all in heaviness, and his body in fear: whereby they that looked upon him, might perceive the grief of his heart. The other people also came out of their houses by heaps unto the common prayer, because the place was like to come in to confusion. The women came together thorough the streets with heery clotheses about their breasts. The virgins also that were kept in, ran to Onias, some to the walls, other some looked out of the windows: yea, they all held up their hands toward heaven, and prayed. A miserable thing was it to look upon the common people, and the high priest being in such trouble. But they besought almighty God, that the goods which were committed unto them, might be kept hole for those that had delivered them unto their keeping. Nevertheless the thing that Heliodorus was determined to do, that performed he in the same place, he himself personally being about the treasury with his men of war. But the spirit of almighty God showed himself openly, so that all they which presumed to obey Heliodorus, fallen thorough the power of God in to a great fearfulness and dread. For there appeared unto them an horse, two. Mach 〈…〉 and xi b with a terrible man sitting upon him, decked in goodly array, and the horse smote at Heliodorus with his fore feet. Now he that sat upon the horse had harness of gold upon him. Moreover there appeared two fair & beautiful young men in goodly array, which stood by him, scourged him of both the sides, and gave him many stripes without ceasing. With that fell Heliodorus suddenly unto the ground. So they took him up, being compassed about with great darkness, and bore him out upon a bear. two. Mach. v● Thus he that came with so many runners and men of war in to the said treasury was born out, where as no man might help him: and so the power of God was manifest and known. He lay still dumb also by the power of God, destitute of all hope & life. And they praised the Lord that he had showed his power upon his place and temple which a little afore was full of fear & trouble: and that thorough the revelation of the almighty Lord, it was filled with joy and gladness. Then certain of Heliodorus friends prayed Onias, that in all haste he would call upon God, to grant him his life, which was giving up the ghost. So the high priest considered the matter, and jest the king should suspect that the jews had done Heliodorus some evil, he offered an healtheoffering for him. Now when the high priest had obtained his petition, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying: Thank Onias the high priest, for, 〈◊〉 ●ii c for his sake hath the Lord granted the thy life: therefore seeing that God hath scourged thee, give him praise and thanks, & show every man his might and power. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more. So Heliodorus offered unto God, made great vows unto him which had granted him his life, thanked Onias, took his host, & went again to the king. Then testified he unto every man of the great works of God that he had seen with his eyes. And when the king asked Heliodorus who were meet to be sent yet once again to jerusalem, he said: if thou hast any enemy or adversary unto thy realm, sand him thither, and thou shalt have him punished, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is a special power and working of God. For he that dwelleth in heaven, visiteth and defendeth that place: & all that come to do it harm, he punissheth and and plageth them. This is now the matter concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury at jerusalem. ¶ Simon reporteth evil of Onias. jason desiring the office of the high priest, corrupteth the king with rewards. The wicked intent of jason. CAPI. FOUR THis Simon now, of whom we spoke afore, 〈…〉 being a bewrayer of the money, & of his own natural country, reported the worst of Onias, as though he had moved Heliodorus unto this, and as though he had been a bringer up of evil. Thus was he not ashamed to call him an enemy of the realm that was so faithful an overseer and defender of the city and of his people: yea, and so fervent in the law of God. But when the malice of Simon increased so far, that thorough his friends there were certain manslaughters commyted: Onias considered the peril that might come thorough this strife, and how that Appolonius (namely the chief lord in Celociria and Phenices) was all set upon tyranny, & Simons malice increased the same: He got him to the king, not as an accuser of the citizens, but as one that by himself intended the common wealth of the hole multitude. For he see it was not possible to live in peax, neither Simon to leave of from his foolishness except the king did look thereto. But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus (which is called the noble) took the kingdom: jason the brother of Onias laboured to be high priest: For he came unto the king, and promised him three hundred and lx talentes of silver, and of the other rents lxxx talentes. Besides this, he promised him yet an. C. and l if he might have the school of the children, and that he might call them of jerusalem Antiochians. Which when the king had granted and he had got the superiority, he began immediately to draw his kinsmen to the custom of the Heathen, put down the things that the jews had set up of love, by john the father of Eupolemius, which was sent ambassador unto Rome, for to make the bond of friendship & love. He put down all the jews and Lybertyes of the jews, and set up the wicked statutes. He durst make a fighting school under the castle, & set fair young men to learn the manners of hoores and brodelles. This was now the beginning of the Heathenish and strange conversation, brought in thorough the ungracious and unherd wickedness of jason, which should not be called a priest but an ungodly person. In so much that the priests were now no more occupied about the service of the altar, but despised the temple, regarded not the offerings: yea gave their diligence to learn to fight, to wrestle to leap, to dance, and to put at the stone: not setting by the honour of the fathers, but liked the glory of the Greeks best of all: for the which they strove perlously, & were greedy to follow their statutis: yea their lust was in all things to be like them, which afore were their enemies and destroyers. How he it to do wickedly against the law of God, shall not escape unpunished: but of this we shall speak hereafter. What time as the Olympiades' sports were played at Tyrus (the king himself being present) this ungracious jason sent wicked men, bearing from them of jerusalem, which now were called Antiochians, three. C drachmas of silver for an offering to Hercules. These had they that carried them desired under such a fashion, as though they should not have be offered, but bestowed to other uses. Nevertheless he that sent them, sent than to the intent that they should be offered unto Hercules. But because of those that were present, they were given as to the making of ships. And Appolonius the son of Nesteus was sent in to egypt, because of the noble men of king Ptolemy Philometor. Now when Antiochus perceived that he was put out from meddling in the realm, he sought his own profit, departed from thence, came to joppa, and then to jerusalem: where he was honourably received of jason, and the city, and was brought in with torch light & with great praise, and so he turned his host unto Phenices. After three year jason sent Menelaus, the foresaid Simon'S brother, two. Mac four d to bear the money unto the king, and to bring him answer of other necessary matters. But he (when he was praised of the king for magnifying of his power) turned the priesthood unto himself, laying up three hundred talentes of silver for jason. So when he had got commandments from the king, he came having nothing that becometh a priest, but bearing the stomach of a cruel tyrant, & the wrath of a wild brute be'st. Then jason, which had deceived his own brother, seeing that he himself was beguiled also, was fain to flee in to the land of the Ammonites, and Menelaus got the dominion. But as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he did nothing therein, when Sostratus the ruler of the castle required it of him. For Sostratus was the man that gathered the customs: wherefore they were both called before the king: Thus was Menelaus put out of the priesthood, & Lysimachus his brother came in his stead. Sostratus also was made lord of the Cyprians. It happened in the mean season, that the Tharsians and Mallocians made insurrection, because they were given for a present unto king Antiochus' concubine. Then came the king in all the haste to still them again, and to pacify the matter, leaving Andronicus there to be his deputy as one meet therefore. Now Menelaus supposing that he had got a right convenient time, stolen certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave them to Andronicus for a present: and some he sold at Tyrus, and in the cities thereby. Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, but he kept him in a Sanctuary beside Daphnis that lieth by Antioch. Wherefore Menelaus got him to Andronicus, and prayed him that he would slay Onias. So when he came to Onias, he counseyled him craftily to come out of the Sanctuary, giving him his hand with an oath (how be it he suspect him) and then he slew Onias, without any regard of righteousness. Onias is slain. For the which cause not only the jews, but other nations also took indignation, and were displeased for the unryghtous death of so godly a man. And when the king was come again from Cilicia, the jews and certain of the Greeks went unto him, complaining for the unrighteous death of Onias. Yea Antiochus himself was sorry in his mind for Onias, so that it pitied him, and he wept, remembering his soberness & mannerly behaviour. Wherefore he was so kindled in his mind, that he commanded Andronicus to be stripped out of his pure clothing, and so to be led thorough out all the city: yea and the ungracious man to be slain in the same place where he committed his wickedness upon Onias. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved. Now when Lysimachus had done many wicked deeds in the temple, thorough the counsel of Menelaus, and the voice came abroad: the multitude gathered them together against Lysimachus, for he had carried out now moche gold. So when the people arose and were full of displeasure, Lysimachus armed three. M. unthrifts to defend him, a certain tyrant being their captain, which was grown both in age and wodnesse. But when the people understood the purpose of Lysimachus, some got stones, some good strong clubs, & some cast ashes upon Lysimachus. Thus there were many of the wounded, some being slain, and all the other chased away. But as for the wicked church robber himself, they killed him beside the treasury. Of these matters therefore there was kept a court against Menelaus. Now when the king came to Tirus, they made a complaint unto him of Menelaus concernyage this business, and the ambassadors were there. But Menelaus went & promised Ptolemy to give him much money, if he would persuade the king. So Ptolemy went to the king in to a court (where as he was set to cool him) & brought him out of that mind. In so much that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, that not with standing was cause of all mischif: and those poor men, which if they had told their cause: yea before the Scythians they should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death. Thus were they soon punished, which followed upon the matter for the city, for the people, and for the holy vessel. Wherefore they of Tyrus took indignation, and buried them honourably. And so thorough the covetousness of them that were in power, Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice to the hurt of the citezyns. ¶ Of the signs and tokens seen in jerusalem Of the end and offence of jason. The pursuit of Antiochus against the jews. The spoiling of the temple. CAPI. V AT the same time Antiochus made him ready to go again in to egypt. Then were there seen at jerusalem forty days long, horsemen running to and fro in the air, which had raiment of gold and spears. There were seen also hold hosts of men, weaponed, and horses running in an order, how they came together, how they held forth their shyldes, how they harnessed men drew out their swords and shot their darts. The shine of the golden weapons was seen, and of all manner of armure. Wherefore every man prayed that those tokens might turn to good. Now when there was go forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been deed: jason took a. M. men, and came suddenly upon the city. The citizens ran unto the walls, at the last was the city taken, & Menelaus fled in to the castle. As for jason he spared not his own citezyns in the slaughter, neither considered he what great evil it were to destroy the prosperity of his own kinsmen, but did as one that had got the victory of his enemies, and not of his friends. For all this gate he not the superiority, but at the last received confusion for his malice, two. Mach iiii ● and fled again like a vacabounde, in to the land of the Ammonites. Finally, for a reward of their wickedness he was accused before Aretha the king of the Arabians: In so much that he was fain to i'll from city to city, being despised of every man as a forsaker of the laws, and an abominable person. And at the last (as an open enemy of his own natural country and of the citezyns) he was driven in to Egypt. Thus he that afore put many out of their own native land, perished from home himself. He went to Lacedaemon, thinking there to have got succour by reason of kindred. And he that afore had casten many one out unburied, was thrown out himself, no man mourning for him, ne putting him in his grave: so that he neither enjoyed the burial of a stranger, neither was he partaker of his father's sepulchre. Now when this was done, the king suspect that the jews would have fallen from him: wherefore he came in a great displeasure out of Egypt, and took the city by violence. He commanded his men of war also, that they should kill & not spare, but slay down such as withstood them, or climbed up upon the houses. Thus was there a great slaughter of young men, old men, women, children and virgins. In three days were there slain lxxx M. forty thousand put in preson, and no less sold. Yet was he not content with this, but dared go in to the most holy temple (Menelaus that traitor to the laws and to his own natural country, being his guide) and with his wicked hands took the vessel, which other kings and cities had given thither for the garnishing and honour of the place: them took he in his hands unworthily, and defiled them. So mad was Antiochus, that he considered not, how that God was a little wrath for the sins of them that dwelled in the city, for the which, such confusion came upon that place. And why? if it had not happened them to have been lapped in many sins (this Antiochus as soon as he had come) had suddenly been punished, and shot out for his prsumption, like as Helyodorus was, 〈…〉. d whom Seleucus the king sent to rob the treasury. Nevertheless, ☞ God hath not choose the people for the places sake, but the place for the people's sake: and therefore is the place become partaker of the people's trouble, but afterward shall it enjoy the wealth of them. And like as it is now forsaken in the wrath of almighty God, so when the great God is reconciled, it shall be set up in high worship again. So when Antiochus had taken a. M. and viii. C. talentes out of the temple, he got him to Antioch in all the haste, thinking in his pride, that he might make men sail upon the dry land, and to go upon the see, such an high mind had he. He left deputies there to vex the people: At Jerusalem left he Philip a Phrygian, in manners more cruel than himself that set him there: At Garysim he left Andronicus and Menelaus, which were more grievous to the cytezyns than other. Now as he was thus set in malice against the Jews▪ he sent Appolonis an hated prince, with xxii M. commanding him to slay all those that were of perfect age, and to sell the women, maidens, and children. When he came now to jerusalem, he feigned peax, and kept him still until the Sabbath day. And then he commanded his men to take them to their weapons (for the jews kept holy day) and so he slew all them that were go forth to the open play, running here and there thorough the city with his men weaponed, and murdered a great number. But judas Machabeus which was the tenth, fled into the wilderness, led his life there with his company among the wild beasts and upon the mountains dwelling there, and eating grass, least they should be partakers of the filthiness. ¶ The jews are compelled to leave the law of God. The temple is defiled. The readers are monysshed that they shall not abhor the adversity wherewith the Lord afflicteth them. The grievous pain of Eleazarus. CAPI. VI NOt long after this, sent the king a messenger of Antioch, for to compel the jews to altar the ordinances of the fathers and the law of God, to defile the temple that was at jerusalem, and to call it the temple of jupiter Olympus: and that they should be in Gazarim, as those which devil at the place of jupiter the herberous. This wicked sedition of the ungodly was heavy upon all the people: for the temple was full of voluptuousness, bibbing and boulling of the heathen, of rybaudes and harlots together. The women went in to the holy place, and bore in that was not lawful. The altar also was full of unlawful things which the law forbiddeth to say upon it. The Sabbothes were not kept, the other solemn feasts of the land were not regarded. To be plain, there durst no man be acknown that he was a jewe. In the day of the kings birth they were compelled perforce to offer: & when the feast of Bacchus was kept, they were constrained to were garlands of ivy and so to go about for the honour of Bacchus. Moreover thorough the council of Ptolemy, there went out a commandment in the next cities of the heathen that they should entreat the jews in like manner: namely to compel them for to do sacrifice after the laws of the Gentiles & who so would not, to put them to death. A piteous thing was it to see. There were two women accused to have circumciced their sons, whom when they had led round about the city (the babes hanging at their breasts) they cast them down hedlynges over the walls. Some that were crept in to the dennꝭ & had kept the Sabbath, were accused unto Philip, & brent in the fire: because that for the fear of God they kept the commandment so stiffly & would not defend themselves. Now I beseech all those which read this book that they refuse it not for these falls of adversity: & judge the things (that are happened) for no destruction, but for a chastening of our people. And why? When God suffereth not sinners long to follow their own mind, but shortly punyssheth them, it is a token of his great loving kindness. Proverb iii b For this grace have we of God more than other people, that he suffereth not us long to sin unpunished like other nations, that when the day of judgement cometh, he may punish them in the fullness of their sins. If we sin, he correcteth us, but he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people. But let this that we have spoken now with few words, be for a warning and exhortation of the Heathen. Eleazar. Now will we come to the declaring of the matter. Eleazar one of the principal scribes, an aged man and of a well-favoured countenance, was constrained to gape with open mouth, and to eat swines flesh. Leviti xl a But he desiring rather to die gloriously then to live with shame, offered himself willingly to the martyrdom. Now when he saw that he must needs go to it, he took it patiently: for he was at a point with himself, that he would consent to no unlawful thing for any pleasure of life. They that stood by being moved with pity (but not aright) for the old friendship of the man, took him aside privily, and prayed him that he would let such flesh be brought him as were lawful to eat, and then to make a countenance as though he had eaten of the flesh of the sacrifice like as the king commanded, for so he might be delivered from death: and so for the old friendship of the man, they showed him this kindness. But he began to consider his discrete and honourable age, his noble and worshipful stock, and how that from his youth up he had been of an honest and good conversation: yea and how constantly he had kept the ordinances and laws commanded by God, wherefore he gave them this answer, and said: i Tessa v c Yet had I rather first be laid in my grave. For it becometh not mine age (said he) in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young people might think, that Eleazar being. lxxxx. year old, were go to a strange life: and so thorough mine hypocrisy (for a little time of a transitory life) they might be deceived: by this means also should I defile mine age, and make it abominable. For though I were now delivered from the torments of men, yet should I not escape the hand of almighty God, neither alive ne deed. Wherefore I will die manfully, and do as it becometh mine age: Whereby I may peradventure leave an example of steadfastness for such as be young, if I with a ready mind and manfully die an honest death, for the most worthy and holy laws. When he had said these words, immediately he was drawn to the torment. Now they that led him and were mild a little afore began to take displeasure because of the words that he said: for they thought he had spoken them of an high mind. But when he was in his martyrdom, he mourned & said: Thou O Lord, which hast the holy knowledge, knowest openly: that where as I might be delivered from death, I suffer these sore pains of my body: but in my mind I am well content to suffer them, because I fear the. Thus this man died, leaving the memorial of his death for an example not only unto young men, but unto all the people, to be steadfast and manly. ¶ The punishment of the vii brethren & of their mother. CAPI. VII. IT happened also that there were seven brethren (with their mother) taken & compelled by the king against the law to eat swines flesh: Gen xi. a levit xi a namely with scourges & leathern whyppes. And one of them which was the chief, said: What seekest thou, and what crequyrest thou of us? As for us, we are ready rather to suffer death, then to offend the laws of God & the fathers. Then was the king angry, and bad heat cauldrons & brazen pots. Which whenn they were made hot, immediately he commanded the tongue of him that spoke first to be cut out, to pull the skin over his head to pair of the edges of his hands and seat: yea & that in the sight of his mother and the other of his brethren. Now when he was clean marred, he comannded a fire to be made, & so (while there was any breath in him) to be fried in the cauldron In the which when he had been long pained, the other brethren with their mother exhorted him to die manfully, saying: The Lord God shall regard the truth, Deut. xxxii ● and comfort us, like as Moses testyfyeth and declareth in his song, saying: and he will have compassion on his servants. So when the first was deed after this manner, they brought the second to have him in derision, pulled the skin with the here over his heed, and asked him, if he would eat swines flesh, or he were pained in the other membres also thorough out his body. But he answered boldly, and said: I will not do it. And so was he tormented like as the first & when he was even at the giving up the ghost he said: Thou most ungracious person puttest us now to death, but the king of the world shall raise us up (which die for his laws) in the resurrection of everlasting life. After him, was the third had in derision: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully, and spoke with a steadfast faith: These have I of heaven, but now for the law of God I despise them, for my trust is, that I shall receive them of him again. In so much that the king & they which were with him, marveled at the young man's boldness, that he nothing regarded the pains. Now when he was deed also, they vexed the fourth with torments in like manner. So when he was now at his death, he said: john u ● It is better that we being put to death of men have our hope and trust in God, for he shall raise us up again. As for that, thou shalt have no resurrection to life. And when they had spoken to the fifth, they tormented him. Then looked he unto the king, and said: thou hast power among men, for thou art a mortal man also thyself, to do what thou will't, but think not, that God hath forsaken our generation. Abide thee, tarry still a while, and thou shalt see the great power of God, how he will punish the and thy seed. After him they brought the sixth, which being at the point of death, said: Be not deceived (O king) for this we suffer for our own sakes, because we have offended our God, and therefore marvelous things are showed upon us. But think not thou, which takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished. This excellent mother (worthy to be well reported of, and had in remembrance) saw her seven sons die in one day, and suffered it patiently, because of the hope that she had in God: yea she exhorted every one of them in especial, and that boldly and steadfastly with perfit wisdom, waking up her wyvysshe thought with a manly stomach, and said unto them: I can not tell how you came in my womb, for I neither gave you breath ne soul, not nor life. It is not I that joined the membres of your bodies together, but the maker of the world, which fashyoned the birth of man, and began all things. Even he also of his own mercy shall give you breath and life again, like as you now regard not your own selves for his sake. Now thought Antiochus that she had despised him, therefore he let her go with her reproves, and began to exhort the youngest son (which yet was left) not only with words, but sworn unto him with an oath, that he should make him a rich and welthtye man if he would forsake the laws of his fathers: yea and that he should give him: what soever were necessary for him. But when the young man would not be moved for all these things, he called his mother, and counseled her to save her sons life. And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she should speak unto her son. So she turned her unto him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn: and spoke with a bold voice: O my son, have pity upon me that bore the ix months in my womb, that gave the suck, norisshed the and brought the up unto this age. I beseech thee (my son) look upon heaven and earth and all that is therein, and consider, that God made them and man's generation of naught: so shalt thou not fear this hangman, but suffer death steadfastly, like as thy brethren have done: that I may receive the again in the same mercy with thy brethren. While she was yet speaking these words the young man said: Whom look you for? Wherefore do you tarry? I will not obey the kings commandment, but the law that God gave us by Moses. 〈◊〉 two. a As for the that ymagynest all mischief against the jews, thou shalt not escape the hand of God, for we suffer these things, because of our sins. And though God be angry with us a little while (for our chastening and reformation) yet shall he be at one again with his servants. But thou. O shameful and most abominable person. Pride not thyself thorough vain hope, in being so malicious upon the servants of God: for thou hast not yet escaped the judgement of the God which is almighty and seethe all things. My brethren that have suffered a little pain are now under the covenant of everlasting life: but thorough the judgement of God, thou shalt be punished ryghtouslye for thy pride. As for me, like as my brethren have done, I offer my soul and my body for the laws of our fathers, calling upon God, that he will soon be merciful unto our people yea and with pain and punishment to make the grant, that he only is God. two. Macha ii e In me now and in my brethren the wrath of almighty God is at an end, which ryghtouslye is fallen upon all our people. Then the king being kindled in anger was more cruel upon him then upon all the other, and took indignation, that he was so lightly regarded. So this young man died undefiled, and put his trust still in the Lord. last of all after the sons, was the mother put to death also. Let this now be enough spoken concerning the offerings, and extreme cruelness. ¶ judas gathereth together his host. Nycanor is sent against judas. judas exhorteth his soldiers to constauntnes. Nicanor is overcome. The jews give thanks after they have put their enemies to flight, dividing the spoils unto the fatherless and unto the widows. Nicanor tlyeth unto Antiochus. CAPI. VIII. THen judas Machabeus and they that were with him, went privily in to the towns called their kynsfolkes and friends together, took unto them all such as continued yet in the faith and law of the jews & brought forth vi thousand men. So they called upon the Lord, that he would have an eye unto his people: which was trodden down of every man: to be gracious unto the temple, that was defiled of the ungodly to have compassion upon the destruction of the city which was shortly like to be laid waste: to hear the voice of the blood that cried unto him: to remember the most unryghtous deaths of young innocent children the blasphemies also done unto his name, and to punish them. Now when Machabeus had gathered this multitude together, i Macha ii ● he was to mighty for the heathen, for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy, he fallen upon the towns and cities at unwares, brent them took the most commodious places, and slew many of the enemies. But specially he made such chases by night in so much that his manliness was spoken of every where. So when Philip see that the man increased by little and little, and that the matter prospered with him for the most part: he written unto Ptolemy (which was a captain in Celosyria and Phenices) to help him in the kings business. Then sent he Nicanor Patrocly (a special friend of his) in all the haste, and gave him the common sort of the Heathen no less than twenty M. harnessed men, to rote out the hole generation of the jews, having to help him one Gorgias a man of war, which in matters concerning battles had great experience. Nycanor ordained also the tribute (which the Romans should have had) to be given unto the king, out of the captivity of the jews, namely, ij. M. talents. And immediately he sent to the cities of the see coost, requiring them for to buy jews to be their saruauntes and bond men, promising to cell them. ixxxx. for one talent, but he considered not the wrath of almighty God, that was come upon him. When judas known of this, he told the jews that were with him of Nicanors coming. Now were there some of them fearful, not trusting unto the righteousness of God and fled their way. But the other that remained, came together and besought the Lord, to deliver them from that wicked Nicanor, which had sold them or ever he come nigh them: and thought he would not do it for their sakes, yet for the covenant that he made with their fathers, and because they called upon his holy and glorious name. And so Machabeus called his men together, namely about six thousand, exhorting them not to agreed unto their enemies, neither to be afraid for the multitude of their adversaries coming against them unrighteously: duty twenty a two. Para .xx c but to fight manly, considering the reproof that they had done unto the holy place without cause, how they had despised and oppressed the city, yea and destroyed the laws of the fathers. For they said he, trust in their weapons and boldness, but our confidence is in the almighty Lord, which in the twinkling of an eye may both destroy them that come against us, jerem xvii b Psalm twenty b and all the world. He exhorted them also to call to remembrance, the help that God showed unto their fathers: as when there perished an hundredth four score and five thousand of Sennacheribs' people: iiii. Reg. xix g Esay xxxvii. f i Mach vii c And of the battle that they had in Babylon against the Galacyan: how that all the Macedonyans that came to help them, stood in fear: and how they being but only two. M. flew an hundredth and twenty thousand, thorough the help that was given them from heaven, whereby they also had received many benefits. Thorough these words, the men took good hearts unto them, ready to die for the law and the country. So he set upon every company a captain, one of his own brethren: Simon, joseph and jonathas: giving each fifteen hundredth men. He caused Esdras also to read the holy book unto them, & to give them a token of the help of God. Then he himself being captain in the fore front of the battle, buckled with Nicanor. i Mac four ● And God was their help, in so much that they slay above ix M. men, & compelled the more part of Nicanors host to flee, they were so wounded and feeble. Thus they took the money from those that came to buy them. & followed upon them on every side. But when the time came upon them they returned, for it was the Sabbath, and therefore they followed no more upon them. So they took their weapons and spoils and kept the Sabbath giving thanks unto the Lord which had delivered them that day, and showed them his mercy. Nun xxi i Re. xxx e duty twenty b After the Sabbath they destrybuted the spoils to the sick, to the fatherless and to widows, and the residue had they themselves with there's. When this was done and they all had made a general prayer: they besought the merciful Lord to be at one with his servants. Of those also that were with Timotheus and Bachides, which taught against them they slay twenty M. wan high and strong holds, and divided more spoils: Nun xxxi. d Deut. twenty b i Regum xxx ● ever giving an equal portion unto the sick, to the fatherless to widows and to aged people. And when they had diligently gathered their weapons together, they laid them all in convenient places & the remnant of the spoils brought they to jerusalem. They flew Phylarches that wicked person, which was with Tymotheus, and had vexed many jews. And when they held the thanksgiving at jerusalem for the victory, they brent those that had set fire on the ports of the temple: namely Calisthenes, which was fled in to an house and so they got a worthy reward for their wickedness. As for that most ungracious Nicanor, Nicanor ●●●eth. which had brought a thousand merchants, to by the jews, he was thorough the help of the Lord brought down even of them whom he regarded not: in so much that he put of his glorious raiment fled by see and came alone to Antioch, with great shame and dishonour, which he got thorough the destruction of his host. Thus he that promised the Romans to pay them their tribute, when he took jerusalem: began now to say plainly, that God was the defender of the jews, and therefore not posyble to wound them because they followed the laws which God had made. ¶ Antiochus willing to spoil Persepolis is driven to flight. As he persecuteth the jews, he is stricken of the Lord. The feigned repentance of Antiochus. He dieth. CAPI. IX. AT the same time came Antiochus again with dishonour out of Persis. i Mat vi For when he came to Persepolis, and undertook to rob the temple & to subdue the city, the people ran together and defended themselves, in so much that he and his were fain to i'll with shame. And so after the flight, it happened, that Antiochus came again with dishonour. But when he came to Egbathana, he got knowledge what was happened unto Nycanor and Tymotheus. Now as he was advancing himself in his wrath, he thought he was able to avenge the injury that was done to them upon the jews: and therefore commanded to make ready his charet, hasting on his journey without ceasing, the judgement of God provoking him, by cause he had spoken so proudly, that he would come to jerusalem, and make it a grave of the jews. But the Lord God of Israel, that saith all things, 〈◊〉 b smote him with an invisible plague, which no man could heal. For as soon as he had spoken these words, there came upon him an horrible pain of his bowels, & a sore grief of the tharmes. And that was but right: for he had martyred other men's bowels with divers and strange torments, 〈◊〉 how be it, he would in no wise cease from his malice. Yea he was yet the prouder and more malicious against the jews: But while he was commanding to make haste in the matter, it happened that he fallen down vyolentlye from the charet, so that it bruised his body, and did him great pain. And so he that thought he might command the floods of the see (so proud was he beyond the condition of man) and to weigh the high mountains in a pair of scales, was now brought down to the ground, and carried upon an horslytter, knowledging the manifest power of God upon him: so that the wicked body of his was full of worms, which in his pain fallen quick out of his flesh: In so much that his host was grieved with the smell and stink of him. Thus he that a little afore thought he might reach to the starts of heaven, him might no man now abide ne bear, for the vehemence of stink. Therefore he being brought from his great pride, began for to come to the knowledge of himself: for the punishment of God warned him, and his pain increased ever more and more. And when he himself might not abide his own stink, he said these words: It is reason to be obedient unto God, and that a man desire not to be like unto him. This wicked person prayed also unto the Lord, of whom he should have obtained no mercy. And as for the city that he came unto so hastily, to bring it down to the ground, and to make it a grave for deed men: now he desireth to deliver it free. And as touching the jews whom he had judged not worthy to be buried, but would have cast them out to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, saying: that he would have destroyed both old and young: Now he promiseth, to make them like the cytezins of Athens. And where as he had spoiled the holy temple afore, now he maketh promise to garnish it with great gifts, to increase the holy ornaments, and of his own rents to bear the costs, and charges belonging to the offerings: yea and that he would also become a jew himself, to go thorough every place of the world and to preach the power of God. But when his pains would not cease, (for the righteous judgement of God was come upon him) out of a very despair he written unto the jews a letre of intercession containing these words: The king and prince Antiochus wisheth unto the virtuous citizens of the jews, moche health & good prosperity. If you and your children far well, and if all things go after your mind: we give great thanks. In my sickness also do I remember you lovingly: for as I came out of Persia, and was taken with sore disease: I thought it necessary to care for the comen wealth. Neither despair I in myself, but have a good hope to escape this sickness. But considering that my father led an host sometime in the higher places, and showed who should reign after him, that (if there happened any controversy, or any hard thing were declared) they in the land might know their chief lord, that there should be no insurrection: Again, when I ponder by myself, how that all the mighty men and neighbours round about, are laying wait and look but for oportunytye to do harm: I have ordained that my son Antiochus shall reign after me whom I often commended to many of you, when I was in the higher kingdoms, and have written unto him as it followeth hereafter. Therefore I pray you and require you, to remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally and in especial. For I hope that he shall be of sober and loving behaviour, and if he follow my device, he shall be indifferent unto you. Thus that murderer and blasphemer of God was sore smitten: Daniel viii ● and like as he had entreated other men, so he died a miserable death in a strange country upon a mountain. And his body did Phylyp (that went with him) carry away: which fearing the son of Antiochus, went in to egypt to Ptolemy Philometor. ¶ judas Machabeus taketh the city and the temple. He beginneth to show the acts of Eupator. The jews fight against the Idumeans, Tymotheus invadeth jewrye, with whom judas joineth battle five men appear in the air to the help of the jews. Tymothy is slain. CAPI. X. MAchabeus now and his company (thorough the help of the Lord) won the temple and the city again, i Mach four e destroyed the altars and chapelles that the Heathen had builded thorough the stret●s: cleansed the temple, Exo twenty d made an other altar of bryck stone & after two years they offered sacrifices, set forth the incense, the lights and shewebred. When that was done, they fallen down flat upon the ground, and besought the Lord that they might come no more in to such trouble: but if they sinned any more against him, he himself to chasten them with mercy, and not to come in the hands of those aleauntes and blasphemous men. Now upon the same day that the strangers polluted the temple, it happened that on the very same day it was cleansed again: namely, the two and twenty day of the month called Casleu. They kept right days in gladness, i Mach four f like as in the feast of the tabernacles: remembering that not long afore, they held the feast of the tabernacles upon the mountains and in dens like beasts. And to the same token they bore green bows, branches and palms before him that had given them good fortune to cleanse his place. They agreed also together, and made a statute, that every year those days should be solemnly kept of all the people of the jews. How Antiochus then (that was called the noble) died, it is suffycietly told. Now will we speak of Nicanor the son of that wicked Antiochus, how it happened with him: and so with few words to comprehend the adversity that chanced in the wars. When he had taken in the kingdom, he made one Lysias (which had been captain of the host in Phenices and Syria) ruler over the matters of the realm. For Ptolemy that was called Macron, being a ruler for the jews, and specially, to sit in judgement for such wrong as was done unto them, undertook to deal peaceably with them. For the which cause he was accused of the friends before Eupator: and when he was suspect to be a traitor (because he had left Cypress, that Philometor had committed unto him: and because he departed from noble Antiochus, that he was come unto (he poisoned himself, and died. Now when Gorgias was governor of the same places, he took strangers and under took oft times to war with the jews. Moreover the Idumeans that held the strong holds, i Macha u a received those that were driven from jerusalem, and took in hand to war also. But they that were with Machabeus, besought and prayed unto the Lord, that he would be their helper: and so they fallen in to the strong hold of the Idumeans, and wan many places by strength: Such as came against them they slay, and killed no less (of all together) then twenty thousand. Nevertheless some, no less than nine thousand, were fled in to two strong towers, having all manner of ordinance to withstand them. Then Machabeus leaving Simon, josephus, Zachaus and those that were with them (which were very many) went to besiege them, and to fight where need was. Now they that were with Simon being led with covetousness, were entreated for money, thorough certain of these that lay in the towers: took lxx M. Drachmas, and let some of them escape. But when it was told Machabeus what had happened, he called the captains of the people together accusing those personnes, Severitis of judas. that they had sold the brethren for money, and let their enemies go. So he slay those traytoures, and immediately went in hand with the two towers. And when they had ordered themselves manly with their weapons & hands, they slew in the two castles more than twenty. M. Now Tymotheus whom the jews had overcome afore, i Mach u d two. Mach. v●● c gathered a multitude of strange people, brought an host also of horsemen of the Asians, to win jewry by strength. But when he drew nigh, Machabeus & they that were with him fell to their prayer, sprynckled ashes upon their heads, two. Mach xi b being girded with heery clot about their loins, fell down before the altar and besought the Lord that he would be merciful to them, but an enemy unto their enemies, and to take part against their adversaries according as it is promised in the law. So after the prayer they went on further from the city: and when they came nigh the enemies they prepared themselves against them. And bytymes in the morning at the break of the day, both the hosts buckled together. jerem xvii ● The one part had the Lord for their refuge which is the giver of prosperity strength and victory. The other had a manly stomach which is a captain of war. The battle now being great there appeared unto the enemies from heaven u iiii. Reg. vi ● i Mach iii d and xi b men upon horsbackes with brydels of gold leading the jews, & two of them having Machabeus betwixt them that kept him safe on every side with their weapons but shot darts and lyghtenynges upon the enemies: where thorough they were confounded with blindness and so sore afraid, that they fallen down. There were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundredth, and vi hundredth horsemen. As for Tymotheus him self, he fled unto Gazar a very strong hold wherein Cereas was captain. But Machabeus and his company laid siege to it cheerfully four days. Now they that were within trusting to the strength of the place, cursed and banned exceedingly, and made great craking with wicked words. Nevertheless upon the fifth day in the morning twenty young men of Machabeus company being set on fire in their minds because of the blasphemy: came manfully unto the brickwall, & with bold stomachs they and their companions climbed up upon the towers, undertaking to set fire upon the ports & to burn those blasphemous people quick. Two days were they destroying the castle which when they found Timotheus Timotheus is slain. (that was crept in to a corner) they killed him, & slew Cereas his brother in like manner with Appollophanes. When this was done they song Psalms, with praises and thanckesgyvynges unto the Lord/ which had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory. ¶ Lisias goeth about to overcome the jews. Succour is sent from heaven unto the jews. The letter of Lisias to the jews. The letter of king Antiochus unto Lisias. A letter of the some unto the jews. A letter of the Romans to the jews CAPI. XI. NOt long after this Lysias the kings steward and a kinsman of his, which had the governance of his matters, took sore displeasure, for the things that had happened: & when he had gathered lxxx M men of foot with all the host of the horsemen, he came against the jews thinking to win the city to make it an habitation for the Heathen, 〈…〉 and the temple would he have to he an house of lucre, like as the other god's houses of the Heathen are, and to cell the priests office every year: Not considering the power of God, but was wild in his mind, trusting in the multitude of footmen, 〈◊〉 vi b in thousands of horsemen, and in his four score Elephants. So he came in to jury and then to Bethsura (a castle of defence lying in a narrow place five furlongs from jerusalem) and won it. Now when Machabeus and his company known that the strong holds were taken, 〈…〉 they fallen to their prayers with weeping and tears before the Lord, and all the people in like manner besought him, & he would sand a good angel to deliver Israel. Machabeus himself was the first that made him ready to the battle, exhorting the other that were with him, to jeopardy themselves, & to help their brethren. And when they were going forth of jerusalem together with a ready and willing mind, 〈◊〉 d there appeared before them upon horseback a man in white clothing, ☞ with harness of gold, shaking his spear. Then they praised the Lord all together, which had showed them mercy, and were comforted in their minds, in so much that they were ready, not only to fight with men, but with the most cruel beasts: yea, and to run thorough walls of iron. Thus they went on willingly having an helper from heaven, and the Lord merciful unto them. They fell mightily upon their enemies like lions, brought down xi M. footmen, sixteen. C. horsemen put all the other to flight, many of them being wounded, & some got away naked. Yea Lysias himself was fain to i'll shamefully, and so to escape. Nevertheless the man was not without understanding, but considered by himself that his power was minisshed, Timotheus is slain. and pondered how the jews, being defended by the help of almighty God were not able to be overcome: wherefore he sent them word, and promised that he would consent to all things which were reasonable, and to make the king their friend. to the which prayer of Lysias, Machabeus agreed, seeking in all things the common wealth: and what so ever Machabeus written unto Lysias concerning the jews, the king granted it. For there were letters written unto the jews from Lysias containing these words. Lysias sendeth greeting to the people of the jews. John and Absalon which were sent from you, delivered me writings, and required me to fulfil the things, concerning their errand. Therefore look what might be granted, I certyfyed the king thereof: and what so ever was convenient: I agreed thereto: If you now will be faithful in the matters, I shall endeavour myself hereafter also to do you good. As concerning other things by every article thereof: I have committed them to your messengers, and to those whom I sent unto you, to comen with you of the same, far you well: In the hundred and xlviii year, the xxiiii day of the month Dioscorinthius. Now the kings letter contained these words: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto his brother Lisias. For so much as our father is now deed, our will is, that they which are in our realm, live without any insurrection, and every man to be diligent in his own matters. We understand also, that the jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the gentiles, but stiffly to keep their own statutes: for the which cause they require of us also, to let them remain still by their own laws. Wherefore our mind is, that this people shallbe in rest: we have concluded and determined also, to restore them their temple again: that they may live according to the use and custom of their fore fathers: Thou shalt do us a pleasure therefore, if thou send unto them and agreed with them: that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good cheer, and look to their own wealth. And this was the letter that the king written unto the jews: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the counsel and the other people of the jews. If you far well, we have our desire: as for us, we are in good health: Menelaus came and told us, how that your desire was to come down to your people, which are with us. Wherefore those that will come, we give them free liberty, unto the thirty day of the month of Apryll, that they may use the meats of the jews and their own laws, like as afore: and none of them by any manner of ways to have harm, for things done in ignorance. Menelaus whom we have sent unto you, shall comen with you at large, far you well. In the hundred forty and eight year, the fifteen day of the month of Apryll. The Romans also sent a letter, containing these words: Quintus Menius & Titus Manilius ambassadors of the Romayns, sand greeting unto the people of the Iewes●. Look what Lisias the kings kinsman hath granted you, we grant you the same also. But as concerning the things which he referred unto the king, sand hither some with speed: & ponder the matter diligently among yourselves, that we may cast the best to your profit, for we must departed now unto Antioch, and therefore write shortly agayme, that we may know your mind: Farewell. In the hundred xlviii year, the fifteen day of the month of Apryl. ¶ Tymotheus troubleth the jews. The wicked deed of the jeppytes against the jews. judas is avenged of them. He letteth fire on the gate of jamnia. The pursuit of the jews against Tymothy. Tymothye is taken and let go unhurt. judas pursueth Gorgias. judas offering sacrifice for the deed showeth the hope of the resurrection. CAPI. XII. WHen these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the jews tilled their ground. But Timotheus Appolonius the son of Gemei, Jerome and Demophon the proud, Nicanor the capitein of Cypers, and they that lay in those places would not let them live in rest & peax. They of joppa also did even such a shameful deed: they prayed the jews that dwelled amongs them to go with their wives and children in to the ships which they had prepared, and did with them, as though they had aught them no evil will. For so moche then as there was gone forth a general proclamation thorough the city because of peax, they consented thereto, & suspect nothing: but when they were go forth in to the deep, they drowned no less than two. C. of them. When judas known of this cruelty showed unto his people, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready, exhorting them to call upon God the righteous judge: went forth against those murderers of his brethren, set tire in the haven by night, brent up the ships, and those that escaped from the fire, he slay with the sword. And when he had done this, he departed as though he would come again, and rote out all them of joppa. But when he had gotten word that the jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews which dwelled among them, he came upon the jamnites by night, & set fire in the haven with the ships, so that the light of the fire was seen at jerusalem upon a two. C. and xl. furlongs. Now when they were go from thence ix furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus five. M. men of foot, and five. C. horsemen of the Arabians fought with him. So when the battle was earnest, and prospered with judas thorough the help of God: the residue of the Arabians being overcome, besought judas to be at one with them, and promised to give him certain pastures, and to do him good in other things. judas thinking that they should in deed be profitable concerning many things, promised them pear: whereupon they shaken hands, and so they departed to their tents. judas went also unto a city, which was very fast kept with bridges fenced round about with walls and divers kinds of people dwelling therein, called Caspin. They that were within, put such trust in the strength of the walls, and in their store of victuals, that they were the slacker in their doings, cursing and reviling judas with blasphemies, and speaking such words as it becometh not. But Machabeus calling upon the great prince of the world (which without any batelrammes or ordinance of war, joshua vi ● did cast down the walls of jericho in the time of joshua) fell manfully upon the walls, took the city, and (thorough the help of the Lord) made an exceeding great slaughter: in so much that a lake of two furlongs broad, which lay thereby, seemed to flow with the blood of the slain. Then departed they from thence vii C. & fifty furlongs, and came to Taraca unto the jews that are called Tubianei. But as for Timotheus, they could not get him there: for (not one matter dispatched) he was departed from thence, and had left certain men in a very strong hold. But Dositheus & Sosipater, which were capiteyns with Machabeus, slay those that Timotheus had left in the house of defence, even ten M. men. And Machabeus prepared him with the six. M. men that were about him, set them in order by companies, and went forth against Timotheus, which had with him an hundred and twenty M. men of foot, two thousand and five. C. horsemen. When Timotheus had knowledge of judas coming, he sent the women, children & the other baggage unto a castle called Carnion. (For it could not be wone, and was hard to come unto, the ways of the same places were so narrow) and when judas company came first in sight, the enemies were smitten with fear thorough the presence of God, which seethe all things: In so much that they fleinge one here, an other there, judith. ● i Reg 〈◊〉 two. Par●▪ ● were rather discomfeted of their own people, and wounded with the strokes of their own swords. judas also was very earnest in following upon them, punishing those ungodly, and slew xxx M. men of them. Timotheus also himself fallen in to the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater whom he besought with many prayers, to let him go with his life: because he had many of the jews fathers and brethren in prison which, if they put him to death, might ●e disappointed. So when he had promised faith fully to deliver them again according to the condition made, they let him go without harm for the health of the brethren. And when judas had slain xxv thousand, he went from Carnion. Now after that he had chased away & slain his enemies, he removed the host toward Ephron a strong city, wherein dwelled many divers people of the Heathen, and the strong young men kept the walls, defending them mightily. In this city was much ordinance and provision of darts. But when judas & his company had called upon almighty God, which with his power breaketh the strength of the enemies, they won the city and slew twenty-five. M. of them that were within. From thence went they to the city of the Scythians, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem. But when the jews which were in the city testified, that the cityzyns dealt lovingly with them: yea and entreated them kindly in the time of their adversity, judas & his company gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to jerusalem the high feast of the weeks being at hand. And after the feast they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea, with three thousand men of foot, and four. C horsemen. Which when they met together, it chanced a few of the jews to be slain. And Dositheus one of the Bachenors, a mighty horseman took hold of Gorgias, & would have taken him quick. But an horseman of Thracia fallen upon him, & smote of his arm so the Gorgias escaped and fled in to Moresa. When they now that were of Gorgias side, had fought long and were weary, judas called upon the Lord that he would be their helper, and captain of the field: and with that he began with a manly voice to take up a song of praise, and a cry: In so much that he made the enemies afraid, and Gorgias men of war took their flight. So judas gathered his host, and came in to the city of Odolla. And when the seventh day came upon them, they cleansed themselves (as the custom was) and kept the Sabbath in the same place. And upon the day following judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them in the father's graves. Now under the coats of certain jews which were slain they found jewels that they had taken out of the temple & from the Idols of the jamniters, which thing is forbidden the jews by the law. Then every man see that this was the cause wherefore they were slain. And so every man gave thanks unto the Lord for his righteous judgement, which had opened the thing that was hid. They fallen down also unto their prayers, and besought God, that the fault which was made might be put out of remembrance. Besides that, judas exhorted the people earnestly to keep themselves from such sin: for so moche as they see before their eyes, that these men were slain for the same offence. So he gathered of every one a certain, ☞ in so much that he brought together two. M. drachmas of silver, which he sent unto jerusalem, that there might a sacrifice be offered for the misdeed. In the which place he did well and right, for he had some consideration and pondering of the life that is after this time. For if he had not thought that they which were slain did yet live, it had been superfluous and vain, to make any vow or sacrifice for them that were deed. But for so moche as he see that they which die in the favour and belief of God, are in good rest and joy, he thought it to be good and honourable for a reconcyling, to do the same for those which were slain, that the offence might be forgiven. ¶ The coming of Eu●ator in to jewrye. The death of Menelaus. Machabeus going to tyght against Eupator, moveth his soldiers unto prayer. He killeth xxiiii thousand men in the tents of Antiochus. Rhodocus the betrayer of the jews is taken. Antiochus retaineth friendship with the jews. CAPI. XIII. IN the. Cxlix. year got judas knowledge, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power in to jury, i Mach vi d and Lysias the steward & ruler of his matters with him, having an hundred and ten thousand men of foot, five thousand horsemen xxij Elephauntes, and three hundred charettes. two. Mach four d Menelaus also joined himself with them, (but with great disobeyed) and spoke fair to the king, not for any good of the country but because he thought to have been made some great man of authority. But the king of kings moved Antiochus mind against this ungodly person, and Lysias informed the king, that this Menelaus was the cause of all mischief: so that the king commanded to take him, and (as the manner of them is) to put him unto death in the same place. Menelaus is put to death. There was also in the same place a tower of fifty cubytes high, heaped with ashes: but above it was so made, that men might look down on every side. Where in to the king commanded that shameful person to be cast among the ashes, as one that was cause of all ungraciousness. And reason it was that the unthrift should die such a death, and not to be buried: i Macha ten ● for he had done much mischief unto the altar of God (whose fire and ashes were holy) therefore was it right, that he himself also should he destroyed with ashes. But the king was wood in his mind, and came to show himself more cruel unto the jews then his father was: which when judas perceived, he commanded the people to call upon the Lord night & day, that he would now help them also, like as he had done alway: For they were afraid to be put from their law, from their natural country, and from the holy temple: and not to suffer the peeople (which a little while afore began to rcover) to be subdued again of the blasphemous nations. So when they had done this together, & be sought the Lord for mercy with weeping and fasting three days long, flat upon the ground: judas exhorted them to make themselves ready. But he and the elders together devised to go forth first with their people, afore the king brought his host in to jury, and afore he besieged the city, and so to commit the matter unto God. Wherefore he ascribed the power of all things unto God the maker of the world, exhorting his people to fight manfully (yea even unto death) for the laws, the temple, the city, their own native country, and to defend the citizens, and set his host before Modin. He gave them also that were with him a token of the victory of God, i Mach vi f choosing out the manliest young men, went by night in to the kings pavilion, slay of the host xiiii M. men, and the greatest elephants, with those that sat upon them. Thus when they had brought a great fear and rumour among the tents of their enemies, and all things went prosperously with them, they departed in the break of the day, two. Mat xi a God being their helper and defender. Now when the king perceived the manliness of the jews, he went about to take the strong places by craft, and removed his host unto Bethsura, which was a well kept house of defence of the jews: but they were chased away, hurt and discomfeted. And judas sent unto them that were in it, such things as were necessary. In the jews host also there was one Rhodocus, which told the enemies their secrets: but they sought him out, and when they had got him, they put him in prison. After this did the king comen with them that were in Bethsura, took truce with them, departed, & struck a battle with judas, which overcame him. But when he understood, that Philip (whom he had left to be overseer of his businesses at Antioch) began to rebel against him, he was astonied in his mind, so that he yielded himself to the jews, & made them an oath to do what so ever was thought right. Now when he was reconciled with them, he offered, made much of the temple, gave great gifts unto it, embraced Machabeus making him capiteyn & governor from Ptolomais unto the Gerrenes. Nevertheless, when he came to Ptolomays, the people of the city were not content with that bond of friendship: for they were afraid that he would break the covenant. Then went Lysias up in to the seat and informed the people, showed them the cause why, and pacified them. So he came again to Antioch. This is now the matter concerning the kings journey, and his return. ¶ By the motion of the Lord, Demetrius sendeth Nicanor to kill the jews. Nicanor maketh a compact with the jews, which he yet breaketh thorough the motion of the king. Nicanor commandeth Razia to be taken. The boldness of Razia. CAPI. XIIII. AFter three years was judas informed how that Demetrius the son of Seleucus was come up with a great power and ships, thorough the haven of Tripoli, to take certanyne commodious places and countries, against Antiochus and his capitain Lysias. Now Alcimus (which had been high priest, and wilfully defiled himself in the time of the myxting) seeing that by no means he could be helped, nor have any more entrance to the altar: he came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one & fifty year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, a palm and an olive tree: which, as men thought, belonged to the temple, and that day he held his tongue. But when he had got opportunity for his madness, Demetrius called him to counsel, and asked him what things or counsels the jews leaned unto? He answered: the jews that be called Assidei, whose captain is judas Machabeus, maintain wars, make insurrections, and will not let the realm be in peax. For I, being deprived of my father's honour (I mean the high priesthood) am come hither, partly because I was faithful unto the king, and partly because I sought the profit of the cytezyns. And why? all our people thorough the wickedness of them are not a little troubled. Wherefore I beseech the O king consider all these things dlligent lie, and then make some provision for the land and the people, according to the kindness that thou haste offered unto them. For as long as judas hath the upperhand, it is not possible that men can live in peax. When he had spoken these words, other friends also having evil will at judas, set the king Demetryus on fire against him. Which immediately sent Nicanor (ruler of the elephauntes) a captain, in to jury: commanding him to take judas himself alive, but to slay them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the temple. Then the Heathen which fled out of jury from judas, came to Nicynor by flocks, thinking the harm and decay of the jews to be their welfare. Now when the jews heard of Nicanors coming, and the gathering together of the Heathen, two. Math●. 〈…〉 they sprinkled themselves with earth, and besought him which made them his people, and ever defended his own portion with evident tokens that he would preserve them still. So at the commandment of the capiteyn, they removed from thence, and came to a town called Dedassan. And Simon judas brother fallen in hand with Nicanor, but thorough the sudden coming of the enemies, he was afraid. Nevertheless Nicanor hearing the manliness of them that were with judas, and that bold stomachs that they had to fight for their natural country, dared not prove the matter with bloodshedding. Wherefore he sent Possidonius, Theodocius and Mathias before, to give and take peace. So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain showed it unto the multitude: they were agreed in one mind to have peax. And they appointed a day to sit upon these matters quietly among themselves, the stoles also were brought and set forth. Nevertheless judas commanded certain men of arms to wait in convenient places, least there should suddenly arise any evil thorough the enemies. And so they commoned reasonably together .. Nicanor, while he abode at jerusalem, ordered himself not unreasonnbly, but sent away the people that were gathered together. He loved judas ever with his heart, and favoured him. He prayed him also to take a wife and to bring forth children. So he married, lived in rest, and they led a comen life. But Alcimus perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and how they were agreed together, came to Demetrius, and cold him that Nicanor had taken strange matters in hand, and ordained judas (an enemy of the realm) to be the kings successor. Then the king was sore displeased, and thorough the wicked occusations which Alcimus made of Nicanor, he was so provoked, that he written unto Nicanor, saying: that he was very angry for the friendship and agreement, which he had made with Machabeus. Nevertheless he commanded him in all the haste, that he should take Machabeus prisoner, and send him to Antioch. Which letters when Nicanor had seen, he was at his wits end, and sore grieved that he should break the things wherein they had agreed: specyalye, saying Machabeus was the man that never did him harm. But because he might not withstand the king, he sought opportunity to fulfil his commandment. Notwithstanding when Machabeus see that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more rughly than he was wont, he perceived that such unkindness came not of good, and therefore he gathered a few of his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor. Which when he knew that Machabeus had manfully prevented him, he came in to the great and most holy temple: and commanded the priests (which were doing their usual offerings) to deliver him the man. And when they swore that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought, he stretched out his hand, and made an oath, saying: If you will not deliver me judas captive, 〈◊〉 seven c I shall remove this temple of God in to the plain field, I shall breakedowne the aultare, and consecrated this temple unto Bacchus. After these words he departed. Then the priests lift up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever the defender of their people, saying: Thou O Lord of all, which hast need of no thing, wouldest that the temple of thy habytacon should be amongs us. i Macha four ● two. Macha ten a Therefore now O most holy Lord, keep this house ever undefiled whilately was cleansed. Now was there accused unto Nicanor, one Rasis an Alderman of jerusalem, a lover of the hole city, Rasis. and a man of good report: which for the kind heart that he bore unto the people, was called a father of the jews. This man often times when the jews were minded to keep themselves undefiled, defended & delivered them being content steadfastly to spend his body and his life for his people. So Nicanor willing to declare the hate that he bore to the jews sent five hundredth men to take him: for he thought, if he got him, he should bring the jews in great decay. Now when the people began to rush in at his house, to break the doors, and to set fire on it: he being now taken would have defended himself with his sword: choosing rather to die manfully, then to yield himself to those wicked doers: & because of his noble stock, he had rather have been put to extreme cruelty. Notwithstanding what time as he myssed of his stroke for haste, & the multitude fell in violently betwixt the doors: he ran boldly to the brickwall, & cast himself down manfully among the heap of them, which gave soon place to his fall, so that he fell upon his belly. Nevertheless while there was yet breath within him, he was kindled in his mind/ and while his blood gushed out exceedingly) for he was very sore wounded (he ran thorough the midst of the people, and got him up to the top of a rock. So when his blood was now go he took out his own bowels with both his hands & threw them upon the people calling upon the Lord of life and spirit, to reward him this again and so he died. ¶ Nicanor goeth about to come upon judas on the Saboth day. The blasphemy of Nicanor. Machabeus expounding unto the jews the vision, boldeneth their hearts. The prayer of Machabeus. After the host of Nicanor is once overcome. Machabeus commandeth his head and his hands to be cut of, & his tongue to be given unto fowls. CAPI. XU. Now when Nycanor knew that judas was in the country of Samaria, he thought with all his power to strike a field with him upon a Sabbath day. i Mach vii d Nevertheless the jews that were compelled to go with him, said: O do not so cruelly and unkyndelye, but hallow the Sabbath day, and worship him that seethe all things. For all this, three Regum twenty ● yet said the ungracious, person: Is there a mighty one in heaven, that commanded the Sabbath day to be kept. And when they said: yea, the living God, the mighty Lord in heaven commanded the seventh day to be kept. He said: Exo. xx.d And I am mighty upon earth to command them for to arm themselves and to perform the kings business. notwithstanding he might not have his purpose. Nicanor had devised with great pride to overcome judas, and to bring away the victory. But Machabeus had ever a fast confidence and a perfect hope in God that he would help him, and exhorted his people, not to be afraid at the coming of the Heathen: but alway to remember the help that had been showed unto them from heaven, yea & to be sure now also, that almighty God would give them the victory. He spoke unto them out of the law and prophets, putting them in remembrance of the battles, that they had stricken afore, and made them to be of a good courage. So when their hearts were plucte up, he showed them also the deceitfulness of the Heathen, and how they would kept no covenant nor oath. Thus he weaponed them not with the armour of shield & spear, but with wholesome words and exhortations. He showed them a dream also, judas dream. wherthorowe he made them all glad, which was this: he thought that he saw Onias (which had been high priest a virtuous and loving man, sad and of honest conversation, well spoken, and one that had been exercised in godliness from a child) holding up his hands toward heaven, and praying for his help. After this there appeared unto him an other man, which was aged, honourable and glorious. And Onias said: This is a lover of the brethren, and of the people of Israel. This is he that prayeth moche for the people, and for all the holy city: jeremy the prophet of God. He thought also that jeremy held out his right hand, and gave him (namely unto judas) a sword of gold, saying: Take this holy sword, a gift from God, wherewith thou shalt smite down the enemies of the people of Israel. And so they were well comforted thorough the words of judas, and took courage unto them, so that the young men were determined in their minds to fight, and bide sly fly at it: In so much that in the things which they took in hand, their boldness showed the same, because the holy city and the temple were in peril: for the which they took more care than for their wives, children, brethren, and kynsfolkes. Again, they that were in the city, were most careful for those which were to fight. Now when they were all in a hope that the judgement of the matter was at hand, and the enemies drawn nigh, the host being set in a ray, the Elephauntes and horsemen every one standing in his place: Machabeus considered the coming of the multitude, the ordinance of diverse weapons, the cruelnesses of the beasts, and held up his hands toward heaven calling upon the Lord that doth wonder which giveth not the victory after the multitude of weapons and power of the host (but to them that please him) according to his own will. two. Para. xlii●▪ judicum. v●● Therefore in his prayer he said these words. O Lord, iiii. Reg. xix Esay xxxvii▪ i Mach vii ● two. Mac viii ● thou that didst send thine Angel in the time of Ezechiah king of juda, and the host of Senacherib slewest an C.lxxxv. M. send now also thy good angel before us, O Lord of heavens, in the fearfulness and dread of thy mighty arm, that they which come against thy holy people to blaspheme them may be afraid. And so he made an end of his words. Then Nicanor & they that were with him, drawn nigh with shawms and songs: but judas & his company with prayer and calling upon God. With their hands they smote, but with their hearts they prayed unto the Lord & slay no less than xxxv M. men: For thorough the present help of God they were gloriously comforted. Now when they left of, and were turning again with joy, they understood that Nicanor himself was slain with the other. Then they gave a great shout and a cry praising the almighty Lord with a loud voice. Nicanor is slain. And judas (which was ever ready to spend his body and life for his cytezyns) commanded to smite of Nicanors head, with his arm and hand, & to be brought to Jerusalem. When he came there, he called all the people, & the priests at the altar with those that were in the castle, and showed them Nicanors heed, & his wicked hand, which he had presumptuously held up against the temple of God. He caused the tongue also of that ungodly Nicanor to be cut in little pieces, & to be cast to the fowls, & the cruel man's hand to be hanged up before the temple. So every man gave thanks unto the Lord saying: blessed be he, that hath kept his place undefiled. And Nicanors head, he hanged upon the high castle for a plain token of the help of God. And so they agreed together to keep that day holy, namely the xiii day of the month Adar, which in the Syrians language is called the next day before Mardocheus day, thus was Nicanor slain, and from that time forth that jews had the city in possession. And here I will now make an end. THE END OF THE second BOOK OF THE MACCABEES THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR saviour jesus christ, translated in to English: and newly recognized with great diligence after most faithful exemplars, by richard TAVERNER. Pray for us, that the word of God may have free passage and be glorified. two. Tessa iii ☞ Printed in the year of our Lord God M.D.XXXIX. engraved border ¶ The * 〈…〉 gospel after matthew. ¶ The genealogy of christ, and marry age of his mother mary. The angel satisfieth josephs' mind. CAPI. I ✚ THe book of the generation of jesus christ son of φ David son of Abraham. 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 are ●●●sed: 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 pro 〈…〉 be of ●●d. ●●iiii. Abraham begat Isaac: Isaac begat jacob: jacob begat judas and his brethren: judas begat Phares & Zarah of Thamar: Phares begat Hesrom: Hesrom begat Aram: Aram begat Aminadab: Aminadab begat Naasson: Naasson gegat Salmon: Salmon begat Boos of Rahab: Boos begat Obed of Ruth: Obed begat jesse: jesse begat David the king: David the king begat Solomon, of her that was the wife of Vry: Solomon begat Roboam: Roboam begat Abia: Abia begat Asa: Asa begat josaphat: josaphat begat joram: joram begat Osias ✚ Osias begat joatham: joatham begat Achas: Achas begat Ezechias: Ezechias begat Manasses: Manasses begat Amon: Amon begat josias: josias begat jeconias and his brethren about the time they were carried away to Babylon. Iecho●●her●●d Ie●, and 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉. And after they were brought to Babylon, jechonias φ begat Salathiel: Salathiel begat Zorobabel: Zorobabel begat Abiud: Abiud begat Eliachim: Eliachim begat Azor: Azor begat Sadoc: Sadoc begat Achin: ✚ Achin begat Eliud: Eliud begat Eleasar: Eleasar begat Matthan: Matthan begat jacob: jacob begat joseph the husband of mary, of whom was born that jesus, that is called christ. ⊦ All the generations from Abraham to David are xiiij generations. And from David unto the captivity of Babylon, are xiiij generations. And from the captivity of Babylon to christ, are also xiiij generations. ✚ The birth of jesus christ was on this wise. When his mother Mary was espoused to joseph, ●●●ple ●say, 〈◊〉 her ●●●ish 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 before they companyed together she was found with child by the holy ghost. Then joseph her husband being a perfect man, and loath to make an φ example of her, was minded to put her away secretly. While he thus thought: behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream/ say enge: joseph the son of David/ fear not to take unto the Mary thy wife. For that which is conceived in her is of the holy ghost. She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. All this was done to fulfil that which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, isaiah vii e. saying: Behold a maid shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son/ and they shall call his name Emanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us. ⊦ Andrea joseph as soon as he awoke out of sleep did as the angel of the Lord bade him/ and took his wife unto him/ and known her not till at last she brought forth φ Her first son/ not because she had any after but because she had none before. her first born son, and called his name jesus. ¶ The time and place of Chrystes birth. The wise men offer their presents. christ death in to egypt. The young children are slain. christ turneth in to Galilee. CAPI. II WHen jesus was born at Bethleem in jury, in the time of Herode the king. Behold there came φ These were ●age men among the Persiens' as Moses was among the Hebrews also they were the priests of the Persiens'. wise men from the Eest to jerusalem, saying: where is he that is born king of jews? We have seen his star in the Eest, and are come to worship him. When Herode the king had herd this, he was troubled & all jerusalem with him/ and he gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people/ and asked of them where christ should b● born. And they said unto him: at Bethleem in jewry. For thus it is written By the Prophet * Mich u a. john vij f. And thou Bethleem in the land of jewry art not the least amongs the princes of juda. For out of the shall come unto me the captain that shall φ govern my people Israel. Then Herode privily called the wise men and diligently learned of them the time of the star that appeared/ and sent them to Bethleem saying: * To govern is to order and rule the people by learning and example. Act twenty f. Go and search narrowly for the child. And when you have found him, bring me word, that I may come and worship him also. ✚ When they had herd the king/ they departed: and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were marvelously glad: and went in to the house, and found the child with mary his mother/ and kneeled down and worshipped him, and opened their treasures/ and offered unto him gifts/ gold frankincense and myrrh. Psal lxxi b. isaiah lx a and after they were warned of God in a dream that they should not go again to Herode, they returned in to their own country an other way. ⊦ When they were departed: behold the angel of the Lord appeared to joseph in a dream saying: arise and take the child and his mother & i'll in to egypt, and abide there till I bring the word. For Herode will seek the child to destroy him. Then he arose and took the child and his mother by night and departed in to egypt, and was there till the death of Herode, Osee xi a to fulfil that was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, which saith/ out of egypt have I called my son. Then Herode perceiving that he was mocked of the wise men was very wroth and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethleem/ and in all the costs thereof/ as many as were two year old and under, according to the time which he had diligently searched out of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by the prophet jeremy saying: jere xxxi c On the hills was a voice heard, mourning/ weeping and great lamentation: Rachel bewailing her children/ and would not be comforted, because they φ That is because they were all put to death & remained not unto her. were not. ⊦ ✚ When Herode was deed: behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to joseph in egypt saying: Arise and take the child and his mother, and go in to the land of Israel/ for they are deed which sought the chyldes' life. Then he arose up, and took the child and his mother, and came in to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in jewry, in the room of his father Herode, he was afraid to go thither. Not withstanding after he was warned of god in a dream he turned aside in to the parties of Galilee, and went and dwelled in a city called Nazareth, Nazareus in Ebrue signifieth holy or consecrated. to fulfil that which was spoken by the prophets: he shall be called a Nazaryte. ¶ The babtysme/ preaching and office of Iohn/ and how christ was baptized of him in jordane. CAPI. III ✚ IN those days Iohn the baptist came and preached in the wilderness of jewry, saying: Marc i a. Luke iii a Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This is he of whom it is spoken by the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah xl a which saith: A voice of a crier in wilderness/ prepare the lords way, and make his paths straight. This Iohn had his garment of camels here/ and a girdle of skin about his loins. His meat was * locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him jerusalem and all jury, and all the country round about jordane/ and were baptized of him in jordane/ confessing their sins. ⊦ ✚ When he saw many of the pharysees and the Sadduces come unto his baptism/ he said unto them: O progeny of φ bypers, who hath taught you to flee from the vengeance to come? Do therefore fruits worthy repentance. And think not to say in yourselves, we have Abraham to our fathers. For I tell you, God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Now is the axe put to the rote of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast in to the fire. I baptize you in water in token of repentance: but he that cometh after me is myghtyer than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the holy ghost and with fire, whose fan is in his hand, and he shall sweep his flower/ and gather the wheat in to his garner but the chaff he shall burn with unquenchable fire. ⊦ ✚ Then came jesus from Galilee to jordane unto Iohn to be baptized of him. But Iohn forbade him, saying: I ought to be baptized of thee: and comest thou to me? jesus answered and said to him. Let be now. Luke iii ●. For thus it becometh us to fulfil φ All rygh●ousnes: th● is/ to do e●l 〈◊〉 ordinance of God for such purp● as god ord●ned them 〈◊〉 all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And jesus as soon as he was baptized came straight out of the water. And lo, heaven was open over him: and Iohn saw the spirit of God descend like a dove and light upon him. And lo there came a voice from heaven saying: This is that my beloved son in whom is my delight. ⊦ ¶ christ fasteth and is tempted: he calleth Peter, Andrew, james, & Iohn, and heals all the sick. CAPI. FOUR ✚ THen was jesus led away of the spirit in to wilderness, jesus faste● to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights/ he was at last an hungered. Then came to him the tempter, and said: If thou be the son of God speak that these stones be made breed. He answered and said: it is written, duty viii ● Sapi xvi ● man shall not live by breed only, but by every word that cometh out of the mouth of God. Then the devil took him up in to the holy city, & set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him: if thou be the son of god, cast thyself down. For it is written; Psal. lxxx●. ● he shall give his angels charge over thee, and with their hands they shall hold the up, that thou dash not thy foot against a stone. And jesus saith to him: Again it is written. duty vi ● Thou shalt not tempt thy Lord God. Again the devil took him up, and led him in to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, & all the glory of them/ and said to him: all these will I give thee/ if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith jesus unto him. Avoid Satan. For it is written, Deu vi i ●● thou shalt shorshyp the Lord thy god, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left him/ and behold, the angels came and served him. ⊦ ✚ When jesus had herd that Iohn was taken, he departed in to Galilee and leaving Nazareth, went and dwelt in Capernaum, a city by the see side, in the costs of Zabulon and Nephtalim/ to fulfil that was spoken by Isaiah the prohete, saying: Esay ix ● The land of Zabulon and Nephtalim, the way of the see beyond jordan, Galilee of the gentiles, the people which sat in darkness, see great light and to them which sat in the country and shadow of death, light is begun to shine. From that time jesus began to preach/ and say: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. ⊦ ✚ As jesus walked by the see of Galilee he saw two brethren: Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net in to the see, for they were fysshers, and said unto them, follow me, & I will make you fysshers or men. And they forthwith left their nets, and followed him. And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, james the son of Zebedey, and john his brother, in the ship with zebedee their rather, mending their nets, & called them. And they incontinently leaving the ship and their father followed him ⊦ ✚ Andrea jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their assembles, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healed all sickness, and all diseases among the people. And his fame spread abroad through out all Syria. And they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases & grypynges, and them that were taken with devils, and lunaryke people, and those that had the palsy: and he healed them. And there followed him a great number of people, from Galilee, ⊦ and Oecapolie and from Jerusalem, and from jewry, and from beyond jordan. ¶ Of the eight beatitudes or blessings/ of manslaughter/ wrath and anger: of adultery, of swearing, of suffering wrong, & of love even toward a man's enemies. CAPI. V ✚ WHen he saw the people, he went up into a mountain, 〈◊〉 iiii. 〈…〉. and when he was set, his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying: blessed are the poor in spirit, for there's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that morn: for they shallbe comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall enheret the earth. Blessed are they, which hunger & thirst for rightwiseness: for they shallbe filled. Blessed are th● merciful: for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shallbe called the children of God. Blessed are they which be pursued for rightwiseness: for there's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you, and pursue you, and falsely speak all evil sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. ⊦ For so pursued they the Prophets before you. ✚ You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt be unsavoury, wherewith shall it be savoured? It is good for nothing now, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city set on an hill, can not be hid, neither do they light a candle, & put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, & it lighteth all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your rather in heaven. ⊦ ✚ Think not I am come to destroy the law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, ty heaven and earth palse, 〈◊〉. d. ●●do as 〈◊〉 say/ 〈◊〉 Chri●●●aundementes contained in the se five vi & vii Chapyters are but councils/ in as moche as christ himself calleth them here commanndementes Exod. xx c duty u b one ●otte or one title of the law shall not pass, till all be fulfilled. Who so ever φ breaketh one of these lost commandments, and teacheth men to, shallbe called the seest in the kingdom of heaven. But who so ever doth and teacheth, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ⊦ ✚ For I tell you, whiles your rightwiseness exceed the rightwiseness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you can not enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have herd how it was said to them of old time: Thou shalt not kill. For who so ever killeth, shall be in danger of judgement. But I tell you, who so ever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of judgement. Who so ever saith to his brother φ Chrisostom says that it is a word of the Siriens speech/ by which is showed that the mind is moved to anger But under this word sole/ do S. Austin and Chris. understand all manner of injury and spiteful words. Exod. xx c Racha, shallbe in danger of a council. But who soever sayeth, fool, shallbe in danger of hell fire. Therefore when thou offrest thy gift at the aultare, and there remember'st that thy brother hath aught against thee: less there thine offering before the aultare, and go, be first made at one with thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. ⊦ ✚ Be agreeable to thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him, jest the adversary deliver the to the judge, and the judge deliver the to the minister, and thou be cast into prison. Truly I tell thee, thou comest not out thence, till thou have paid the uttermost farthing. You have herd it said to them of old time Thou shalt not do adultery. But I tell you, woe so ever looketh on a wife, lusting after her, hath done adultery with her already in his heart. That if thy right eye hurt thee, φ To pluck out the eye is to mortify the concupiscence of the heart. pluck it out, and cast it from the. For better it is for thee, that one of thy membres be lost, than thy hole body be cast into hell. Also if thy right hand hurt thee, cut it of, and cast it from the. For better it is for the that one of thy membres perish, than all thy body should be cast into hell. ⊦ It is said/ who so ever put away his wife let him give her letters of the divorcement. Deut. xxiiii a But I say unto you: who so ever put away his wife (except it be for whoredom) causeth her to play the whore. And who so ever marrieth her that is divorced, is an whoremonger. Again you have herd how it was said to them of old time, Levi xix c Exod. twenty b Deu u b Swear. thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform thine oath to god. But I say unto you, swear not all: neither by heaven, for it is Gods seat: nor by the earth, for it is his foot stolen: neither by jerusalem: for it is the city of that great king neither shalt thou swear by thy heed, because thou canst not make one white hear or black. But your talk shallbe, yea, yea, nay ●aye. And what so ever is more than that, cometh of evil. You have herd how it is said, eye for eye: Exod. xxi c Deu. x●x. d Levi xxiiii c Luke vi c Right cheek and tooth for tooth. But I say to you, resist not wrong. But who so ever give the a blow on thy right cheek, turn to him the other. And if any man will sue the at the law, and take away thy coote, let him have thy cloak also. And who so ever will compel the to go a mile, go with him twain. give to him that asketh, and from him that would borrow turn not away. 〈◊〉 xix d You have herd how it is said: thou shalt love thine neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them which do you wrong, and pursue you, that you may be the children of your father that is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to arise on the evil, and on the good, and sendeth his rain on the just and unjust. For if you love them, which love you: what reward shall you have? Do not the Publicans the same? And if you embrace your brethren only: what singular thing do you? Do not the Publicans likewise? you shall therefore be perfect, as your father which is in heaven, is perfect. ¶ Of alms/ prayer and fasting. He forbiddeth the careful seeking of worldly things. CAPI. VI ✚ TAke heed to your alms, that you do if not in the sight of men, to the intent you would he seen of them. Or else you get no reward of your father in heaven. When so ever therefore thou givest thine alms/ thou shalt not make a trumpet to be blown before thee, as the hypocrites do, in assembles and in the streets, for to be praised of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their mead. But when thou dost thine alms/ let not thy life hand know/ what thy right hand doth, that thine alms may be secret: and thy father which saith in secret, shall reward the openly. ⊦ Andrea when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, because they would be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou prayeste, enter into thy chamber, and shut thy door to thee, and pray thy father which is in secret: and thy father which saith in secret, shall reward the openly. And when you pray, babble not moche, as the heathen do: for they think they shallbe heard, for their moche babbling. Be you not like them therefore. For your father knoweth whereof you have need, before you ask of him. After this manner therefore pray you. Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. * That is that we which before have served the world here after may con under the dominion ● kingdom of christ as he promeseth. Math. xxv c Let thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as well in earth, as in heaven. give us to day our daily bread. And forgive us our dettes, even as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen. For if you shall forgive other men their trespases, your heavenly father shall also forgive you. But if you will not forgive men their trespases, no more shall your father forgive you your trespas●s. ✚ Moreover when you fast, * By this it appeareth that the true fast is to put a way ato● all wan● desire lusts. etc. 〈◊〉 to rule the die by convenient cha● & mortifie● as it is sa● in the P● xxxiiii c ●. Esa lviii. ● Treasure. be not sad as the hypocrites are. For they disfigure their faces, that they might be seen of men how they fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine heed, and wash thy face, that it appear not unto men how that thou fastest: but unto thy father which is in secret: & thy father which saith in secret, shall reward the openly. Hourde not up treasures unto you on the earth where rust and moulthes corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But hourde you treasures up in heaven where neither rust nor moulthes corrupt, & where thieves break not up, nor yet steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ⊦ The light of the body is the eye. Wherefore if thine eye be single, all thy body shallbe lightsome. But if thine eye be wicked, all thy body shallbe full of darkness. Wherefore if the light that is in thee, be darkness: how great is that darkness. ✚ Not man can serve two masters. Two masters. For either he shall hate the one and love the other: or else lean to the one and despise the other: you can not serve God and Mammon. Therefore I say unto you, be not careful for your life what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more worth than meat, and the body more of value then raiment? Behold the fowls Foules. of the air: for they sow not, neither reepe, nor carry into the barns: and your heavenly father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they? Which of you (by taking thought) can put one cubit unto his stature? And why care you then for raiment? consider the Lilies Lylyes. of the field, how they grow. They labour not neither spin. And yet I tell you, that Solomon in all his royalty was not arrayed like unto one of these. Wherefore if God so cloth the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow shallbe cast into the fournayce/ shall he not much more do the same unto you, O you of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying: what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? After all these things seek the heathen. For your heavenly father knoweth that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of heaven and the rightwiseness thereof, and all these things shallbe unto you. ⊦ Care not then for the morrow, but let the morrow care for itself: for the day present hath ever enough of his own travail. ¶ He forbiddeth foolish judgement/ reproveth hypocrisy/ exhorteth unto prayer/ warneth to beware of false prophets. CAPI. VII. IVge not, that you be not judged. For as you judge, so shall you be judged. And with what measure you meet, it shallbe measured to you again. Why sayst thou a mote in thy brother's eye, & perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye. Or why sayest thou to thy brother: suffer me to pluck out the mote, out of thine eye, & behold a beam in thine own eye. Hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, & then thou shalt see clearly to pluck out the mote of thy brother's eye. give not that 〈◊〉 holy 〈◊〉 God ●●rde. 〈◊〉 are ●●●pse●●●de: 〈◊〉 vn●● them 〈…〉 in 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 fasts negarde 〈◊〉 ●ord 〈◊〉 iii is holy to dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine/ least they tread them under their feet, and the other turn again and all to rend you. Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For who so ever asketh, receiveth/ and he that seeketh findeth/ and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Is there any man among you which if his son asketh him breed, will offer him a stone? Or if he asketh fish, will he proffer him a serpent? If you then which are evil can give your children good gifts, how moche rather shall your father in heaven give good things if you ask him? 〈…〉. Therefore what so ever you will that men should do to you, even so do you to them. This is the law and the prophets. Enter in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, & many there be which go in thereat. For straight is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. ✚ Beware of φ false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, 〈◊〉 Pro●●re 〈◊〉 y● 〈◊〉 word 〈…〉 ●●●nes 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 thing 〈◊〉/ are 〈◊〉 y● 〈◊〉 per● and 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 blood 〈…〉. f. but inwardly are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns? or figs of briars? So every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. But a bad tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree can not bring forth bad fruit: nor a bad tree can bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast in to the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. Not all that say unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth my father's will which is in heaven. ⊦ * Many shall say to me in that day: Lord Lord, have we not in thy name prophesied? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name have done many miracles? And then shall I confess unto them, I never knew you. 〈◊〉 vi. b. 〈◊〉 x●●. f. Depart from me you workers of wickedness. Who so ever therefore heareth of me these sayings, and doth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which bylte his house on a rock/ and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blue & bet upon that house, and it fallen not, because it was grounded on the rock. And who so ever heareth of me these sayings and doth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended and the floods came/ and the winds blue, and bet upon that house/ and it fallen/ and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when jesus had ended these sayings, 〈…〉 the people were astonied at his doctrine. For he taught them as one having power, and not as the scribes. ¶ christ cleanseth the leper/ heals the capteyns servant, and many other diseases/ helpeth Peter's mother in law/ stylleth the see and wind, and driveth the devils out of the possed in to the swine. CAPI. VIII. WHen he was come down from the mountain, moche people followed him. Marinell i d. A leper. And lo/ there came a leper and worshipped him, saying. Master if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying: I will, be thou clean/ and forthwith his lepry was cleansed. And jesus said unto him: see thou tell no man/ but go, and show thyself to the priest/ and Levi xiiii a Luc vii a offer the gift that Moses commanded in witness to them. ✚ When jesus was entered in to Capernaum, there came to him a certain Centurion, and besought him saying: Centurion. Luke seven. a john four g. Master, my servant lieth sick at home of the palsy, and is grievously pained. And jesus said unto him: I will come and heal him. The Centurion answered and said: Sir I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I also myself am a man under the power of an other, and have soudyers under me, and I say to one go, and he goeth/ and to an other come, and he cometh/ and to my servant, do this, & he doth it. When jesus heard that▪ he marveled, and said to them that followed him: verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, not, not in Israel. Luke xiii f. I say therefore unto you, that many shall come from the eest and west, and shall rest with Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out in to utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing ofreth. Then jesus said unto the Utter darkness. Marinell i c Luke four f Centurion, go thy way/ and as thou believest, so be it unto the. And his servant was healed the self hour. ⊦ Andrea than jesus went to Peter's house, and saw his wives mother lying sick of a fever, and touched her hand, and the fever left her/ and she arose and ministered unto them When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils. And he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that was sick/ to fulfil, that was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying: Esay liiii b. He took on him out infirmytyes, and bore our sycknesses. When jesus saw much people about him/ he commanded to go over the water And there came a Scribe and said unto him. Luke ix g Master, I will follow the whither so ever thou goest. And jesus said unto him: the foxes have holes/ and the birds of the air have nests/ but the son of man hath not whereon to rest his heed. christ calleth himself the son of man that is very natural man shewing that his humility & goodness/ which humbled himself so low for our salvation. An other that was of his disciples said unto him: Master, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But jesus said unto him, follow me, and let the deed bury their deed. ✚ Andrea he entered in to a ship, and his disciples followed him. And behold there arose a great tempest in the see/ in so much that the ship was covered with waves/ but he slept. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying: Master save us, we perish. And he said to them: why are you fearful: O you of little faith? Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the see/ and there followed a great calm. And the men marveled and said: what man is this that both the winds and see obey him? ⊦ And when he was come to the other side in to the country of the Gergesytꝭ, there met him two possessed of devils, which came out of the graves, and were out of measure fierce, so that no man was able to pass by the way. And behold they cried out faying: what have we to do with thee, Marinell u a Luke viii d. oh jesus son of god? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a far of from them a great herd of swine, feeding. Then the devils besought him saying: if thou cast us out, suffer us to go our way in to the herd of swine. And he said unto them: go your ways. Then we● they out/ & departed in to the heerd of swine. And behold the hole herd of swine ran heedling in to the see/ & died in the water. Marinell u b Then the heerdmen fled and went in to the city, and told every thing what had fortuned unto the possessed of the devils. And behold all the city came out & met jesus/ and when they saw him, they besought him to depart out of their parties. ¶ He heals the palsy. Called Matthew from the custom/ answered for his disciples/ heals the woman of the bloody issue/ helpeth jayrus daughter/ giveth two blind men their sight/ maketh a dumb man to speak, and driveth out a devil. CAPI. IX. ✚ THen he entered in to a ship and passed over and came in to his own city. And lo, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy Palseye. lying in his bed. And when jesus saw the faith of them, he said to the sick of the palsy: son be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven the. This miracle shallbe a sign to you that I have power to forgive sins. And behold certain of the scribes said in themselves, this man blasphemeth. And when jesus saw their thoughts, he said. wherefore think you evil in your hearts? Whether is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say: arise and walk? But that you may know that the son of man hath power to forgive sins in earth/ then said he unto the sick of the palsy: Marinell ii b Luke u e john u b arise, take up thy bed/ & go home to thine house. And he arose and departed to his own house. And when the people saw it they marveled and glorified God, which had given such power to men. ⊦ ✚ And as jesus passed thence, he saw a man sitting at the custom house, named Matthew, Matthew and said to him: follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass as he sat at meat in the house: behold many Publicans and sinners come and sat down also with jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw that they said to his disciples: Why eateth your master with Publycans Publicans eat with jesus and sinners? When jesus heard that, he said unto them: The hole need no physician, but the sick. Go and learn what is: I will mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call righteous, Mercy 〈◊〉 not sacrify Ozee vi c but the sinners to repentance. ⊦ ✚ Then came the disciples of Iohn to him saying: Why do we and the Pharysees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And jesus said unto them: Can the wedding children mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them/ and than shall they fast. No man peceth an old garment with a piece of new cloth. For than taketh he away the piece again from the garment/ and the rent is made greater. Neither do men put new wine in to old vessels, for then the vessels break, and the wine runneth out, and the vessels perish. But they pour new wine in to new vessels, and so are both saved together. ⊦ ✚ while he thus spoke unto them, Marinell v c Luce viii f behold there came a certain ruler & worshipped him saying: my daughter is even now diseased/ but come and lay thy hand on her & she shall live. And jesus arose and followed him with his disciples. And behold a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years came behind him and touched the hem of his garment. For she said in herself: if I may touch but even his garment only I shall be safe. Then jesus turned him about, and beheld her saying: Daughter be of good comfort, thy * Faith is 〈◊〉 rightwisne● of a Christ● man whic● setteth at p●ce the to● 〈◊〉 & receyue● the heryt● ever lasting Galath iiii. faith hath made the safe. And she was made hole even that same hour. And when jesus came in to the ruler's house, and saw the mynstrels & the people in a roar/ he said unto them: get you hence/ for the maid is not deed, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. As soon as the people were put forth he went in and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And this was noised throughout all that land. And as jesus departed thence/ too blind Two ●ly●● are cured. men followed him crying and saying: O thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come home/ the blind came to him. And jesus said unto them, believe you that I am able to do this? And they said unto him, yea lord. Then touched he their eyes saying: according to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened. And jesus charged them, saying. See no man know of it. But they as soon as they were departed, spread abroad his name throughout all the land. As they went out, Mat vii d. Luke xi c behold they brought to him a dumb man possessed of a devil. And as soon as the devil was cast out, the dumb Domme. spoke. And the people marveled saying: It never appeared so in Israel. But the Pharisees said, he casts out devils by the power of the chief of devils. Chief of devils. And jesus went about all cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom and healing all manner sickness and disease among the people. But when he saw the people he had compassion on them, because they were forsaken and scattered abroad, even as sheep having no shepherd. Then said he to his disciples, the * harvest is great, ●her● 〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉 pr●● hea●rd as ●●rth of ●ury● john but the labourers are few. wherefore pray the lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into his harvest. ¶ christ sendeth out his twelve apostles to preach in jury, giveth them charge, teacheth and comforteth them against persecution and trouble. CAPI. X. ANd he called his twelve disciples unto him and gave them power over unclean spirits, 〈◊〉. b & 〈◊〉 to cast them out, and to heal all sycknesses and diseases. 〈◊〉 ●●tles 〈◊〉. The names of the twelve Apostles are these: The first. Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother. james the son of zebedee, and Iohn his brother. Philip & Bartylmew. Thomas and Matthew the publican. james the son of Alphe, and Lebbeus surnamed Thaddeus. Simon the Cananyte/ and judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him. These twelve did jesus sand, and commanded them, saying: Go not in to the ways that lead to φ gentiles/ and in the cities of the Samaritans enter you not. 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 the ●●che ●●tre 〈◊〉. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Go and preach, saying: the kingdom of heaven is at hand. heal the sick/ cleanse the lepers/ raise the deed/ cast out the devils. Freely you have received, freely give. Possess not gold ne silver, nor money in your gyrdels, nor yet a scrip toward your journey: neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet a staff. For the workman is worthy his meat. In to what so ever city or town you shall come inquire who is worthy in it, and there abide till you depart. And when you come in to an house, great it. And if the house be worthy, 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 your peace shall come upon it. But if it be not worthy, your peace shall return to you again. And who so ever shall not receive you, nor hear your preaching: when you depart out of that house or that city, shake of the dust of your feet. 〈…〉. Truly I say unto you: it shall be easier for the land of Sodom & Gomorre in the day of judgement, then for that city. 〈◊〉 ●●mon 〈…〉 ser● 〈…〉 Behold I send you forth as sheep among wolves. Be you therefore wise as serpents, and innocent as doves. Beware of the men, for they shall deliver you up to the counsels, and shall scourge you in their assembles. And you shall be brought to the rulers and kings for my sake/ in witness to to them and to the gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak, for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall say. ●●ryte 〈…〉 For it is not you that speak, but the spirit of your father which speaketh in you. The brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son. And the children shall rise against their fathers and mothers, and shall put them to death: and you shall be hated of all for my name, but he that endureth to the end, shall be saved. When they pursue you in one city, flee in to the other. I tell you for a truth, you shall not finish all the cities of Israel till the son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master: nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple to be as his master is, and the servant as his Lord is. If they have called the master of the house Belzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household so? Fear them not therefore. There is nothing so close, that shall not be opened, and nothing so hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak you in light. And what you hear in the ear, that preach you on the house tops. And fear Fear. you not them which kill the body and be not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell: Are not two sparrows sparrows. sold for a farthing? And none of them doth fall on the ground without your father. Yea all the hears of your heed are numbered. Fear you not therefore you are of more value than many sparrows. Who so ever then shall confess me before men, him will I confess Confess. also before my father which is in heaven. But who so ever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven. Think not I am come to sand peace in to the earth. I came not to sand peace, Deny. but a sword A sword. For I am come to set man at variance against his father, & the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth his father, or mother above me, is not meet for me. And he that loveth his son or daughter above me, is not meet for me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is not meet for me. He that φ To find his life (is to satisfy the desire of his heart. findeth his life, shall loose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth Recayve. a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophets reward. And he that receiveth a righteous man in name of a righteous man, shall receive the reward of a righteous man. Marinell ix f And who so ever shall give unto one of these little one's to drink, a cup of cold water only in name of a disciple: truly I tell you he shall not loose his reward. ¶ Iohn baptist sendeth his disciples to christ/ which giveth them their answer, rebuketh the unthankful cities, and lovingly exhorteth men to take his yoke upon them. CAPI. XI. ANd it came to pass when jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples/ he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities. ✚ Luke vii e When Iohn in the prison heard the works of christ/ he sent two of his disciples and said hnto him. Art thou he that is coming, or look we for an other. jesus answered and said unto them. Go and show Iohn what you have herd and seen. The blind see, the halt go, the lepers are cleansed: the deef hear/ the deed rise again/ and the gospel is preached to the poor. And happy is he that is not grieved by me. And as they departed, jesus began to speak unto the people of Iohn. What went you out in to the wilderness to see? a φ The reed is a figure of the doctrine that is not of God/ which waveth with every wind reed shaken with the wind? either what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they that wear soft clothing, are in kings houses. But what went you out to see? A prophet? Yea I say to you and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written. Behold I sand my messenger before thy face, Mala iii a. which shall prepare thy way defore the. ⊦ ✚ verily I say unto you among the children of women arose there not a greater than Iohn the Baptist. Notwithstanding he that is less Christ which humbled himself to the cross was less. Luke xvi Mala four b. in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the time of Iohn baptist hitherto the kingdom of heaven is intruded, and intruders pluck it unto them. For all the prophets and the law prophesied unto the time of Iohn. And if you will receive it, this is Helias which should come. He that hath ears to hear let him hear. ⊦ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? Esa. xxvi It is like unto children which sit in the market and call unto their fellows, and say: we have pyped unto you, and you have not daunsed? We have mourned unto you, and you have not sorrowed. For Iohn came neither eating nor drinking/ and they say he hath a devil. The son of man came eating & drinking/ & they say/ behold a glutton & drinker of wine/ and a friend unto publicans & sinners. And φ wisdom is justified. etc. That is they that are the children of God/ receive his doctrine & his word as truth and wisdom/ all though the contrary part do not so receayve it. wisdom is justified of her children. ✚ Then began he to upbraid the cities, in which most of his miracles were done, because they repented not. Woe be to the Corasin. woe be to the Bethsaida: for if the miracles which were showed in you had been done in tire and Sydon/ they had repent long agone in sack clot and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you: it shall be easier for tire and Sydon at the day of judgement, then for you. And thou Capernaum, which art life up unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell. For if the miracles which have been done in thee, had been showed in Sodom they had remained to this day. Nevertheless I say unto you: it be easier for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, then for the. ⊦ ✚ At that time jesus answered and said: I praise the oh father Lord of heaven and earth/ because thou hast hid these things from the wife and prudent/ and hast opened them unto babes: The wise knew not. even so father, for so it pleased the. All things are given unto me of my father. And no man knoweth the son but the father: neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whom the son will open him. Come unto me all you that φ You that labour etc. those are here counted to labour that knowledge their sins and are poor in spirit. labour & are laden and I will ease you. Take my yoke on you & learn of me/ for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ⊦ ¶ The disciples placke the ears of corn/ he excuseth them/ heals the dried hand/ helpeth the possessed that was blind & dom/ rebuketh the unfaithful that would needs have tokens/ and showeth who is his brother, sister, and mother. CAPI. XII. ✚ AT that time jesus went on the Saboth days through the corn, Mark. 〈…〉 Luke vi ● and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn/ and to eat. when the pharysees saw that, they said unto him: Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Saboth day. He said unto them. Have you not read what David did when he was an hongred, i Reg. twenty ● & they also which were with him? How he entered in to the house of God, and ate the shewbreed which were not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests. Nu. xxv●●● Or have you not read in the law, how the priests in the temple broke the Saboth day, and yet are blameless? But I say unto you, that here is one greater than the temple. Ose vi c Wherefore if you had wist what this saying means: I will mercy and not sacrifice: you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the son of man is Lord even of the Saboth day. And he departed thence, and went in to their synagogue: and behold there was a man which had his hand dried up. And they asked him saying: Is it lawful to heal on the Saboth days? because they might accuse him. And he said unto them: which of you, if he shall have a sheep fallen in to a pit on the Saboth day would not take him and lift him out? And how moche is man better than a sheep? wherefore it is leeful to do a good deed on the Saboth day. Then said he to the man: stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth. And it was made hole again like unto the other. ✚ Marinell iii ● john ten ● Than the pharysees went out, and held a counsel against him, how they might destroy him. When jesus knew that, he departed thence/ & moche people followed him/ and he healed them all/ and charged them they should not make him known: to fulfil that was spoken by Esay the prophet, which saith: isaiah xiii ● Behold my child, whom I have choose my beloved, in whom my soul delighteth. I will put my spirit on him/ and he shall show judgement to the gentiles. He shall not strive/ he shall not cry/ neither shall any man hear is voice in the streets/ a brosed reed shall he not not break/ and the smoking flax he shall quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory, and in his name shall the gentiles trust. ⊦ Then was brought to him one possessed with a devil, Luke, xi c which was both blind and dumb, and he healed him/ in somuch that he which was blind and dumb, both spoke and see. And all the people were amazed, and said: Marinell three c Luke xii c Is not this that son of David? But when the pharysees heard that/ they said: This fellow driveth not forth the devils but by the help of Belzebub chief of the devils. But jesus knew their thoughts and said to them. Every kingdom divided against itself, is brought to naught. Neither shall any city or household divided against itself stand. So if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. How shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by the help of Belzebub cast out devils: by whose help do your children cast them out? Therefore they shallbe your judges. But if I cast out the devils by the sprite of God: then is the kingdom of God come on you. Either how can a man enter in to a strong man's house, and bereave him of his goods: unless he first bind the strong man, and then spoil his house? ✚ He that is not with me, is against me. And he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and railing shall be forgiven unto men: but the railing against the spirit, shall not be forgiven unto men. And who so ever speaketh a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him. But who so ever speaketh against the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good also: or else make the tree evil, and his fruit evil also. For the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can you say well, when you yourselves are evil? For of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man, out often he good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things. And an evil man out of his evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that of every idle word that men shall have spoken: they shall yield accounts at the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified: and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. ⊦ ✚ Then answered certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees, saying: 〈…〉 Master, we would fain see a sign of the. He answered and said to them: The evil and adulterous generation seeketh a sign, but there shall no sign be given them, save the sign of the Prophet jonas. For as jonas was three days and three nights in the whales belly: so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 〈◊〉. ●●i. b The men of Ninive shall rise at the day of judgement with this nation, and condemn them: for they amended at the preaching of jonas. And behold, a greater than jonas is here. 〈…〉. a The queen of the south shall rise at the day of judgement with this generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the furthest parties of the world, to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold a greater than Solomon is here. When the unclean spirit is go out of a man, he walketh throughout dry places, seeking rest and findeth none. Then he saith: I will return again into my house, from whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth the house emtye and swept, and garnished. Then he goeth his way, and taketh unto him seven other spirits worse than himself, and so enter they and devil there. And the end of that man is worse than the beginning. Even so shall it be with this evil nation. While he yet talked to the people: 〈◊〉 ●iii. d 〈…〉 behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Than one said unto him: behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with the. He answered and said to him that told him: Who is my mother? or who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand over his disciples and said: behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever doth my father's will which is in heaven, the same is my brother, sister and mother ⊦ ¶ The parable of the seed, of the tars, of the mustard seed, of the leaven, of the treasure hid in the field, of the the pearls, and of the net. CAPI. XIII. THe same day went jesus out of the house, and sat by the see side, Marck four a Luke viii a and much people resorted unto him, so greatly that he went, and sat in a ship, & all the people stood on the shore. And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying: Behold the sower went forth to sow. And as he sowed, some fell by the ways side, & the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fallen upon stony ground where they had not much earth and anon they sprung up, because they had no depth of earth: and when the sun was up, they caught heat, and for lack of roting, withered away. Some fallen among thorns and the thorns sprung up and choked them. part fallen in good ground, & brought forth good fruit: some an hundredth fold, some sixty fold some thirty fold. Whosoever hath ears to hear let him hear. And the disciples came and said to him: Why speakest thou to them in parables? He answered and said unto them, unto you is it given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given: and he shall have abundance. But whosoever hath not: from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: for though they see, they see not, and hearing they hear not: neither under stand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esay, which saith: Esa. vi ● with the ears you shall hear and shall not understand, and with the eyes you shall see, & shall not perceive. For this people's hearts are waxed gross, & their ears are dull of hearing. and their eyes have they closed, jest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, & should turn that I might heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Verily I say unto you, that many prophets, and perfect men have desired to see those things which you see, & have not sent them: & to hear those things which you hear, & have not herd them. Hear you therefore the parable of the sour. Whoso ever heareth the word of the kingdom & understandeth it not, there cometh the wicked & catcheth away the which was sown in his heart. And this is he which was sown by the way side. But he that was sown 〈◊〉 the stony ground, is he which heareth the word of God, and anon with joy receiveth it, yet hath he no rote in himself, and therefore dure●h but a season: for as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, forth with he is offended. He that was sown among thorns, is he that heareth the word of God: but the care of this world, and the disseytfulnesse of riches choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful. He which is sown in the good ground, is he that heareth the word and understandeth it: which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some syxtye fold, and some thirty fold. another parable he propounded unto than, saying: ✚ The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while the men slept, there came his enemy and sowed tars among the wheat, & went his way. When the shoulder-blade was sprung up and had brought forth fruit, than appeared the tars also. Then came the servants to the householder, and said unto him: Sir sowedst not thou good seed in thy ground, from whence then hath it tars? He said to them: the enemy hath done this. Then the servants said unto him: wilt thou then that we go and weed them out? But he said: nay, jest while you go about to weed out the tars, you pluck up also with them the wheat by the rotes: let both grow together till harvest come, and in time of harvest, I will say to the repers, gather you first the tars, and bind them in sheaves to be brent: but gather the wheat in to my barn. ⊦ Marck four d ✚ An other parable he put forth unto them saying: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a mustard seed that a man taketh and soweth in his field, which is the least of all sedes. But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and it is a tree: so that the birds of the air come and build in the branches of it. another similitude said he to them. The kingdom of heaven is like unto! even which a woman taketh and hideth in three pecks of meal, till all be levended. Marck iiii c All these things spoke jesus unto the people by similitudes, and without similitudes spoke he nothing to them, to fulfil that was spoken by the Prophet, saying: Psal lxxvii a I will open my mouth in parables, and will speak forth things which have been kept secret, from the beginning of the world. ⊦ ✚ Then sent jesus the people away, and came home. And his disciples came unto him, saying: declare unto us the parable of the tars of the field. Then answered he, and said unto them: tars are expounded. He that soweth the good seed is the son of man. And the field is the worth. And the children of the kingdom, they are the good seed And the tars are the children of the wicked. And the enemy that soweth them, is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. And the repers be the Angels. For even as the tars are gathered and brent in the sire: so shall it be in the end of this world. Apoca. ● The son of man shall sand forth his Angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all griefs, and them which do wickedness, and shall cast them in to a furnes of fire. There shallbe wailing and gnasshing of teeth. Sapien●● Then shall the righteous men shine as bright as the son in the kingdom of their father. Whosoever hath ears to hear let him hear. ⊦ ✚ Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in the field, which a man findeth and hideth: and for joy thereof goth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant that seeketh fair pearls, which when he had found one precious pearl, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net cast in to the see, that gathereth of all kinds of fishes: which when it is full, men draw to land, and sit & gather the good in to vessels, and cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come out and sever the bad from the good, & shall cast them in to a furnes of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. jesus said unto them. Understand you all these things? They said: yea Lord. Then said he unto them. Therefore every Scribe which is taught unto the kingdom of heaven is like an householder, which bringeth forth of his treasure, things both new and old. ⊦ And it came to pass when jesus had ended these symylytudes, he departed thence and came into his own country, and taught them in their synagogues: in so much that they were astonied and said: whence cometh all this wisdom and power unto him? Is not this the Carpenter's son? Is not his mother called mary? and his brethren be called james & joses and Simon and judas? And are not his sisters all here with us? Whence hath he all these things. And they were offended by him. Then jesus said to them, a Prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and among his own kin. And he did not many miracles there, because of their unbelief. ¶ Iohn is taken and beheaded. christ feedeth five thousand men with u loves and two fishes, and appeareth by night unto his disciples upon the see. CAPI. XIIII. AT that time Herode the Tetrarcha heard of the fame of jesus and said unto his servants: this is Iohn the Baptist. He is rysena gain from death and therefore are such miracles wrought by him. For Herode had taken Iohn, and bond him and put him in prison for Herodias sake, his brother Philip's wife. For Iohn said unto him it is not lawful for the to have her. And when he would have put him so ●●●th, he s●ared the people because they held him as a Prophet. But when Herodes birth day was come, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herode. Wherefore he promised with an oath, that he would give her what so ever she would ask. And she being informed of her mother before, said: give me here Iohn baptists heed in a platter. And the king was sorry. Nevertheless because of his oaths, and them also which sat at the table, he commanded it to be given her, and sent and beheaded Iohn in the prison, 〈…〉. and his heed was brought in a platter, and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took up his body and buried it, and went and told jesus. When jesus heard that, he departed thence by ship in to a wylsom place out of the way. And when the people had herd thereof, 〈…〉 they followed him afore out of their cities. And jesus went forth and saw moche people, and his heart did melt upon them, and he healed of them those that were sick. Now when even was come, his disciples came to him saying: this is a desert place, and the day is spent, let the people depart, that they may go in to the towns and buy them bytayles. But jesus said to them: They have no need to go away. give you them to eat. Then said they unto him: we have here but five loves and two fishes. And he said: bring them hither. And he commanded the people to sit down on the grass, and took the u loves and the two fishes, & looked up to heaven and ●llesse: ●● pla● new 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 god ● give ●●●ts. blessed, and broke and gave the loves to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they did all eat and were sufficed. And they gathered up of the gobets that remained twelve baskets full. And they that ate, were in number about five thousand men beside women and children. 〈…〉 And straight way jesus made his disciples enter in to a ship, and to go over before him, while he sent the people away. And as soon as he had sent the people away, he went up in to a mountain alone to pray. And when night was come, he was there himself alone. And the ship was now in the mids of the see, and was tossed with waves, for it was a contrary wind. ●●bre ●●●ded 〈◊〉 in ●●●tes they Au●i. ●●●her ●●th 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 and ●●●d the 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 And in the fourth watch of the night jesus came unto them walking on the see. And when his disciples saw him walking on the see/ they were troubled, saying: it is some spirit, and cried out for fear. And forthwith jesus spoke unto them saying: be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. Peter answered him, and said: master, if thou be he, bid me come unto the on the water. And he said, come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to jesus. But when he saw a mighty wind, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried saying: Master save me. And forthwith jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him, and said to him: O little faithful, wherefore didst thou doubt? And as soon as they were come in to the ship, the wind ceased. So they in the ship, came and worshipped him, saying: Certainly thou art the son of God. And when they were come over, they went in to the land of Genazareth. And the men of that place having knowledge of him, sent out in to all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, and besought him that they might but touch the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made safe. ¶ christ. excuseth his disciples/ and rebuketh the scribes and Pharisees. The thing that goeth in to the mouth defileth not. He delivereth the woman of Cananees daughter/ heals the multitude/ and with vii loaves and a few little fishes feedeth iiii. M. men. CAPI. XU. ✚ THen came to jesus scribes and Pharysees from jerusalem saying: Why do thy disciples break the tradition of the elders, for they wash not their hands when they eat breed. He answered and said unto them: Why do you also break the commandment of God thorough your tradition? For God commanded, saying: Exodi ten ●. Deutr u b Honour thy father and mother, and he that curseth father or mother shall suffer death. But you say, every man shall say to his father or mother: that which thou desirest of me to help the with: is given God: and so shall he not honour his father or his mother. And thus have you defeated the commandment of God through your tradition. hypocrites, isaiah xxix d well prophesied of you isaiah saying. This people draweth unto me with their mouths, and honoureth me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me: in vain they worship me, teaching doctrines, the precepts of men. And he called the people unto him and said to them: hear and understand. That which goeth in to the mouth defileth not the man, but that which cometh out of the mouth defileth the man. Then came his disciples and said unto him: Perceyvest thou not how the Pharysees are offended in hearing this saying? He answered and said: all planting which my heavenly father hath not planted, shall be plucked up by the roots. Let them alone, they be the blind leaders of the blind. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the dyche. Then answered Peter and said to him, declare unto us this parable. Then said jesus: are you yet without understanding? perceive you not, that what so ever goth in at the mouth descendeth down in to the belly, and is cast out in to the draft? But those things which come forth of the mouth, come from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, whoredom, theft, false wytnesbearing, blasphemy: These are the things which defile a man. But to eat with unwashen hands, defileth not a man. ⊦ ✚ Andrea jesus went thence, and departed in to the coostes of tire and Sydon. And behold, a woman of Cane came out of the same coostes, and cried unto him, saying: Have mercy on me Lord, thou son of David, my daughter is sore vexed with a devil. And he gave her never a word to answer. Then came to him his disciples and besought him saying: Send her away for she followeth us crying. He answered and said, I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then she came and worshipped him, saying: master help me. He answered & said: it is not good to take the children's breed and cast it to φ The jews call the heathen and gentiles dogs/ because of their idolatry. dogs. She answered and said: troth Lord, nevertheless the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. Then jesus answered & said unto her. O woman great is thy faith, be it to the as thou desirest. And her daughter was made hole at that same hour. ⊦ Then jesus went away from thence, and came nigh unto the see of Galilee, and went up in to a mountain, and sat down there. And moche people came unto him, having with them, halt, blind, dumb, maimed, and other many, and cast them down at jesus feet. And he healed them, in so much that the people wondered to see the dumb speak, the maimed hole, the halt go, and the blind see. And they glorified the god of Israel. Then jesus called his disciples to him, and said: I have compassion on the people because they have continued with me now three days, and have naught to eat, and I will not let them go fasting, jest they perish in the way. And his disciples say unto him: whence should we get so moche breed in the wilderness to fill so great a multitude? And jesus said unto them: how many loves have you? They said seven, & a few little fishes. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground, and taking the seven loves, and the fishes, gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up of the fragments that were left seven baskets full. And yet they that ate were four. M. men, beside women & children. And he sent away the people, and took ship and came in to the parties of Magdala. ¶ The Pharisees require a token. jesus warneth his disciples of Pharisees doctrine. The confession of Peter. The keys of heaven. The faithful must bear the cross after Christ. CAPI. XVI. T Marinell viii b. john vi d Hen came the Pharysees and Saducees tempting him, and desired him to show them some sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them. Luke xiii g. At even you say, we shall have fair wedder, for the sky is red. And in the morning you say, to day shall be foul wedder, for the sky is cloudy and red. O you hypocrites, you can discern the countenance of the sky: and can you not discern the signs of seasons? The froward nation and adulterous seeketh a sign, & there shall none other sign be given them, but the sign of the jona ii ● Prophet jonas. So left he them and departed. And when his disciples were come to the other side of the water, they had forgotten to take breed with them. Then jesus said unto them: Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadduces. But they thought in themselves saying: we have brought no breed with us. When jesus understood that, he said unto them. O you of little faith, why are your minds cumbered because you have brought no breed? Do you not yet perceive neither remember those u loves when there were five thousand men, and how many baskets took you up? Neither the vij loves when there were four thousand, and how many baskets took you up? Why perceive you not then, that I spoke not unto you of breed, when I said, beware of the leaven of the Pharysees and of the Sadduces? Then understood they that he bade not them beware of the leaven of breed, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees, and of the Sadduces. ✚ When jesus Marinell viii ● Luc ix b. came in to the costs of the city which is called Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples saying: whom do men say that I the son of man am? They said some say thou art Iohn baptist, some Helyas, some jeremias, or one of the prophets. He said unto them: but whom say you that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Marinell viii ● Luke ix c Thou art christ the son of the living God. And jesus answered and said to him: Happy art thou Simon the son of jonas, for flesh and blood hath not opened unto the that, but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and ‡ Upon th● rock/ that as sayeth Augustin upon the confession which ● hast made knowledgeing me to ●● christ the son of th● living God, I bu●●de ●● congr●gacio● or church. upon this rock I will build my congregation, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And φ To the I will give the keys etc. Origen writing upon Mathan h●● first homel●●● affirmeth that these words were as well spoken to all the re●● of the Apost●● as to Pete● and proveth it by the Christ john .xx c saith. receive the holy ghost ●●nes 〈◊〉 re: ●●●●d 〈◊〉 re 〈◊〉 in ●●opy ●●●er ●● sipri 〈◊〉 ●●●me, 〈◊〉 dyE●●tt ●●●●rnt 〈◊〉. I will give unto thee, the keys of the kingdom of heaven: what so ever thou byndest upon earth, shall be bound in heaven/ and what so ever thou losest on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. ⊦ Than he charged his disciples, that they should tell no man that he was jesus christ. From that time forth jesus began to show unto his disciples that he must go unto jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and of the high priests, and scribes, and must be killed, and rise again the third day. But Peter took him a side, and began to rebuke him saying: Master favour thyself, this shall not come unto the. Then turned he about, and said unto Peter: come after me Satan, thou offendest me, because thou savourest not things of God, but things of men. jesus then said to his disciples. If any man will follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For who so ever will save his life shall loose it. And who so ever shall loose his life for my sake, shall find it. What shall it profit a man, though he should win all the hole world, if he loose his own soul? Or else what shall a man give to redeem his soul again withal? For the son of man shall come in the glory of his father, with his angels: and then shall he reward every man according to his deeds. verily I say unto you, some there be among them that here stand which shall not taste of death, till they shall see the son of man come in his kingdom. ¶ The transfyguration of christ upon the mount of Tabor. He heals the lunaryke/ and payeth tribute. CAPI. XVII. ✚ ANd after six days jesus took Peter and james and Iohn his brother, and brought them up in to an high mountain out of the way, and was transfygured before them: & his face did shine as the son, and his clotheses were as white as the light. And behold there appeared unto them Moses and Hely, talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said to jesus: master here is good being for us. If thou will't, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, & one for Moses, and one for Hely. While he yet spoke, behold a bright cloud shadowed them. And 〈…〉 behold there came a voice out of that cloud saying: this is my dear son, in whom I delight, hear him. And when the disciples heard that they fallen on their faces and were sore afraid. And jesus came and touched them, and said: arise and be not afraid. And when they looked up, they saw no man save jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, jesus charged them saying: See you show the vision to no man, until the son of man be risen again from death. ✚ Andrea his disciples asked him saying: 〈…〉 Why then say the scribes that Hely must first come? jesus answered and said unto them: Hely shall first come, and restore all things. And I say unto you that Hely is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him what soever they lusted. In likewise shall also the son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples perceived that he spoke unto them of Iohn baptist. And when they were come to the people, there came to him a certain man and kneeled down to him, and said. Master have mercy on my son, for he is lunatycke, and is sore vexed. And often times he falls in to the fire, and oft in to the water. 〈…〉 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not heal him. jesus answered and said: O faithless nation and crooked: how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And jesus rebuked the devil, & he came out of him. And the child was healed even that same hour. ⊦ Then came the disciples to jesus secretly, and said: Why could not we cast him out? jesus said unto them: Because of your unbelief. For I say verily unto you: ●●. i b if you had faith as a mustered seed, you should say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and he should remove: neither should any thing be unpossible for you to do. How be it this kind goth not out but by prayer and fasting. As they went about in Galilee, jesus said unto them: Math. xvi c Marinell viii d. Luke ix c the son of man shall be delivered in to the hands of men, and they shall kill him, & the third day shall he rise again. And they sorrowed greatly. ✚ Andrea when they were come to Capernaum, they that were wont to gather tribute money, came to Peter and said: Doth your master pay tribute? He said yea. And when he was come in to the house, jesus prevented him, saying: what thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute or tax money? of their children, or of strangers? Peter said unto him: of strangers. Then said jesus unto him: Then are the children free. Nevertheless, jest we should offend them: go to the see, and cast in thine angle, and take the fish that first cometh up: and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of twenty pennies, that take and pay for me and the. ⊦ ¶ He teacheth his disciples to be humble and harmless to avoid occasions of evil, and one to forgive another's offence. CAPI. XVIII. ✚ THe same time the disciples came unto jesus saying: Marinell ix e ten b Luke ix f who is greater in the kingdom of heaven? jesus called a child unto him, and let him in the mids of them and said: verily I say unto you, Marinell ten b Luke xviii except you turn & become as children, you can not enter in to the kingdom of heaven. who soever therefore humbleth himself as this child, the same is the greater man in the kingdom of heaven. And who so ever receiveth such a child in my name, receiveth me. Luke xvii a But who so ever offend one of these little one's, which believe in me: it were better for him a millstone were hanged about his neck, and were drowned in the depth of the see, woe worth the world for offendynges. How be it, it can not be avoided but that offences shall be given. Nevertheless woe worth the man by whom the offending cometh. Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, * Cut him of This is expounded in Matthew u ● cut him of and cast him from the. It is better for the to enter in to life halt or maimed, than thou shouldest having two hands or two feet be cast in to everlasting fire. And if thine eye let thee, pluck it out, and cast it from the. It is better for the to enter in to life with one eye, then having two eyes to be cast in to hell fire. See you despise not one of these lytelones. For I tell you, that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my father which is in heaven. ⊦ For the son of man is come to save that which is lost. How think you? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be go astray, doth he not leave the four score and xix in the mountains, & go and seek that one which is go astray. Luke xu a If it happen that he find him, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the iiij. score and xix which went not astray: So it is not the will of your father in heaven that one of these lytelones should be lost. ✚ Moreover * Luke xvii a if thy brother trespass against the. Levit xix c Eccle. xix b. Deut. xix b Go and tell him his fault between him and the alone. If he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother: But if he hear the not, then take yet with the one or two, that ‡ Jacobi. u.b i Corin xiii a Hebre x c in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. If he hear not then, tell it unto the congregation. If he hear not the congregation, take him as an heathen man, and as a publican. verily I say unto you, * whatsoever you bind etc. that is what soever you condemn by my word in earth/ the same is condemned in heaven And that you allow by my word in earth is allowed in heaven. what so ever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. And what so ever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree in earth upon any manner thing, what so ever they shall desire: it shall be given them of my father which is in heaven For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the mids of them. Then came Peter to him, and said: master how often shall I forgive my brother if he sin against me, seven times? jesus said unto him: I say not unto the vij times, but seventy times vij times. ⊦ ✚ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king which would take accounts of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which aught him ten thousand talentes: whom because he had naught to pay, his master commanded him to be sold and his wife, and his children and all that he had, & payment to be made. The servant fallen down and besought him saying: Sir, give me respite, and I will pay it every whit. Then had the Lord pity on that servant, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. And the said servant went out and found one of his fellows which aught him an hundred pennies, and laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying: pay me that thou owest. And his fefow fallen down and besought him saying: have patience with me, & I will pay the all. But he would not, but went & cast him in to prison, till he should pay the debt. When his other fellows see what was done they were very sorry, and came and told their Lord all that had happened. Then his Lord called him, and said unto him. O evil servant I forgave the all that debt, because thou praydest me: was it not meet also that thou shouldest have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth and delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all that was due to him: So * Mat vi b Marinell xi d likewise shall my heavenly father do unto you, except you forgive with your hearts each one to his brother their trespasses. ⊦ ¶ christ giveth answer concerning marriage/ and teacheth not to be careful nor to love worldly riches. CAPI. XIX. ANd it came to pass when jesus had ended these sayings, he got him from Galilee, and came into the costs of jury beyond jordan, and moche people followed him, and he healed them there. * Marinell ten a Then came unto him the pharisees tempting him, and saying to him: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for all manner of causes? He answered and said unto them: Have you not red, how he * Gene. i d which made man at the beginning, made them man and woman, and said: * Gene. ii Ephe. u g i Corin vi ● for this thing shall man leave father and mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore now are they not twain, but one flesh. Let not man therefore put asunder that God hath coupled. Then said they to him: why did Moses command to give a testimonial of divorcement, and to put her away? Deut. xxii●▪ ● Jere iii a Mala ii c He said to them: Moses because of the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. I say therefore unto you, who so ever putteth away his wife, except it be for adultery and marrieth an other, committeth adultery. And who so ever marrieth her which is divorced doth commit adultery. Then said his disciples to him: if the matter be so between man and wife, it is not good to mary. He said unto them, all men can not away with that saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some gelded, which were so born out of their mother's belly. And there are gelded, which be made of men. And there be gelded, which have gelded them selves for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take. Then were brought to him young children, that he should put his hands on them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But jesus said: suffer the children, and forbid them not to come to me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And when he had put his hands on them, he departed thence, And behold one came and said unto him: Good master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have everlasting life? He said unto him: why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, and that is God. But if thou wilt enter in to life, keep the commandments. The other said to him: Which? And jesus said: thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steel, thou shalt not bear false witness, honour father and mother. & thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. And the young man said unto him, I have observed all these things from my youth, what lack I yet? And jesus said unto him, * Marinell x c Luke xviii c and twelve. d if thou wilt be perfect, go cell that thou hast, & give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come follow me. When the young man heard that saying, he went away mourning. For he had great possessions. Then jesus said unto his disciples: Verily I say unto you, it is hard for a rich man to enter in to the kingdom of heaven. And moreover I say unto you: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter in to the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard that, they were exceedingly amazed, saying: who then can be saved? jesus beheld them, and said unto them: with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ✚ Then answered Peter, and said to him: Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee/ what shall we have? jesus said unto them: verily I say unto you: when the son of man shall sit in the seat of his majesty, you which follow me in the new birth, shall sit also upon the twelve seats and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And whosoever forsaketh houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father or mother, or wife or children, or lands for my name, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life ⊦ Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first. ¶ christ teacheth by a similitude that God is debtor unto no man and how he is always calling men to his labour. He teacheth his disciples to be lowly, and giveth two blind men their sight. CAPI. XX. FOr the kingdom of heaven is like unto an householder, which went out early in the morning to higher labourers in to his vineyard. And he agreed with the labourers for a penny a day and sent them in to his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw other standing idle in the market place, and said unto them, go you also in to my vineyard: and what so ever is right, I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour/ and did likewise. And he went out about the eleventh hour, and found other standing idle, and said unto them: Why stand you here all the dyae idle? They said unto him: because no man hath hired us. He said to them: go you also in to my vineyard/ and what so ever is right, that shall you receive. When even was come, the Lord of the vineyard said unto his steward: call the labourers, and give them their higher/ beginning at the last, till thou come to the first. And they which were hired about the eleventh hour came and received every man a penny. Then came the first, supposing that they should receive more/ and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying: These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us which have born the burden and heat of the day. He answered to one of them, saying: friend I do the no wrong: didst thou not agreed with me for a penny? Take that is thy duty and go thy way, I will give this last as much as the. Is it not lawful for me to do as me listeth with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? 〈…〉 So the last shall be first, and the first last. For many are called and few be choose. ⊦ ✚ Andrea jesus ascended to jerusalem, and took the twelve disciples apart in the way/ and said to them. 〈…〉 ●iii. f. Behold we go up to jerusalem, and the son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles to be mocked, and scourged, and to be crucified, & the third day he shall rise again. ✚ Then came to him the mother of Zebedes children, with her sons Marci ten e worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her: what wilt thou have? She said unto him: Grant that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on the left hand in thy kingdom. jesus answered and said: You wot not what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cupppe that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I shall be baptized with. They answered to him, that we are. And he said unto them: You shall drink of my cup, and shall be babtysed with the baptism that I shall be baptized with. But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give, but to them for whom it is prepared of my father. ⊦ Marinell ten f Andrea when the ten herd this, they disdained at the two brethren: But jesus called them unto him and said: Luke xxii c You know that the rulers of the gentiles have domination over them. And they that are great exercise power over them. It shall not be so among you. But who so ever will be great among you, let him be your minister/ and who so ever will be chief, let him be your servant/ even as the son of man came not to be minystred unto, but to minister, Marinell ten g and to give his life for the redemption of many. ⊦ Andrea as they departed from Hiericho, moche people followed him. * Marinell ten g Luke xviii g And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard jesus pass by, cried saying: Thou Lord the son of David have mercy on us. And the people rebuked them, because they should hold their peace/ but they cried the more saying: have mercy on us thou Lord which art the son of David. Then jesus stood still and called them, and said: What will you I should do to you? They said to him: Lord, that our eyes may be opened. jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes, Marinell ten g and forthwith their eyes received sight. And they followed him. ¶ He rideth into jerusalem/ driveth the merchants out of the temple/ curseth the fyg tree/ and rebuketh the Pharisees with the similitude of the two sons and of the husband men. CAPI. XXI. ✚ WHen they drew nigh unto jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, Marinell xi a c Luke xix c unto mount Olyuete: then sent jesus two of his disciples, saying to them: Go in to the town that lieth over against you, and anon you shall find an Ass bound, and her colt with her: lose them and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, say the Lord hath need of them, and forthwith he will let them go. All this was done to fulfil that was spoken by the prophet, Isaiah lxii d saying Tell the daughter of Zion: Esay lxii d zecha ix b john xii c Luke xix f Behold, thy king cometh to thee, meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt, the fool of an ass used to the yoke. The disciples went and did as jesus commanded them, and brought the ass and the colt, and laid on them their clotheses, and set him thereon. And many of the people spread their garments in the way. Other cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. Moreover the people that went before, & they also that came after, cried saying: Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord, * Hosanna/ in Hebrew Hosiahna/ that is to say. I pray that give health. Hosanna in the highest. ⊦ ✚ And when he was come to jerusalem, all the city was moved saying: Who is this? And the people said: this is jesus the Prophet of Nazareth a city of Galilee. And jesus went in to the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold & bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money chaungers, and the seats of them that sold doves, & said to them: It is written, * Iere vii c my house shallbe called the house of prayer. But you have made it a den of thieves. And the blind & the halt came to him in the temple, and he healed them. When the chief priests and scribes saw the marvels that he did, and the children crying in the temple and saying: Hosanna to the son of David/ they disdained, & said unto him: Hearest thou what these say? jesus said unto them, yea, have you not read, * Psa. viii a of the mouth of babes and suckelynges, thou hast ordained praise? And he left them, and went out of the city unto Bethanie, and lodged there. ⊦ In the morning as he returned in to the city he hungered, and spied a fig trees in the way, and came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves, and said to it: never fruit grow on the hence forwards. And anon the fig tree wyddered away. And when his disciples saw that, they marveled saying. How soon is the fig tree wyddered away? jesus answered and said unto them: verily I say unto you, if you shall have faith and shall not doubt, you shall not only do that which I have done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say unto this mountain, take thyself away and cast thyself in to the see, it shall be done. And what so ever you shall ask in prayer (yfye believe) you shall receive it. ✚ Andrea when he was come in to the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people, came unto him as he was teaching, and said: by what authority dost thou these things? and who gave the this power? jesus answered and said unto them: I also will ask of you a certain question, Marinell xi d Luke twenty a which if you assoil me, I in likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of Iohn: whence was it? from heaven, or of men? Then they reasoned among themselves saying: if we shall say from heaven, he will say unto us: why did you not then believe him? But if we shall say ✚ of men, then fear we the people. For all held Iohn as a prophet. And they answered jesus and said: we can not tell. And he likewise said unto them: neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. ⊦ What say you to this? ✚ A certain man had two sons, and came to the elder and said: son go & work to day in my vineyard. He answered & said, I will not: but afterward repent & went. Then came he to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said: I will sir, yet went not. Whether of them twain did the will of the father? And they said unto him: the first. jesus said unto them: verily I say unto you that the publicans & the harlots shall come in the kingdom of God before you. For Iohn came unto you in the way of rightwiseness/ and you believed him not. But the publicans and harlots believed him. And yet you, though you saw it) were not yet moved with repentance, that you might afterward have believed him. ⊦ ✚ hearken an other parable. Marinell xii ● Luke twenty b Isaiah u a jeremy ii d There was a certain householder which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about and made a winepress in it, and bylte a tour, and let it out to husbandmen, and went in to a strange country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen to receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen caught his servants/ and beaten one, killed an other, and stoned an other. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they served them likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his own son, saying: they will fear my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves. * Genesis xxxvi. d This is the heir, come let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance to ourselves. And they caught him, and thrust him out of the vineyard, & slew him. When the Lord of the vineyard cometh, what will he do with those husbandmen? They said unto him: he will cruelly destroy those evil people, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall deliver him the fruit at times convenient. jesus said unto them: did you never read in the scriptures: The stone which the builders refused, the same is set in the principal part of the corner: this was the Lords doing/ and it is marvelous in our eyes. Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to the gentiles, which shall bring forth the fruits of it. And who so ever shall fall on this stone, he shall be broken/ but on who so ever it shall fall upon, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief priests and pharisees heard his parables, they perceived he spoke of them. john vii d And they went about to say hands on him, but they feared the people, because they took him as a Prophet. ⊦ ¶ The marriage of the Kings son Tribute to be given to the emperor. christ confuteth the opinion of the Saducees concerning the resurrection/ and answereth the Scribe unto his question. CAPI. XXII. ANd jesus answered, and spoke unto them again, 〈…〉. d in parables, saying. ✚ The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man being a king, which married his son, and sent forth his servants, to call them that were bid to the wedding, & they would not come. Again he sent forth other servants, saying. Tell them which are bidden: behold I have prepared my dinner, mine oxen and my fatlynges are killed, & all things are ready, come unto the marriage. But they regarded not, and went their ways: one to his house in the country, another about his merchandise, the remnant took his servants, and entreated them foully, and slay them. When the king heard that, he was wroth, and sand forth his warryers', and destroyed those murderers, and brent up their city. Then said he to his servants: the wedding is prepared. But they which were bidden, were not worthy. Go you therefore out into the high ways, and as many as you find bid them to the marriage. The servants went out into the high ways, and gathered together as many as they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding was furnysshed with gests. Then the king came in, to visit the gests, and spied there a man which had not on a φ wedding garment, and said unto him: 〈◊〉 this ●ge 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 Esay Friend, how fortuned it that thou camest in hither, and hast not on a wedding garment? But he had never a word to say. Then said the king to his ministers: take and bind him hand and foot, and cast him into utter darkness, there shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth. For many are called but few be choose. ⊦ 〈…〉 ✚ Then went the Pharisees and took counsel how they might trap him in his words And they sent unto him their disciples, with Herodes officers, saying: 〈◊〉 twenty d Master, we know thou art true, and teachest the way of God truly, neither carest for any man, for thou consydrest not men's estate. Tell us therefore: how thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cesar or not? jesus perceived their wickedness, and said: Why tempt you me, you hypocrites? Let me see the coin of the tribute money. 〈◊〉 is 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 ●●all a ●nd is 'spence 〈◊〉. And they took him φ a penny. And he said unto them: Whose is this Image and superscription? They said unto him: Caesar's. Then said he unto them: give therefore to Cesar, that which is Caesar's: and give unto God, that which is Gods. ⊦ When they herd that, they marveled, and left him, and went their way. The same day the Sadduces came to him (which say that there is no resurrection) and asked him saying: 〈◊〉 ●●v. a. Master, Moses bade, if a man die having no children, that the brother marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were with us seven brethren and the first married and deceased without issue & left his wife unto his brother. Likewise the second and the third even until the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. Now in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? For all had her. jesus answered & said unto them * Mat xii b you are deceived and understand not the scriptures, nor yet the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor be given in marriage: but are as angels in heaven As touching the resurrection of the deed: have you not read what is said unto you of god which saith: * Exodi iii b I am Abraham's God, and Isaac's God, and the God of jacob? God is not the God of the deed: but of the living. And when the people heard that, they were astonied at his doctrine. ✚ When the Pharisees had herd, how he had stopped the Sadduces mouths, they drew together, and one of them a doctor of law, asked him a question, tempting him, & saying: Master which is the chief commandment in the law? jesus said to him: Deutre vi b thirty. b. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, & with all thy mind. This is the first and the chief commandment. Levitic xix ● Roma xiii b. And the second like unto this. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. In these two commandments hang all the law & the Prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, jesus asked them saying: What think you of Christ? Whose son is he? They said unto him, The son of David. He said unto them: How then doth David in spirit, call him Lord, saying: The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stolen. If David call him Lord: how is he then his son? And none could answer him again one word: neither dared any from that day forth, ask him any more questions. ⊦ ¶ christ crieth woe over the Pharisees Scribes and hypocrites/ and prophesieth the destruction of jerusalem. CAPI. XXIII. THen spoke jesus to the people, and to his disciples, saying: The Scribes and Pharisees φ To sit in Moses chair, is to teach, not their own dreams, but the law of god, promulgate by Moses. sit in Moses chair. Albina therefore whatsoever they bid you keep, that keep and do: but after their works do not: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be born, and lay them on men's shoulders: but they themselves will not move them with their finger. All their works they do, to be seen of men. They set abroad their phylacteries, and make large borders on their garments, and love to sit uppermost at feasts, and to have the chief seats in the assembles, & gretynges in the markets, and to be called of men Rabbi. But you shall not suffer youreselues to be called Rabbi. For one is your master, that is to wit Christ, and all you are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth, for there is but one your father, and he is in heaven. Be not called masters, for there is but one your master, and he is Christ. He that is greatest among you, shallbe your servant. But whosoever exalteth himself, shallbe humbled. And he that humbleth himself, shallbe exalted. Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, because you shut up the kingdom of Heaven before men: for you your selves go not in, neither suffer you them that come to enter in. Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites: because you devour widows houses: and that under a colour of praying long prayers, wherefore you shall receive the greater damnation. Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, which compass see and land, to bring one into your belief: and when he is brought you make him two fold more the child of hell, than you yourselves are. Woe be unto you blind guides, which say: Who so ever swear by the temple, it is nothing: but who so ever sweareth by the gold of the temple, is bound. You fools and blind: whether is greater the gold or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And who so ever sweareth by the altar, it is nothing: But whosoever sweareth by the offering that lieth on the altar, is bound. You fools and blind: whether is greater the offering, or the altar which sanctifieth the offering? Who so ever therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all that there on is. And whosoever sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, which do tithe mint, anise, and common, and leave the wayghtyer matters of the law undone: judgement, mercy, and faith. These aught you to have done, and not to leave the other undone. You blind guides which strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, which make clean the utter side of the cup, and of the platter: but within they are full of ravin and excess. Thou blind pharisee, cleanse first the innerside of the cup and platter, that the outesyde of them may be clean also. Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, for you are like unto painted tombs which appear beautiful outwardly: but are within full of dead bones, and of all filthiness. So also you, outwardly you appear righteous unto men, when within, you are full hypocrisy and wickedness. Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites: for you build the tombs of the Prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, and say: if we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them, in the blood of the Prophets. So than you be witnesses unto yourselves, that you are the children of them which killed the Prophets. Fulfil you also the measure of your fathers. You serpents and generation of vipers, how should you escape the judgement of hell? ✚ Wherefore, behold I send you Prophets, wise men and scribes, of them some you shall kill and crucify: & some you shall scourge in your assembles, and pursue from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood that was shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zachary, the son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall light upon this generation. jerusalem, jerusalem which kyllest the Prophets, Luce xiii d and stonest them which are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and you would not: Behold, your habitation shallbe left unto you desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see me hence forth, till that you say: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. ⊦ ¶ Christ showeth his diciples the destruction of the temple/ the tokens of the latter days/ and warneth them to wake/ for the world shall suddenly perish. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd jesus went out and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him, to show him the building of the temple. jesus said unto them: see you not all these things? Verily I say unto you: there shall not be here left one stone upon another, that shall not be cast down. And as he sat upon the mount Oliuete, his disciples came unto him secretly, saying. Luke xix ● Tell us when these things shallbe, and what sign shallbe of thy coming and of the end of the world? And jesus answered and said unto them: * Ephesi v▪ ● Beware no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying: I am Christ: and shall deceive many. You shall hear of wars, and rumours of wars: but see that you be not troubled. For all must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and realm against realm: & there shallbe pestilence, hunger and erthquakes in all places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they put you to trouble, & shall kill you: and you shallbe hated of all nations, for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one the other. And many false prophets shall arise, and deceive many. And because of the abundance of wickedness, the charity of many shall wax cold. But he that endureth to the end, shallbe safe. And this glad tidings of the kingdom shallbe preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come. When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, standing in the holy place: Daniel ix ● Marc xiii d Luke xxi c let him that readeth it, understand it. Then let them which be in jury, flee into the mountains. And him which is on the house top, not come down to fet any thing out of his house Neither let him which is in the field, return back to fetch his clotheses. Woe be in those days to women with child, and to them that give suck. But pray that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Saboth day. For than shallbe great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time, nor shallbe. And except those days should be shortened, 〈◊〉 ●eshe, 〈◊〉. there should φ no flesh be saved: but for the chosen's sake, those days shallbe shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you: lo, here is Christ, or there is Christ: believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ's, and false Prophets, and shall do great miracles and wonders. In so much that if it were possible even the choose people should be deceived. Take heed, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you: 〈◊〉 iiii c 〈…〉 c behold he is in the wilderness, go not forth: behold in the secret places, believe not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth into the west: so shall the coming of the son of man be. For wheresoever a dead karkas is even thither will the eagles resort. Forthwith 〈◊〉 ●ii c 〈…〉 after the tribulations of those days shall the son be derkened: & the moan shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall move. And then shall appear the sign of the son of man in heaven. And then shall all the kynreddes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man come in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 〈◊〉 xii a. And he shall send his angels with the great voice of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his choose, from the four winds, and from the one end of the heaven to the other. Learn a parable of the fig tree: When his branches are yet tender, and his leaves sprung, you know that summer is nigh. So likewise, when you see all these things, be you sure that it is near, even at the doors. Truly I say unto you, that this age shall not pass till all these be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words shall not pass. But of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the angels of heaven, but my father only. 〈◊〉 seven. b 〈◊〉 ●vii. f. As the time of No was, so shall the coming of the son of man be. For as they were in the days before the flood: eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage, even unto the day that No entered into the ship, and knew of nothing, till the flood came, and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the son of man be. Then two shallbe in the field, the one is received, and the other refused, two women grinding at the mill, the one is received, and the other refused. 〈◊〉 ●ii. t Wake therefore, because you know not what hour your master will come Of this be sure, that if the householder knew what hour the thief would come: he would surely watch, and not suffer his house to be broken up. Therefore be you also ready, for in the hour you think not: the son of man cometh Who is the faithful servant and wise, whom his master hath made ruler over his household to give them meat in season: happy is that servant whom his master (when he cometh) shall find so doing. Verily I tell you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods. That if the evil servant shall say in his heart, my master tarrieth, and begin to smite his fellows, yea to eat and to drink with the drunken: the master of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, & in an hour that he is not ware of, and shall hew him, and give him his part with hypocrites. There shallbe weeping and gnashing of teeth. ¶ The ten virgins. The talentes delivered to the servants/ and of the general judgement. CAPI. XXV. T ✚ Hen the kingdom of heaven shallbe likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, & went to meet the bridegroom: five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but took none oil with them. But the wise took oil with them in their vessels together with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, all slombred and slept, at midnight, a cry was made: behold, the bridegroom cometh, go meet him. Then all these virgins arose, and prepared their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: give us of your oil for our lamps be out. But the wise answered, saying: Not so, jest there be not enough for us and you: but go rather to them that sell and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the wedding and the gate was shut up. Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying: Lord Lord open to us. But he answered, and said. Verily I tell you: I know you not. Watch therefore: for you know neither the day, nor yet the hour, when the son of man shall come. ⊦ ✚ For like as a certain man ready to take his journey to a strange country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. * Matthew xxiiii. d Luke xii e Luke xix b. Marci xiii d. And unto one he gave u talentes, to an other two and to an other one: to every man after his habilyte, and forthwith departed. Then he that had received the five talentes, went and bestowed them, and made other five talentes. Likewise he that received two, gained other two. But he that received the one talon, went and digged a pit in the earth, and hid his master's money. After a long season, the Lord of those servants came and reckoned with them. Then came he that received five talentes, and brought other five talentes, saying: Master, thou deliverdest unto me five talentes: behold, I have gained with them five talentes more. His master said unto him: O good servant and faithful. Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make the ruler over moche: enter into thy master's joy. Also he that received two talentes, came and said: Master thou deliverdest unto me two talentes: behold, I have won two other talentes with them. And his master said unto him, O good servant and faithful. Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make the ruler over moche entry into thy master's joy. ⊦ Than he which had received the one talent, came and said: Master, I considered that thou art an hard man, reping where thou sowedst not, and gathering where thou strawedst not, and was therefore afraid, and went and hid thy talon in the earth: Behold, thou haste thine own. His master answered and said unto him: thou evil servant, and slothful, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchaungers, and then at my coming, I should have received mine own, with gains. Take therefore the talon from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talentes. For unto every one that hath it, shallbe given, and he shall have abundance, and from him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that he hath. And cast that unprofitable servant, into utter derckenesse: There shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth. ✚ When the son of man cometh in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, them shall he sit upon the seat of his glory, and before him shallbe gathered all nations. And he shall part them one from another, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the gootes. And he shall set the sheep on his ryghtehande, and the gootes on the life. Then shall the king say to them on his right hand: Come you blessed children of my father, inheret the kingdom prepared for you, from the beginning of the world. For I hongred, and you gave me meat. I thrusted, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you lodged me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying: Lord, when saw we the an hungered, and fed thee? or a thirst, and gave the drink? When saw we the a stranger, and lodged thee? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we the sick, or in prison and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them: Verily I say unto you: in as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me. Then shall the king say unto them on the lift hand: depart from me you cursed, into everlasting fire: which is prepared for the devil and his angels. For I hungered, and you gave me no meat. I thursted, and you gave me no drink. I was a stranger, and you lodged me not. I was naked, and you clothed me not. I was sick, and in prison, and you visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying: Lord, When saw we the an hungered, or a thirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, and say: Verily I say unto you, in as moche as you did it not to one of the lest of these, you did it not to me. And these shall go into everlasting pain: & the righteous into life everlasting. ⊦ ¶ The Magdalene anoynteth christ. They eat the Passover, and the supper of the Lord. judas betrayeth him. Peter smiteth of Malcus' ear. Christ is accused by false witnessee. Peter denieth him. CAPI. XXVI. ANd it came to pass, when jesus had ended all these sayings, he said unto his disciples: ✚ Marinell xiiii Luke xxii ● You know that after two days shall be Easter, and the son of man shall be delivered to be nailed to the cross. Then assembled the chief priests and the scribes, and the elders of the people to the palace of the high pressed, called Cayphas, & took counsel, how they might take jesus by guile, and kill him. But they said, not on the feastful day, lest any aroure arise in the people. When Marinell xiiii ● Luke seven. ● jesus was in bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman, which had an alabaster box of precious ointment, and powered it on his head, as he sat at the board. When his disciples saw that, they disdained, saying: What needed this waste? This ointment might have been sold for much money, & given to the poor. When jesus understood that, he said unto them: Why trouble you the woman? She hath wrought a good work upon me. For you have poor folk always with you but me have you not always. For where as this woman hath casten this ointment on my body, she did it to bury me with. ☜ Verily I say unto you, Where so ever this Gospel shallbe preached throughout the hole world, there shall also this that she hath done be told for a remembrance of her. Then one of the twelve, called judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, & said: What will you give me, Marinell xiiii b. Luke xxii ●. and I shall deliver him unto you? And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Marinell xiiii ● Luke xxii ● The first day of sweet breed, the disciples came to jesus, saying unto him: where will't thou we prepare for the to eat the passouer? And he said: go into the city, to such a man and say to him, the master sayeth my time is at hand, I will keep mine Easter at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as jesus had appointed them, and made ready the easterlamb. Marinell xiiii c Luke xxii ● john xiii ● When the even was come he sat down with the twelve And as they did eat, he said: Verily I say unto you, one of you shall betray me. And they were very sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him: is it I master? He answered and said: he that hath dypped his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. Psalmo xl The son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe be to that man, by whom the son of man is betrayed. It had been good for that man, if he had never been born. Then judas which betrayed him, answered and said: is it I master? He said unto him: Thou haste said. While they did eat, jesus took bread and when he had given thanks, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: 〈…〉 b. 〈◊〉 c. Take eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, & thanked, and gave it them, saying: drink of it every one. For this is my blood of the new covenant shed for many, to the forgiveness of sins. I say unto you: I shall not drink hence forth of this fruit of the vine till that day, when I shall drink it new with you in my father's kingdom. And when they had given praises, they went out into mount Olyuete. Then said jesus unto them: all you shall be offended by me this night. For it written: 〈…〉 I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall he scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered, and said unto him: though all men should be offended by thee, yet would I never be offended. jesus said unto him: Verily I say unto thee, that this same night before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him: 〈…〉 c 〈…〉 If I should die with thee, yet would I not deny the. Likewise also said all the disciples. Then went jesus with them into a place called Gethsemane, and said unto his disciples, sit you here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of zebedee, and began to wax sorrowful, and to be in an agony. Then said jesus unto them: 〈…〉. d 〈◊〉 d my soul is heavy even unto the death. Tarry you here: and watch with me. And he went a little forth, and fallen flat on his face, and prayed, saying: My father, if it be possible, 〈…〉. d. 〈◊〉 d. let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he came unto the disciples, and found them a sleep, and said to Peter: What, might you not watch with me one hour: Watch: and pray that you fall not into temptation. The spirit is prompt, but the flesh is weak. He went forth once again, and prayed, saying: My rather, if this cup can not pass away from me, but that I drink of it, thy will be done. And he came, and found them a sleep again. For their eyes were heavy. And he left them and went again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then came he to his disciples, and said unto them: sleep henceforth, and take your rest. Behold the hour is at hand, and the son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me. While he yet spoke: Lo, judas one of the twelve came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, sent from the cheer priests, and elders of the people. And he that betrayed him, had given a token, saying: Whosoever I kiss, that same is he, lay hands on him. And forthwith he came to jesus, and said, hail Master: and kissed him. And jesus said unto him: friend wherefore art thou come. Then came they, & laid hands on jesus, and took him. And behold, one of them which were with jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high pressed, and smote of his ear. Then said jesus unto him: Put up thy sword into his place. Gene. ix a john xviii b For all that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. Either thinkest thou that I can not now pray to my father, and he brickwall give me more than twelve Legions of angels? But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled: that so it ought to be. The same time laid jesus to the multitude: isaiah liii d Psal. xxi.lxix. you be come out as unto a there, with swords and staves for to take me. I sat daily teaching in the temple among you, and you took me not. All this was done that the scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled. Marinell xiiii f Luke xxii f. john xviii b Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. And they took jesus and led him to Cayphas the chief Pressed, where the Scribes and elders were assembled Peter followed him a far of, unto the high priests palace: and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end. The chief priests and elders, and all them concile, sought false witness against jesus, to put him to death, but found none: in so much that when many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At last came two false witnesses, and said: This man said: I can destroy the temple of God, and build it again in three days. And the chief Pressed arose, and said to him: answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against the. But jesus held his tongue. And the chief pressed answered, and said to him: I conjure the in the name of the living God, that thou tell us, whether thou be Christ the son of God. jesus said to him: thou hast said. Nevertheless I say unto you Marinell xiiii g. Luke xxii g. hereafter shall you see the son of man sitting on the right-hand of power, and come in the clouds of the heaven. Marinell xiiii g. Luke xxii f. Then the chief pressed rend his clotheses, saying: he hath blasphemed: what need we any more witnesses? Behold, now you have herd his blasphemy: what think you? They answered and said: he is guilty of death. Then spat they in his ●ace and buffeted him with fists. And other smote him with the palm of their hands on the face, saying: prophecy unto us thou Christ, who is he the smote thee? Peter sat without in the palace. And a damsel came to him, saying: Thou also wert with jesus of Galilee: but he denied before them all saying: I wot not what thou sayest. When he was go out into the porch, an other wench saw him, and said unto them that were there. This fellow was also with jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I know not the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by and said unto Peter: Marinell xiiii g. Luke xxii f. john xviii c Surely thou art one of them, for thy speech bewrayeth the. Then began he to curse and to swear, that he known not the man. And by and by the cock krewe. And Peter remembered the words of jesus, which said unto him: before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice: and went out at the doors and wept bitterly. ¶ christ is delivered unto Pilate. judas hangs himself. christ is crucified among thieves. He dieth and is buried. watchmen keep the grave. CAPI. XXVII. WHen the morning was come, Mat xu a Luke xxiii a. all the chief priests, and the elders of the people held a counsel against jesus, to put him to death, and brought him bound, and delivered him unto Poncius pilate the deputy. Then when judas which betrayed him, saw that he was condemned, he repented himself, and brought again the xxx plates of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: I have sinned betraying the guiltless blood. And they said: what is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the silver plates, in the temple, and departed, and went and hounge himself. And the chief priests took the silver plates and said: It is not lawful to put them into the treasure, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them a potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field is called the field of blood, till this day. jere xxxii b zacha xi c Then was fulfilled, that was spoken by jeremy the Prophet, saying. And they took thirty silver plates, the price of him that was valued, whom they bought of the children of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. Marinell xu a. Luke. xx●ii. a john xviii f jesus stood before the deputy: and the deputy asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the jews: jesus said unto him. Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests, and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him: Hearest thou not, how many things they lay against thee? And he answered him to never a word: in so much that the deputy merueled greatly. At that feast, the deputy was wont to deliver unto the people a prisoner, whom they would desire. He had then a notable prisoner called Barrabas. And when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them: Marinell xu a john xviii g Whether will you that I give lose unto you Barrabas or jesus which is called Christ? For he knew well, that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down to give judgement his wife sent to him, saying: Have thou nothing to do w●th that just man. For I have suffered many things this day in a dream, about him. But the chief priests and elders had persuaded the people, that they should ask Barrabas, and should destroy jesus. Then the deputy answered and said unto them: whether of the twain will you that I let lose unto you? And they said, Barrabas. Pilate said unto them: what shall I do then with jesus, which is called Christ? They all said to him: let him be crucified. Then said the deputy: What evil hath he done? And they cried the more, saying: Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but that more business was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this * His 〈◊〉 confesse● him to b● just person, anise you. Then answered all the people, and said: his blood be on us, and on our children. Then let he Barrabas lose unto them and scourged jesus, and delivered him to be crucified. Then the soudiours of the deputy took jesus unto the common hall, and gathered unto him all the company. And they strypped him and put on him a purple rob, and plaited a crown of thorns and put upon his head and a reed in his right hand: and bowed their knees before him, and mocked him, saying: Hail king of jews: and spytted upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the heed. And when they had mocked him, they took the rob of him again, & put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyren, named Simon: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they came unto the place, called Golgotha (that is to say, a place of dead men's skulls) they gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall. And when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. When they had crucified him, they parted his garments, and did cast lots: to fulfil that was spoken by the Prophet. Psal xxi ● Marinell xv▪ ● They divided my garments among them: and upon my vesture did cast lots. And they sat and watched him there, and they set up over his head the cause of his death written. This is jesus the king of the jews. Marinell xu ●▪ Luke. xx●● And there were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and an other on the lift. They that passed by, reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying: Thou that destroyest the temple of God, and buyldest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the high priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said: He saved other, himself he can not save. If he be the king of Israel: let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the son of God. That same also the thieves, which were crucified with him, cast in his teeth. from the sixth hour was there derckenes over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli Eli lama asbathani. That is to say: Marinell xu d Psal xxi a my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, this man calleth for Heli. And forthwith one of them ran and took a sponge, and filled it full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. Other said, let be: let us see whether Hely will come, and deliver him. jesus cried again with a loud voice and yeldede up the ghost. And behold the 〈…〉. d. 〈…〉. f veil of the temple did rend in twain, from the highest to the lowest, and the earth did quake, and the stones did rend, and graves did open: and the bodies of many saints which slept, arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and came into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 〈◊〉 xv c 〈◊〉. ●●ii. g. When the Centurion, and they that were with him watching jesus, saw the earth quake, and those things which happened, they feared greatly, saying. Truly this was the son of God. 〈…〉. d 〈…〉. g. And many women were there, beholding him a far of, which followed jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him. Among which was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of james and joses, and the mother of Zebedes children. 〈◊〉 xv. d 〈◊〉 ●●iii. g 〈…〉 g When the even was come, there came a rich man of Aramathia named joseph, which man also was jesus disciple. He went to Pilate and craved the body of jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and put it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out, even in the rock, and rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was 〈◊〉 xv. d Mary Magdalene, & the other Marry, sitting over against the sepulchre. The next day, that followed the day of preparing the Sabbath, the high priests and Pharisees got themselves to Pilate, and said: Sir, we remember, that this deceiver said while he was yet alive. After three days, I shall arise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure till the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him away, and say unto the people, he is risen from death and the last error be worse than the first. pilate said unto them. You have a watch: Go, and make it as sure as you can. And they went and made the sepulchre sure with watch men, and sealed the stone. ⊦ ¶ The resurrection of christ. The high priests give the soldiers money to say that christ was stolen out of his grave. christ appeareth to his disciples/ and sendeth them to preach and to baptize. CAPI. XXVIII. 〈…〉 a 〈◊〉 ●●●iii. a 〈…〉 a I ✚ N the evening of the Sabbath days, which dawneth unto one of the Sabothes Marry Magdalene and the other Marry, came to see the sepulchre. And behold there was a great earth quake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightening, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the keepers were astonied, and were as deed. 〈…〉. b 〈◊〉 ●●iiii. a The angel answered and said to the women, fear you not. I know that you seek jesus which was crucified: he is not here: he is risen as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was put: and go quickly, and tell his disciples, that he is risen from death. And behold, he goeth before you into Galilee, there you shall see him. Lo I have told you. ⊦ ✚ And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy: Mark xxvi b and ran to tell his disciples. And as they went to tell his disciples: behold jesus met them, saying: All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said jesus unto them: Be not afraid. Go and tell my brethren, that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. When they were go: Behold, some of the keepers came into the city, and showed unto the high Preestes, all the things that were happened. And they gathered them together with the elders, and took counsel, and gave large money unto the soudiours, saying: Say that his disciples came by night, and stolen him away while you slept. And if this come to the rulars ears, we will appease him, and save you harmless. And they took the money, and did as they were taught. And this saying is noised among the jews unto this day. ⊦ ✚ Than the xj disciples went away in to Galilee, into a mountain, where jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they Mark xvi d. worshipped him. But some of them doubted. And jesus came and spoke unto them saying. All power is given unto me in heaven, and in earth. Go therefore and teach all nations, Baptysing them, in the name of the father, and the son, and the holy ghost: Teaching them to observe all things, what so ever I commanded you. And lo, I am with you alway, even until the end of the world. ⊦ ¶ Here endeth the Gospel after S. Matthew. The Gospel after S. Mark. ¶ The office of john Baptist. The baptism of christ/ his fasting/ preaching/ an● the calling of Peter. Andrew/ james and john. christ heals the man with the unclean spirit/ helpeth Peter's mother in law and cleanseth the leper. CAPI. I ✚ THe beginning of the Gospel of jesus Christ, the son of God, as it is written in the Prophets, Mala iii a Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before the. The voice of a crier in the wilderness: Isaiah xl a prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Iohn did baptize in the wilderness, & preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. And all that land of jury and they of jerusalem, went out unto him, and were all baptized of him in the river jordan, confessing their sins. Iohn was clothed with camels hear, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins. And he did eat locusts and wild honey, and preached saying: a stronger than I cometh after me, The baptism of Christ. whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to stoop down and unlose. I have baptized you with water: ☞ but he shall baptize you with the holy ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that jesus came from Nazareth, a city of Galilee: & was baptized of Iohn in jordan. And assoon as he was come out of the water: he see heaven open, and the holy ghost descending upon him, like a dove. And there came a voice from heaven. ☞ Thou art my dear son in whom I delight. And forthwith the spirit drove him into wilderness: and he was there in the wilderness xl days, and was tempted of Satan, & was with wild beasts. And the angels ministered unto him. After Iohn was taken, jesus came into Galilee, preaching the good tidings of the kingdom of God, saying: the time is come, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe the Gospel. As he walked by the see of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the see, for they were fysshers. And jesus said unto them: follow me, and I will make you fysshers of men. And forthwith, they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had go a little further thence, he saw james the son of zebedee, and Iohn his brother, which also in the ship were mending their nets. And anon he called them And they left their father zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him. And they go to Capernaum: and forthwith on the Saboth days, he entered into the synagogue and taught, and they merueled at his learning. For he taught them as one that had power, and not as the Scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man vexed with an unclean spirit, that cried saying: Ah, what have we a do with thee, jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know what thou art, that holy of God. And jesus rebuked him saying: be still and come out of the man. And the unclean spirit tare him, and cried with a loud voice, & came out of him. And they were all amazed, in so much that they demanded one of an other among themselves saying: What thing is this? φ Christ's doctrine 〈◊〉 counted ne● What new doctrine is this? For he commandeth the foul spirits with power, and they obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad through out all the region bordering on Galilee. And forthwith, assoon as they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with james & Iohn. And Symons mother in law lay sick of a fever. And anon they told him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, & life her up: and the fever forsook her by and by: and she ministered unto them. And at even when the son was down, they brought to him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city gathered together at the door, and he healed many that were sick of divers diseases. Luke four g Marci iii ● And he cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils to speak, because they known him. And in the morning very erly, jesus arose and went out into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him: all men seek for the. And he said unto them: let us go in to the next towns, that I may preach there also: for truly I came out for that purpose. And he preached in their synagogues through out all Galilee, and cast the devils out. Math. viii ● Luke v c And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeled down unto him, and said to him: If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And jesus had compassion on him, & put forth his hand, touched him, and said to him: I will, be thou clean. And assoon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and sent him away forthwith, & said unto him: See thou say nothing to any man: but get the hence, and show thyself to the Pressed, and offer for thy cleansing, Levit xiiii a. those things which Moses commanded, for a witness unto them. But he (assoon as he was departed) began to tell many things, & to publish the deed: in so much that jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places. And they came to him from every quarter. ¶ He heals the man of the palsy/ calleth Levi the customer/ eateth with open sinners/ and excuseth his disciples. CAPI. II AFter a few days, Math. ix a. Luke vi d he entered into Capernaum again, and it was noised that he was in a house. And anon many gathered together, in so much that now there was no room to receive them, not not so much as about the door. And he preached the word unto them. And there came unto him, that brought one sick of the palsy, born of four men. And because they could not come nigh unto him for press, they uncovered the roof of the house, where he was. And when they had broken it open, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When jesus saw their faith, he said to the sick of the palsy, 〈…〉. d Son, thy sins are forgiven the. And there were certain of the Scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts: How doth this fellow so blaspheme? Who can forgive sins, but God only? And immediately when jesus perceived in his spirit, that they so reasoned in themselves, he said unto them: Why think you such things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, arise and take thy bed, and walk? 〈…〉 That you may know that the son of man hath power in earth to forgive sins, he spoke unto the sick of the palsy: I say unto thee, arise and take up thy bed, and get the hence into thine own house. And by and by he arose, and took up the bed, and went forth before them all: in so much that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying: we never saw it on this fashion. And he went again unto the see, and all the people resorted unto him, and he taught them. And as jesus passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphey sit at the receit of custom, and said unto him: follow me. And he arose and followed him. 〈◊〉 ix. b 〈…〉 And it came to pass, as jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat at meat also with jesus and his disciples. For there were many that followed him. And when the Scribes & Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples: How is it, that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When jesus heard that, he said unto them. 〈…〉 f The hole have no need of the Phisytion, but the sick. I came not to call the rightwise, but the sinners to repentance. And the disciples of Iohn and the Pharisees did fast: and they come and say unto him. Why do the disciples of Iohn & of the Pharisees fast, and thy disciples fast not. And jesus said unto them: Can the children of a wedding fast, whiles the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days shall come when the bridegroom shallbe taken from them, and then shall they fast in those days. Also no man soweth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for than taketh he away the new piece from the old, and so is the rent worse. In likewise, no man poureth new wine into old vessels: for if he do, the new wine breaketh the vessels, and the wine runneth out, and the vessels perish. But new wine, must be powered into new vessels. And it chanced that he went thorough the corn fields, on the Sabbath day: and his disciples as they went in their way, began to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him: behold, why do they on the Sabbath days, that which is not lawful? And he said to them: have you never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, i Regum xii b. both he/ and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the hallowed loves, which is not lawful to eat, but for the priests only: and gave also to them which were with him? And he said to them the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Wherefore the son of man is Lord also of the Saboth day. ¶ He helpeth the man with the dried hand/ chooseth his Apostles/ and casts out the unclean spirit/ which the Pharisees ascribe unto the devil. The brother/ sister and mother of Christ. CAPI. III A ✚ Nd he entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man which had a Math. xii a. wyddred hand. And they watched him to see, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him. And he said unto the man which had the wyddred hand: arise, and stand in the mids. And he said to them: whether is it lawful to do a good deed on the Sabbath days, or an evil? to save life or kill? But they held their peace. And he looked round about on them angrily mourning on the blindness of their hearts, and said to the man, Mark xii b Luke vi c stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out. And his hand was restored, even as hole as the other. ⊦ Andrea the Pharisees departed, and forthwith gathered a counsel, with them that belonged to Herode, against him, to destroy him. And jesus avoided with his disciples to the see. And a great multitude followed him from Galilee and from jury, and from jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond jordane, Math. four ● Luke vi c john vi ● and they that dwelled about tire and Sidon a great multitude: which when they had herd what things he did, came unto him. And he commanded his disciples, that a ship should wait on him, because of the people, jest they should throng him. For he had healed many, in so much that they pressed upon him, for to touch him as many as had plagues. And when the unclean spirits see him, they fallen down before him, and cried, saying: thou art the son of God. And he straightly charged them that they should not utter him. Matthew ten d Luke vi c john vi c And he went up into a mountain, and called unto him whom he would, and they came unto him. And he ordained the twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them to preach: and that they might have power to heal syckenesses, and to cast out devils. And he gave Simon to name Peter. And he called james the son of zebedee and Iohn james brother, and gave them Bonargus to name, which is to say, the sons of thounder. And Andrew, and Philip, & Bartholomew, and matthew, and Thomas, & james the son of Alphey, and Thaddeus, and Simon of Cane, and judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him. And they came unto house, and the people assembled together again, so greatly that they had not leysur so moche as to eat bread. And when they that longed unto him heard of it, they went out to say hands on him. For they thought he had been beside himself. Math. xii b Luke xi c And the Scribes which came from Jerusalem, said: He hath Beelzebub, and by the power of the chief devil, casts out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in similitudes. How can Satan drive out Satan? For if a realm be divided against itself, that realm can not endure. Or if a house be divided against itself, that house can not continued: So if Satan riseth against himself and be divided, he can not continued but is at an end No man can enter into a strong man's house and take away his goods, whiles he first bind that strong man, and then spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto men's children and blasphemy wherewith they blaspheme. But he that Math. xii b Luke xii a john v c blasphemeth the holy ghost, shall never have forgiveness: but is in danger of eternal damnation: because they said, he had an unclean spirit. Then came his mother and his brethren and stood without, and sent unto him & called him. And the people sat about him, and said unto him: Behold thy mother and thy Gene xiii. b Math. xii d. Luke viii c brethren seek for the without. And he answered them saying: Who is my mother & my brethren? And he looked round about on his disciples, which sat in compass about him and said: Behold my mother & my brethren. For who so ever doth the will of God, he is my brother, my sister and mother. ¶ The parable of the sour. Christ stilleth the tempest of the see/ which obeyed him. CAPI. FOUR A ✚ Nd he began again to teach by the see side. And there gathered together unto him much people, so greatly that he entered into a ship, and sat in the see, and all the people was by the see side on the shore. And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his doctrine. hearken: behold, there went out a sour to sow. And it fortuned as he sowed, some fallen by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. Some fell on the stony ground, where it had not much earth: and by and by sprang up, because it had not depth of earth: but as soon as the son was up, it caught heat, and because it had not roting, wyddred away. And some fallen among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, so that it gave no fruit. And some fallen upon good ground and did yield fruit that sprung and grew, & brought forth: some thirty fold, some syxtye fold, and some an hundred fold. And he said unto them: he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ⊦ Andrea when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve, asked him of the parable. And he said unto them. To you is it given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But unto them that are without, shall all things be done in parables: that when they see, they shall see, and not discern: and when they hear, they shall hear, and not understand: least at any time they should turn, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them: perceive you not this parable? and how you shall understand all other parables. The sower soweth the word. And they that are by the ways side, where the word is sown, are they to whom assoon as they have heard it, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And likewise they that are sown on the stony ground, are they: which when they have heard the word, forthwith receive it with gladness, yet have no rotes in themselves, and so endure but a time: and anon as trouble and persecution ariseth for the words sake, they fall immediately. And they that are sown among the thorns, are such as hear the word, and the care of this world and the disceytfulnes of riches, and the lusts of other things enter in & choked the word, and it is made unfruitful. And those that were sowed in good ground, are they that hear the word and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold, some syxtye fold, some an hundred fold. And he said unto them: is the candle lighted to be put under a bushel, or under the table, and not rather to be put on a candlestick? For there is nothing so privy that shall not be opened, neither so secret, but that it shall come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them: take heed what you hear. With what measure you meet, with the same shall it be measured unto you again. And unto you that hear, shall more be given. For Math. xiii b. unto him that hath, shall it be given/ and from him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that he hath. And he said: so is the kingdom of God, as if a man should sow seed in the ground, and should sleep, and rise up night and day: and the seed should spring and grow up, he not ware. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself: first the shoulder-blade, than the ears, after that full corn in the ears. And as soon as the fruit is brought forth, anon he putteth to the sykell, because the harvest is come. And he said: Where unto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what parable shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustardseed, which when it is sown in the earth, is the least of all seeds that be in the earth: but after that it is sown, it groweth up, and is greatest of all herbs: and beareth great branches, so that the fowls of the air may devil under the shadow of it. And with many such similitudes he preached the word unto them, after as they might hear it. And without similitude spoke he nothing unto them. But when they were a part he expounded all things to his disciples. And the same day when even was come, he said unto them: Let us pass over unto the other side. And they left the people, and took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, & dashed the waves into the ship, so that it was full. And he was in the stern a sleep on a pillow. And they awoke him, and said to him: Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he rose up, and rebuked the wind, and laid unto the see: peace be still. And the wind allayed, and there followed a great calm. And he said unto them: Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? And they feared exceadyngly, and said one to another what fellow is this? For both wind and see obey him. ¶ He delivereth the possessed from the unclean spirit/ the woman from the bloody issue/ and raileth the captains daughter. CAPI. V A ✚ Nd they came over to the other side of the see, into the country of the Gaderenites. And when he was come out of the ship, there m●r him out of the graves a man possessed of an unclean spirit, which had his abiding among the graves. And no man could bind him: no not with chains, because that when he was often bound with fetters and chains, he plucked the chains a lundre, and broke the fetters in pieces. Neither ●oulde any man tame him. And always both night and day he cried in the mountains, and in the graves, and bet himself with stones. When he had spied jesus a far of, he ran and worshipped him, and cried with a loud voice, and said: What have I to do with the jesus the son of the most highest God? I require the in the name of God that thou torment me not. For he had said unto him: Math. xiii b. Come out of the man thou foul spirit. And he asked him: What is thy name? and he answered saying: My name is Legion, for we are many. And he prayed him instauntely, that he would not send them away, out of the country. And there was nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding, and all the devils besought him saying: send us into the heerde of swine, that we may enter into them And anon jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out and entered into the swine. And the heerde starteled, and ran hedlinge in to the see. They were about two M. swine, and they were drowned in the see. And the swine herds fled, and told it in the city and in the country. And they came out for to see what had happened: and came to jesus and saw him that was vexed with the fiend and had the Legion, sit, both clothed, and in his right mind, and were afraid. And they that saw it told them, how it had happened to him that was possessed with the devil and also of the swine. Math. viii e. Luke viii d. And they began to pray him, that he would depart from their costs. ⊦ Andrea when he was come into the ship, he that had the devil, prayed him that he might be with him. How be it jesus would not suffer him, but said unto him: go home to thine house, and to thy friends, and show them what great things the Lord hath done unto thee, and how he had compassion on the. And he departed, and began to publish in the ten cities, what great things jesus had done unto him, and all men did marvel. And when jesus was come over again by ship unto the other side, moche people gathered to him, and he was nigh unto the see. ☜ Math. ix Luke viii c jairus. And behold, there came one of the rulars of the synagogue, whose name was jairus: and when he saw him, he fallen down at his feet, & besought him greatly saying: my daughter lieth at point of death, I would thou wouldest come, and lay thy hand on her, that she might be safe, and live. And he went with him, and much people followed him, & thronged him. And there was a certain woman, which was diseased of an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all she had, and felt none amendment at all, but waxed worsle & worse. When she had herd of jesus: she came into the press behind him, and touched his garment. For she thought: if I may but touch his clotheses I shall be hole. And forthwith her fountain of blood was dried up, & she felt in her body, that she was healed of the plague. And jesus immediately felt in himself, the virtue that went out of him, and turned him round about in the press, and said: who touched my clotheses? And his disciples said unto him: sayst thou the people thrust thee, and yet askest, who did touch me? And he looked round about, to see her that had done that thing. The woman feared and trembled (for she knew what was done in her,) & she came and fallen down before him, and told him the hole truth. And he said to her: Daughter, thy faith hath made the hole: go in peace, and be hole of thy plague. Math. ix f Luke viii g. While he yet spoke, there came from the ruler of the synagogues house, certain which said: thy daughter is day: Why dyseasest thou the Master any further? Assoon as jesus heard that word spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue: be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, more than Peter and james, and Iohn the brother of james. Math. ix d Luke viii g. And he came unto the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw the wondering: and them that wept & wailed greatly, and went in, and said unto them Why make you this a do, & weep? The maid is not deed, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. Then he put them all out, and took the father and the mother of the maid, and then that were with him, and entered in where the maid lay, & took the maid by the hand and said unto her: Tabytha, cumi: which is by interpretation: maid, I say unto thee, arise. And straight the maid arose, and went on her feet. For she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonied at it out of measure. And he charged them straitly that no man should know of it, and commanded to give her meat. ¶ christ sendeth his Apostles to heal them that were diseased. Of john and Herode. Of the u loves and ii fishes. And of the walking on the see. CAPI. VI A ✚ Nd he departed thence, and came into his own country, Math. xiii g. Luke iiii c and his disciples followed him. And when the Sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue. And many that heard him were astonied, and said: from whence hath he all these things? and what wisdom is this that is given unto him: and such virtues that are wrought by his hands? Is not this that carpenter, The jews call a kyndesman a brother. mary's son φ the brother of james and joses and of juda and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended by him. And jesus said unto them: a Prophet is not despised, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and among them that are of the same household. And he could there show no miracles, but laid his hands upon a few sick folks, and healed them, and he marveled at their unbelief. ⊦ Andrea he went about by the towns that lay on every side, teaching. And he called the twelve and began to send them, two and two, and gave them power over unclean sprites. And commanded them, that they should take nothing unto their journey, save φ Save a rod only. Although in Matthew ten a and Luke ix a. He should seem to forbid them a road/ yet the text means not so in deed/ but forbiddeth cote shoes/ road etc by a figure/ to the intent only that there should utterly put from them all carefulness of any such provisions a rod only neither scrip, neither bread, neither money in their pourses, but should be should with sandals. And that they should not put on two coats. And he said unto them: Where so ever you enter into an house, there abide till you depart thence. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart thence, shake of the dust that is under your feet, for a witness unto them. I say verily unto you, it shallbe easier for Zodome & Gomorre at the day of judgement, then for that city. And they went out and preached, that they should repent: and they cast out many devils. And they anointed many that were sick, with oil, and healed them. And king Herode herd of him (for his name was spread abroad) & said: Iohn baptist is risen again from death, and therefore miracles are wrought by him. Other said it is Helyas: and some said: it is a Prophet, or as one of the Prophets. But when Herode heard of him, he said: it is Iohn whom I beheaded, he is risen from death again. ✚ For Herode himself had sent forth, & had taken Iohn, and bound him, and cast him into prison for Herodias sake, which was his brother Philippes wife. For he had married her. For Iohn said unto Herode: It is not lawful for the to have thy brother's wife. Herodias laid wait for him, and would have killed him, but she could not. For Herode feared Iohn, knowing that he was a just man and an holy: and gave him reverence: & hearing him, he did many things, & heard him gladly. But when a convenient day was come: Herode on his birth day made a supper to the lords, captains, and heads of Galilee. And the daughter of Herodias came in and daunsed, and pleased Herode, and them that sat at board also. Then the king said unto the maid: ask of me what thou will't, and I will give it the. And he swore unto her, what soever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, even unto the one half of my kingdom. And she went forth and said to her mother: what shall I ask? And she said: Iohn Baptistes head. And she came in straight way with haste unto the king, and asked, saying: I will: thou give me forthwith in a charger the head of Iohn baptist. And the king was sorry: how be it because of his oath, and them which sat at supper also, he would not put her beside her purpose. And immediately the king sent the hangman, and commanded his head to be brought in. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the maid, & the maid gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, & put it in a grave. ⊦ Andrea the Apostles gathered themselves together to jesus, & told him all things, both what they had done, & what they had taught. And he said unto them Math. xiiii ● Luke ix c john vi a come apart into the wilderness, and rest a while. For there were many comers and goers, that they had no leisure so much as to eat. And he went by ship out of the way into a desert place. But the people spied them when they departed: and many known him, and ran afote thither out of all cities, and prevented them, & came together unto him. Math. ix d And jesus went out & saw moche people, & had compassion on them, because they were like sheep which had no shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. Math. xiii Luke ix b john vi ● And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, saying: This is a desert place, and now the day is far passed, let them depart, that they may go into the country round about, and into the towns, and buy them bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered, and said unto them: give you them to eat. And they said unto him: Shall we go and buy two C. pennyworth of bread, & give them to eat? He said unto them: how many loves have you, go and look. And when they had searched, they said u & two fishes. And he commanded them to make them all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down here a row and there a row, by hundreds and by fyfties. And he took the five loves and the two fishes, and looked up to heaven 〈…〉 ●aue and blessed, and broke the loves, and gave them to his disciples to put before them: and the two fishes he divided among them all, and they all did eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments and of the fishes. And they that ate were about u thousand men. ●i c And straight way he caused his disciples to go in to the ship, and to go over the water before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 〈◊〉 three c 〈◊〉 b And as soon as he had sent them away, he departed in to a mountain to pray. ✚ Andrea when even was come, the ship was in the mids of the see, & he alone on the land, and he saw them troubled in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them. And about the fourth watch of the night, he came unto them walking upon the see, and would have passed by them. When they see him walking upon the see, they supposed it had been a spirit and cried out: for they all saw him, & were afraid. And anon he talked with them & said unto them: be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. 〈◊〉. d. And he went up unto them in to the ship, and the wind ceased, & they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they remembered not of the loves, because their hearts were blinded. And they came over, & went in to the land of Genazareth, and arrived in to the haven. And as soon as they were come out of the ship, anon they knew him, and ran forth throughout all the region round about, and began to carry about in beds all that were sick, to the place where they heard tell that he was. And whither so ever he entered in to towns, cities, or villages, they laid their sick in the streets, and prayed him they might touch, and it were but the edge or his garment. And as many as touched him, were sat. ⊦ ¶ The disciples eat with unwashen hands. The commandment of God is transgressed by manes traditions. Of the woman the Sirophenissa. Of the Saboth. CAPI. VII. ANd the Pharysees came together unto him, and divers of the Scribes which came from jerusalem. And when they saw certain tf his disciples eat breed with comen hands (that is to say, with unwashen hands) they complained. For the Pharysees and all the jews, unless they wash their hands oft, eat not, observing the traditions of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be which they have taken upon them to observe, as the washing of cups and cruses, and of brazen vessels, and of tables. Then asked him the Pharysees & scribes why walk not thy disciples according to the traditions of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them: well prophesied isaiah of you hypocrites as it is written: isaiah xxix d Math. xu b This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me: In vain they worship me, teaching doctrines the commandments of men. For the commandment of God laid aside, you observe the traditions of men, as the washing of cruses and of cups, and many other such like things you do. And he said unto them, well, you cast aside the commandment of god to keep your own traditions. Exodi twenty b Deutre u b. Ephesi vi a Exodi xxi c Levitic twenty b. Prouer. twenty b. For Moses said: honour thy father and thy mother, & who so ever curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But you say: a man shall say to father or mother Corban, which is, that thou desirest of me to help the with, is given to God. And so you suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother, making the word of God of none effect, through your traditions which you have ordained. And many such things do you. And he called all the people unto him, & said unto them: hearken unto me every one of you and understand. Math. xu ● There is nothing without a man that can defile him when it entereth in to him, ☜ but those things which ꝓcede out of him are those which defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when he came to the house apart from the people, his disciples asked him of the similitude. And he said unto them: Are you so without understanding? Do you not yet perceive, that what so ever thing from without entereth in to a man, it can not defile him, because it entereth not in to his heart but in to the belly, and goeth out in to the draft purging all meats? And he said, that defileth a man which cometh out of a man. For from within, even out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adultery, fornication, murder, theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, uncleanness, and wicked eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile man. Math. xu ● And from thence he rose and went in to the borders of tire and Sydon, and entered in to an house, and would that no man should have known. But he could not be hid. For a certain woman whose daughter had a foul spirit herd of him, and came and fallen at his fere, The woman was a Greek out of Syrophenicia, and she besought him that he would cast out the devil out of her daughter. And jesus said unto her: let the children first be fed. For it is not meet to take the children's breed, and to cast it unto whelps. She answered and said unto him: even so master. Math. xu ● nevertheless, the whelps also eat under the table of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her: for this saying, go thy way, the devil is go out of thy daughter. And when she was come home to her house, she found the devil departed, and her daughter dying on the bed. ✚ Andrea he departed again from the costs of tire & Sydon, and came unto the see of Galilee, Math. xv c Math. ix d thorough the mids of the costs of the ten cities. And they brought unto him one that was deaf and stambred in his speech, ☜ & prayed him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the people, and put his fingers in his ears, and did spit and touched his tongue, and looked up to heaven, and syghed and said unto him: Ephatha, that is to say be opened. And anon his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plain. And he commanded them they should tell no man. But the more he forbade them, the more a great deal they published it, and were beyond measure astonied, saying: Genesis i d Eccl. xxxix He hath done all things well, and hath made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. ¶ The miracle of the seven loves. The Pharisees ask a sign. The leaven of the Pharisees. The blind receiveth his sight. CAPI. VIII. ✚ IN those days when there was a very great company, Math. xu d and had nothing to eat, jesus called his disciples unto him, and said unto them: I have pity on this people, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: and if I should send them away fasting to their houses, they should faint by the way. For divers of them came from far. And his disciples answered him: where should a man have breed here in the wilderness to satisfy these? And he asked them, how many loves have you? They said seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loves, gave thanks, brake, and gave to his disciples, to set before them. And they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes. And he blessed them and commanded them also to be set before them. And they ate and were full. And they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that ate were in number about four thousand. And he sent them away. ⊦ Andrea anon he entered in to a ship with his disciples, and came in to the parties of Dalmanutha. Math. xvi a. Luke xi d john vi d And the Pharysees came forth and began to dispute with him▪ seeking of him a sign from heaven, and tempting him. And he syghed in his spirit and said: why doth this generation seek a sign. Truly I tell you there shall no sign be given to this generation. And he left them and went in to the ship again, and departed over the water. And they had forgotten to take breed with them, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. And he charged them saying. Math. xvi a. Luke xii a ✚ Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharysees, and of the leaven of Herode. And they reasoned among themselves, saying: we have no breed. And when jesus knew that, he said unto them: why take you thought because you have no breed? perceive you not yet neither understand? Have you your hearts yet blinded. Have you eyes and see not? and have you ears and hear not? Do you not remember? when I broke u loves among u thousand, How many baskets of fragments took you up? They said unto him, twelve. When I broke seven among four thousand: How many baskets of fragments took you up? They said seven. And he said unto them: how is it that you understand not? ✚ Andrea he came to Bethsaida, & they brought a blind man unto him, and desired him to touch him. And he caught the blind by the hand, and led him out of the town, and spat in his eyes, and put his hands upon him, and asked him whether he saw aught. And he looked up, and said: I see men, for I see them walk as they were trees. ☜ After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him see. And he was restored to his sight, & see every man clearly. And he sent him home to his house saying: neither go in to the town, nor tell it to any in the town. ⊦ Andrea jesus went out and his disciples in to the towns that long to the city called Caesarea Philippi. And by the way he asked his disciples, saying: whom do men say I am? And they answered: some say thou art Iohn Baptist, some say Hely, and some one of the prophets. And he said unto them: but whom say you I am? Math. xvi Luke ix c john vi g Peter answered and said unto him, thou art even Christ. And he charged them they should tell no man of him. And he began to teach them that the son of man must suffer many things, and should be reproved of the elders and of the high priests and scribes, and be killed/ and after three days arise again. And he spoke that saying openly. And Peter took him aside, and began to chide him. Then he turned about, and looked on his disciples, and rebuked Petersaying. Go after me Satan, for thou savourest not the things of God, but the things of men. Marinell xvi d and ten d Luke ix c and xiiii f And he called the people unto him, with his disciples also, and said unto them. Who so ever will follow me, let him deny himself and take his cross and follow me. For who so ever will save his life, shall loose it. But who so ever shall loose his life for my sake and the gospels, shall save it. ☜ What shall it profit a man, if he should win all the world, and loose his own soul? or else what shall a man give to redeem his soul again? Who so ever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my words among this adulterous and sinful generation, of him shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his father with the holy angels. And he said unto them: Verily I say unto you, there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. ¶ The transfyguration The lunatycke is healed. The disputation who should be the greatest. Offences are forbidden. CAPI. IX. ANd after two days jesus took Peter, james and Iohn, and led them up in to an high mountain out of the way alone, and he was transfygured before them. Math. xvii Luke ix d And his raiment did shine and was made very white, even as snow/ so white as no fuller can make upon the earth. And there appeared them Hely with Moses: & they talked with jesus. And Peter answered and said to jesus: Master here is good being for us, let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Helias. For he wist not what he said: for they were afraid. And there was a cloud that shadowed them. And a voice came out of the cloud saying: 〈◊〉 two. d 〈…〉 This is my dear son, hear him. And suddenly they looked round about them, & saw no man more than jesus only with them. And as they came down from the hill, he charged them, that they should tell no man what they had seen, till the son of man were risen from death again. And they kept that saying with them, and demanded one of an other what the rising from death again should mean? And they asked him, saying: Why then say the scribes, that Helyas must first come? He answered and said unto them: 〈◊〉. a. 〈◊〉 b 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉 Helyas verily shall first come and restore all things. And also the son of man as it is written, shall suffer many things, and shall be set at naught. Moreover, I say unto you that Helyas is come, and they have done unto him what so ever pleased them, as it is written of him. And he came to his disciples, & saw moche people about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And anon all the people when they beheld him, were amazed and ran to him, and greted him. And he said unto the scribes: What questyone you with them? ✚ 〈…〉. And one of the company answered and said: Master, I have brought my son unto thee, which hath a dumb spirit. And when so ever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth & gnalsheth with his teeth, and pineth away. And I spoke to thy disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not. He answered him and said: O unfaithful generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him. And as soon as the spirit saw him, he tare him. And he fallen down on the ground wallowing and foaming. And he asked his father, how long is it ago, sithence this hath happened him? He said, of a child/ and oft times casts him in to the fire, and also in to the water to destroy him. But if thou canst do any thing have mercy on us, and help us. And jesus said unto him: If thou couldst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And forthwith the father of the child cried with tears: saying: Lord I believe, help mine unbelief. When jesus saw that the people came running together unto him, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him: Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more in to him. And the spirit cried, and rend him sore, and came out: and he was as deed, in so much that many said he is deed. But jesus caught his hand, and lift him up, and he arose. And when he was come in to the house, his disciples asked him secretly, why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them: This kind can by none other means come forth, but by prayer and fasting. ⊦ ✚ And they departed thence, and took their journey thorough Galilee, and he would not that any man should have known it. For he taught his disciples and said unto them: Mat xvi c Luke ix c the son of man shall be delivered in to the hands of men, and they shall kill him, and after that he is killed, he shall arise again the third day. But they wist not what that saying meant, and were afraid to ask him. And he came to Capernaum. And when he was come to house, he asked them, what was it that you reasoned between you by the way? And they held their peace: for by the way they reasoned among themselves, who should be the chiefest. Math. xviii a Luke ix f And he sat down and called the twelve unto him, and said to them/ if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, & servant unto all. And he took a child, and set him in in the mids of them, & took him in his arms and said unto them: who so ever receiveth one of such children in my name, receiveth me. And who so ever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. ⊦ Iohn answered him, saying: ✚ Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, which followeth not us, and we forbade him because he followeth us not. But jesus said, forbid him not. For there is no man that shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. ☜ Who so ever is not against you, is on your part. And who so ever shall give you a cup of water to drink for my name's sake, because you belong to christ, verily I say unto you he shall not lose his reward. And who so ever shall offend one of these lytelones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast in to the see. Wherefore if thy hand offend thee, cut him of. It is better for the to entre in to life maimed, then having two hands go in to hell in to fire unquenchable, where their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out. Likewise if thy foot let thee, cut him of. For it is better for the to go halt in to life, then having two feet, to to be cast in to hell in to fire unquenchable, where his worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out. Even so, if thine eye let thee, pluck him out. It is better for the to go in to the kingdom of God with one eye, then having two eyes to be cast in to hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out. ⊦ Every man therefore shall be salted Salting with fire. And every sacrifice shall be seasoned with salt. Salt is good. But if the salt be unsavoury, what shall you salt therewith? See that you have salt in yourselves: and have peace among yourselves, one with an other. ¶ Of divorcement. The rich man questioneth with Christ. Of the sons of zebedee. Barthimeus the blind man. CAPI. X. A ✚ Nd he arose from thence and went in to the costs of jury, Math. xix a through the region that is beyond jordane. And the people resorted unto him a fresh, and as he was wont, he taught them again. And the Pharysees came and asked him a question: whether it were lawful for a man to put away his wife, tempting him. And he answered and said unto them: Deut. xxiiii a Math. xix a what did Moses did you do? And they said: Moses suffered to write a testimonyall of divorcement, and to put her away. And jesus answered and said unto them: For the hardness of your hearts he written this precept unto you. But at the first creation God made them man and woman. Genesis ii d i corinth vi d Math. u e and xix a Ephe. u g. For this cause shall man leave his father and mother, and stick to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. So then are they now not twain, but one flesh. Therefore what God hath coupled, let not man depart. And in the house his disciples asked him again of that matter. And he said unto them. Who so ever putteth away his wife and marrieth an other, is an adulterer to herwarde. And if a woman forsake her husband and be married to an other, she committeth adultery. Math. xix b. Luke xviii d And they brought children to him that he should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought them. When jesus see that, he was displeased and said to them: Suffer the children to come unto me, and forbid them not. ☞ For of such is the kingdom of God. verily I say unto you, who so ever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child, shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, & put his hands upon them, and blessed them. ⊦ ✚ Math. xix c Luke xviii d And when he was come in to the way there came one running and kneeled to him, and asked him: Good master, what shall I do that I may inherit everlasting life? jesus said to him: why callest thou me good? There is no man good but one, which is God. Thou knowest the commandments. Do no adultery, kill not, steal not, bear no false witness, defraud no man, honour thy father and mother. He answered and said to him. Master all these I have kept from my youth. jesus beheld him, and had a favour to him, and said unto him: one thing is lacking unto the. Go and cell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me, and take up the cross. But he was discomforted with that saying, and went away mourning, for he had great possessions. And jesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples: what an hard thing is it for them that have riches to enter in to the kingdom of God. And his disciples were astonied at his words. But jesus answered again, and said unto them: children how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter in to the kingdom of God? It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter in to the kingdom of God. And they were astonied out of measure, saying between themselves: who then can be saved? jesus looked upon them, and said: with men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible. And Peter began to say unto him: Lo, we have forsaken all, and have followed the. jesus answered and said: Truly I tell you, there is no man that forsaketh house, or brethren or sisters, or father or mother, or wife or children, or lands for my sake and the gospels which shall not receive an hundred fold now in this time: houses and brethren and sisters, and mothers and children, and lands with persecutions: and in the world to come everlasting life. Many first, shall be last/ and the last, first. And they were in the way going up to jerusalem. And jesus went before them, and they were amazed, and as they followed, were afraid. And jesus took the twelve again, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him. Math. xv● xvii c and xxvi c Luke xvii f. and xviii f Behold we go up to jerusalem, and the son of man shall be delivered unto the high priests, and unto the scribes: and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the heathen: and they shall mock him, and scourge him, and spit upon him, and kill him. And the third day he shall rise again. And then james and Iohn the sons zebedee came unto him, saying: Master, we would thou shouldest do for us what so ever we desire. He said unto them: What would you I should do unto you? They said to him: Grant us we may sit, one on thy right hand and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But jesus said unto them, you wot not what Ie ask. Can you drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and be baptized in the baptism that I shall be baptized in? And they said unto him: we can. jesus said them: you shall drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I shall be baptized in, but to sit on my right hand & on my left hand is not mine to give, but to them for whom it is prepared. Math. twenty ●. And when the ten herd that, they began to disdain at james and Iohn. But jesus called them unto him, & said to them: you know that they which seem to bear rule among the gentiles, reign as lords over them. And they that be great among them, exercise authority over them. So shall it not be among you, but who so ever of you will be great among you, shall be your servant. And who so ever will be chief, shall be servant unto all. For even the son of man came not to be ministered unto: but to minister, and to give his life for the redemption of many. And they came to Hirrico. Math. twenty d. Luke xviii ● And as he went out of Hierico with his disciples, and a great number of people: Barthimeus the son of Thimeus which was blind, sat by the high ways side, begging. And when he heard that it was jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry and to say: jesus the son of David, have mercy on me. And many rebuked him, that he should hold his peace. But he cried the more a great deal, thou son of David have mercy on me: And jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind, saying unto him: Be of good comfort: arise, he calleth the. And he threw away his cloak, and rose and came to jesus. And jesus answered and said unto him: what wilt thou that I do unto thee? The blind said unto him: Master, that I might see. jesus said unto him: Go thy way, thy faith hath saved the. And anon be received his sight, and followed jesus in the way. ¶ christ rideth to jerusalem. The fyggetre drieth up. The byers and sellers are cast out of the temple. The Pharisees question with christ. CAPI. XI. ANd when they came nigh to jerusalem unto Bethphage and Bethanie, 〈…〉 besides mount Oliuete, he sent forth two of his disciples, and said unto them. Go your ways in to the town that is over against you. And as soon as you be entered in to it, you shall find a colt bond, whereon never man sat: loose him & bring him. And if any man say unto you: why do you so? say the Lord hath need of him: and anon he will lend him hither. And they went their way and found a colt tied by the door without at a parting of a way, and they loosed him. And divers of them that stood there, said unto them: 〈◊〉 what do you losing the colt? And they said unto them even as jesus had commanded them, & they let them go. And they brought the colt to jesus, and cast their garments on him, and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments on the way. Other cut down branches of the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before and they that followed, cried saying: Hosanna, blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom that cometh in the name of him that is Lord of our father David: Hosanna in the highest. And the Lord entered in to jerusalem, and in to the temple. And when he had looked round about upon all things, & now the even tide was come, he went out unto bethany, with the twelve. And on the morrow when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered, and espied a fig tree a far of having leaves, and went to see whether he might find any thing thereon. But when he came thereto, he found nothing but leaves, for the time of figs was not yet. And jesus answered and said to it: never man eat fruit of the hereafter while the world standeth. And his disciples heard it. And they came to jerusalem. And jesus went in to the temple, and began to cast out the sellers and byers in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money chaungers, and the stoles of them that sold doves: & would not suffer that any man carried a vessel thorough the temple. And he taught saying unto them, 〈…〉 Is it not written: my house shall be called the house of prayer unto all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves. Hierem vii a iii Reg. viii d And the scribes and high priests heard it, and sought how to destroy him. For they feared him, because all the people marveled at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. Math. xxi b. And in the morning as they passed by, they see the fig tree dried up by the rotes. And Peter remembered, and said unto him: Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedest, is wyddered away. And jesus answered and said unto them: have faith in God. ☜ faith ✚ verily I say unto you, that who so ever shall say unto this mountain: take away thyself, and cast thyself in to the see, and shall not waver in his heart, but shall believe those things which he saith shall come to pass, what so ever he saith shall be done to him. Therefore I say unto you, Math. xxi c john xvi c what so ever you desire when you pray, believe that you shall have it, and it shall be done unto you. And when you stand and pray, forgive if you have any thing against any man: that your father also which is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. And they came again to jerusalem. Luke twenty a Math. xxi c And as he walked in the temple, there came to him the chief priests, and the scribes and the elders, and said unto him: by what authority dost thou these things? and who gave the this authority to do these things? jesus answered and said unto them: I will also ask of you a certain thing, and answer you me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of Iohn, was it from heaven, or of men? Answer me. And they thought in themselves, saying: if we say from heaven: he will say/ why then did you not believe him? but if we shall say, of men/ then fear we the people. For all men counted Iohn, that he was a very Prophet. And they answered and said unto jesus, we can not tell. And jesus answered and said unto them, neither will I tell you, by what authority I do these things. ¶ The vineyard is let out. give to Cesar that be longeth to Cesar. Of the Saducees/ of the doctor of law. hypocrites must be eschewed/ the offering of the poor widow. CAPI. XII. ANd he began to speak unto them in parables. Math. xxi d Luke twenty b Isaiah u a A certain man planted a vineyard, and compassed it with an hedge, and ordained a wine press, and bilt a tour in it. And he let it out to hire unto husbandmen, And went in to a strange country. And when the time was come, he sent to the tenants a servant, that he might receive of the tenants of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him and bet him, and sent him again empty. And again he sent unto them an other servant, and at him they cast stones and broke his heed and sent him again all to reviled. And again he sent an other, & him they killed, and many other, beating some, and killing some. Wherefore having yet one son whom he loved tenderly, him also he sent at the last unto them, saying, they will reverence my son. Math. xxi d. Gen. xxxvii d Luke .xx c But the tenants said amongst themselves: this is the heir/ come let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vinyeard. What shall then the lord of the vineyard do? He will come & destroy the tenants, and let out the vineyard to other. Have you not red this scripture. Psal cxvii c Math. xxi d. The stone which the builders did refuse, is made the chief stone in the corner. This was done of the Lord, and is marvelous in our eyes. And they went about to take him, but they feared the people. For they perceived that he spoke that parable against them. And they left him and went their way. Math. xxii b. Luke twenty d And they sent unto him certain of the pharisees with Herodes servants, to trap him in his words. And when as they were come, they said unto him: Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man/ for thou consyderest not the parsonage of men, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful to pay tribute unto Cesar, or not? Aught we to give, or aught we not to give? He understood their dissembling, and said unto them: Why tempt you me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought. And he said unto them Whose is this image, & superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And jesus answered and said unto them: ☞ Roma xiii b. Math. xii c Then give to Cesar that which belongeth to Cesar: and to God that which pertaineth to God. And they marveled at him. Then came the Sadduces unto him, which say there is no resurrection. And they asked him saying: Math. xxii a. Luke twenty d duty xxv b Master, Moses written unto us: If any man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children: that then his brother should take his wife, & raise up seed unto his brother. There were seven brethren, and the first took a wife, and when he died left no seed behind him. And the second took her, and died, neither left any seed. And the third likewise. And seven had her, and left no seed behind them. last of all the wife died also. In the resurrection then when they shall rise again, whose wife shall she be of them? For seven had her to wife. jesus answered and said unto them: Are you not therefore deceived, because you understand not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they rise again from death, they neither mary, nor are married/ but are as the angels which are in heaven. As touching the deed, that they shall rise again, have you not red in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke unto him, saying: Gxodi iii b. I am the God of Abraham, and God of Isaac, and the God of jacob? He is not the God of the deed, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly deceived. Math. xxii d And there came one of the scribes that had heard them disputing together, and perceived that he had answered them well, and asked him: which is the first of all the commandments? jesus answered him, the first of all the commandments is. Hear Israel: Math. x● Exod. twenty ● Deutre. 〈…〉 The Lord God is one Lord. And thou shalt love thy Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto this: Leuiti. x● Math. x● Roma. x● Galath● Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the Scribe said unto him: well master thou hast said the truth, that there is one god, and that there is none but he. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the mind, and with all the soul, & with all the strength, and to love a man's neighbour as himself, is a greater thing than all burned offerings and sacrifices. And when jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him: * Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that, dared ask him any question. And jesus answered and said, teaching in the temple: how say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? for David himself inspired with the holy ghost, said. Psal. clx●● The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stolen. Then David himself calleth him Lord/ & by what means is he then his son? And moche people heard him gladly. And he said unto them in his doctrine: beware of the Scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love gretynges in the market places, and the chief seats in the assemblies, and to sit in the uppermost rooms at feestes, and devour widows houses, and that under a colour of long praying. These shall receive greater damnation. ✚ Andrea jesus sat over against the treasury, and saw how the people put money in to the treasury. ☜ And many that were rich cast in moche. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples and said unto them: The poor widows ●ferynge. verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast in to the treasury. For they all did cast in of their superfluity, but she of her poverty did cast in all that she had, even all her substance, ¶ The end of the world. The day and the hour is unknown. CAPI. XIII. A ✚ Nd as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said unto him: Master, Mat. xx● Luke. xx● see what stones, and what buildings are here. And jesus answered and said unto him: Seist thou these great buildings? There shall not be left stone upon stone, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat on mount Olivet, over against the temple: Peter, and james and Iohn, and andrew asked him secretly: Tell us when shall these be? And what is the sign when all these shall be fulfilled? And jesus answered them, and began to say: Mat. xxii●● Luke xxi ● take heed jest any man deceive you For many shall come in my name, saying: I am Christ, and shall deceive many. When you shall hear of war, and rumours of war, be you not troubled. For such things must needs be. But the end is not yet. For there shall nation arise against nation, and realm against realm. And there shall be earth quakes in all quarters, and famyshment and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. 〈…〉 But take heed to yourselves. For they shall bring you up to the concyles, and in to the synagogues, and you shall be beaten, yea and shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake for a witness unto them. And the Gospel must first be published among all nations. 〈…〉 x c 〈…〉 c. But when they lead you and betray you take no thought afore hand what you shall say, ☞ neither imagine: but what so ever is given you at the same time, that speak. For it shall not be you that shall speak, but the holy ghost. Yea and the brother shall deliver the brother to death, and the father the son, and the children shall rise against their fathers and mothers, and shall put them to death. And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But who so ever shall endure unto the end, the same shall be safe. 〈…〉 xi. b. 〈…〉 d 〈…〉 g. Now, when you see the abomination of desolation, whereof is spoken by Daniel the prophet, stand where it ought not, let him that readeth understand. Then let them that be in jury, i'll to the mountains. And let them that is on the house top not come down in to the house, neither enter therein to fetch any thing out of his house. And let him that is in the field, not turn back again unto the things which he left behind him for to take his clotheses with him. Woe shall be then to women with child, and to them that give soucke in those days. But pray that your flight be not in the winter. For there shall be in those days such tribulation, as was not from the beginning of creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord should shorten those days, no flesh should be saved. But for the elects sake which he hath choose, he hath shortened those days. 〈◊〉 ●i u 〈…〉 e And then if any man say to you: lo, here is christ: lo, he is there, believe not. For false Chrystes shall arise, and false prophets, and shall show miracles and wondres, to deceive (if it were possible) even the choose. But take you heed: behold I have showed you all things before. ●i. a. Moreover in those days, after that tribulation, the son shall were dark, and the moan shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall/ and the powers which are in heaven shall move. And then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his choose from the four winds, and from the one end of the world to tother. Learn a similitude of the fig tree. When his branches are yet tender, and hath brought forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So when you see these come to pass, understand that it is nigh, at the doors. verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words shall not pass. But of the day and hour knoweth no man, not not the angels which are in heaven: φ Neither the son himself etc. As concerning his manhood he was less than his father/ & therefore knew it not although by his godhead he knew it. neither the son himself, save the father only. Take heed, watch, and pray, for you know not when the time is. As a man which is go in to a strange country, and hath left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch therefore, for you know not when the master of the house will come, whether at even, or at midnight/ whether at the cock crowing, or in the dawning: jest if he come suddenly, he should find you sleeping. And that I say to you, I say to all, watch. ¶ Marry Magdelen anoynteth christ. The passover is eaten. Christ is taken. Peter denieth him: with many other things that were demanded of christ. CAPI. XIIII. A ✚ Fter two days followed Ester, and the days of sweet breed. Math. xxvi ● Luke xxii a. And the high priests and the scribes sought how to take him by guile and put him to death. But they said: not in the feest day, least any roar arise among the people. Math. xxvi a john xii a When he was in Bethanï, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman, having an alabaster box of ointment called narde, that was pure and costly/ and she broke the box and powered it on his heed. Now there were some that were not content in themselves, and said: what needed this waste of ointment? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pens, and been given unto the poor. And they grudged against her. But jesus said: let her be in rest, why trouble you her? She hath wrought a good work on me. For you have poor with you always/ and when so ever you will you may do them good, but me you have not always. She hath done that she could/ she came aforehand to anoint my body to his buryingwarde. Undoubtedly I say unto you: where so ever this gospel shall be preached throughout the hole world, this also that she hath done, shall be told in remembrance of her. Math. xxv●. b Luke xxi a. And judas Iscariot one of the twelve went away unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. When they heard that, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. And the first day of sweet breed, when men offer the Paschal lamb, his disciples said unto him: Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayst eat the Ester lamb? And he sent forth two of his disciples and said unto them. Go you in to the city, and there shall a man meet you bearing a tankard of water, follow him. And whither so ever he goeth in, say to the goodman of the house, the master asketh where is the gest chamber, where I shall eat the Ester lamb with my disciples, and he will show you a great parlour paved and prepared/ there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth and came to the city, and found as he had said unto them, and made ready the Ester lamb. Mat xxvi b. Luke xxii b. john xiii c And at even he came with the twelve And while they sat at board and ate: jesus said. verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me which eateth with me. And they began to mourn, and to say to him one by one: is it I? And an other said: is it I? He answered and said unto them: One of the twelve which dyppeth with me in the platter. The son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe be to that man by whom the son of man is betrayed. Good were it for him, if that man had never been born. The lords supper. And while they ate, jesus took breed, blessed and broke, and gave to them and said. Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, gave thanks, & gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said unto them: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. verily I say unto you, I shall drink no more of this fruit of the vine, till that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had given praises, they went out to mount Olivet. And jesus says unto them: All you shall be offended thorough me this night. For it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after I am risen again, I will go in to Galilee before you. z●●ha xiii v Math. xxvi ●. Luke. xxi●. d. john xiii. d Peter said unto him. Although all men should be offended yet would not I And jesus said unto him. verily I say unto thee, that to day even in this night before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he spoke boldlyer, no/ if I should die with thee, I will not deny the. Likewise also said they all. And they came in to a place named Gethsemani. Math. xxvi d And he saith to his disciples: Sit you here while I go apart & pray. And he took with him Peter, james and Iohn, and he began to wax abashed, and to be in an agony, and said unto them: My soul is very heavy even unto the death, tarry here and watch. And he went forth a little, and fell down on the ground and prayed, that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said: Math. xxvi d Luke xxii e Abba father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt, be done. And he came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter: Simon sleepest thou? Couldst not thou watch with me one hour? watch you and pray, jest you enter into temptation, the spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away and prayed and spoke the same words. And he returned and found them a sleep again/ for their eyes were heavy: neither wist they what to answer him. And he came the third time, and said unto them: sleep henceforth and take your ease, it is enough. The hour is come/ behold, the son of man shall be delivered in to the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Lo, he that betrayeth me, is at hand. And forthwith while he yet spoke, came judas one of the twelve, and with him a great rout of people with swords and staves from the high priests and scribes, and elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a watch word, saying: who so ever I do kiss, he it is: take him and lead him away warily. And as soon as he was come, he went anon to him, and said unto him: master master, and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by, drew out his sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut of his ear. And jesus answered and said unto them/ you be come out as unto a thief with swords and with staves to take me. I was daily with you in the temple teaching/ and you took me not, but that the scriptures should be fulfilled. And they all forsook him and ran away. And there followed him a certain young man, clothed in linen upon the bore, & the young men caught him, and he left his linen, and fled from them naked. Math. xx● Luke. xxi●● john. xv●● And they led jesus away to the highest priest of all, and to him came all the high priests and the elders, and the scribes. And Peter followed him a great way of, even in to the palace of the high priest, and sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the high priests, and all the council sought for witness against jesus, to put him to death, & found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain and brought false witness against him, saying. We heard him say: I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build an other made without hands. But their witness agreed not together. And the highest priest stood up amongst them, and asked jesus, saying: Answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee? And he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the highest priest asked him, and said unto him. Art thou christ the son of the blessed? jesus said, I am. Math. xvi ● Luke xxii g And you shall see the son of man sit on the right hand of power, and come in the clouds of heaven. Then the highest priest rent his clotheses and said: what need we any further of witness? you have herd blasphemy, what think you? And they all condemned him that he was worthy of death. And some began to spit at him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to say unto him, arede unto us. And the servants boffeted him on the face. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, Math. xx● Luke. xxii● john. xv●● there came one of the wenches of the highest priest/ and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked on him and said: wast not thou also with jesus of Nazareth? And he denied it saying: I know him not, neither wot I what thou sayest. And he went out in to the porch, and the cock crew. And a damsel saw him, and again began to say to them that stood by, this is one of them. And he denied it again. And anon after they that stood by, said again to Peter: surely thou art one of them, for thou art of Galilee, and thy speech agreeth thereto. And he began to curse and to swear, saying: I know not this man of whom you speak. and again the cock crew, 〈…〉. g 〈…〉. g and Peter remembered the word that jesus said unto him, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice, and began to weep. ¶ The passion of Christ. Of his death and burial. CAPI. XU. ANd anon in the dawning, the high priests held counsel with the elders and the scribes, ●. a ●●. a. ●. e and the hole congregation, and bound jesus and led him away and delivered him to pilate. And Pilate asked him: art thou the king of the jews? And he answered & said unto him: thou sayest. And the high priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again saying: ●. b ●. b Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they lay unto thy charge. jesus answered never a word, so that pilate marveled. At that feest Pilate was wont to deliver at their pleasure a prisoner, whom so ever they would desire. Now there was one named Barrabas, which lay bond with them that made insurrection, & in the insurrection committed murder. And the people called unto him, and began to desire according as he had ever done unto them. pilate answered them and said: Will you that I lose unto you the king of jews? For he knew that the high priests had delivered him of envy. But the high priests had moved the people that he should rather deliver Barrabas unto them. And Pilate answered again, and said unto them: 〈◊〉. d 〈…〉. e. what will you then that I do with him whom you call the king of jews? And they cried again: crucify him. pilate said unto them: What evil hath he done? And they cried the more fervently: crucify him. And so pilate willing to content the people, loosed them Barrabas, and delivered jesus when he had scourged him, for to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away in to the comen hall, and called together the hole multitude, and they clothed him with purple, and they plaited a crown of thorns & crowned him withal, and began to salute him. Hail king of the jews. And they smote him on the heed with a reed, and spat upon him, and worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they unclothed him of the purple, and put his own clotheses on him and led him out, to crucify him. ●ii. d 〈…〉. e. And they compelled one that passed by called Simon of Siren (which came out of the country, and was father of Alexander and Rufus) to bear his cross. And they brought him to a place named Golgotha (which is interpreted, the place of deed men's skulls) and they gave him to drink, wine mingled with myrrh, but he took it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots for them, what every man should have. Now it was about the third hour, and they crucified him And the title of his cause was written: The king of the jews. And they crucify with him two thieves: the one on the right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith: Isaiah liii d. he was counted among the wicked. Mat xxvii e. Luke xxiii e. And they that went by railed on him: wagging their heeds and saying: Woe be to the that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days: save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also mocked him the high priests among themselves with the scribes, and said: he saved other men, himself he can not save. Let christ the king of Israel now descend from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him, reviled him also. And when the sixte hour was come, darkness arose over all the earth till the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli Eli, lamaasbathani, which is interpreted: Psal xxi a My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me. And some of them that stood by, when they heard that said: behold he calleth for Hely. And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink: saying: let him alone, let us see whether Hely will come and take him down But jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple did rent in two pieces, from the top to the bottom. And when the Centurion which stood before him, saw that he so cried & gave up the ghost, he said Truly this man was the son of God. There were also women a far of beholding him, among whom was Mary magdalen, and Mary the mother of james the little, and of joses, and Mary Salome: which also when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him, and many other women which came up with him unto jerusalem. And now when night was come (because it was the even that goeth before the Saboth) joseph of Arimathia a noble Senator, which also looked for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly unto pilate and begged the body of jesus. And pilate marveled that he was already deed, and called unto him the Centurion, and asked of him whether he had been any while deed. And when he knew the truth of the * Centurion is a Captain of an hundred men. Centurion, he gave the body to joseph. And he bought a linen cloth, and took him down, & wrapped him in a linen clot, and laid him in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock. And Mary magdalen, & Marry joses beheld where he was laid. ⊦ ¶ Christ is risen again and apered to the Apostles to whom he committeth the preaching of the Gospel. CAPI. XVI. A ✚ Nd when the Saboth day was past Mary magdalen, Mat xxviii a Luke xxiiii a john twenty a & Mary of james, and Salome, bought odours that they might come and anoint him. And erly in the morning the next day after the Saboth day, they came unto the sepulchre, when the son was risen. And they said one to an other, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw how the stone was rolled away, for it was a very great one. And they went in to the sepulchre, and see a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were abashed. Mat xxviii a Luke xxiiii a And he said unto them, be not afraid: you seek jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified. He is risen, he is not here. Behold the place where they did put him. But go your way and tell your disciples and namely Peter, that he goeth before you in to Galilee: there shall you see him, as he said unto you. ⊦ Andrea they went out quickly and fled from the sepulchre, for they trembled and were amazed. Neither said they any thing to any man, for they were afraid. ✚ When jesus was risen the morrow after the Saboth day, he appeared first to mary magdalen, out of whom he cast seven devils. And she went and told them that were with him as they mourned and wept. And though they herd that he was alive, and had appeared to her, yet they believed it not. Luke xxiiii b After that he appeared unto two of them in a strange figure as they walked and went in to the country. And they went and told it to the rest. But they believed them neither. ⊦ ✚ After that, he appeared unto the eleven, as they sat at meat/ and cast in their teeth their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after his resurrection. And he said unto them: Go you in to all the world, and preach the glad tidings to all creatures/ he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. But he that believeth not, shall be dampened. And these things shall follow them that believe. In my name they shall cast out devils. and shall speak with new tongues, and shall kill serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall say their hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then when the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received in to heaven, and sat him down on the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached every where. And the Lord wrought with them, and confirmed the word with signs that followed. ⊦ ¶ The end of the Gospel after S. Mark. The Gospel after S. Luke. FOr as much as many have taken in hand to compile a treatise of those things, which are surely known among us, even as they declared them unto us which from the beginning saw them theyr selues, and were ministers at the doing: I thought good also, searching diligently all things from the beginning, to write orderly unto the good Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things whereof thou wert by mouth instructed. ¶ The conception and birth of john the baptist. The conception of christ. The thankful songs of Mary and zachary. CAPI. I THere was in the days of Herode the king of jury a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron/ & her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the Lord without reprove. And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were well stricken in age. And it came to pass, as he executed the priests office before God, as his course came (according to the custom of the priests office) his lot was to burn incense. And he went in to the temple of the Lord, and the hole multitude of the people were without in prayer while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zachary saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. But the angel said unto him: fear not Zachary, for thy prayer is herd: Gene. xviii ● And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear the a son, & thou shalt call his name Iohn, and thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, & shall neither drink wine ne strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Helias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men/ to make the people ready to the Lord. And Zachary said unto the angel: whereby shall I know this: saying I am old, and my wife well stricken in years. The angel answered and said unto him. I am Gabriel that stand in the sight of God/ and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show the these glad tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not be able to speak, till the time that these be performed, because thou bylevedst not my words, which shallbe fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zachary, and marveled that he tarried in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them, whereby they perceived that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. ✚ And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed home in to his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself u months, saying: This wise hath god dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke that I suffered among men. And in the sixte month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin spoused to a man whose name was joseph of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said. Hail full of grace, the Lord with thee: blessed art thou among women. When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of greeting that should be. And the angel said unto her: fear not mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Lo, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, & shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of jacob for ever, and of his kingdom shall be none end. Then said Mary unto the angel: How shall this be, sithence I know not man? And the angel answered and said unto her: The holy ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshaddowe the. 〈…〉 Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her age. And this is her sixth month, which was called barren: for with God can nothing be impossible. And Mary said: behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me as thou hast said. ⊦ Andrea the angel departed from her. ✚ Mary arose in those days, and went in to the mountains with haste, in to a city of jury, & entered in to the house of Zachary, and greted Elizabeth. And it fortuned as Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe sprung in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth this unto me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? For lo, as soon as the voice of thy greeting sounded in mine ears, the babe sprung in my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that bilevedst, for those things shall be performed, which were told the from the Lord. And Mary said: ●●●at My soul magnifieth the Lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in God my saviour. ⊦ For he hath looked on the baseness of his handmaid. Behold now from henceforth shall all kynredes call me blessed. For be that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He showeth strength with his arm, he scattereth them that are proud in the devise of their heart. He putteth down the mighty from their seats, and lifteth up the lowly. He filleth the hungry with good things, and sendeth the rich empty. He remembering mercy, hath taken his servant Israel. Gene. xxii ● Even as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And mary abode with her about a three months, and returned again to her own house. ✚ Elizabethes time was come that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it befallen the eight day, they came to circumcise the child, and called his name Zacharye, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said: not so, but he shall be called Iohn. And they said unto her. There is none of thy kin that is named with this name. And they made signs to his father how he would have him called. And he asking for writing tables written saying: his name is Iohn. And they marveled all. And his mouth was opened forthwith, and his tongue, and he spoke, praising God. And fere came on all them that dwelled nigh unto them. And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of jury, and all they that heard them, laid them up in their hearts, saying: What manner child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zachary was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, Benedictus for he hath visyted and made redemption of his people. ⊦ Andrea hath raised up an horn of health unto us in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets which were sithence the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hands of all that hate us. To fulfil the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. Gene. xxii ● And to perform the other which he swore to our father Abraham. And to give unto us, that we delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, all the days of our life, in holiness and rightwiseness before him. And thou child shalt be called the Prophet of the highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways. And to give knowledge of health unto his people, to the forgiveness of sins. Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the φ christ is the day spring that giveth light to them that sit in darkness of the ignorance of God. dayespringe from an high hath visited us. To give light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to direct our feet in to the way of peace. And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in wilderness, till the day came when he should show himself unto Israel. ¶ The birth and circumcision of christ. How he was received in to the temple/ how Simeon and Anna prophecy of him/ and how he was found in the temple among the doctors. CAPI. II A ✚ Nd it chanced in those days, that there went out a commandment from August themperor, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was the first, and executed when Syrenius was lieutenant in Syria. And every man went unto his own city to be taxed. And joseph also went up from Galilee in to a city called Nazareth, in to jury, unto the city of David which is called Bethleem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with mary his spoused wife which was with child. And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clotheses, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them within the Inn. And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night. And lo, thangel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, & they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them. Be not afraid. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall come to all the people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a saviour which is christ the Lord, & take this for a sign: you shall find the child swaddled, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly sowdyers, praising God, and saying: Gloria in excelsis. Glory to God on high, and peace in the earth, in men rejoicing. And it fortuned, as soon as the angels were go away from them in to heaven, ✚ the shepherds said one to an other: let us go unto Bethleem, and see this thing that is happened, which the Lord hath showed unto us. And they came with haste, and found mary and joseph, and the babe laid in a manger. And when they had seen it they published abroad the saying, which was told them of that child. And all that herd it, wondered at those things, which were told them of the shepherds. But Mary kept all those sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all that they had herd and seen, even as it was told unto them. ⊦ ✚ And when the eight day was come that the child should be circumcised, his name was called jesus, which was named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. ⊦ ✚ And when the time of their purification (after the law of Moses) was come, they brought him to Jerusalem, Levit xii b to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord: Exod. xiii a every man child that first openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord) and to offer (as it is said in the law of the Lord) a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigyons. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was simeon. And the same man was just and feared God, and longed for the comfort of Israel, and the holy ghost was in him. And an answer was given him of the holy ghost, that he should not sedeth, before he had seen the lords christ. And he came in spirit in to the temple. And when the father and mother brought in the child jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, than took he him up in his arms and said. Lord, Nunc di●●●tis. now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to the word. For mine eyes have seen the saviour sent from the. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. ⊦ ✚ And his father and mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And simeon blessed them, & said unto mary his mother/ behold, this child shall be the fall and rising of many in Israel, and a sign which shall be spoken against. And moreover the sword shall pierce thy soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened. And there was a Prophetess, one Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: which was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity. And she had been a widow about four score and four year/ which went never out of the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. And the same came forth that same hour and praised the Lord, and spoke of him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And as soon as they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned in to Galilee to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him. ⊦ Andrea his father and mother went to Jerusalem every year at the feest of Ester. ✚ Andrea when he was twelve year old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feest. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned home, the child jesus abode still in Jerusalem unknowing to his father and mother. For they supposed he had been in the company, and therefore came a days journey and sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they ●ounde him not, they went back again to Jerusalem, and sought him. And it fortuned after three days that they found him in the temple, sitting in the mids of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them. And all that heard him marveled at his understanding and answers. And when they see him they were astonished. And his mother said unto him: Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought the sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it that you sought me? Wist you not that I must go about my father's business? And they understood not that saying that he spoke to them. And he went with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these things in her heart. And jesus increased in wisdom and age, and in favour with God and man. ⊦ ¶ The preaching, baptism, and prisonment of john. The baptism of christ/ and a rehearsal of the generation of the fathers. CAPI. III I ✚ N the fifteen year of the reign of Tiberius' Th'emperor, Pontius Pilate being ruler of jury, and Herode being Tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip, tetrarch in Iturea, and in the region of Traconites, & Lysania the tetrarch of Abyline, when Anna and Cayphas were the high priests, the word of God came unto Iohn the son of Zachary, in the wilderness. And he came into all the coostes about jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of Esay the Prophet, which saith. 〈…〉 The voice of a crier in wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths strait. Every valley shallbe filled, and every mountain and hill, shallbe brought low. And crooked things shallbe made straight: & the rough ways shallbe made smooth: and all flesh shall see the savour sent of God. ⊦ Than said he to the people that were come to be baptized of him. O generation of vipers who hath taught you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth due fruits of repentance, and begin not to say in yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is able of these stones/ to raise up children unto Abraham. Now also is the axe laid unto the rote of the trees: so that every tree which bringeth not forth good trute is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying: what shall we do then? He answered, and said to them: He that hath two coats, let him part with him that hath none: and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, & said unto him: Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them: tolle no more than that which is appointed unto you. The soudyours likewise demanded of him, saying: and what shall we do? And he said unto them. Oppress you no man: neither slander any man: but be content with your wages. As the people were in a dour, and all men disputed in their hearts of Iohn, whether he were very Christ: Iohn answered and said to them all: I baptize you with water, but a stronger than I cometh after me, whose shoe latcher I am not worthy to unlouse: he will baptize you with the holy ghost, and with fire: who hath his fan in his hand, & will purge his floor, and will gather the corn into his barn: but the chaff will he burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation, preached he unto the people. Then Herode the Tetrarch (when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his brother Philippes wife, Math. iii a Marinell i b. and for all the evils which Herode had done) put this to above all other evils, and put Iohn in prison. Math. iii a. Mark i b And it befell as all the people received baptism (and when jesus was baptized, & did pray) the heaven was opened, and the holy ghost came down in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven saying: Thou art my dear son, in the do I desire. And jesus himself was beginning as about thirty year of age, as was supposed the son of joseph: Which was of Heli: Which was of Mathat: Which was of Levi: Which was of Melchi: Which was of janna: Which was of joseph: Which was of Matathias: Which was of Amos: Which was of Nahum: Which was of Esli: Which was of Nag: Which was of Maath: ✚ Which was of Matathias: Which was of Semei: Which was of joseph: Which was of juda: Which was of joanna: ✚ Which was of Rhesia: Which was of Zorobabel: Which was of Salathiel: Which was of Neri: Which was of Melchi: Which was of Abdi: Which was of Cosam: Which was of Helmadam: Which was of Her: ✚ Which was of jeso: Which was of Heliezer: Which was of joram: Which was of Mattha: Which was of Levi: Which was of Simeon: ✚ Which was of juda: Which was of joseph: Which was of Ionam: Which was of Heliachim: Which was of Melca: Which was of Menam: Which was of Mathathan: Which was of Nathan: Which was of David: Which was of jesse: Which was of Obed: Which was of Boos: ✚ Which was of Salmon: Which was of Naason: Which was of Aminadab: Which was of Aram: Which was of Esrom: Which was of Phares: ✚ Which was of juda: Which was of jacob: Which was of Isaac: Which was of Abraham: Which was of Thatra: Which was of Nachor: Which was of Saruch: ✚ Which was of Ragau: Which was of Phalec: Which was of Heber: Which was of Sala: Which was of Cainan: ✚ Which was of Arphaxat: Which was of Sem: Which was of No: Which was of Lamech: Which was of Mathusala: Which was of Enoch: ✚ Which was of jareth: Which was of Malalehel: Which was of Cainan: Which was of Enos: Which was of Seth: Which was of Adam: Which was of God. ¶ jesus is led in to the wilderness/ overcometh the devil/ preacheth at Nazareth and Capernaum the jews despise him/ the devils knowledge him he cometh in to Peter's house and doth great miracles. CAPI. FOUR Jesus then full of the holy ghost returned from jordan, Math. four a. Mark, i b and was carried of the spirit into wilderness, and was xl days tempted of the devil. And in those days are he nothing. And when they were ended, he afterward hongred. And the devil said unto him: If thou be the son of God, command this stone that it be breed. And jesus answered him, saying: Deut. viii a, It is written, man shall not live by breed only, but by every word of God. And the devil took him into an high mountain, and showed him all the kingdom of the world even in the twinkling of an eye. And the devil said unto him: all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for they be delivered to me, and to who so ever I will, I give them. If thou therefore wilt worship me, they shallbe all thine. jesus answered him and said: hence from me Satan. For it is written: Deut. vi e Thou shalt honour the Lord thy God and him only serve. And he carried him to jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him: If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down from hens. For it written, Psal. lxxxx. ●. he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee, and with their hands they shall stay the up, that thou dash not thy foot against a stone. jesus answered and said to him, it is said: duty vi c thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. As soon as the devil had ended all his temptations: he departed from him for a season. Math. iiii c Mark i c And jesus returned by the power of the spirit into Galilee, and there went a fame of him thorough out all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, and was commended of all men. Math. xiii b. And he came to Nazareth where he was nursed, and as his custom was, Mark vi▪ ● went into the synagogue on the Sabbath days, & stood up for to reed. And there was delivered unto him the book of the Prophet isaiah. And when he had opened the book▪ he found the place, where it was written. isaiah lxi ● The spirit of the Lord upon me, because he hath anointed me: to preach the Gospel to the poor, he hath sent me: and to heal the broken hearted: to preach deliverance to the captive, and sight to the blind, and to deliver the broused in forgiveness, and preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all that were in the synagogue, were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them. This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bore him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. ⊦ and said: Is not this josephs' son? And he said unto them: In any wise you will say unto me this parable. Physician, heal thyself. ✚ Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do the same here likewise in thine own country. And he said, verily I say unto you: Not Prophet is received in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, iii Re xvii ● jacob u d many widows were in Israel in the days of Hely/ when heaven was shut three years, and two months, when great famysshement was through out all the land, and unto none of them was Hely sent, save into Sarepta besides Sydon, unto a woman, that was a widow. iii Reg. u d And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Helizeus the Prophet: and yet none of them was healed, save Naaman of Syria. ● And as many as were in the synagogue when they heard that, were filled with wrath: and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, & led him even unto the edge of the hill, where on their city was built, to cast him down headlong. But he went his way even thorough the mids of them. ⊦ ✚ Math. vii d Mark vi ● And came into Capernaum a city of Galilee, and there taught them on the Sabbath days. And they were astonied at his doctrine: For his preaching was with power. Math. vii d. Mark i c And in the synagogue there was a man, having a spirit, of an unclean devil, and cried with a loud voice, saying: Let be, what hast thou to do with us, thou jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee, what thou art, even the holy of God. And jesus rebuked him saying: Be still and come out of him. And the devil threw him in the mids of them and came out of him, and hurt him not. And fear came on them all, & they talked among themselves, saying: What manner a thing is this? For with authority/ and power/ he commands the foul sprites, and they come out? And the fame of him spread abroad thorowoute all places of the country round about. ⊦ ✚ Matth viii ● And he arose up, and came out of the synagogue, 〈◊〉 i c and entered into Simons house. And Simons mother in law was taken with a great ague, and they made intercession to him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever: and it left her. And she forthwith arose and ministered unto them. When the son was down, all they that had sick people taken with divers diseases brought them unto him: and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. ●●and And devils also came out of many of them, crying & saying: thou art Christ the son of God. And he rebuked them, and suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. As soon as it was day, he departed & went away into a wylsome place, and the people sought him and came to him, and kept him that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them. I must to other cities also preach the kingdom of God: ⊦ for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee. ¶ christ preacheth in the ship. The disciples forsake all and follow him. He cleanseth the leper, heals the man of the palsy, calleth Matthew the customer, and eateth with open sinners. CAPI. V IT came to pass as the people pressed upon him, to hear the word of God, that he stood by the lake of Genezareth: 〈◊〉 iii a and see two ships stand by the lake side, but the fyshermen were go out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which pertained to Simon, and prayed him, that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people out of the ship. When he had left speaking, he said unto Simon: launch out into the deep, and let slip your nets to make a draft. And Simon answered and said to him: Master, we have laboured all night, Math. vii d. Mark vi ● and have taken nothing: Nevertheless at thy word I will loose forth the net. And when they had so done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes. And their net broke: but they made signs to their fellows which were in the other ship, that they should come & help them. And they came: and filled both the ships that they sunk again. When Simon Peter saw that, he fallen down at jesus knees, saying: Lord, go from me, for I am a sinful man. For he was utterly astonied and all that were with him, at the draft of fish which they took: and so was also james and Iohn, the sons of zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And jesus said unto Simon: Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And they brought the ships to land, and forsook all and followed him. ⊦ 〈◊〉 ●ii. a 〈◊〉 i d And it happened as he was in a certain city: Behold, there was a man full of Leprosy: and when he had espied jesus, he fallen on his face, and besought him, saying: Lord, if thou will't, thou canst make me clean. And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him saying: I will, be thou clean. And anon the leprosy departed from him. And he warned him, that he should tell no man: but that he should go, Leviti xiiii a and show himself to the Pressed, and offer for his cleansing according as Moses commandment was, for a witness unto them. But the more went the fame abroad of him and moche people assembled to hear, and to be healed or him, of their diseases. And he kept himself apart in the wyldernesses, and gave himself to prayer. Mark ii a And it happened on a certain day, that he taught: and there sat the Pharisees, and doctors of law, which were come out of all the towns of Galilee, jury, and jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was to heal them. Matthew ix a Mark ii a And behold, men brought a man dying in his bed, which was taken with a palsy: and sought to bring him in, and to say him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the press, they went up on the top of the house, and let him down thorough the tyling, bed and all, in the mids before jesus. When he saw their faith, he said unto him: Man, thy sins are forgiven the. And the Scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: Who is this, which speaketh blasphemy? Math. ix a Mark ii a. Who can forgive sins but God only. When jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered, and said unto them: What think you in your hearts? Whether is easier to say, thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say: arise and walk? But that you may know, that the son of man hath power to forgive sins on earth, he said unto the sick of the palsy: I say to thee, arise, take up thy bed, and go home to thy house. And anon he rose up before them, and took up his bed where on he lay, and departed to his own house, praising God. And they were all amazed, and they lauded God, and were filled with fear, saying: We have seen strange things to day. ⊦ Math. ix a Mark ii b Andrea after that he went forth and saw a customer named Levy, sitting at the receit of custom, and said unto him: follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And that same Levi made him a great feast at home in his own house. And there was a great company of publicans and of other thar sit at meat with him. Math. ix a Mark ii b And the Scribes & Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying: Why eat you and drink you with customers and sinners? jesus answered, and said unto them: They that are hole, need not the Physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the rightwise, but sinners, to repentance. Then they said unto him: Why do the disciples of Iohn fast often, and pray, and the disciples of the Pharisees also: but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them: Math. ix b Mark ii, ● Can you make the children of the bridegroom fast, as long as the bridegroom is present with them? The days shall come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them: then shall they fast in those days. Then he spoke unto them a similitude: No man putteth a piece of a new garment, into an old garment: for if he do: then breakethe he the new, and the piece that was taken out of the new, agreeth not with the old. Also no man poureth new wine into old vessels. For if he do, the new wine shall break the vessels, and shall run out itself, & the vessels shall perish: But new wine must be powered into new vessels, and both are preserved. Also, no man that drinketh old wine forthwith can away with new, for he says, the old is better. ¶ He excuseth the disciples that pluck the ears of corn/ he heals the man with the wyddred hand chooseth his twelve Apostles/ maketh a sweet sermon and teacheth to do good for evil. CAPI. VI Math. xii a Mark ii d IT happened on an after Sabbath, that he went thorough the corn field, and that his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and ate and rubbed them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them: Why do you that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days? And jesus answered them, and said: i Regum xxi a Have you not read what David did, when he himself was an hungered, and they which were with him: how he went into the house of God, and took and ate the loves of hallowed bread, and gave also to them which were with him: which was not lawful to eat, but for the priests only. And he said unto them: The son of man is Lord of the Sabbath day. ✚ Math. xii a Mark iii a And it fortuned in an other Sabbath also, that he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And there was a man whose right hand was dried up. And the Scribes & Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath day, that they might find an accusation against him. But he known their thoughts, and said to the man which had the wyddred hand: Rise up, and stand forth in the mids. And he arose and stepped forth. Then said jesus unto them: I will ask you a question: Whether is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life or for to destroy it? And beholding them all round about, said unto the man: Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored, and made as hole as the other. And they were filled full of madness and spoke together, what they might do to jesus. ⊦ Math. xiiii a Marck vi, d john vi a And it befallen in those days, that he went out into a mountain for to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And as soon as it was day, he called his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, which also he called φ Apostles signify legatꝭ Ambassadors or messengers. Apostles. Simon whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother. james and Iohn, Philippe and Bartelemewe, Matthew and Thomas, james the son of Alpheus/ and Simon called zealots, and judas james son, and judas Iscariot, which same was the traitor. ✚ Andrea he came down with them and stood in the plain field, with the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all parties of jury and jerusalem, and from the see cost of tire and Sydon, which came to hear him, and to be healed, of their diseases: And they also that were vexed with foul sprites, and they were healed. And all the people pressed, to touch him: For there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes upon the disciples and said: Blessed be you poor: The beat●tudes or ●●ses. for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and thrust you out of their company, and rail, and abhor your name as an evil thing, for the son of man's sake, Rejoice you then, and be glad: for behold your reward is great in heaven. ⊦ After this manner, their fathers entreated the Prophets. But woe be to you that are rich: that have therein your consolation. Woe be to you that are full: for you shall hunger. Woe be to you that now laugh: For you shall wail, and weep. Woe be to you when all men praise you for so did their fathers to the false Prophets. But I say unto you which hear: ☜ Love your enemies. Do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you. And pray for them, which wrongfully trouble you. And unto him that smiteth the on the one cheek, offer also tother. And him that taketh away thy gown, forbid not to take thy cote also. give to every man that asketh of the. And of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again. Math. vii ● And as you would men should do to you: so do you to them likewise. If you love them, which love you: what thank are you worthy of? For the very sinners love their lovers. And if you do for them, which do for you: what thank are you worthy of? For the very sinners do the same. If you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thank shall you have? for the very sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Wherefore, love you your enemies, ☜ do good and lend, looking for nothing again: and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the highest: for he is kind unto the unkind and to the evil. ✚ Be you therefore merciful, as your father is merciful. Math. vii ● judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. forgive, and you shall be forgiven. give, & it shallbe given unto you: ☜ good measure, pressed down, shaken together, & running over, shall men give into your bosoms. Math. vii a Mark four For with what measure you meet, with the same shall men meet to you again. And he put forth a similitude unto them: Can the blind, lead the blind? Do they not both than fall into the dyche? The disciple is not above his master. Every man shall be perfect, even as his master is. Why seyste thou a moot in thy brother's eye, and consyderest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother: Brother, let me pull out the moot that is in thine eye: when thou perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Dissembler, cast out the beam out of thine own eye first, and then shalt thou see perfectly, to pull out the mote of thy brother's eye. ⊦ 〈…〉 It is not a good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit: neither is that an evil tree, that bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his fruit. Neither of thorns gather men figs, nor of bushes gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart, bringeth forth evil. For of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaketh. Why call you Master, Master: and do not as I bid you? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth the same, I will show you, to whom he is like. He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. When the waters arose, the flood bet upon that house, and could not move it. For it was grounded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doth not, is like a man that without foundation built an house upon the earth/ against which the sloude did beat: and it fallen by and by. And the fall of that house was great. ¶ He heals the Captains servant: raiseth up the widows son, informeth the disciples of john, commends john, and reproveth the jews for their unfaithfulness. He eateth with the Pharisee. The woman washeth his feet. CAPI. VII. WHen he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain ●●ion ●●iam triune. Centurion's servant was sick & ready to die, which was dear to him. And when he heard of jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the jews beseching him that he would come and heal his servant. And they came to jesus and besought him busyly, saying: He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for him. For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue. So jesus went with them. And when he was not far from the house the Centurion sent friends to him: saying unto him. 〈◊〉 xiii a Lord trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof. Wherefore I thought not myself worthy to come unto thee: but say the word and my servant shallbe hole. For I also am a man under power, and have under me soldiers, and I say unto one: go, and he goeth. And to an other, come: and he cometh. And to my servant, do this: and he doth it. When jesus heard this, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said to the people that followed him: I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, not, not in Israel. And they that were fente, turned back home again, and found the servant that was sick, hole. ✚ And it befallen after that, that he went into a city called Naim, and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. When he approached to the gate of the city: behold there was a deed man carried out, which was thonly begotten son of his mother, and she was a widow, and moche people of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord see, he had compassion on her, and said unto her: weep not. And he went and touched the beer, & they that bore him, stood still. And he laid: Young man, I say unto thee, arise. And the deed sat up, and began to speak. three Regum iii d iiii. Reg. four d And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all. And they glorified God, saying: a great Prophet is risen among us and God hath vysited his people. ⊦ ✚ And this rumour of him went forth throughout all jury, and thorough out all the regions which lie round about. And the disciples of Iohn showed him of all these things. And Iohn called unto him two of his disciples, and sent them to jesus, saying: Art thou he that should come: or shall we look for an other? When the men were come unto him, they said: Iohn baptist sent us unto thee, saying: Art thou he, that should come: or shall we wait for an other? And at that same hour, he cured many of their diseases and plagues, and of evil sprites, and unto many that were blind, he gave sight. And jesus answered, and said unto them: Go your ways and show Iohn what things you have seen & heard, how the blind see, the halt go, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the deed arise, to the poor is the glad tidings preached, and happy is he, that is not offended by me. When the messengers of Iohn were departed, he began to speak unto the people, of Iohn. What went you out to the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings courts. But what went you forth to see? A Prophet? Yea, I say to you, and more than a Prophet. This is he, of whom it is written: Behold, I send my messenger Malach iii ● before thy face, to prepare thy way before the. For I say unto you: a greater Prophet than Iohn, among wemens' children is there none. Nevertheless, He that is less in the kingdom of God, is greater than he. ⊦ Andrea all the people that heard, and the publicans, justified God, and were baptized with the baptism of Iohn. But the Pharisees and learned men in the law, despised the counsel of God against themselves, and were not baptized of him. So the Lord said: Whereunto shall I liken the men of this generation, and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the market place, and crying one to an other, and saying: We have pyped unto you, and you have not daunsed: We have mourned to you, and you have not wept. For For Iohn Baptist came, neither eating bread, ne drinking wine, and you say: he hath a devil. The son of man came eating and drinking, ☞ and you say: Behold, a man which is a glutton, & a drinker of wine, a friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom is justified of all her children. ✚ One of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisees house, and sat down to meat. And behold, a woman in that city, which was a sinner, as soon as she knew that jesus sat at meat in the Pharisees house, she brought an Alabaster box of ointment, and she stood at his feet behind him, weeping, & began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hears of her heed, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with ointment. When the Pharisee which bade him, saw that, he spoke with in himself, saying: If this man were a Prophet, he would surely have known who and what manner woman this is which toucheth him, for she is a sinful woman. And jesus answered and said unto him: ☞ Simon, I have some what to say unto the. And he said: master, say on. There was a certain creditoure which had two debtors, the one aught five hundred pennies, & the other fifty. When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Which of them tell me, shall love him most? Simon answered, and said: I suppose, that he to whom he forgave most. Then he said unto him: Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon: Seist thou this woman? I entered in to thy house, and thou gavest me no water to my feet: but this hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her heed. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this, sithence the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Mine heed with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee: Many sins are forgiven her: Because she loved moche. To whom less is forgiven, the same doth less love. And he said unto her, thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at meat with him, began to say with in themselves: Who is this, which forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath saved thee: Go in peax. ⊦ ¶ christ with his Apostles goeth from town to town and preacheth, the parable of the seed, who is his mother and his brother, stylleth the see, delivereth the possessed, and driveth the devils in to the herd of swine, and helpeth the sick woman, and jairus daughter. CAPI. VIII. ANd it befallen after that, that he himself went through out cities and towns, preaching, and showing the kingdom of God, and the twelve with him. And also certain women, which were healed of evil sprites, & sicknesses. Marry called magdalen, out of whom went seven devils, and joanna the wife of Chusa Herodes steward and Susanna, and many other: which ministered unto him of their substance. ✚ Math. x● Marck. 〈…〉 When much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of all cities he spoke by a parable. A sour went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fallen by the way side, and it was trodden down, and fowls of the air devoured it up. And some fallen on the stone, & as soon as it was sprung up, it wyddred away, because it lacked moistness. And some fallen among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, & choked it. And some fallen on good ground, and sprang up, & bore fruit, an hundred fold. And as he said these things, he cried: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying: what manner similitude is this? And he said: Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to other in similitudes: that when they see they should not see, and when they hear/ they should not understand. The parable is this. The seed is the word of God. Those that are beside the way, are they that hear, and afterward cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe, and be saved. They on the stonnes, are they which when they hear, receive the word with joy And these have no rotes, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation go away. Now, that which fallen among thorns, are they which hear, and as they go are choked with cares, and with riches, and voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit. That in the good ground, are they which with a good and pure heart, hear the word, & keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. ⊦ Math. u b Marck four Not man lighteth a candle, and covereth it under a vessel, neither putteth it under a bed, but setteth it on a candlestick, that they that enter in, may see the light. For nothing is in secret, that shall not come abroad: Neither any thing hid, that shall not be known, and come to light. Take heed therefore, how you hear. For who soever hath, to him shallbe given: And who so ever hath not, even that which he supposed that he hath, shallbe taken from him. Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for press. And they told him saying: Thy mother & thy brethren stand without, and would see the. ☜ He answered and said unto them: my mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. ✚ It befallen on a certain day he went into a ship, and his disciples also, and he said unto them: Let us go over unto tother side of the lake. And they Launched forth. And as they sailed, he fallen a sleep, and there arose a storm of wind in the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. So they went to him, and awoke him, saying: Master, Master, we are lost. Then he arose and rebuked the wind, and the tempest of water, and they ceased, and it waxed calm. And he said unto them: where is your faith? But they fearing, wondered, saying one to an other: What person is this? For he commandeth both the winds and water, and they obey him? ⊦ Andrea they sailed unto the region of the Gaderenites, which is over against Galilee. And as he went out of the ship to land, there met him a certain man out of the city, which had a devil long time, and wore no clotheses, neither abode in any house: but among graves. When he saw jesus, he cried, and fallen down before him, & with a loud voice said: What have I a do with thee, jesus the son of the highest God? I beseech thee, torment me not. For he commanded the foul spirit to come out of the man. For oft times he caught him, and he was bound with chains, and kept with fetters: and he broke the bonds, and was carried of the fiend, into wilderness. So jesus asked him saying: What is thy name? And he said: 〈◊〉, at ●●●ius ●●●eth 〈◊〉 vi ●d vii 〈◊〉 and Legion, because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him, that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there by an herd of many swine, feeding on an hill, and they besought him, that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: And the heerd rushed in headlong into the lake, and were choked. When the heerdmen saw what was done, they fled, and told it in the city, and in the villages. Now, they came out to see what was done: and came to jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them how he that was possessed of the devil, was healed. And all the multitude of the Gadarenes, besought him that he would depart from them: for they were taken with great fear. But he taking ship returned. * Then the man out of whom the devils were departed, besought him to be with him. But jesus sent him away, saying Return into thy house, and show all that ever God hath done to the. And he went his way, and preached thorough out all the city, what things jesus had done unto him. It happened when jesus was come again that the people received him. For they all waited for him: 〈…〉 c 〈◊〉 v. b And behold, there came a man named jairus (and he was a ruler of the synagogue) and he fallen down at jesus feet, and besought him to enter into his house for he had one only daughter, upon a twelve year of age, and she lay a dying. Now as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years (which had spent all her substance among Physicians, neither could be healed of any) came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, and anon her issue of blood staunched. And jesus saith: Who is it that touched me? When every man denied, Peter and they that were with him, said: Master, the people thrust the and vex thee: and sayest thou who touched me? And jesus said: Some body hath touched me. For I perceive virtue to have go out of me When the woman saw that she was not hid she came trembling, and fallen at his feet, and told him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her: Daughter be of good comfort. Math. ix d Marinell u d. Thy faith hath made the hole, go in peax. While he yet spoke, there came one from the ruler of the Synagogis house which said to him: thy daughter is deed, disease not the master. When jesus heard that, He answered the father, saying: Math. ix d Mark u d Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made hole. And when he came to the house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, james and Iohn, & the father and mother of the maid. Now, every person wept, and sorrowed for her. And he said: Weep not: for she is not deed, but sleepeth. And they lowghe him to scorn, knowing that she deed. But he driving them all out, caught her by the hand: and cried, saying: Maid arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose forthwith. And he commanded to give her meat. And the father, and the mother of her, were astonied. But he warned them, that they should tell no man what was done. ¶ He sendeth out the xii Apostles to preach. He feedeth five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, the disciples confess him to be the son of God, he transfygureth himself. Teacheth his disciples to be lowly. They desire vengeance, but he reproveth them. CAPI. IX. T Math. ix a Mark vi a Hen called he the twelve together, & gave them power and authority over all devils, and to heal diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, & to cure the sick. And he said to them: Take nothing towards your journey, neither staff, nor scrype, neither breed, neither money, neither have you two coats. And whatso ever house you enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And who so ever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake of even the dust from your feet, for witness against them. But they departing went thorough the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. ⊦ Now Herode the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him, and doubted, because it was said of some, that Iohn was risen again from death: and of some, that Hely had appeared: and of some, that one of the old Prophets was risen again. And Herode saith: Iohn have I beheaded: who is this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him. And the Apostles returned: and told him what they had done. Math. xiiii b Mark vi d john vi a And he took them and went a side into a solitary place, nigh to a city called Bethsaida. Which the people knowing, followed him. And he received them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need to be healed. But the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him: send the people away, that they may go in to the towns and villages round about, to some june, and get meat, for we are here in a place of wilderness. He said unto them: give you them to eat. And they said. We have no more but five loaves and two fishes. whiles we should go, and buy meat for all this people. Now they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples: Make them sit down by fyfties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. And he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looked up to heaven, and blessed than and broke, and gave to the disciples, to set before the people. And they ate, and were all filled. And there was taken up of the fragments that they leaved, twelve baskets full. Math. xvi b Mark viii c And it fortuned as he was alone praying his disciples were with him, and he asked them saying: Who say the people that I am? They answered, and said: Iohn baptist: Some say Hely. And some say, one of the old Prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But who say you that I am? Peter answered and said: ☞ Thou art the Christ of God. And he warned and commanded them that they should tell this to no man, saying: The son of man must suffer many things, and be reproved of the elders, and of the high priests and scribes, and be slain, and the three day, rise again. And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Who so ever will save his life, shall loose it. And who so ever shall loose his life for my sake the same shall save it. For what advantageth it a man to win the hole world, if he loose himself, or run in damage of himself? For who so ever is ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his glory, and in the glory of his father, and of the holy Angels. And I tell you of a truth. There be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. And it followed about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter, james, and Iohn, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the hue of his countenance was altered, and his garment was white and shoes. And behold, two men talked with him, which were Moses and Hely, who seen in glory showed his departing, which he should end at jerusalem. Peter and they that were with him, were heavy with sleep. And when they awoke, they saw his glory, and the two men standing with him. And it chanced, as they departed from him, Peter said unto jesus: Master, it is good for us to be here, and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Hely, not knowing what he said. While he thus spoke, there came a cloud, and shadowed them, and they feared when they were come under the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my dear son/ hear him. ☜ And as soon as the voice was past, jesus was found alone. And they kept it close: and told no man in those days, any of those things, which they had seen. And it chanced on the next day, as they came down from the hill, moche people met him. And behold, a man out of the multitude cried out, saying: Master, I beseech the behold my son, for he is all that I have, And see, a spirit taketh him, and suddenly he crieth, and he teareth him that he foameth again, and with moche pain departeth from him, when he hath rend him, and I besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. jesus answered and said. O faithless generation, and crooked: how long shall I be with you, and shall suffer you? Bring thy son hither. As he yet was coming, the devil rend him and tare him. And jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child and rendered him to his father. So they were all amazed at the mighty work of God. While they wondered every one at all things which he did, he said unto his disciples Let these words sink down into your ears. The time shall come, when the son of man, shallbe delivered into the hands of men. But they wist not what that word meant, and it was hid from them, that they understood it not. And they feared to ask him of the saying. Mat xviii a Mark ix e Luke xxii f Then there entered a debate among them who should be greatest. When jesus perceived the thoughts of their hearts, he took a child, and set him hard by him, and said unto them. Who so ever receiveth this child in my name, receiveth me. ☜ And who so ever receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. For he that is lest among you all, that same shall be great. Iohn answered, and said: Master/ we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And jesus said unto him: forbid you him not. For he that is not against us, is with us. And it followed when the days were come of his assumption, he set his face to go to jerusalem, and sent messengers before him. And they went and entered into a city of the Samaritans to make ready for him. And they received him not, because his face was as though he would go to jerusalem. When his disciples, james and Iohn, saw that, they said. Lord, will't thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, 〈◊〉 i b as Hely did? jesus turned about and rebuked them, saying: You wot not of what spirit you are. ☞ The son of man is not come to destroy men's souls, but to save them. And they went to an other town. ✚ And it chanced as he went in the way, a certain man said unto him: I will follow thee, ☞ whether so ever thou go. jesus said to him: Foxes have holes, & birds of the air have nests: but the son of man hath not where on to say his heed. And he said unto an other: follow me. But he said: Lord, suffer me first to go bury my father. jesus said to him. Let the deed bury their deed: go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And an other said: I will follow the Lord: but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. jesus said unto him No man that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back, is meet to the kingdom of God. ⊦ ¶ He sendeth the seventy before him to preach, praiseth his heavenly father, answereth the Scribe that tempted him, showeth who is a man's neighbour, Martha receiveth the Lord, Magdalene is fervent in hearing his word. CAPI. X. A ✚ Fter these, the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before him into every city & place, whither he himself should come. And said unto them, the harvest is great, but the labourers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, to send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I sand you forth as lambs among wolves. Bear no wallet, ne scrip, nor shoes, & great no man by the way. Into whatsoever house you enter first say: Peax to this house. And if the son of peax be there, your peax shall rest upon him if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such as they have. For the labourer is worthy his reward. ⊢ Go not from house to house: & into whatsoever city you enter, if they receive you, eat that is set before you, and heal the sick that are there, and say unto them: the kingdom of God, is approached upon you. 〈◊〉 ten a But into whatsoever city you enter, if they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same and say: even the dust, which cleaveth to us of your city, we wipe of against you: Yet know this, that the kingdom of God was come nigh upon you. I say to you: it shallbe easier in that day for Zodome, then for that city. woe to the Chorazin: woe to the Bethsaida. For if the miracles had been done in tire and Sidon, which be done in you, they had long sithence repented sitting in hear and ashes. Nevertheless it shallbe easier for tire and Sidon, at the judgement, then for you. And thou Capernaum which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. Matthew ten d john xiii c He that heareth you, heareth me: ☜ and he that despiseth you, despiseth me: and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy turned again with joy, saying: Lord, the very devils are subdued to us thorough thy name. He said unto them: I saw Satan, as lightening fall down from heaven. Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents & scorpions, and over all power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, in this rejoice not that the sprites are subject to you/ but rejoice, because your names are written in the heavens. That same time rejoiced jesus in the spirit, and said, I confess unto the father: Math. xi d Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these from the wise & prudent, and hast opened them to the babes. Even so father, for so pleased it the. All are given me of my father. And no man knoweth who the son is, but the father/ and who the father is, save the son/ and he to whom the son will show him. And turning to his disciples, said secretly. ✚ Happy are the eyes which see that you see. For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see that you see, and have not seen/ and to hear that you hear, and have not herd. And behold a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying: Math. xxii b. Master, what shall I do, to inherit eternal life? He said unto him. What is written in the law? How redest thou? And he answered, & said: Deut. vi, b Thou shalt love thy Lord God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him: Thou hast answered right. This do, and thou shalt live. He willing to justify himself, said unto jesus: Who is my neighbour? jesus answered, and said: A certain man came down from Jerusalem to Hierico, and fallen in to the hands of thieves, which rob him of his raiment, and wounded him/ and departed, leaving him half deed. And by chance there came a certain priest that same way, and when he see him, he passed by: And likewise a Levite, when he was come nigh to the place, went and looked on him, and passed by. Then a certain Samaritane, as he journeyed, came nigh unto him, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him and bound up his wounds, and poured in oil & wine, & put him on his own be'st, and brought him to a common Inn, and made provision for him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pennies and gave them to the host, & said unto him. Take cure of him, and what so ever thou spendest more when I come agynne, I will recompense the. Which now of these three thinkest thou was neighbour unto him that fallen into the thieves hands? And he said: he that showed mercy on him. Then said jesus unto him: Go and do thou likewise. ⊦ ✚ It befallen as they went, he entered in to a crtayne town. And a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. This woman had a sister called Mary, which sat at jesus feet, and heard his preaching So Martha was cumbered about moche serving, and stood and said: master, dost thou not care, that my sister hath left me to minister alone? Bid her therefore, that she help me. And jesus answered, and said unto her Martha, ☞ Martha, thou carest, and art troubled about many things: but one thing is needful. Mary hath choose her that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ⊦ ¶ He teacheth his disciples to pray. Rebuketh the blasphemous Pharisees. They require signs. He eateth with the Pharisee. CAPI. XI. ANd it fortuned as he was praying in a certain place: when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him Master, teach us to pray, as Iohn taught his disciples. Pater noster And he laid unto them: when you pray, say: O our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as in heaven. Our daily bread give us daily. And forgive us our sins: For also we forgive every man that trespaseth us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. And he said unto them: ✚ if any of you should have a friend, and should go to him at midnight, and say unto him: friend, lend me three loves, for a friend of mine is come out of the way to me, and I have nothing to set before him: and he within should answer & say, trouble me not, the door is now shut, and my servants are with me in the chamber, I can not rise and give them to thee. I say unto you, though he would not arise and give him, because he is his friend: yet because of his unshamefastness he would rise, & give him as many as he needed. And I say unto you: Math. vii a john xvi f jacob i a ask, & it shallbe given you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shallbe opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth: and who seeketh findeth: and to him that knocketh, shall it be opened. If the son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father: will he give him a stone? Or if he ask fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg: will he offer him a scorpion? If you then being evil, can give good gifts unto your children, how moche more shall the father of heaven give an holy spirit to them, that ask him? ⊦ ✚ And he was casting out a devil, which was dumb. And it followed when the devil was go out, the dumb spoke, and the people wondered. But some of them said he casts out devils by the power of Belzebub the chief of the devils. And other temted him, seeking of him a sign from heaven. But he knowing their thoughts, said unto them: Every kingdom divided in itself is made wilderness: ☜ and one house shall fall upon an other. So if Satan be divided in himself: how shall his kingdom endure? Because you say I cast out devils by the power of Belzebub. If I, by the power of Belzebub cast out devils: by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore shall they be your judges. But if I, with the finger of God cast out devils, assuredly the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed watcheth his house: that he possesseth is in peace. But when a stronger than he cometh upon him, and overcometh him: he taketh from him his harness wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me, is against me. And he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean spirit is go out of the man, he walketh through waterless places, seeking rest. And when he findeth none, he saith: I will return unto my house, whence I came. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh to him seven other sprites worse then himself: and they enter in, and devil there. And so the extremes of that man, be worse than the beginnings. And it happened as he spoke these things, a certain woman of the company life up her voice, and said unto him: Happy is the womb that bore thee, and the breasts which gave the suck. But he said: Nay, ☜ happy are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. ⊦ When the people were gathered thick together: he began to say: This is an evil nation: they seek a sign, and there shall no sign be given them, jona ii a but the sign of jonas the Prophet. For as jonas was a sign to the ninivites, so shall the son of man be to this nation. three Regum ten a two. Pard ix a Ma●h. x●i. d The queen of the south shall rise at the judgement, with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the end of the world, to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Ninive shall arise in the judgement with this generation: and shall condemn them: for they repented at the preaching of jonas. And behold, a greater than jonas is here. ✚ Math. u b Mark iiii c Luke viii a Not man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in an hid place, ne under a bushel: but on a candlestick, that they that come in may see the light. The light of thy body is the eye. Therefore when thine eye is single: then is all thy body full of light. That if thine eye be evil: then shall all thy body be full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee, be not darkness. For if all thy body shall be light, having no part dark: then shall all be full of light, even as when a candle doth light the with his brightness. ⊦ Andrea as he spoke, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and jesus went in and sat down to meat. When the Pharisee saw that, he merueled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said to him: 〈◊〉 x●ii c Now do you pharisees, make clean the outside of the cup, & the platter: but your inward part is full of ravin and wickedness Foles, did not he that made that which is without: make that which is within also? Nevertheless that you have give in alms, 〈…〉 ●hat 〈◊〉 ex● 〈◊〉 ●quod 〈◊〉 su●, or 〈◊〉 nea●●●ter ●●ys. and behold all is clean to you. But woe be to you Pharisees, for you tithe the mint and rue, and all manner herbs, and pass over judgement & the love of God. These aught you to have done and those not to have left. woe to you Pharisees: for you love the first seats in assembles, and gretynges in the markets. woe to you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites, for you are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not ware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said to him: Master, thus saying thou puttest us to rebuke also. Then he said: woe to you also you lawyers: for you lad men with burdens importable, and your selves touch not the packs with your one finger. woe to you, you build the sepulchres of the Prophets, where as your fathers killed them, truly you bear witness, that you allow the deeds of your fathers: for they killed them, but you build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God: I will sand them Prophets and messengers, and of them they shall slay and persecute: that the blood of all the Prophets, which was shed from the beginning of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of 〈◊〉 four 〈◊〉 iii f Abel, unto the blood of Zacharye, who perished between the altar and the temple. Verily I tell you: it shallbe required of this nation. woe to you lawyars: for you have taken away the key of knowledge, you entered not in yourselves, & the enterers in, you forbade. When he thus spoke unto them, the lawyers and the Pharisees began to wax busy about him, and to stop his mouth with many questions, lying in wait for him, and seeking to catch some thing of his mouth, whereby they might accuse him. ¶ The leaven of the Pharisees, christ comforteth his disciples against persecution, warneth them to beware of covetousness. He will not have them to hang upon earthly things. CAPI. XII. AS there gathered together an innumerable multitude of people (in so much that they trood one an other) he began to say unto his disciples: 〈…〉. first of all beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is φ hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be uncovered: ne hid, that shall not be known. For what so ever you have spoken in darkness: shall be herd in the light. And that you have spoken in the ear even in secret places, shall be preached on the top of houses. I say to you my friends: be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you, whom you shall fear. Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Surely I say unto you, him fear. Are not u sparrows bought for two farthinges? And yet not one of them is forgotten of God. Also even the very hairs of your heeds are numbered. Fear not then: you are more worth than many sparrows. I say unto you: whosoever confesseth me before men, him shall the son of man confess also before the angels of God. And he that denieth me before men: ☞ shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man it shall be forgiven him. But unto him that blasphemeth the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven. When they bring you unto the assembles, and unto the rulers and officers, take no thought how or what you shall answer or what you shall speak. For the holy ghost shall teach you in the same hour, what you aught to say. ✚ One of the company said unto him: Math. xii c Mark iij d. Master, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me. But he said unto him: Man who made me a judge or a divider over you? Wherefore he said unto them: take heed, and beware of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of things which he possesseth. And he put forth a parable unto them, saying: The ground of a certain rich men brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in himself, saying: what shall I do? because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said: This will I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater, and therein will I gather all my fruits, and my goods: And I will say to my soul: Soul thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him: Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from the. Then whose shall the things be which thou haste provided? So is it with him that gathereth riches? and is not rich in God. And he spoke unto his disciples: Therefore I say unto you: Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat: ne for your body, what you shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, who neither have store house ne barn, and yet God feedeth them. How moche are you better than fowls? Which of you with taking thought, can put to his stature one cubyt? If you then be not able to do that is lest: why take you thought for the rest? consider the lilies how they grow: They labour not: they spyn not: and yet I tell you Solomon in all his royalty, was not clothed like to one of these. That if the grass, being to day in the field, and to morrow shallbe cast into the furnace, God so arayeth, how moche more will he cloth you, oh little faithful? And ask not you what you shall eat or what you shall drink and be you not carried in the clouds: for all these the heathen people of the world seek for. Your father knoweth that you have need of these things. Wherefore seek you after the kingdom of God, and all these shall be cast unto you. ✚ Fear not little flock, for it is your father's pleasure, to give you a kingdom. Cell your substance, and give in alms. And make you bags, which wax not old, and treasure that faileth not in heaven, where no thief cometh, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there shallbe your heart also. Let your loins be girt about, and your lights brenning, and yourselves like unto men that wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding: that assoon as he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him. Happy are those servants, which the Lord when he cometh, shall find waking. Verily I say unto you, he will gird himself about, and make them to sit down to meat, and walk by, and minister unto them. And if he come in the second watch, yea if he come in the third watch, & shall find them so, happy are those servants. This understand, that if the householder knew what hour the these would come, he would surely watch: and not suffer his house to be broken up. Be you ready therefore: for what hour you think not, the son of man cometh. ⊦ Mat xxiiii d Marck xiii c Then Peter said to him: * Master, speakest thou this similitude unto us, or to all men? And the Lord said: Who thinkest thou is faithful servant and wise, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their duty of meat at due season: happy is that servant, whom his master when he cometh, shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you: he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But if the servant shall say in his heart: My master differreth his coming and shall begin to smite the servants and maidens, and to eat, and drink, and to be drunken: the lord of that servant will come in a day when he thinketh not, & at an hour when he is not ware, and will divide him, & put his part with the infideles. The servant that knew his masters will and prepared not himself, ne did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and yet did commit things worthy of stripes, shallbe beaten with few stripes. For unto whom moche is given, of him shallbe much required. And to whom men much commit, the more of him will they ask. ☞ I am come to send fire on earth: and what is my desire, but that it were all ready kindled? Notwithstanding I must be baptized with a baptism: and how am I pressed till it be ended? Suppose you that I am come to send pear on earth? I tell you nay, but rather dissension. For from hence forth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother. The mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Then said he to the people: when you see a cloud rise out of the west anon you say, a shower cometh, and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say: we shall have heat, and it cometh to pass. Hypocrites, you can skill of the fashion of the sky, and of the earth, but how is it, that you can not try this time? Yea and why judge you not of yourselves what is right? For while thou goest with thine adversary to the ruler: as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayst be delivered from him, lest he bring the to the judge, and the judge deliver the to the iaylar, and the iaylar cast the into prison. I tell thee, thou departest not thence, till thou hast yielded the uttermost mite. ¶ Of the Galileans whom Pilate slew. The similitude of the fig tree. Of the mustard lead and leaven. Few enter into the kingdom. christ reproveth Herode and jerusalem. CAPI. XIII. THere were present at the same season that showed him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifice. And jesus answered, and said unto them: Suppose you that these Galileans were greater sinners then all tother Galileans, because they suffered such punishment? I tell you nay: but whiles you repent, you shall all like wise perish. ☜ Or those xviij upon which the tour in Syloe fallen, and slay them, think you that they were sinners above all men that devil in jerusalem? I tell you nay But whiles you repent, you all shall like wise perish. ✚ He put forth this parable: a certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came and sought fruit thereon, & found none. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard: Behold, these three years have I come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none: cut it down: why occupieth it the ground? and he answered, and said unto him: Lord let it alone this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, and if it bear fruit well and good, if not then thou shalt cut it down. And he taught in one of their synagogues on the Saboth days. And behold, a woman which had a spirit of infirmity xviij years: & was made even crooked, and could not once life up herself. When jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said to her: woman thou art delivered from thy disease. And he laid his hands on her, and forthwith she was straight, & glorified God. Now the ruler of the synagogue answering and disdaining (because that jesus had healed on the Saboth day) said unto the people. There are six days in which men aught to work: in them come and be healed, & not on the Saboth day. Then answered him the Lord, and said: 〈…〉 a hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the Saboth day, loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him to the water? And aught not this daughter of Abraham, whom lo, Satan hath bond xviij years, be loosed from this bond on the Saboth day? And when he thus said, all his adversaries were ashamed/ and all the people rejoiced on all the glorious deeds that were done by him. ⊦ Then said he: What is the kingdom of God like? or whereto shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his garden/ and it grew & waxed in to great tree, and the fowls of the air made nests in the branches of it. And again he said: whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three busshels of flower, till all was thorough levended. And he went thorough cities and towns reaching and iourneyinge towards jerusalem. Then said one unto him: Lord, are there few that shall be saved? And he said unto them/ strive to enter in at the straight gate: for many I say unto you will seek to enter, and shall not be able. When the goodman of the house is risen up, and hath shut the door, you shall begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying: Lord Lord, open unto us, and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence you are. Then shall you begin to say: We have eaten in thy presence and drunk/ and thou hast taught in our streets. And he shall say: I tell you I know you not whence you are: depart from me all you workers of wickedness. There shall be weeping and gnasshing ofteth, when you shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and jacob, and all the Prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the Eest and West and north and south, and sit in the kingdom of God. And behold, they be last, which shall be first. And they be first, which shall be last. The same day there came certain of the Pharisees and said unto him/ get the out of the way, and depart hence, for Herode will kill the. And he said unto them. Go tell that fox behold I cast out devils and heal the people to day and to morrow, and the third day I make an end. Nevertheless, I must walk to day and to morrow, and the day following/ for it can not be, that a Prophet perish any other where then at jerusalem. 〈◊〉 ●●ii. d jerusalem, jerusalem, which killest Prophets, and stonest them that are sent to thee: how oft would I have gathered thy children together as the hen gathered her nest under her wings, but he would not. Behold your habitation is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you shall not see me till the time come that you shall say/ blessed, that cometh in the name of the Lord. ¶ jesus eateth with the Pharisee, heals the dropsy upon the Sabbath, teacheth to be lowly, telleth of the great supper. The salt of the earth. CAPI. XIIII. A ✚ Nd it chanced that he went in to the house of one of the chief Pharisees to * eat breed on the Saboth day: To eat breed, that is to dine, or to take a repast and they watched him. And behold, there was a man before him, which had the dropsy. And jesus answered and spoke unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: is it lawful to heal on the Saboth day? But they held their peaxe. And he healed him, and let him go: and answered them, saying: Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen in to a pit, and will not forthwith pull him out on the Saboth day? And they could not answer him to that. He put forth a similitude to the gests, marking how they chase the highest rooms, and said to them: When thou art bid to a wedding of any man, sit not down in the highest room, least a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade both him and thee, come and say to thee, give this man room, and thou then begin with shame to take the lowest room. But rather when thou art bid, go and sit in the lowest room, that when he that bade the cometh, he may say unto thee/ friend sit up higher. Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with the. Math. xxiii b Luke xviii c For who so ever exalteth himself, shall be humbled. And he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. ⊦ Then said he also to him that had desired him to dinner. ✚ When thou makest a dinner or a supper: call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, ne thy kinsmen, neither rich neighbours, jest they bid the again, and a recompense be made the. But when thou makest a feest, call poor, maimed, lame and blind, and thou shalt be happy, for they can not reacquyte the. But thou shalt be recompensed in the uprising of the just men. When one of them that sat at meat also heard that, he said unto him/ happy is he that eateth breed in the kingdom of God. ⊦ Than said he to him. Math xxii. a. Apocali xix a A certain man ordained a great supper, and bade many, and sent his servant at supper time, to say to them that were bidden, come/ for all things are now ready. And they all at one's began to make excuse. The first said to him: I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go see it, I pray the have me excused. And an other said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them, I pray the have me excused. The third said: I have married a wife, therefore I can not come. And the servant went, ☜ and told his master these things. Then was the householder displeased, and said to his servant: Go out quykly in to the streets and quarters of the city, and bring in hither the poor, & maimed, and halt & blind. And the servant said, Lord it is done as thou commandest, and yet is there room. And the Lord said to the servant: Go out in to the high ways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of my supper. ⊦ There went a great company with him, And he turned and said unto them. Math. xvi d. Math. viii d ✚ If a man cometh to me, and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, moreover and his own life he can not be my disciple. And who so ever bear not his cross and come after me, can not be my disciple. Which of you willing to build a tour sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he hath to perform it? least after he hath laid the foundation and is not able to perform it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying: this man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king going to make battle against an other king doth not sit down first and consider whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand. Or else while he is yet a great way of, he sendeth ambassadors and desire peaxe. So likewise every one of you that renounceth not all that he hath can be my disciple. ⊦ Matthew u b Mark ix g * Salt is good, but if salt be unsavoury, wherewith shall it be severed. It is meet neither for the land, nor for the dunghill, they cast it out at the doors. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ¶ The loving mercy of God is openly set forth in the parable of the hundredth sheep, and of the son that was lost. CAPI. XU. Math. ix b Mark ii b Luke u f THen resorted unto him all the Publicans and sinners to hear him. And the pharisees and Scribes grudged, saying: He receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spoke this parable to them, saying: What man of you having an hundred sheep, if he loose one of them, doth not leave ninety and ix in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost till he find him? And when he hath found him, he putteth him on his shoulders with joy. And as soon as he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours saying unto them: Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that so joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over four score and nyntene righteous people, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten groats, if she loose one, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours saying: Rejoice with me, for I have found the groat which I had lost. So I say unto you, joy is made before the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Filius prodigus. ⊦ ✚ And he said: A certain man had two sons, and the younger of them said to his father/ father give me the part of the goods that to me belongeth. And he divided unto them his substance. And not long after, the younger son gathered all that he had together, and took his journey in to a far country, & there Prove xxix ● he wasted his goods with riotous living. And when he had spent all that he had, there arose a great dearth thorough out all that same land and he began to lack. And he went & clave to a citezyn of that same country, which sent him to his field to keep his swine/ & he would fain have filled his belly with the cods that the swine ate, and no man gave to him. Then he came to himself and said: how many hired servants at my fathers have breed enough, and I die for hunger. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him: father: I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose & went to his father. And when he was yet a great way of, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran and fallen on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him: father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Then his father said to his servants, bring forth that best garment and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither that fatted calf and kill him, and let us eat and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is revived, he was lost, and is now found. And they began to be merry. The elder brother was in the field, and when he came & drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy and dancing, and called one of his servants, and asked what those things meant. And he said unto him: thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. So he was angry, and would not go in. Then came his father and entreated him. But he answered and said to his father: Lo these many years have I have done thee, service/ neither have I broken at any time thy commandment, and yet gavest thou me never so much as a kid to make merry with my friends/ but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy goods with harlots, thou hast for him killed the fatted calf. And he said unto him: Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine: it was meet that we should make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was deed, and is alive again: and was lost, and is found. ⊦ ¶ The parable of the wicked Mammon. Not one title of God's word shall perish. Of the rycke man, and poor Lazarus. CAPI. XVI. HE said also unto his disciples. ✚ There was a certain rich man, which had a steward, that was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and saith unto him: How is it that I hear this of thee? render accounts of thy stewardship: For thou mayst be no longer steward. The steward said within himself: what shall I do? for my master will take away from me the stewardship. I can not dig, and to beg I am ashamed. I wot what I shall do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me in to their houses. So called he all his master's debtors, and said unto the first: how moche owest thou unto my master? And he said an hundred tons of oil. And he said to him: take thy bill and sit down quickly, and write thirty. Then said he to an other: what owest thou? And he said, an hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill, and write four score. And the Lord commended the unryghtous steward, ☞ because he had done wisely. For the children of this world are in their kind, wiser than the children of light. And I say also unto you: Make you friends of the wicked Mammon, that when you shall depart, they may receive you in to everlasting habitations. ⊦ ✚ He that is faithful in the jest, is faithful also in moche. And he that is unryghtous in the jest: is unryghtous also in moche. So than if you have not been faithful in the wicked Mammon, who will believe you in that which is true? And if you have not been faithful in an other man's business: who shall give you your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he shall hate the one and love tother, or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the other. You can not serve God and Mammon. All these heard the Pharysees also, which were covetous, and they mocked him. And he said unto them: You are they which justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts. For that which is high among men, is abomination before God. The law and the Prophets reigned till the time of Iohn/ and from that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man striveth to go in. Sooner shall heaven and earth perish, than one title of the law shall perish. Who so ever forsaketh his wife and marrieth an other, doth adultery. And who so ever marrieth her that is divorced from her husband committeth adultery. ✚ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and costly linen, and fared deliciously every day. Now there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which lay at his gate full of sores, desiring to be filled with the crumbs which fallen from the rich man's table. Nevertheless the dogs came and lycked his sores. And it fortuned that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels in to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. And being in hell in torments, he lift up his eyes and see Abraham a far of, and Lazarus in his bosom, and he cried and said: father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the typ of his finger in water, and coal my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said unto him: Son, remember that thou in thy life time, rceivedst thy good things, & Lazarus likewise pain. Now therefore is he comforted, and thou art punished. Beside all this, between you and us is a great vault set, so that they which would go from hence to you can not, neither may come from thence to us. Then he said, I pray that therefore father that thou will send him to my father's house. For I have five brethren: for to warn them least they also come into this place of torment. Abraham said unto him: they have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them. And he said, nay father Abraham, but if one come unto them from the deed, they would repent. He said unto him: If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they believe, though one rose from death again. ¶ christ teacheth his disciples to avoid occasions of evil, one to forgive another, steadfastly to trust in God and no man to presume in his own works. He heals the ten lepers, speaketh of the latter days, and of the end of the world. CAPI. XVII. THen said he to his disciples, it can not be avoided but that offences come. Mat xviii a. Mark ix f. But woe to him thorough whom they come. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast in to the see, than he should offend one of these litleones. Take heed to yourselves. Math. xviii c Levitic xix c Ecclesi ix b. If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him/ and if he repent, forgive him. And though he sin against the seven times in a day, ☜ and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying/ it repenteth me, forgive him. And the apostles said unto the Lord: increase our faith. And the Lord said: if you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you should say unto this sycamyne tree, pluck thyself up by the roots, and plant thyself in the see and he should obey you. Who is it of you, if he had a servant earring or feeding cattles, that would say unto him when he were come from the field: Go quickly and sit down to meat, and would not rather say to him, make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird up thyself and serve me till I have eaten and drunken, and afterward, eat thou, and drink thou? Doth he thank that servant because he did that was commanded him? I trow not. So also you when you have done all which are commanded you, say: we are unprofitable servants. We have done that which was our duty to do. ✚ And it befallen as he went to jerusalem, he passed thorough Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered in to a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers. Ten lepers. Which stood a far of, and put forth their voices, and said: jesus master, have mercy on us. When he saw them, he said unto them: Go and show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them when he see he was cleansed, turned back again, and with a loud voice praised God, and fell down on his face at his feet, and gave him thanks. And the same was a Samaritane. And jesus answered and said: are there not ten cleansed? But where are those nine? There are not found that returned again to give God praise save only this stranger. And he said unto him: arise and go thy way, thy faith hath saved the. ⊦ ✚ When he was demanded of the Pharysees when the kingdom of God should come he answered them, ☞ and said: The kingdom of God cometh not with waiting for. Neither shall men say: Lo here, lo there. For behold the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples: the days will come, when you shall desire to see one day of the son of man, and you shall not see it. And they shall say to you. See here. See there. Go you not, nor follow them/ for as the lightning that appeareth out of th'one part of heaven, and shines unto the other part of heaven: Math. xvi c Marc viii d. Luke xviii e. So shall the son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be refused of this nation. Gene. vii b. As it happened in the time of No, so shall it be in the time of the son of man. They ate they drank, they married wives, & were given in marriage, even unto that same day that No went in to the ark, Genesi xix e. and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also, as it chanced in the days of Lot. They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. And even the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. After these exemples shall it be in the day when the son of man shall appear. And that day, he that is on the house top and his vessels in the house, let him not come down to take it out. And likewise let not him that is in the field, turn back again to that he left behind. Gene. xix e Remember Lot's wife. Who so ever will seek to save his life, shall loose it/ and who so ever will loose his life, shall save it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two in one bed, the one shall be received, and tother forsaken. Two women shall be grinding together/ th'one shall be received, & the other forsaken. And they answered, and said to him: where Lord? And he said unto them: where so ever the body shall be, thither will the eagles resort. ¶ He teacheth to be fervent in prayer. Pharisee and the puplican. christ answereth the ruler, and promiseth reward unto such as suffer loss for his sake. CAPI. XVIII. A ✚ Nd he spoke a parable unto them, signifying that men aught always to pray, and not to be weary, saying. There was a judge in a certain city, which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a certain widow in the same city, which came unto him, saying: revenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while. But afterward he said to himself: though I fear not God, nor care for man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will revenge her cause, jest at the last she come and hag on me And the Lord said: hear what the unrighteous judge saith. And shall not God avenge his choose, which cry day and night unto him, though he defer them? ☜ I tell you he will avenge them and that quickly ⊦ Nevertheless when the son of man cometh, suppose you he shall find faith on the earth. ✚ Andrea he spoke this similitude, unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were perfect, and despised other. Two men went up in to the temple to pray: the one a Pharisey, and tother a Publican. The Pharisey stood and prayed thus with himself. God I thank the that I am not as the rest of men, extorsioners, unjust, adulterers, or as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithe of all that I possess. And the publican standing a far of, would not life up his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying: God be merciful to me sinner. I tell you this man departed home to his house justified more than the other, Math. xxiii ● for every man that exalteth himself, shall be lowlyed: And he that lowlyeth himself, shall be exalted. ⊦ Mash xix d Mark ten ●. They brought unto him also babes, that he should touch them. When his disciples see that, they rebuked them. But jesus called them unto him, and said: Suffer the children to come unto me, & forbid them not. For of such is the kingdom of God. verily, I say to you: who so ever receiveth not the kingdom of God as a child: shall not enter therein. And a certain ruler asked him, saying: good master: what aught I to do, to obtain everlasting life? jesus said to him: Why callest thou me good? None is good, Exodi twenty ● save God only. Thou knowest the commandments: Thou shalt not commit adultery/ thou shalt not kill/ thou shalt not steal/ thou shalt not bear false witness. Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, all these have I kept from my youth. When jesus heard that, he said unto him: Yet lackest thou one thing. Cell all that thou hast, and distribute it unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come follow me. When he herd this he was heavy, for he was very rich. When jesus saw him mourn, he said: How hardly shall they that have riches enter in to the kingdom of God: it is easier for a camel to go thorough a needles eye, than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Then said they that heard that. And who shall then be saved? And he said: Those things that are impossible with men, are possible with God. Then Peter said: Lo, we have left all, and have followed the. And he said unto them. Math. xix d Mark ten d verily I say unto you/ there is no man that leaveth house, either father and mother, either brethren, or wife, or children for the kingdom of God, which shall not receive moche more in this world, and in the world to come life everlasting. ✚ He took unto him the twelve, and said unto them. Behold we go up to jerusalem, and all shall be fulfilled that are written by the prophets of the son of man. He shall be delivered unto the gentiles, & shall be mocked and shall be despytfully entreated, and shall be spetted on/ and when they have scourged him they shall put him to death, and the third day he shall arise again. But they understood none of these things. And this saying was hid from them. Neither they perceived the things which were spoken. 〈…〉. d 〈…〉. And it came to pass as he approached nigh unto Hierico, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging. And when he herd the people pass by, he asked what it meant. And they said unto him, that jesus of Nazareth passed by. And he cried, saying: jesus the son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should be still. But he cried so much the more, 〈…〉. thou son of David, have mercy on me. So jesus stood still, and commanded him to be brought unto him. And when he was come near, he asked him saying: What wilt thou that I do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. jesus said unto him/ receive thy sight, thy faith hath saved the. And anon he saw, & followed him praising God. And all the people when they saw it, gave praise to God. ⊦ ¶ Of zacheus, and the ten servants to whom the talentes were delivered. christ rideth to jerusalem, and weepeth over it. CAPI. XIX. A ✚ Nd he entered and went thorough Hierico. And behold there was a man named Zacheus, which was a ruler among the Publicans, and was rich. And he sought to see jesus, what he should be: & could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And running before, climbed up in to a wild sygge tree to see him/ for he should come that way. And when jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him/ and said unto him: Zache, hasten the down, for to day I must abide at thy house. And he came down hastily, and received him joyfully. And when they saw that, they all grudged, saying: He is go in to tarry with a sinful man. And Zache stood forth and said unto the Lord: Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor/ and if I have done any man wrong, I restore him four fold. And jesus said to him: this day is health come unto this house, for as much as he also is become the child of Abraham. * For the son of man is come to seek and to save the lost. ⊦ As they heard these, he put to and spoke: because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought the kingdom of God should shortly appear. 〈…〉. b. 〈…〉. b He said therefore: ✚ * A certain noble man went in to a far country, to receive him a kingdom, and to come again. So he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, saying unto them. occupy till I come. But his citezyns hated him, and sent a message after him, saying: we will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass when he was come again and had received his kingdom, he commanded his servants to be called unto him (to whom he gave his money) to wit what every man had marchaundysed. Then came the first, saying: Lord, thy pound hath increased ten pounds. And he said unto him. Math. xxv ● Well good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying: Lord, thy pound hath increased five pounds. He said also to this: and be thou also ruler over five cities. And an other came and said: Lord behold thy pound, which I have kept in a napkin, for I feared the because thou art a stern man: thou takest up that thou laydest not down/ and repest that thou didst not sow. And he said unto him: Math twenty-five c Of thine own mouth judge I thee, thou evil servant. Knewest thou that I am a stern man/ taking up that I laid not down, & reping that I did not sow. Wherefore then gavest not thou my money in to the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with gains? And he said to them that stood by: take from him that pound, and give it him that hath ten pounds. And they said unto him, Lord he hath ten pounds. I say unto you, ☜ that unto every one that hath, it shall be given/ and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken from him. Moreover those mine enemies which would not I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Math. xxi a. Mark xi a. * And when he had thus spoken, he went before, going up to jerusalem. ⊦ And it fortuned, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, besides mount called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, saying: Go in to the town over against you. In which as soon as you are come, you shall find a colt tied whereon yet never man sat. Lose him and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, why do you lose him/ thus you shall say unto him, the Lord hath need of him. They that were sent, went their way and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the ounces of it said unto them: why lose you the colt? And they said, the Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to jesus. And casting their raiment on the colt, they sat jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clotheses in the way. And when he now approached near to the descent of the mount Olivet, the hole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice, and praise God with a great voice, for all the miracles that they had seen, saying: blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord: peax in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees of the train said to him: Master, rebuke thy disciples. He answered and said unto them: I tell you if these should hold your peaxe, the stones would cry. ✚ Andrea when he was come near, he beheld the city, & wept on it saying. If thou knewest also even in this day the things apꝑteyning unto thy peaxe. But now are they hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon the that thy enemies shall cast a bank about the and besiege thee, and keep the in on every side, and make the even with the ground, with thy thyldrens which are in the. And they shall not leave in the one stone upon an other, because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation. And he entered the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought, saying unto them: it is written/ my house is the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple. ⊦ Isaiah lvi b. Hierem vii a john vii e Mark xi b The high priests and the Scribes and the chief of the people went about to destroy him, but could not find what to do. For all the people did hang of his mouth hearing him. ¶ They ask christ one question, and he asketh them an other. The parable of the vynyard. Of tribute to be given unto Cesar, and how christ stoppeth the mouths of the Sadduces. CAPI. XX. A ✚ Nd it befallen in one of those days as he taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, the chief priests and scribes came with the elders, and spoke unto him, saying: Math. xxii e. Marck xi d. Tell us by what authority thou dost these things? Either who is he that gave the this authority? He answered and said unto them: I also will ask you a word, and answer me. The baptism of Iohn was it from heaven or of men? And they thought within themselves, saying: if we shall say from heaven: he will say: why then believed you him not? But if we shall say, of men/ all the people will stone us. For they be ascerteyned that Iohn is a Prophet. And they answered, they could not tell whence it was. And jesus said unto them: neither tell I you by what authority I do these. Then began he to speak to the people this parable. Math. xxii c Marck xii b. A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, & went himself in to a strange country for a great season. And when the time was come, he sent a servant to the husbandmen that they should give him of the fruits of the vineyard. And they did beaten him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent yet an other servant. But they did beat him, and foul entreated him also, and sent him away empty. He sent the third to, and him they wounded, and cast out. Then said the Lord of the vineyard: What shall I do? I will send my dear son, him peradventure they will reverence when they see him. But when the farmers saw him, they reasoned within themselves saying: this is the heir, come let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. And they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now, what shall the Lord of the vineyard do unto them? He will come and destroy these farmers, and will let out his vineyard to other. When they heard that, they said: God forbid. And he beheld them, and said: what means this then that is written: Psal. cx● Math. xx● Marck. x●● The stone that the builders refused, the same is made the heed corner stone? Who so ever stumble at that stone shall be broken/ but on whom so ever it fall, it will grind him to powder. And the high priests and Scribes the same hour went about to say hands on him/ but they feared the people. For they wist he spoke this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth espies, which should fain themselves perfect to take him in his words, and to deliver him unto the power and authority of the ruler. And they asked him, saying: Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly/ neither consyderest thou the person, but teachest the way of God truly. Is it lawful for us to give Cesar tribute or no? He perceived their craftiness, and said unto them: Math. xxii ●. Marck xii ● why tempt you me? Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered & said, Caesar's. And he said unto them give then unto Cesar that which belongeth unto Cesar, & to God that which pertaineth to god. And they could not reprove his saying before the people. But they marveled at his answer, and held their peaxe. There came to him certain of the Sadduces, which deny there is any resurrection. And they asked him, saying: Math. xxii c Marck xii ● duty xxv ● Master, Moses written unto us: If any man's brother die having a wife, and the same die without issue, that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were seven brethren, and the first took a wife, and died without issue. And the second took the wife, and he died childless. And the third took her/ likewise the residue of the seven, and left no issue behind them, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Now at the resurrection whose wife of them shall she be? For seven had her to wife. jesus answered and said unto them. The children of this world marry wives, and are given to maryge, ☜ but they which shall be made worthy for that world, and for the resurrection from death, neither mary wives, ne are married, nor can die any more. For they are angel like, and are the sons of God, in as much as they are the children of the resurrection. Now that the deed shall rise again, also Moses signified besides the bush, when he said: Exodi iii b the Lord God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob. But he is not the God of the deed, but of them which live, For all live in him. Then certain of the Pharisees answered and said: Master, thou hast well said. And after that dared they ask him nothing any more. Then said he unto them: ●xxi. d. ●●ii. d how say they that christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of the Psalms: ●●x. a The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stolen. So David calleth him Lord: and how is he then his son? Then in the audience of all the people, he said unto his disciples: ●xxiii. a ●●xii. d. beware of the scribes, which will go in long clothing/ and love gretynges in the markets, and the highest seats in thassemblies, & the chief rooms at feestes, which devour widows houses, and that under pretence of long praying/ these shall receive greater damnation. ¶ christ commends the poor widow, telleth of the destruction of jerusalem, of false teachers, of the tokens and troubles for to come, of the end of the world, and of his own coming. CAPI. XXI. AS he beheld, he saw the rich men casting in their offerings in to the treasury, ● twelve. d. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. ☞ And he said: of a truth I say unto you, this poor widow hath put in more than they all. For they all have of their superfluity put to the gifts of god, but this of her penury hath cast in all the substance that she had. As some spoke of the temple how it was garnished with goodly stones and jewels, he said. ●●i. a ● a The days will come, when of these which you see/ shall not be left stone upon stone that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying: Master when shall these be, and what sign is there when they shall come to pass. And he said: take heed you be not deceived. For many shall come in my name, saying/ I am he: and the time approacheth. Follow you not them therefore. But when you hear of wars and seditions, be not afraid. For these must first come, but the end followeth not forthwith. Then said he unto them: Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great erthquakes shall be in all quarters, and hunger, and pestilence, and fearful things. And great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these they shall lay their hands on you and pursue you, delivering you up to thassemblies, and in to prison/ and bring you before kings and rulers for my name. And this shall chance you for a testimony. Put therefore in your hearts, not to study before what you shall answer: For myself shall give you a mouth and wisdom, whereunto all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist. Yea, you shall be betrayed of your fathers and mothers, and of your brethren, and kinsmen, and lovers/ and some of you shall they put to death. And hated shall you be of all men for my name. And an hear of your heed shall not perish. With your patience possess your souls. And when you see jerusalem besieged with hosts/ then understand, ☜ that the desolation of it is nigh. Then let them which are in jewrye, flee to the mountains. And let them which are in the mids of it, depart our. And let not them that are in other countries enter therein. For these be the days of vengeance, to fulfil all that are written. But woe to women with child, and to them that give luck in those days: For there shall be great trouble in the land, and wrath over all this people. And they shall fall on the edge of the sword, and shall be lead captive in to all nations. And jerusalem shall be trodden under foot of the gentiles, till the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. ✚ Andrea there shall be signs in the son, and moon, and in stars/ and upon the earth affliction of people, in despair, the see and flood roaring, men consuming for fear, and looking after those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of the heavens shall move. And then shall they see the son of man come in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heeds, for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spoke to them a similitude: Behold the fig tree and all other trees, when they shoot forth their buds, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now near. So also you (when you see these come to pass) understand, that the kingdom of God is nigh. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words shall not pass. ⊦ ✚ Take heed to yourselves, least your hearts be grieved with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this world, and that day come suddenly on you. For as a snare shall it come on all them that fit on the face of the earth. Watch therefore continually, praying that he may be had worthy to flee all this that shall come, and that you may stand before the son of man. ⊦ In the day time he taught in the temple, and at night he went out and lodged in the mount Olyuete. john viii a. And all the people came in the morning to him, in the temple, to hear him. ¶ christ is detrayed. They eat the Ester lamb. They strive who shall be greatest. He prayeth upon the mount. They take him and bring him to the high priests house. Peter denieth him thrice. CAPI. XXII. T ✚ He feest of sweet breed drive nigh, Math. xxvi a Marc xiiii a which is called Ester, and the high priests and scribes sought how to kill him but they feared the people. Then entered Satan in to judas, whose sir name was Iscariot (which was of the number of the twelve) and he went and communed with the high priests and rulers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad/ and covenanted to give him money. And he consented, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them when the people were away. Math. xxvi b Mart xiiii a. Then came the day of sweet breed when of necessity the Ester lamb must be offered. And he sent Peter and Iohn, saying: Go prepare the Ester lamb, that we may eat. They said to him. Where wilt thou, that we prepare? And he said unto them. Behold when you be entered in to the city, there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water/ him follow in to the same house that he entereth in, and say unto the householder. The master saith unto thee: where is the geste chamber, where I shall eat my Passover with my disciples? And he shall show you a great paloure paved. There make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them/ and made ready the Passover. And when the hour was come, he sat down and the twelve apostles with him, and said unto them: I have desyryngly desired to eat this Ester lamb with you before that I suffer. ☞ For I say unto you henceforth I will not eat of it any more, till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Math. xxvi c Mark xiiii c ●. Corint xi c And he took the cup, and gave thanks and said. Take this, and divide it among you. For I say unto you. I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God be come. And taking breed and giving thanks, he broke and gave it to them, saying: This is my body which is given for you. This do for my remembrance. Likewise also the cup when he had supped, saying: This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed. But loo, the hand of him that betrayeth me, is with me on the table. And the son of man goeth as is appointed: But woe to that man by whom he is betrayed. And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it should be that should do that. ✚ Mat xviii a. Mark ix ● Luke ix f Andrea there was a strife among them, which of them should be taken for the greatest. But he said unto them/ the kings of the gentiles reign over them, ☞ and they that bear rule over them are called gracious lords. You shall not be so. But the greater among you, shall be as the younger/ & the chief, as the minister. For whether is greater he that sitteth at the table, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at the table? But I am among you, as he that ministereth/ you are they which have abided with me in tentations. And I dispose unto you a kingdom as my father hath disposed to me: that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on seats, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. ⊦ Andrea the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired you, to syft you as it were wheat/ but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. And when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren. But he said unto him Math. xxvi c Mark xiiii c Lord I am ready to go with the in to prison, and to death. And he said: I tell the Peter the cock shall not trow this day, till thou have thrice denied that thou knewest me. And he said unto them: when I sent you without wallet and scrip and shoes: lacked you ought? And they said, no. And he said to them: But now he that hath a wallet, let him take it up, and likewise his scrip. ☜ And he that hath no sword, let him cell his cote and buy one. For I say unto you, that yet that which is written must be performed in me: isaiah liii ● Math. xx● Mark. xi● john. x● Even with the wicked was he numbered. For those things which are of me, have an end. And they said: Lord, behold here are two swords. And he said unto them: it is enough. And he came out, and went as he was wont to mount Olivet. And the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, pray, jest you fall in to temptation. And he was drawn from them about a stones cast, and kneeled down and prayed, saying: Father, if thou wilt, withdraw this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be fulfilled. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, comforting him. And being in an agony, he prayed somewhat longer. And his sweat was like drops of blood, tryckling down to the ground. And he arose up from prayer and came to his disciples, and found them sleeping for heaviness. and said to them/ why sleep you? Rise & pray, jest you fall in to temptation. While he yet spoke/ behold, there came a company, and that he was called judas one of the twelve, went before them, and pressed nigh unto jesus to kiss him. And jesus said unto him. judas betrayest thou the son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him: Lord shall we smite with the sword. Math. xxvi ● Mark xiii ● john xviii b. And one of them smote a servant of the highest priest and smote of his right ear. And jesus answered and said, suffer you thus far forth. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then jesus said unto the chief priests and rulers of the temple, and thelders which were come to him. Be you come out as unto a thief with swords and slaves? When I was daily with you in the temple, you laid no hands upon me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and borughte him to the high priests house. But Peter followed afar of. When they had kindled a fire in the mids of the palace, and were set down together Math. xxvi ● Marc xiii ● john xviii ● Peter also sat down among them. And a certain damsel beheld him as he sat by the fire, and beholding him said: This was also with him. Then he denied him, saying woman I know him not. And after a little while, an other saw him and said: thou art also of them. And Peter said/ man, I am not. And about the distance of an hour, an other affirmed saying: verily this fellow was with him, for he is of Galilee/ and Peter said/ man, I wot not what thou sayest. And forthwith while he yet spoke, the cock crew. And the Lord turned aback and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the Lord, how he said unto him, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. And the men that held jesus mocked him, smiting and blyndfolding him, they struck him on his face. And asked him saying: arede who it is that smoote thee? And many other things despitfully said they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and the high priests and scribes came together and led him in to their concile saying art thou very christ? tell us. And he said to them: if I shall tell you, you will not believe. And if also I ask you, you will not answer me or let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all: art thou then the son of God? ●i. g ●●. g. He said to them: you say that I am. Then said they: what need we any further witness? We ourselves have herd of his own mouth. ¶ jesus is brought before Pilate and Herode. The women make lamentation for him. He prayeth for his enemies, forgiveth the thief upon his right hand, and dieth on the cross, and is buried. CAPI. XXIII. ●. a ●. a. ●. a ANd the hole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying: we have found this man perverting the people, and forbidding to pay tribute to Cesar: saying that he is Christ a king. And pilate examined him, saying: art thou the king of the jews? He answered him and said: thou sayest. Then said Pilate to the high priests, & to the people: I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying. He maketh commotions in the people, teaching throughout jury, and began at Galilee, even to this place. When pilate heard mention of Galilee, he asked whether the man were of Galilee. And as soon as he knew that he was of Herodes jurisdiction, he sent him to Herode, which was also at jerusalem in those days. And when Herode saw jesus, he was exceedingly glad. For he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him, and trusted to have seen some miracle done by him. Then questioned he with him of many things. But he answered him not one word. The high priests and scribes stood and accused him sharply. But Herode with his men of war despised him, and after he had mocked him, arrayed him in white, and sent him again to pilate. * And the same day pilate and Herode were made friends together. For before they were at variance. pilate assembled the high priests, and rulers, and the people, and said unto them: you have brought this man unto me, as one that perverted the people. And behold I have examined him before you, have found no fault in this man, of those things whereof you accuse him. Not nor yet Herode. For I sent you to him: and Io, nothing worthy of death is done to him. I will therefore chasten him, and let him go. Mat xxvii d Marek xu a john xviii a For of necessity he must have let one loose unto them at that feest. And all the people cried together, saying: away with him, and deliver to us Barrabas: which for insurrection made in the city and murder, was cast in prison. pilate spoke again to them, willing to dimysse jesus. And they cried, saying: crucify him, crucify him. He said unto them the third tyme. what evil hath he done? I find no cause of death in him, I will therefore chasten him, and let him loose. Mat xxvii c Marck xu a john xix a And they cried with a loud voice, and required that he might be crucified. And the voice of them and of the high priests prevailed. And pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required, and let loose unto them, him that for insurrection and murder was cast in to prison, whom they desired/ and delivered jesus to do with him what they would. Mat xxvii d Marck xu a And as they led him away, they caught one Simon a Cyrenense coming out of the field, and on him laid they the cross, to bear it after jesus. And there followed him a great company of people and of women, which women bewailed & lamented him. But jesus turned back unto them, and said: Daughters of jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days be coming when men shall say: Esay liiii a Sapien iii c Galath four d. happy are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, fall on us/ and to the hills, cover us. ☜ For if they do this to a green tree, what shall be done to the dry. And there were two felons led with him to be slain. Mat xxvii d. Mark xv c john xix d And when they were come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the felons, one on the right hand, and an other on the left. Then said jesus: father, forgive them, for they wot not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood and beheld. Also the rulers mocked him with them saying/ he holp other, let him help himself/ if he be christ the choose of God. The soldiers also mocked him, and came and gave him vyneyger and said: If thou be that king of the jews, save thyself. And his inscription was written over him, in Greek, and latin, and Hebrew letters: This is the king of the jews. Now, one of the felons which hanged, railed on him, saying: If thou be christ, save thyself, and us. The other answered and rebuked him, saying: Neither fearest thou God, because thou art in the same damnation? We are justly punished, for we receive according to our deeds: But this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto jesus: Lord, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom. And jesus said unto him: verily I say unto thee, ☜ to day shalt thou be with me in paradise. It was about the sixte hour. And the● came a darkness over all the land, till the ix hour, and the son was darkened. And the veil of the temple did rend even thorough the mids. And jesus cried with a great voice and said: Psal. xxx.a Father, in to thy hands I commend my spirit. And when he thus had said, he gave up the ghost. When the Centurion see what had happened, he glorified God, saying. Certainly, this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned home. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee stood afar of beholding these things. And lo, a man named joseph, a counceylour, being a good man and a just, who was not consenting to the council and deed of them, which was of Aramathia, a city of the jews: which same also waited for the kingdom of god: this man went unto Pilate and begged the body of jesus, and took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in an hewn tomb, wherein was never man before laid. ⊦ And it was the day of preparing, and the Saboth drew on. The women that followed after which came with him from Galilee, beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned and prepared odours and ointments, but rested the Saboth day, according to the commandment. ¶ The women come to the grave, christ appeareth unto the two disciples that go toward Emaus, standeth in the midst of all his disciples, openeth their understanding in the scriptures, giveth them a charge, and ascendeth up to heaven. CAPI. XXIIII. O ✚ N the morrow after the Saboth, early in the morning, Math. xix a. March xvi a john twenty a they came unto the tomb, and brought the spices which they had prepared, and other women with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and went in/ but found not the body of the Lord jesus. And it happened as they were amazed thereat: Loo, two men stood by them in shining garments. Mat xxviii a Marck xvi b And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to them: why seek you the living among the deed? ☞ He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spoke unto you when he was yet with you in Galilee, saying that the son of man must be delivered in to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these unto the eleven, and to all the rest. Mat xxviii d Marck. xvi.c It was Mary magdalen, and joanna, and Mary of james, and other that were with them, which told these things unto thapostles/ and their words seemed unto them as a fable, neither believed they them. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre, and stoping down saw the linen clothes laid alone, and departed wondering in himself at the thing happened. ⊦ ✚ And behold, two of them went that same day to a town being from jerusalem about three score fourlonges, called Emaus: and they talked together of all these things that had happened. And it chanced while they commoned together and reasoned, that jesus himself drew near, & went with them. But their eyes were held, that they could not know him. And he said unto them: What communications are these that you have one to an other as you walk and are sad? And one of them named Cleophas, answered and and said unto him: art thou alone a stranger in jerusalem, and haste not known that have chanced therein, in these days? To whom he said, what things? And they said unto him: of jesus the Nazarene, which was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God, and all the people. And how the high priests, and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death: and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he, that should have delivered Israel. And as touching all these things, to day is even the third day, sithence they were done. Yea, and cartayne women of our company made us astonied, which came early unto the sepulchre, and found not his body/ and came, saying, they had seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. And he said unto them: O fools and slow in heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken: Ought not christ to have suffered these things, and to enter in to his glory? And he began at Moses, and at all the Prophets, and interpreted unto them in all the scriptures which were written of him. And they approached the town which they went to. And he made as though he would have go further. But they constrained him saying, abide with us, for it draweth towards night, and the day is far passed. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at table with them, he took breed, blessed it, brake and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished away from them. And they said between them selves: Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way, & while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, which said: the Lord is risen in deed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things was done in the way, and how they knew him in the breaking of breed. As they thus spoke, ✚ jesus himself stood in mids of them, and said unto them: peaxe be with you. 〈◊〉. And they were abashed and afraid, supposing that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them: why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, for it is even myself. Handle me and see: for spirits have not flesh and bones, as you see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy and wondered, he said unto them: Have you here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honey comb. And he took it, and ate it before them. And he said unto them. These are the words which I spoke unto you while I was yet with you, that all must be fulfilled which were written of me in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms. 〈◊〉 Then opened he their mind, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them. Thus it is written, & thus it behoved christ to suffer, and to rise again from death the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should he preached in his name among all nations, ⊦ beginning at jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And lo, I send the promise of my father upon you. 〈◊〉 But tarry you in the city of jerusalem, till you be endued with power from an high. And he led them out in to bethany, and lift up his hands and blessed them. 〈◊〉 And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he departed from them, and was born up in to heaven. And they worshipping him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple pryasinge and blessing god. Amen. ¶ The end of the Gospel after S. Luke. The Gospel after S. john. ¶ The everlasting birth of christ, and how he become man. The testimony of Iohn. The calling of Andrew, Peter. etc. CAPI. I ✚ IN beginning was the word, and the word was with God/ and the word was God. This word is the second person in trinity jesus christ. This was in beginning with God. All were made by it, and without it was made nothing that was made. In it was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was Iohn. This came for a witness, to testify of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not the light, but to bear witness of the light. That was the true light which lighteth all men coming in to the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came in to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to be made the sons of God, believing on his name which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelled among us/ and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, full of grace and truth. ⊦ ✚ Iohn witnesseth of him, and cried saying: This was he of whom I spoke, he that cometh after me, was before me, because he was first ere I was. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace & troth came by jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time. The only begotten son, which is in the bosom of the father, he hath declared him. ⊦ ✚ And this is the record of Iohn: when the jews sent priests and Levites from jerusalem, to ask him, what art thou? And he confessed and denied not, and confessed I am not christ. And they asked him: what then? Art thou Hely? And he said: I am not. Art thou the Prophet? And he answered no. Then said they unto him: what art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us: What sayest thou of thyself? He said: I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, Isaiah. xl.a make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet isaiah. And they which were sent, were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him: Why baptysest thou then, if thou be not christ, nor Hely, neither the Prophet? Iohn answered them, saying: I baptize with water: but one is come among you, whom you know not/ he it is that cometh after me, which was before me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unlose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond jordane, where Iohn did baptize. ✚ The next day Iohn saw jesus coming unto him, ☞ and said: behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said. After me cometh a man which was before me, for he was yet then I, and I known him not, but that he should be declared to Israel/ therefore am I come baptizing with water. And Iohn wytnesed saying: I saw the spirit descend from heaven, like unto a dove and abide upon him, and I knew him not. But he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Math. iii d Mark i b. Luke iii d upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descend and tarry still on him, this is he which baptyseth with the holy ghost. And I saw and testified that this is the son of God. ⊦ The next day after, john stood again, and two of his disciples. And he beheld jesus as he walked by, and said: Behold the lamb of God. And the two disciples herd him speak and followed jesus. And jesus turned about, and saw them follow, and said unto them: What seek you? They said unto him: Rabbi (which is by interpretation, Master) where dwellest thou? He said unto them/ come and see. They came and saw where he dwelled, and abode with him that day. For it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard Iohn speak and followed jesus, was Andrew Simon Peter's brother. This first found his brother Simon, and said unto him: we have found Messiah, Messiah. which is by interpretation, annoyted/ and brought him to jesus. And jesus beheld him and said/ thou art Simon the son of jonas/ thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone. The day following jesus would go in to Galilee, and found Philip, and said unto him: follow me. Philip was of Bethsaida the city of Andrew and Peter. And Philip found Nathanael, and said unto him. We have found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, jesus the son of joseph, a Nazarene. And Nathanael said unto him: can there any good come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see. jesus saw Nathanael coming to him/ and said of him. Behold a right Israelyte, in whom is no guile. Nathanael said unto him: where knewest thou me? jesus answered, and said unto him: Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw the. Nathanael answered and said unto him: Rabbi, thou art the son of God, thou art the king of Israel. jesus answered and said unto him: Because I said unto thee, I saw the under the fig tree, thou believest. Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he said unto him: ☞ Verily, verily, I say unto you: hereafter shall you see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending over the son of man. ¶ christ turneth the water unto wine, and driveth the byers and sellers out of the temple. CAPI. II ANd the third day, was there a marriage in Cana a city of Galilee, and the mother of jesus was there. Any jesus was bidden also & his disciples unto the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother of jesus said unto him/ they have no wine. jesus said unto her: woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother said unto the ministers: what so ever he saith unto you, do. And there were standing there, six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the jews, water in to wine. containing two or three fyrkyns a piece. And jesus said unto them: fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he said unto them: draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feest. And they bore it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted of the water that was turned unto wine, and knew not whence it was, (but the ministers which drew the water knew) He called the bridegroom and said unto him: all men at the beginning set forth good wine, and when men were drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept back the good wine till now. This beginning of miracles did jesus in Cana of Galilee, and showed his glory, and his disciples believed on him. ⊦ After that he descended in to Capernaum, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples/ and there continued not many days. ✚ Andrea the jews Ester was at hand, and jesus went up to jerusalem, and found sitting in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and chaungers of money. And he made a scourge of small cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen, and powered out the chaungers' money. and overthrew the tables, and said unto them that sold doves: Away with these things hence, and make not my father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered how that it was written: Psal xviii b. The zeal of thine house hath even eaten me. Then answered the jews, and said unto him: What token showest thou unto us, because thou dost these things? jesus answered and said unto them: Math. xxvi ● Marc xiiii f destroy this temple, and in three days I shall rear it up again. Then said the jews xluj years was this temple a building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spoke of the temple of his body. As soon therefore as he was risen from death again, his disciples remembered that he thus said. And they believed the scripture, and the words which jesus had said. When he was at jerusalem at Ester in the feest, many believed on his name, when they saw his miracles which he did. But jesus put not himself in their hands, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of him. For he knew what was in man. ⊦ ¶ The communication of Christ with Nycodemus The doctrine and baptism of john, and what witness he beareth of christ. CAPI. III T ✚ Here was a man of the Pharisees named Nycodemus, ●●●mus. a ruler among the jews. The same came to jesus by night, and said unto him. Rabbi, we know thou art a teacher come from God. For no man can do these signs that thou dost, except God were with. jesus answered and said unto him: Verily, verily I say unto thee: unless a man be born a new, he can not see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said unto him how can a man be born when he is old? can he enter into his mother's womb, & be born again? jesus answered: Verily, verily I say unto thee: whiles a man be born of water and spirit, he can not enter in the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the spirit, is spirit. Marvel not that I said to thee, 〈◊〉, is 〈◊〉 for ●●de. you must be born a new. The φ spirit breatheth where he listeth, and thou hearest his sound: but canst not tell whence he cometh, and whether he goeth. So is every man that is born of the spirit. And Nycodemus answered and said unto him: how can these be? jesus answered and said unto him: art thou the master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily I say unto thee, we speak that we know, and witness that we have seen: and you receive not our witness. If when I tell you earthly things, you believe not: how should you believe, if I shall tell you heavenly things? And no man ascendeth up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, the son of man which is in heaven. And as 〈◊〉 xxi b. Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lift up, that none that believeth in him perish: but have eternal life. ⊦ ✚ For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only son, that none that believe in him, should perish: but should have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world: but that the world through him, might be saved. He that believeth on him, shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned all ready, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world and the men loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil. ☞ For every man that evil doth, hateth the light: neither cometh to light, jest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doth truth, cometh to the light that his deeds might be known, how that they are wrought in God. ⊦ After these came jesus and his disciples into the land of jewry, and there he abode with them and baptized. And Iohn also baptized in Enon besides Salim, because there was moche water there, and they came, and were baptized. For Iohn was not yet cast in to prison. ✚ There arose a question between johnns disciples and the jews about puryfyenge. And they came unto Iohn, & said unto him: Rabbi, he that was with the beyond jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold he baptyseth, and all men come to him. Iohn answered, and said: A man can receive nothing, whiles it be given him from heaven. You yourselves are witnesses, that I said: I am not Christ, but am sent before him. He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth by & heareth him, rejoiceth greatly of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy is fulfilled. He must increase: and I must abate. He that cometh from an high, is above all: He that is of the earth, is earthly, and speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from heaven, is above all, and what he hath seen and heard: that he testifieth: but no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God. ☜ For God giveth not the spirit by measure. The father loveth the son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life: & he that believeth not the son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. ⊦ ¶ The loving communication of christ with the woman of Samaria by the wells side. How he heals the rulars son. CAPI. FOUR AS soon as the Lord had knowledge, how the Pharisees had herd, that jesus made and baptized more disciples than Iohn (though that jesus himself baptized not: but his disciples) he left jewry, & departed again into Galilee. And it behoved him to go thorough Samaria. So came he to a city of Samaria called Sichar, besides the possession that jacob gave to his son joseph. And there was Jacob'S well. jesus than wearied in his journey, sat thus on the well. And it was about the sixte hour: and there came a woman of Samaria to draw water. And jesus said unto her: give me drink. For his disciples were go away unto the town to buy meat. Then said the woman of Samaria unto him: how is it, that thou being a jew, askest drink of me, being a Samaritane? For the jews meddle not with the Samaritans. jesus answered and said unto her: If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to the give me drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee, living water. The woman said to him. Sir thou hast nothing wherewith to draw, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that water of life? Art thou greater than our father jacob which gave us the well, and he himself drank thereof, and his children, and his cattles? jesus answered and said unto her: whoso ever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again. But who so ever shall drink of the water that I shall give him, shall never be more a thirst: but the water that I shall give him, shallbe in him a well of water, sprynging up into everlasting life. The woman said to him: Sir, give me of that water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. jesus said unto her. Go and call thy husband, and come hither. And the woman answered, and said to him: I have no husband. jesus said to her: Thou hast well said, I have no husband. For thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband. That saidest thou truly. The woman said unto him: Sir, I perceive, thou art a Prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain: and you say that in jerusalem is the place, where men ought to worship. jesus said unto her: woman believe me, the hour is coming, when you shall neither in this mountain nor yet at jerusalem, ☞ worship the father. You worship you wots not what: we know what we worship. For health cometh of the jews. But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit, and truth. For such also the father seeketh to worship him. God is a spirit and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and truth. The woman said unto him: I wots well that Messiah shall come, which is called Christ When he is come, he will tell us all. jesus said to her: I that speak unto thee, am he. And even with that came his disciples, & merueled that he talked with the woman. Yet no man said unto him: What meanest thou, or why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men. Come, see a man which told me all that ever I did. Is not he Christ? Then they went out of the city, & came to him. In the mean while, his disciples prayed him, ☞ saying: Master, eat. He said unto them: I have meat to eat, that you know not of. Then said the disciples within themselves: hath any man brought him meat? jesus said unto them: my meat is to do that will of him that sent me. And to finish his work Say not you: there are yet four months, & then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the regions: for they are white already unto harvest. And he that repeth receiveth reward, & gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth, and he that repeth, might rejoice together. And herein is the saying true, that one soweth and an other repeth. I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labour. Other men laboured, and you are entered into their labours. Many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him, for the saying of the woman/ which testified: he told me all, that ever I did. Then when the Samaritans were come unto him they besought him, that he would tarry with them. And he abode there two days. And many more believed, because of his own words, and said unto the woman: Now, we believe not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is in deed Christ, the saviour of the world. ⊦ After too days, he departed thence, and went into Galilee. Math. xiii ● Mark v● Luke four e And jesus himself testified that a Prophet hath none honour in his own country. Then as soon as he was come into Galilee, the Galileans received him which had seen all that he did, at jerusalem at the feast. For they went also unto the feastful day. And jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he turned the water, into wine. ✚ Andrea there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capernaum. This man as soon as he heard that jesus was come out of jewry into Galilee, went unto him, and besought him, that he would come down, and heal his son. For he was at point of death. Then said jesus to him: except you see signs and wondres, you can not believe. The ruler said unto him: Sir come away, or that my child die. jesus said to him: Go thy way thy son liveth. And the man believed the words that jesus had spoken unto him, and went his way. And anon as he went on his way, his servants met him, and told him saying: thy child liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him: yesterday the seventh hour, the fever left him. And the father knew that it was the same hour, in which jesus said unto him: Thy son liveth. And he believed, and all his household. ⊦ This is again the second miracle that jesus did, after he was come out of jewry into Galilee. ¶ He heals the man that was sick eight and thirty year. The jews accuse him, he answereth for himself, and reproveth them. CAPI. V AFter that, there was a feast of the jews, and jesus went up to jerusalem And there is at jerusalem, by the * The Gre● hath sheep house: a plac● where they killed the beestes that were offered. slaughter-house, a pole called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethseda, having five porches, in which lay a great multitude of sick folk, of blind, halt and wyddered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season in to the pole, and troubled the water. Who so ever then first after the steering of the water, went down, was made hole of what so ever disease he had A certain man was there, which had been diseased xxxviij years. When jesus see him lie, and knew that he now long time had been diseased, he said unto him. Will't thou be made hole? The sick man answered him. Sir, I have no man when the water is troubled, to put me into the pole. But in the mean time, while I am about to come, an other steppeth down before me. And jesus said unto him: arise, take up thy bed and walk. And forthwith the man was made hole, and took up his bed, and walked. And the same day was the Sabbath day. The jews therefore said to him that was made hole. It is the Sabbath day, it is not lawful for thee, to take away thy bed. He answered them: he that made me hole, said unto me: Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him: What man is that, which said unto thee, take up thy bed, and walk. But he that was healed, witted not who it was. For jesus had got himself away, because there was press of people in the place. After that, jesus found him in the temple, and said unto him: Behold, thou art made hole, sin no more, jest a worse thing happen unto the. The man departed and told the jews that it was jesus, which had made him hole. ⊦ Andrea therefore the jews did pursue jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done this on the Sabbath. And jesus answered them: ✚ My father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the jews sought the more to kill kym, not only because he had broken the Saboth: but said also that God was his father, and made himself equal with God. Then answered jesus, and said to them: Verily, verily I say unto you: the son can do nothing of himself, but that he seethe the father do. For what so ever he doth, that doth the son also. For the father loveth the son, and showeth him all what so ever he doth. And he will show him greater works than these, so that you shall marvel. For as the father raiseth up the deed, and quyckeneth them, so the son also quyckeneth whom he will. Neither judgeth the father any man: but hath given all judgement unto the son, that all men should honour the son, as they honour the father. Who so honoureth not the son, honoureth not the father, which hath seen him. Verily, verily I say unto you: He that heareth my words and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into damnation: but hath passed from death unto life. Verily, verily I say unto you: the hour is coming, and now is, when the deed shall hear the voice of the son of God. And they that hear, shall live. For as the father hath life in himself, so hath he given the son, to have life in himself: and hath given him power also to judge, in that he is the son of man. Marvel not at this: the hour shall come, in which all that are in the graves, shall hear his voice, and shall come forth: they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life: and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. ⊦ ✚ I can of myself do nothing. As I hear I judge, and my judgement is just, because I seek not my will, but the will of the father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is an other that beareth witness of me, and I am sure that the witness, which he beareth of me, is true. You sent unto Iohn, and he bore witness unto the truth. But I receive not the record of man. But these things I say, that you might be safe. He was a burning, and a shining light, & you would for a season have rejoiced in his light. But I have greater witness than the witness of Iohn. For the works, which the father hath given me to finish: the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the father sent me. And the father himself which hath sent me, beareth witness of me. You have not herd his voice at any time nor you have seen his shape: And his words have you not abiding in you For whom he hath sent: him you believe not. Search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And yet will you not come to me, that you might have life. I receive not praise of men. But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you. I am come in my father's name, and you receive me not. If an other shall come in his own name, him will you receive. How can you believe which receive glory one of an other, and seek not the glory that cometh of God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to my father. There is one that accuseth you: even Moses in whom you trust. For had you believed Moses, you would have believed me: for he written of me. But if you believe not his writings: how should you believe my words? ⊦ ¶ jesus feedeth five thousand men, departeth away, that they should not make him king, and reproveth the fleshly hearers of his word. The carnal are offended at him. CAPI. VI A ✚ Fter these jesus went his way over the see of Galilee nigh to a city called Tiberias. And a great company followed him, because they had seen his miracles which he did on the diseased. And jesus went up into a mountain, and there sat with his disciples. And Easter, a feast of the jews, was nigh. ⊦ ✚ Math. xiiii b Mark vi c Luke ix b Then jesus life up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, and said unto Philip: Whence shall we buy breed that these might eat. This he said to prove him for himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, two hundred penny worth of bread are not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. Then said unto him one of his disciples, Andrew Simon Peter's brother. There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves and two fishes: but what is that amongs so many? And jesus said: Make the people sit down: There was moche grass in the place. And the men sat down, in number, about five thousand. jesus took the bread, and giving thanks/ gave to the disciples/ and his disciples/ to them that were set down. And likewise of the fishes/ as moche as they would. When they had eat enough he said unto his disciples, gather up the broken meat the remaineth: that nothing be lost. And they gathered it together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments, of the five barley loaves: which remained unto them that had eaten. Then the men, when they had seen the miracle that jesus did, said: this is doubtless the Prophet that should come into the world, ⊦ When jesus perceived that they would come, and take him up to make him king, Math. xiiii c Mark vi f Luke vi c he departed again into a mountain, himself alone. And when even was come, his disciples went unto the see, and entered into a ship & went over the see unto Capernaum. And anon it was dark, and jesus was not come to them. And the see arose with a great wind that blewe. Now, when they had rowen about xxv or xxx furlongs, they saw jesus walking on the see, & drawing nigh unto the ship, and were afraid. But he said unto them: It is I, be not afraid. Then would they have received him into the ship, and the ship was forthwith at the land whither they went. The day following, the people which stood on the other side of the see, saw that there was none other ship there, save that one into which his disciples were entered, and that jesus entered not with his disciples in the ship: but that his disciples were go away alone. How be it, there came other ships from Tiberias nigh unto the place, where they ate breed, when the Lord had blessed. Then when the people saw that jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shiping, and came to Capernaum, seeking jesus. And when they had found him, on tother side of the see, they said unto him: Rabbi, when camest thou hither? jesus answered them and said: Verily, verily I say unto you: You seek me, not because you saw the miracles: but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled. ☞ ✚ Work you not the meat which peryssheth, but that endureth, unto everlasting life, which the son of man shall give unto you. For him hath God the father sealed. Then said they unto him: what shall we do that we might work the works of God? jesus answered and said unto them. This is the work of God, that you believe on him, whom he hath sent. They said unto him: what sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat Manna in the wilderness, Exodi xvi c Nun xi b Psal lxxvii c as it is written: He gave them breed from heaven to eat. jesus said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you: Moses gave you not the breed from heaven: but my father giveth you the true breed from heaven. For the breed of God is that cometh down from heaven, & giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him: Lord, evermore give us this bread. And jesus said unto them: I am the bread of life. Who cometh to me, shall not hunger: and who believeth in me shall never thirst. ⊦ Butler I said unto you: that you have seen me, and yet believe not. All that the father giveth me, shall come to me: and him that cometh to me, I cast not to away. For I came down from heaven: not do mine own will, but his will which hath sent me. And this is the father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I should loose nothing: but should raise it up again, at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me: that every man which saith the son, & believeth on him, have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. The jews than murmured at him, because he said: I am the breed which is come down from heaven, and said: Is not this jesus the son of joseph, whose father & mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? jesus answered, and said unto them. Murmur not, within yourselves. ✚ Math. ten d Luce ten d Not man can come to me, whiles the father which hath sent me, draw him/ and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets, High. xxi.xxxi. f Isaiah liiii c that they shallbe all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath herd and hath learned of the father, cometh unto me, not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, who believeth on me, hath everlasting life. I am the breed of life. your fathers did eat Manna in the wilderness and are deed? This is that breed which cometh from heaven, that one should eat of it, and not die. I am the living bred which came down from heaven. ☜ If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever. And the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ⊦ Than the jews strove among them selves, saying: How can this man give his flesh to eat? jesus therefore said unto them: ✚ Verily, verily I say unto you, whiles you eat the flesh of the son of man, & drink his blood, you have not life in you. Who so ever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: and I shall raise him up at the last day. ✚ For my flesh is verily meat: and my blood is verily drink. Who eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living father hath sent me, and I live by my father: so he that eateth me, shall live by me. This is the bread which came from heaven: not as your fathers have eaten Manna and are deed. Who eateth of this bread, shall live ever. ⊦ These said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples: when they had heard this, said: This is an hard saying: Who can hear him? jesus knew in himself, that his disciples murmured at this, and said unto them: Doth this offend you? What then if you shall see the son of man ascend up where he was before? ☞ It is the spirit that quyckeneth, the flesh proffiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not. For jesus knew from the beginning, which they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said: therefore said I unto you: that no man can come unto me, unless it were given unto him of my father. From that time many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. Then said jesus to the twelve: will you also go away? Simon Peter answered: Master, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life, 〈◊〉 vi c 〈…〉. d. 〈◊〉 and we believe and know that thou art Christ the son of the living God jesus answered them: Have not I choose you twelve, and yet one of you is a 〈◊〉 the ●●●de 〈◊〉 an 〈◊〉 be devil? He spoke it of judas Iscariot the son of Simon. For he it was that should betray him, and was one of the twelve. ⊦ ¶ jesus cometh to jerusalem at the feast, teacheth the jews, and reproveth them. There are diverse opinions of him, among the people. The Pharisees rebuke the officers, because they have not taken him, and chide with Nycodemus, for taking his part. CAPI. VII. A ✚ Fter that, jesus walked about to Galilee, and would not walk in jewry for the jews sought to kill him. The jews tabernacle feast was at hand. 〈…〉 His φ brethren therefore said unto him: get the hence and go into jewry that thy disciples may see thy works that thou dost. For there is no man that doth any thing secretly, & he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do such things, show thyself to the world. For as yet his brethren believed not in him. Then jesus said unto them: My time is not yet come: but your time is all way ready. The world can not hate you. But me it hateth: because I testify of it, that the works of it are evil. Go you up unto this feast. I will not go up yet unto this feast, for my time is not yet full come. These words he said unto them, and abode still in Galilee. But as soon as his brethren were go up, then went he also up unto the feast: not openly, but as it were privily. Then sought him the jews at the feast, and said: Where is he. And much murmuring was there of him among the people. Some said: He is good, others said nay, but he deceiveth the people. How be it no man spoke openly of him, for fear of the jews. ⊦ ✚ In the mids of the feast, jesus went up into the temple, & taught. And the jews marveled, saying: How knoweth he the scriptures, whereas he never learned? jesus answered them, and said: My doctrine is not mine: but his that sent me: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself/ seeketh his own praise. But he that seeketh his praise that sent him, he is true, and no unrightwiseness is in him. Did not Moses give you a law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go you about to kill me. The people answered, and said: Thou hast a devil: who seeketh to kill thee? jesus answered and said to them: I have done one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision, not because it is of Moses: but of the fathers: And yet you on the Sabbath day, Gene. vii b. circumcise a man. If a man on the Saboth day receive circumcision without breaking of the law of Moses: disdain you at me, because I have healed an hole man on the Sabbath day? judge not after the utter appearance: but judge rightwise judgement. Then said some of them of jerusalem: is not this he whom they seek to kill? Behold he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing to him. Whether do the rulars know certainly that this is very Christ? How be it we know this man, whence he is: But when Christ cometh, no man knoweth, whence he is. Then cried jesus in the temple as he taught saying: you know me, and whence I am, you know. And I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom you know not. I know him: for I am of him, and he hath sent me. Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him/ because his time was not yet come. Many of the people believed on him, and said: When Christ cometh, shall he do more miracles than this man hath done? The Pharisees heard that the people murmured this about him. Wherefore the Pharisees and high priests sent ministers forth to take him. jesus therefore said unto them: Yet am I a little while with you, and then go I unto him that sent me. You shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am thither can you not come. Then said the jews to themselves: whither shall he go, that we can not find him? Will he go among the skatering of the Greakes, & teach the Greakes? What manner of saying is this that he said: You shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither can you not come? In the last day, which was the great day of the feast, jesus stood and cried, saying: ☜ If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. Isaiah .lv. ● He that believeth on me, as sayeth the scripture, out of his belly shall flow rivers of water of life. This spoke he of the spirit, which they that believed on him, should receive. ⊦ For the holy ghost was not yet there, because that jesus was not yet glorified. ✚ Many of the people, when they heard this saying said: this is undoubtedly a prophet: other said, this is Christ: Some said: cometh Christ out of Galilee? Mich u a Matthew ii a Saith not the Scripture that Christ shall come of the seed of David: and out of the town of Bethleem where David was? So was there dissension among the people about him. And some of them would have taken him: but no man laid hands on him. Then came the ministers to the high priests and Pharisees. And they said unto them: Why have you not brought him? The ministers answered: never man spoke as this man doth. Then answered them the Pharisees: are you also brought into error? Doth any of the rulars or of the Pharisees believe on him? But this common people which know not the law, are cursed. Nicodemus said unto them, he that came to jesus by night, ☞ and was one of them. Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he hath done? They answered and said unto him: art thou also a Galilean? Search and look, for out of Galilee hath arisen no Prophet. And every man went unto his own house. ¶ A woman is taken in adultery, christ delivereth her. The freedom of such as follow christ, whom they accuse to have the devil with him, and go about to stone him. CAPI. VIII. Luce xxi g Jesus went up to the mount Olyuete, and early in the morning came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him, and he sat down and taught them. Now, the Scribes and Pharisees brought him a woman taken in adultery, and setting her in the mids, said unto him: Master, this woman was taken in adultery, even as the deed was adoinge. Luce twenty b Leuiti twenty Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned. What sayest thou therefore? And this they said to tempt him: that they might have, whereof to accuse him. jesus stooped down, and with his finger written on the ground. So while they continued asking him, he life himself up, and said unto them: The faulteles person of you, first cast the stone at her. And again he stooped down, and written on the ground. And as soon as they heard that, they went out one by one, beginning at the Elders. And jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the mids. When jesus had life up himself, again, and saw no man, but the woman, he said unto her: woman where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said: Not man, Lord. jesus said: ☞ Neither do I condemn the. Go/ & sin no more. ⊦ Then spoke jesus again unto them, saying: I am the light of the world. He that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness: but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees said unto him: thou bearest record of thyself, thy record is not true. jesus answered and said unto them: though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go. But you can not tell whence I come, and whither I go. You judge after the flesh, I judge no man. And if I judge, my judgement is true. For I am not alone: but I and the father that sent me. duty xix b Matt xviii b two. Cor xiii a hebrews ten e It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the father that sent me, beareth witness of me. Then said they unto him: Where is thy father? jesus answered: You neither know me, nor yet my father. If you had known me, you should have known my father also. These words spoke jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple, and no man laid hands on him, for his time was not yet come. ⊦ Then said jesus again unto them: ✚ I go my way, and you shall seek me, and shall die in your sins. Whither I go, thither can you not come. Then said the jews: will he kill himself/ because he saith: Whither I go, thither can you not come? And he said unto them: You are from beneath, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins. For whiles you believe that I am he, you shall die in your sins. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And jesus said unto them: First of all even that I say unto you. I have many things to say, and to judge of you. But he that sent me is true. And I speak in the world, those things which I have herd of him. They understood not that he spoke unto them of his father. Then said jesus unto them: When you have life up on high the son of man, them shall you know that I am, and that I do nothing of myself: but as my father hath taught me, these I speak: and he that sent me, is with me. The father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things that please him. ⊦ As he spoke these words, many believed on him. ✚ jesus therefore said, to those jews, which believed on him. If you continued in my words, then are you my very disciples, & shall know the truth: and the truth shall enfraunchise you. They answered him: We be Abraham's seed, and were never bond to any man: Why sayest thou then, you shall be made free. jesus answered them: verily, Roman vi ii Petri ii d verily I say unto you, that who so ever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: But the son abideth ever. If the son therefore shall enfraunchise you, so are you truly frank, I know that you are Abraham's seed: but you seek to kill me, because my saying taketh no hold in you. I speak that I have seen with my father: and you do that which you have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him: Abraham is our father. jesus said to them. If you were Abraham's children, you would do the deeds of Abraham. But now you go about to kill me, a man that have told you the troth which I have herd of God: this did not Abraham. You do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him: we were not born of adultery. We have one father, even God. jesus said unto them: if God were your father, so would you love me. For I proceeded, and came from God. Neither come I of myself, but he sent me. Why do you not know my speech? Even because you can not hear my words. You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. ☞ He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own. For he is a liar, and the father thereof. But I because I tell you the truth, therefore you believe me not. ✚ Which of you challengeth me of sin? If I say the truth, why do not you believe me? 〈…〉 He that is of God, heareth Gods words. ⊦ Ye therefore hear them not, because you are not of God. Then answered the jews and said unto him: Say we not well, that thou art a Samaritane, and hast a devil? jesus answered: I have no devil/ but I honour my father, and you have dishonoured me. I seek not mine own glory/ but there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily verily I say unto you, if a man keep my word, he shall never see death. Then said the jews to him. Now know we that thou hast a devil. Abraham is deed, and the Prophets: and thou sayest: if a man keep my word, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is deed? and the prophets are deed: Whom makest thou thyself? jesus answered: If I glorify myself my glory is nothing worth. It is my father that glorifieth me, which you say is your God, and you have not known him: but I know him. And if I should say I know him not, I should be a liar like unto you. But I know him and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and rejoiced. Then said the jews unto him: thou art not yet thirty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? jesus said unto them. Verily verily I say unto you: ere Abraham was born, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him. But jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. ⊦ ¶ christ maketh the man to see, that was born blind. CAPI. IX. ANd as jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying: Master, who did sin: this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? jesus answered: Neither hath this man sinned, nor yet his parents: but that the works of God should be showed in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day. * The night cometh when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. As soon as he had thus spoken, he spatte on the ground, and made cleye of the spittle, and rubbed the clay on the eyes of the blind, and said unto him: Go wash the in the pole of Syloe, which by interpretation signifieth sent. He went his way and washed, and came again saying. The neighbours and they that had seen him before how that he was a beggar, said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: this is he. Other said: he is like him. But he himself said: I am even he. They said therefore unto him. How are thine eyes opened? He answered and said. A man called jesus, made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me. Go to the pole Syloe and wash. And I went and washed, and received my sight. They said unto him: where is he? He saith: I can not tell. They bring him to the Pharisees that a little before was blind (for it was the Saboth day when jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.) Then again the Pharysees also asked him how he had receyveh his sight. He said unto them: He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and I see. Then said some of the Pharysees: this man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Soboth day. Other said: how can a man that is a sinner, do such miracles? And there was strife among them. Then spoke they unto the blind again: What sayest thou of him, because he hath opened thine eyes? And he said: He is a Prophet. The jews therefore did not believe of the fellow, that he was blind, and received his sight, till they had called the parents of him that had received sight. And they asked them, saying: Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? How doth he now see then? His parents answered them and said: We wot well that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but how he now seethe we know not, or who hath opened his eyes, can we not tell. He is of age ask him/ let him answer for himself. Such words spoke his parents, because they feared the jews. For the jews had now conspired, that if any man did confess that he was christ, he should be excommunicate. Therefore said his parents: he is of age, ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him: give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said: Whether he be a sinner or not, I can not tell: One thing I am sure of, that I was blind, and now I see. Then said they to him again. What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them: I told you even now, and you did not hear. Wherefore would you hear it again? Will you also be his disciples? Then rated they him, and said: Be thou his disciple, we be Moses disciples. We are sure that God spoke with Moses. This fellow we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them: this is a marvelous thing, that you wot not whence he is/ and yet he hath opened mine eyes. For we be sure that God heareth not φ God heareth no sinners etc. that is, he heareth none that repent not neither is not in mind to leave their evil life. sinners. But if any man be a worshipper of God and do his will, him heareth he. Sithence the world began, was it not herd that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could have done nothing. They answered and said unto him: thou art all together born in sin, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. jesus heard that they had cast him out: and as soon as he had found him, he said unto him: dost thou believe on the son of God? He answered and said: Who is it Lord, that I might believe on him? And jesus said unto him: Thou haste him, and he it is that talketh with the. And he said: Lord, I believe, ☞ and worshipped him. ⊦ jesus said: I am come unto judgement into this world: that they which see not, might see, and they which see, might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him, heard these words and said unto him: are we then blind? jesus said unto them: If you were blind, you should have no sin. But now you say, we see, therefore your sin remaineth. ¶ christ is the true shepherd, and the door of the sheep. Because he telleth the truth, the jews take up stones, to cast at him, call his preaching blasphemy, and go about to take him. CAPI. X. ☞ V ✚ Erely, verily I say unto you: He that entereth not in, by the door into the sheep fold, but clymeth up some other way he is a thief, and a robber. He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep: to him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep, by name, and leadeth them out. And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him: because they know not the voice of strangers. This proverb spoke jesus unto them. But they understood not what things they were, which he spoke unto them. Then said jesus unto them again. Verily verily I say unto you: I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me, are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man entereth, he shallbe safe, & shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but to steal, kill and destroy. I am come that they might have life, & have it more abundantly. ⊦ ✚ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. An hired servant, which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own, saith the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hired servant fleeth, because he is an hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know mine, and am known of mine. Math. xi d Luke ten d Math. xxx d. As my father knoweth me: even so know I my father And I give my life, for the sheep: and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. them also must I bring, that they may hear my voice, and that there may be one flock and one shepherd. ⊦ Therefore doth my father love me, because, I put my life from me, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me: but I put it away of myself. I have power to put it from me, and have power to take it again: This commandment have I received of my father. Dissension therefore was again among the jews for these sayings/ and many of them said: He hath a devil, and is mad: why hear you him? Other said, these are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? ✚ It was at jerusalem, the feest of the dedication of the temple, and it was winter, and jesus walked in Salomons porch. Then came the jews roude about him, and said unto him: How long dost thou suspend our minds? If thou be christ, tell us plainly. jesus answered them: I told you, and you believe not. The works that I do in my father's name, they bear witness of me. But you believe not, because you are not of my sheep. As I said unto you: My sheep hear my voice/ and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to take them out of my father's hand. And I and my father are one. Then the jews again took up stones to stone him. jesus answered them: many good works have I showed you from my father, for which of them do you stone me? The jews answered him, saying. For good works we stone the not, but for blasphemy/ and because that thou being a man, makest thyself God. jesus answered them. Is it not written in your law. Psalm lxxxi I have said, you are Gods? If he called them Gods unto whom the word of God was spoken (and the scripture can not be broken) say you then to him, whom the father hath sanctified, and sent in to the world/ thou plasphemest, because I said I am the son of God? If I do not the works of my father, believe me not. But if I do, then though you believe not me, yet believe the works, that you may know and believe that the father is in me, and I in him. ⊦ Again they went about to take him/ but he escaped out of their hands, and went away again beyond jordan, into the place where Iohn before had baptized, and there abode. And many resorted unto him, and said. Iohn did no miracle: but all things that Iohn spoke of this man, are true. And many believed on him there. ¶ christ raiseth Lazarus from death. The high priests and pharyses, gather a council against him, he getteth him out of the way. CAPI. XI. A ✚ Certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethania the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that mary which anointed jesus with ointment, and wiped his feet with her here, whose brother Lazarus was sick, and his sisters sent unto him, saying. Lord behold, he whom thou lovest, is sick. When jesus heard that, he said: This infirmity is not unto death but for the glory of God, that the son of God, might be glorified by it. jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. Then after he had herd that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place. After that, said he to his disciples: let us go into jewry again. His disciples said unto him: Master, the jews lately sought to stone thee, and will't thou go thither again? jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stombleth not, because he saith the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night he stombleth, because there is no light in him This said he, and after that, he said unto them: our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but I go to awake him. Then said his disciples: Lord if he sleep, he shall do well enough. But jesus spoke of his death: whereas they thought that he had spoken of the sleeping of sleep. Then said jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is deed, and I am glad for your sakes, that I was not there, because you may believe. But go we unto him. Then said Thomas called Dydimus, unto the disciples: Let us also go, that we may die with him. So went jesus, & found that he had lyen in his grave four days already. Bethany was nigh unto jerusalem, about xu furlongs of, & many of the jews were come to Martha and Mary to comfort them over their brother. Martha as soon as she heard that jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. ✚ Then said Martha unto jesus: Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not been deed: but also now I know that what so ever thou askest of God, God will give it the. jesus said unto her: Thy brother shall rise again. Martha said unto him: I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. ☞ jesus said unto her: I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were deed, yet shall he live. And who so ever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die: believest thou this? She said unto him: you Lord, I believe that thou art Christ the son of God which should come into the world. ⊦ Andrea as soon as she had so said, she went & called Mary her sister secretly, saying: The master is come and calleth for the. And assoon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. jesus was not yet come into the town: but was in the place where Martha met him. The jews then which were with her in the house, & comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying: She goeth unto the grave, to weep there. Then when Mary was come where jesus was and saw him, she fallen down at his feet, saying unto him: Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not been deed. When jesus saw her weep, & the jews also weep, which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled in himself, & said: Where have you laid him? They said unto him: Lord come and see. And jesus wept. Then said the jews: Behold, how he loved him. And some of them said: Could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind, have made also, that this man should not have died? jesus again groaned in himself, & came to the grave. It was a cave and a stone was laid on it. And jesus said: Take away the stone. Martha the sister of him that was deed, said unto him: Lord by this time he stynketh. For he hath been deed four days: jesus said unto her: Said I not unto thee, that if thou didst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God. Then they took away the stone from the place where the deed was laid. And jesus lift up his eyes, and said: Father I thank thee, because thou haste heard me. I wot that thou hearest me always: but because of the people that stand by, I said it that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice. Lazarus come forth. And he that was deed, came forth, bound hand and foot, with grave bonds, and his face was bound with a napkin. jesus said unto them: louse him, and let him go. Then many of the jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which jesus did, believed on him. ⊦ But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what jesus had done. ✚ Then gathered the high priests, and Pharisees a concile, and said: What do we? This man doth many miracles. If we let him escape thus, all men will believe on him and the Romayns shall come and take away our country and the people. But one of them named Cayphas being the high preaste of that year, said unto them: You perceive nothing, nor yet consider that it is expedient for us, that one man die for the people, and not all the people perish. This spoke he not of himself, but being high Pressed that same year, prophesied that jesus should die for the people, and not for the people only, but that he should gather together in one the children of God which were scattered abroad. Math. xxvi a Marc xiiii a from that day forth, they devised to put him to death. jesus therefore walked no more openly among the jews: but went thence unto a country nigh to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there tarried with his disciples. Math. xxvi a Marc xiiii a Luke xxii a Now, the jews Easter was nigh, and many went out of the country up to jerusalem before the Easter, to purify themselves. Then sought they for jesus, and spoke between themselves, as they stood in the temple: What think you, that he cometh not to the feast. The high priests and Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him. ⊦ ¶ Mary anoynteth Chrystes feet. judas murmureth, Christ excuseth her, and rideth in to jerusalem. CAPI. XII. T ✚ Hen jesus, six days before Easter, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been deed, Math. xxvi a Marc xiiii a Luke seven. f & whom jesus had raised from death. There they made him a supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took marry a pound of ointment called Nardus, pure and precious, and anointed jesus feet, and wypt his feet with her here, the house was filled with the saver of the ointment. Math. xxvi a Marc xiiii a Then said one of his disciples, named judas Iscariot, Simons son, which afterward betrayed him: why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pennies, & given to the poor? This said he, not that he cared for the poor: but because he was a thief, and kept the bag, & bore that which was given. Then said jesus: Let her alone, against the day of my burying she hath kept this. The poor always you have with you, but me you have not always. Moche people of the jews, had knowledge that he was there. And they came, not for jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also whom he had raised from death. The high priests therefore held a council, that they might put Lazarus to death also, because for his sake many of the jews went and believed on jesus. ⊦ Math. xxi a Marc xiiii a Luke xix f On the morrow, moche people that were come to the feast, when they heard that jesus should come to jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went and met him, & cried Hosanna, blessed is he that in the name of the Lord, cometh king of Israel. And jesus got a young ass and sat thereon, according to that which was written: fear not daughter of Zion, zachary ix b Isaiah lxij b behold thy king cometh sitting on asses colt. These understood not his disciples at the first: but when jesus was glorified, then remembered they that such things were written of him, and that such things they had done unto him. The people that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from death, bore record. Therefore met him the people, because they heard that he had done such a miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among them selves, perceive you how we prevail nothing? Behold the world goeth away after him. There were certain Greeks among them, that came to pray at the feast: these came to Philip, which was of Bethsaida a city in Galilee, and desired him, saying: Sir, we would fain see jesus. Philip came and told Andrew. And again Andrew and Philip, told jesus. And jesus answered them saying: the hour is come, that the son of man must be glorified. ✚ Verily, verily I say unto you, whiles the wheat corn fall into the ground & die, it abideth alone. If it die, it bringeth forth moche fruit. He that loveth his life shall destroy it: and he that hateth his life, in this world, shall keep it unto life everlasting. If any man minister unto me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my minister be. And if any man minister unto me, him shall my father honour. ⊦ Now is my soul troubled, & what shall I say? Father deliver me from this hour: but therefore came I unto this hour. Father glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven: I have glorified it, and will glorify it again. Then said the people that stood by and heard: it thoundreth. Other said, an angel spoke to him. jesus answered, & said: This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. ✚ Now is the judgement of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I were lift up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This said jesus, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him: We have herd out of the law that Christ abideth ever, Psal cix a isaiah ix b Daniel vii▪ ● Miche u a and how sayest thou then, that the son of man must be life up? Who is that son of man? Then jesus said unto them: Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have light jest the darkness come on you. He that walketh in the dark, wotteth not whither he goeth. While you have light, believe on the light, that you may be the children of the light. ⊦ These things spoke jesus and departed, and hid himself from them. And though he had done so many miracles before them, yet believed not they on him, that the saying of Esay the Prophet might be fulfilled, that he spoke. isaiah liii ●. Isaiah vi c Math. xiii ● Marck four ● Luke viii ● Actu xxviii f Lord who believeth our saying? And to whom is the arm of the Lord opened? Therefore could they not believe, because that Isaiah saith again: he hath blinded their eyes, & hardened their hearts, that they should not see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, & I should heal them. Such things said Esay when he see his glory, and spoke of him. Nevertheless also among the chief rulars, many believed on him. But because of the Pharisees, they would not be acknown of it, least they should be thrust out of the synagogue. For they loved the praise, that is given of men, more than the praise that cometh of God. But jesus cried and said: he that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that saith me, saith him that sent me. ✚ I am come a light into the world that who so ever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world: but to save the world. He that refuseth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The words that I have spoken, they shall judge him, in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself: but the father which sent me, he gave me a commandment what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that this commandment is life everlasting. What so ever I speak therefore, even as the father bade me, so I speak. ⊦ ¶ Christ washeth the disciples feet, telleth them of judas the traitor, and commandeth them earnestly to love one another. CAPI. XIII. B ✚ Efore the feast of Easter, when jesus known his hour was come, that he should depart out of this world, unto the father, where as he loved his, which were in the world, unto the end he loved them. And when supper was ended, after that the devil had put in the heart of judas Iscariot Simon'S son, to betray him: jesus knowing, that the father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God, riseth from supper, and laid a side his upper garments, and took a towel, and gird himself. After that, he powered water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples feet, & to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was gird. Then came he to Simon Peter. And Peter sayce to him: Lord wasshest thou my feet? jesus answered and said unto him: What I do, thou woteste not now, but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter said unto him: thou shalt not wash my feet while the world standeth. jesus answered him: if I wash the not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter said unto him: Lord, not my feet only: but also my hands and my heed. jesus said to him: He that is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet, and is clean every whit. And you are clean: but not all. For he knew his betrayer. Therefore said he: You are not all clean. After he had washed their feet, and received his clotheses, and was set down again, he said unto them: Wot you what I have done to you? You call me master and Lord, and you say well, for so am I If I then, your Lord & master have washed your feet, you also aught to wash one an others feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do, as I have done to you. ⊦ Verily verily I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his master, ● in ●nifi●●fien●as● neither the φ Apostle greater than he that sent him. If you understand these things, happy are you, if you do them. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have choose. But that the scripture be fulfilled: He that eateth breed with me, hath life up his heel against me. Now tell I you, before it come: that when it is come to pass, you might believe, that I am he. Verily verily I say unto you. He that receiveth whom so ever I send, receiveth me. And he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me When jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified saying: verily verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And then the disciples looked one on an other doubting of whom he spoke. There was one of his disciples, which leaned on jesus bosom, whom jesus loved. To him beckoned Simon Peter, that he should ask who it was of whom he spoke. He then as he leaned on jesus breast, said unto him: Lord who is it? jesus answered, he it is to whom I give a sop, when I have dypte it. And he were a sop, and gave it to judas Iscariot, Simons son. And after the sop, Satan entered into him. Then said jesus unto him That thou dost, do quickly. That witted no man at the table, for what intent he spoke unto him. Some of them thought, because judas had the bag, that jesus had said unto him, buy those things that we have need of, against the feast: or that he should give some thing to the poor. As soon then as he had received the sop, he went out. And it was night, when he was go out. jesus said: now is the son of man glorified. And God is glorified by him. If God be glorified by him, God shall also glorify him in himself: and shall forthwith glorify him. ✚ Dear children, yet a little while, am I with you. You shall seek me, and as I said unto the jews, whither I go, thither can you not come. And to you say I now. ☜ A new commandment give I unto you, that you love together, as I have loved you, that even so you love one an other. By this, shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you shall have love one to an other. Simon Peter said unto him: Lord whither goest thou? jesus answered him: Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now, but thou shalt follow me afterwards. ⊦ Peter said unto him: Lord, why can not I follow the now? I will give my life for thy sake? jesus answered him: will't thou give thy life for my sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou have denied me thrice. ¶ He armeth his disciples with consolation against trouble, and promiseth them the holy ghost, the spirit of comfort. CAPI. XIIII. A ✚ Nd he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. In my father's house are many dwellynges. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you even unto myself, that where I am, there may you be also. And whither I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said unto him: Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how is it possible for us to know the way? ☜ jesus said unto him: I am the way, and the troth and the life. And no man cometh unto the father, but by me. If you had known me, you had known my father also. And now you know him, and have seen him. Philip sayeth unto him: Lord, show us the father, and it sufficeth us. jesus said unto him, have I been so long time with you: & yet hast thou not known me? Philip, he that hath seen me, hath seen the father. And how sayest thou then: show us the father? believest thou not that I am in the father, & the father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the father that dwelleth in me, is he that doth the works. Believe me that I am in the father, and the father in me. At the lest, believe me for the very works sake. Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do, he shall also do, and greater works than these, shall he do, because I go unto my father. And what soever you ask in my name, that will I do, that the father, might be glorified, by the son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. ⊦ ✚ If you love me, keep my commaundmentes, and I will pray the father, and he shall give you an other comforter, that he may abide with you ever: which is * The holy ghost. the spirit of truth, whom the world can not receive, because the world saith him not, neither knoweth him. But you know him. For he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you fatherless: but will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seethe me no more: but you shall see me. For I live, and you shall live. That day shall you know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you. Who that hath my commandments, & keepeth them, the same is he that loveth me. And who loveth me, shall be loved of my father: and I will love him, and open myself to him. judas said unto him (not judas Iscariot) Lord, what is the cause that thou will't show thyself unto us, and not unto the world? jesus answered and said unto him: if a man love me, he will keep my word, and my father also will love him, & we will come unto him, and devil with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings. And the words which you hear, are not mine, but the fathers which sent me. This have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But that comforter the holy ghost (whom my father will send in my name) he shall teach you all, and bring all to your remembrance, what so ever I have told you. Peax I leave with you, my peax I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ☞ Let not your hearts be grieved, neither fear you. You have herd, how I said unto you: I go, and come again unto you. If you loved me, you would verily rejoice, because I said, I go unto the father. For the father is greater than I And now have I showed you, before it come, that when it is come to pass, you might believe. Here after will I not speak many words unto you. For the ruler of this world cometh, and hath naught in me. But that the world may know that I love the father: Therefore as the father gave me commandment, even so do I ⊦ Arise, go we hence. ¶ The true vine, the husbandman, and the branches. A doctrine of love, and a sweet comfort against persecution. CAPI. XU. I ✚ Am the true vine, and my father is the husbandman. ☜ Every branch that beareth not fruit in me, he will take away. And every branch, that beareth fruit, will he purge, that it may bring more fruit. Now are you clean, thorough the words, which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and let me abide in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can you, whiles you abide in me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. Who abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth moche fruit. For without me, can you do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is wyddered: & men gather it, and cast it into the fire, and it burneth. Math. xxi i john iii d. If you abide in me, and my words also abide in you: what so ever you will, you shall ask, and it shallbe done to you. ⊦ Herein is my father glorified, that you bear moche fruit, and be made my disciples. As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you. * charity 〈◊〉 love. Continued in my love. If you shall keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love. These have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and your joy might be full. ✚ This is my commandment: That you love together, as I have loved you. A greater love than this, hath no man, that a man bestow his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what so ever I command you. Henceforth call I you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But you have I called friends: for all that I have herd of my father, I have opened to you. You have not choose me, but I have choose you, and ordained you, that you go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit remain, that what so ever you shall ask of the father, in my name, he should give it you. ⊦ ✚ This command I you. That you love together. If the world hate you, you know that he hated me, before he hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own. How be it because you are not of the world, but I have choose you out of the world therefore hateth you the world. Remember the saying that I said unto you: The servant is not greater than the Lord Math. x c Luke xxi ● Mark x c If they have persecuted me, so will they persecute you. If they have kept my sayings, so will they keep yours. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they have not known him that sent me. If I had not come, and spoken unto them, they should not have had sin: but now have they nothing, to cloak their sin with all. He that hateth me hateth my father. If I had not done works among them, which none other man did, they had not had sin. But now have they seen, and yet have hated both me and my father: even that the saying might be fulfilled that is written in their law: 〈◊〉 three c they hated me without a cause. ⊦ ✚ But when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the father, which is the spirit of truth/ which proceedeth of the father, he shall witness of me. And you shall bear witness also, because you have been with me from the beginning. ¶ Consolation against trouble. Prayers are herd thorough christ. CAPI. XVI. THese things have I said unto you, because you should not be offended. They shall excommunicate you/ yea the time shall come, that who so ever killeth you, will think that he doth God service. And such things will they do unto you, because they have not known the father, neither yet me. But these things have I told you, that when that hour is come, you might remember them that I told you so. ⊦ These things said I not unto you at the beginning, because I was present with you. ✚ But now I go away to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me: whither goest thou? But because I have said such things unto you, your hearts are full of sorrow. But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away. For if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he shall rebuke the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement. ☞ Of sin, because they believe not on me/ of righteousness, because I go to my father, & you shall see me no more/ of judgement, because the chief ruler of this world is judged already. I have yet many things to say unto you: but you can not bear them away now. How be it when he is come (I mean the spirit of truth) he will lead you in to all truth. He shall not speak of himself/ but what so ever he shall hear, that shall he speak/ and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me/ for he shall receive of mine, and shall show unto you. All things that the father hath, are mine. Therefore said I unto you, that he shall take of mine and show unto you. ⊦ ✚ A while & you see me not, again a while and you shall see me/ for I go to the father. Then said some of his disciples within themselves: What is this that he saith unto us/ a while and you see me not, and again a while and you shall see me, and that I go to the father. They said therefore: what is this that he saith, a while? we can not tell what he saith. jesus perceived that they would ask him, and said unto them: This is it that you inquire of amongs yourselves, that I said: a while and you see me not, and again a while and you shall see me. Verily verily I say unto you: you shall weep and lament, and the world shall rejoice: you shall sorrow, but your sorrow shall be turned to joy. A woman when she travaileth, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembreth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born in to the world. And you now are in sorrow, but I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you. ⊦ Andrea in that day shall you ask me no question. ✚ Verily verily I say unto you, what so ever you shall ask the father in my name, he will give it unto you. Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name. Math. vii a Luke xi d Jacobi i a Ask and you shall receive it: that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs. The time shall come when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs/ but I shall show you plainly of my father. At that day shall you ask in my name. And I say not unto you that I will speak unto my father for you. For the father himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God. I went out from the father, and came in to the world/ and I leave the world again, and go to the father. His disciples said unto him: lo, now speakest thou plainly, and thou usest no proverb, Now know we that thou understandest all things, and needest not that any man should ask the any question. Therefore believe we that thou camest from God. ⊦ jesus answered them: Now you do believe. Math. xxvi ● Marc xiiii c Behold the hour draweth nigh, and is already come, that you shall be scattered every man his ways, & shall leave me alone. And yet am I not alone. For the father is with me. These words have I spoken unto you, that in me you might have peaxe. For in the world shall you have tribulation/ but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. ¶ The most hearty and loving prayer of christ unto his father, for all such as receive the truth CAPI. XVII. T ✚ Hese words spoke jesus and life up his eyes to heaven, and said: father, the hour is come: glorify thy son, that thy son may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give everlasting life to as many as thou hast given him. This is life everlasting, that they might know thee, thonly true God, & whom thou hast sent jesus christ. I have glorified the on the earth. I have finysshed the work which thou gavest me to do. And now glorify me thou father at thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee, ere the world was. I have declared thy name unto the men which thou gavest me of the world. Thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy sayings. Now they know that all what so ever thou haste given me, are of the. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them, and know surely that I came from thee/ and do believe that thou didst send me. * I pray for them, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine/ and I am glorified in them. And now am I no more in the world, but they are in the world, and come to the. ⊦ ✚ Holy father keep in thine own name them which thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are. while I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name. Those that thou gavest me, have I kept, and none of them is lost, save that lost child, that the scripture might be fulfilled. Now come I to thee, & these words speak I in the world, that they might have my joy full in them. I have given them thy words, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, like as I am not of the world. I desire not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou keep them from evil. They are not of the world, like as I am not of the world. Sanctify them with thy truth. Thy saying is truth. As thou didst sand me in to the world, so have I sent them in to the world, & for their sakes sanctify I myself, that they also might be sanctified thorough the truth. I pray not for them alone: but for them also which shall believe on me thorough their preaching, that they all may be one, as thou father art in me, and I in thee/ that they may be also one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And that glory that thou gavest me, I have given them/ that they may be one, as we are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one/ and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they which thou hast gpuen me, be with me where I am/ that they may see my glory which thou hast given me. For thou lovedest me before the making of the world. Math. ten d Luke ten d O righteous father, the world hath not known thee, but I have known thee/ and these have known that thou haste sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it/ that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, be in them/ and I in them. ⊦ ¶ christ is betrayed. The words of his mouth smite the officers to the ground. Peter smiteth of Malchus ear. jesus is brought before Anna Cayphas, and Pilate. CAPI. XVIII. w Math. xxvi d Marc xiiii d. Luke xxii d Hen jesus had spoken these words he went forth with his disciples over the broken Cedron, where was a garden in to which he entered with his disciples. Now judas which betrayed him knew the place, for jesus often times resorted thither with his disciples. judas then after he had received a hand of men, and ministers of the high priests & Pharisees, came thither with lanterns and fyrebrandes, and weapens. Then jesus knowing all things that should come on him, went forth and said unto them: whom seek you? They answered him: jesus of Nazareth. jesus said unto them: I am he. judas also which betrayed him, stood with them. But as soon as he had said unto them, I am he, Math. xxv● Marc. xiii● Luke xxii ● they went bakwardes and fell to the ground. And he asked them again: whom seek you? They said: jesus of Nazareth. jesus answered: I said unto you, I am he/ if you seek me, let these go their way. That the saying might be fulfilled which he spoke: of them which thou gavest me, have I not lost one. Simon Peter had a sword, and drew it, and smote the high priests servant, and cut of his right ear. The servants name was Malchus. Then said jesus unto Peter: put up thy sword in to the sheath: shall I not drink of the cup which my father hath given me? Then the company and the captain, and ministers of the jews took jesus and bound him, and led him away to Anna first/ for he was fatherelawe unto Cayphas, which was the high priest that same year. Cayphas was he that gave counsel to the jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Math. xxvi Marc xiiii Luke xxii ● And Simon Peter followed jesus & an other disciple, that disciple was known of the high priest, & went in with jesus in to the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spoke to the damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then said the damsel that kept the door unto Peter: Art not thou one of this man's disciples? He said: I am not. The servants and the ministers stood there, and had made a fire of coals, for it was cold/ and they warmed themselves. Peter also stood among them, and warmed himself. Marc xiiii ● Luke xxii ● The high priest asked jesus of his disciples & of his doctrine. jesus answered him: I spoke openly in the world. I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple whither all the jews resorted, and in secret have I said nothing: Why askest thou me? Ask them which herd me, what I said unto them. Behold, these can tell what I said. When he had thus spoken, one of the ministers which stood by smote jesus on the face, saying: ☜ answerest thou the high priest so? jesus answered him. If I have evil spoken, bear witness of the evil: if I have well spoken, why smytest thou me? And Annas sent him bound unto Cayphas the high priest. Simon Peter stood and warmed him self. And they said unto him: Mat xxvii a Mark xv. ● Luke xxiii ●. Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said: I am not. One of the servants of the high priests (his cousin whose ear Peter smote of) said unto him: Did not I seethe in the garden with him? Peter denied again/ and anon the cock crew. * Then led they jesus from Cayphas in to the hall of judgement. It was in the morning, and they themselves went not in to the judgement hallest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the passhe. pilate than went out unto them and said: What accusation bring you against this man? They answered and said unto him. If he were not an evil doer, we would not have delivered him unto the. Then said Pilate unto them: take you him and judge him after your law. Then the jews said unto him. It is not lawful for us to put any man to death. That the words of jesus might de fulfilled, which he spoke signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered in to the judgement hall again/ and called jesus, and said unto him: Art thou the king of the jews? jesus answered: sayest thou that of thyself, or did other tell it the of me? Pilate answered: Am I a jew? Thine own nation and high priests have delivered the unto me. What hast thou done? jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, ☞ then would my ministers surely fight, that I should not be delivered to the jews/ but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate said unto him: Art thou a king then: jesus answered/ thou sayest that I am a king. For this cause was I born, and for this cause came I in to the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. And all that are of the truth hear my voice. Pilate said unto him: what thing is truth? And when he had said that/ he went out again unto the jews, and said unto them: I find in him no cause at al. You have a custom that I should deliver you one loose at Ester. Will you that I loose unto you the king of the jews? Then cried they all again, saying: Not him, but Barrabas/ that Barrabas was a robber. ¶ Chyste is crucified, He commends his mother unto john, sheddeth his blood, and is buried. CAPI. XIX. THen pilate took jesus and scourged him. 〈◊〉 ●●i c 〈◊〉 u b And the soldiers wound a crown of thorns, & put it on his heed. And they did on him a purple garment, and said, hail king of the jews: & they smote him on the face. Pilate went forth again and said unto them: Behold I bring him forth to you, that you may know that I find no fault in him. Then came jesus forth, wearing a crown of thorn, and a rob of purple. And Pilate said unto them: behold the man. 〈◊〉 ●i c 〈◊〉 ●v. a 〈◊〉. d. When the high priests and ministers saw him/ they cried, saying: crucify him, crucify him. pilate said unto them. Take you him and crucify him, for I find no cause in him. The jews answered him. We have a law, and by our law he aught to die: because he made himself the son of God. When Pilate heard this saying, he was the more afraid, and went again in to the judgement hall, and said unto jesus: Whence art thou? But jesus gave him none answer. Then said Pilate unto him. Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to loose thee? jesus answered. Thou couldst have no power at all against me, unless it were given the from above. Therefore he that delivered me unto thee, is more in sin. Mat xxvii d Marck xv c Luke xxiii c And from thence forth sought Pilate means to loose him. But the jews cried, saying/ if thou let him go, thou art not Caesar's friend. For who so ever maketh himself a king, is against Cesar. When Pilate heard this saying, he brought jesus forth, and sat down to give sentence, Lithostrotus. in a place called the pavement, but in the Hebrew tongue, Gabbatha. It was the Saboth even, which falls in the Ester feast, and about the sixth hour. And he said unto the jews: behold your king. They cried, away with him, away with him/ crucify him. Pilate said unto them, shall I crucify your king? The high priests answered: we have no king but Cesar: Mat xxvii d Mark xv c Luke xxiii e. Then delivered he him unto them, to be crucified. And they took jesus, and led him away. And he bore his cross, and went forth in to a place called the place of deed men's skulls, Catuaria. which is named in Hebrew, Golgotha. Where they crucified him, and two other with him/ on either side one, and jesus in the mids. And Pilate written this title, and put it on the cross. The writing was: jesus of Nazareth king of the jews. This title read many of the jews. For the place where jesus was crucified, was nigh to the city. And it was written, in Hebrew, Greek, and latin. Then said the high priests of the jews' to Pilate/ write not king of the jews, but that he said I am king of the jews. pilate answered: what I have written, that have I written. Then the soldiers when they had crucified jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part, and also his coote. The coote was without seem, wrought upon thorough out. And they said one to an other. Let us not divide it/ but cast lots who shall have it. That the scripture might be fulfilled which saith. Psalm xxi c They parted my raiment among them, and on my coote did cast lots. And the soldiers did these things in deed. Then stood by the cross of jesus his mother, and his mother's sisters, Marry the wife of Cleophas, and Mary magdalen. When jesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing whom he loved/ he said to his mother: woman, behold thy son. Then said he to the disciple: behold thy mother. And from that hour the disciple took her for his own. After that, when jesus perceived that all things were performed, that the scripture might be fulfilled, * he said: I thirst. There stood a vessel full of vinegar by. Psal lxviii Mat xxvii f. Mark xu d And they filled a sponge with vineygre, and wound it about with ysope, and put it to his mouth. As soon as jesus had received of the vineygre he said: It is fynisshed, and bowed his heed, and gave up the ghost. The jews then because it was the Saboth even, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Saboth day (for that Saboth day was an high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, & that they might be taken down. Then came the soldiers and broke the legs of the first and of the other which was crucified with jesus. But when they came to jesus, and saw that he was deed already, they broke not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear thrust him in to the side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it, bore record, and his record is true. And he knoweth that he saith true, that you might believe also. These things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled. Exodi xii g Nun ix b Zacha xii c You shall not break a bone of him. And again an other scripture saith: They shall look on him whom they pierced. * After that joseph of Aramathia (which was a disciple of jesus: Mat. xxvil. g Marck xu d Luke xxiii g. but secretly for fear of the jews) besought pilate that he might take down the body of jesus. And pilate gave him licence. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the beginning came to jesus by night, and brought of myrrh and aloes mingled together about an. C. pound weight. Then took they the body of jesus, and wound it in linen clotheses with the odours, as the manner of the jews is to bury. And in the place where jesus was crucified, was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man laid. There laid they jesus because of the jews Saboth even, for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. ⊦ ¶ The resurrection of Christ, which appeareth to mary magdalen, and to all his disciples, to their great comfort. CAPI. XX. T ✚ He morrow after the Saboth day, came mary magdalen early, Mat xxviii a Luke xxiiii a Marck xvi a when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and saw the stone taken away from the grave, Then she ran, and came to Simon Peter and to tother disciple whom jesus loved, and said unto them. They have taken away the Lord out of the grave, & we can not tell where they have laid him. Peter went forth and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. They ran both together, and that other disciple did out run Peter, & came first to the sepulchre. And he stooped down, & saw the linen clotheses lying/ yet went he not in. Then came Simon Peter following him, and went in to the sepulchre/ and saw the linen clotheses lie, and the napkin that was about his heed not lying with the linen clot but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw and believed. For as yet they known not the scriptures that he should rise again from death. ⊦ Andrea the disciples went away again unto their own home. ✚ Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping. And as she wept, she bowed herself in to the sepulchre, and saw two angels in white sitting, th'one at the heed, and the other at the feet, where they had laid the body of jesus. And they said unto her: woman, why wepest thou? She said unto them/ for they have taken away my Lord, & I wot not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw jesus standing, and knew not that it was jesus. jesus said unto her: Woman, why wepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing he had been a gardener, said unto him. Sir, if thou have born him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, that I may fet him. jesus said unto her: Marry, She turned herself, and said unto him: Rabboni/ which is to say, master. jesus said unto her, φ Touch not etc th● because ● brievest 〈◊〉 I am ris●ry God, am carn● I was 〈◊〉 I suffered death, th●● fore touch not touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my father. But go to my brethren & say unto them: I ascend to my father and your father: to my God and your God. Marry magdalen came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken such things unto her. ⊦ ✚ The same day at night, which was the morrow afther the Saboth, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the jews: came jesus and stood in the mids, and said to them: peax with you. And when he had so said: he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord Then said jesus to them again: peax be with you. As my father sent me, so sand I you. And when he had said that, he breathed on them, ☜ and said unto them: receive the holy ghost. Who so e'er sins you remit, they are remitted unto them. And who so e'er sins you retain, they are retained. ⊦ ✚ Butt Thomas one of the twelve, called Didimus, was not with them when jesus came. Tother disciples said unto him: we have seen the Lord. And he said unto them: unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and thrust my hand in to his side/ I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Then came jesus when the doors were shut, and stood in the mids, and said: peax with you. After that said he to Thomas: bring thy finger hither, and see my hands/ and bring thy hand and thrust in to my side, and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered and said unto him: My Lord, and my God. jesus said unto him. Thomas, because thou hast seen me, ☜ therefore thou believest: Happy are they that have not seen, and believe. ⊦ Andrea many other signs did jesus in the sight of his disciples, which is not written in this book. These are written that you might believe that jesus is christ the son of God/ and that in believing, you might have life thorough his name. ¶ He appeareth to his disciples again by the see of Tiberias, and commandeth Peter earnestly to feed his sheep. CAPI. XXI. A ✚ Fter that jesus showed himself again, at the see of Tyberias. And on this wise showed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, Thomas called Didimus: and Nathanael of Cana a city of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedei, & two other of the disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them: I go a fishing. They said unto him: We also will go with the. They went their way, and entered in to the ship forthwith, and that night caught they nothing. But when the morning was now come, jesus stood on the shore: nevertheless the disciples knew not that it was jesus. jesus said unto them: Children, have you any meat? They answered him, no. And he said unto them: cast out the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast out, and anon they were not able to draw it up, for the multitude of fishes. Then said the disciple whom jesus loved unto Peter: It is the Lord. When Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he gird his mantel to him (for he was naked) and sprang in to to see. The other disciples came by ship, for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits, and they drew the net with fishes. When they were come to to land, they see hot coals and fishes laid thereon, & breed: jesus said unto them: bring of the fish which you have now caught. Simon Peter stepped forth and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and liij. And for all there was so many, yet was not the net broken. jesus said unto them: come and dine. And none of the disciples dared ask him: what art thou? For they knew it was the Lord. jesus then came and took breed, and gave them, and fish likewise. And this is now the third time that jesus appeared to his disciples, after he was risen again from death. ⊦ When they had dined: jesus said to Simon Peter: ☞ Simon joanna, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him: Yea Lord, thou knowest I love the. He said to him: feed my φ lambs. * He loveth christ that feedeth his lambs and sheep He said to him again the second time: Simon joanna lovest thou me? He said to him: Yea Lord thou knowest I love the. He said unto him: feed my sheep. He said unto him the third time: Simon joanna lovest thou me? And Peter sorrowed because he said to him the third time, lovest thou me/ and said unto him: Lord thou knowest all/ thou knowest that I love the. jesus said to him: feed my sheep. Verily verily I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou gyrdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest/ but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands and an other shall gird thee, and lead the whither thou wilt not. That spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said thus, he said to him ✚ follow me. Peter turned about, and saw that disciple whom jesus loved following which also lened on his breast at supper, and laid: Lord, which is he that shall betray the. When Peter saw him, he said to jesus: Lord, but what shall this man do? jesus said unto him: If I will have him tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren that that disciple should not die. Yet jesus said not to him, he shall not die/ but if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? The same disciple is he which testifieth of these things, and written these things: And we know that his testimony is true. ⊦ There are also many other things which jesus did, which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world could not contain the books that should be written. ¶ Here endeth the Gospel after S. Iohn. The Acts of the Apostles. ¶ The ascension of christ, Mathias is choose in the stead of judas. CAPI. I ✚ IN the former treatise (dear friend Theophilus) I have written of all that jesus began to do and reach, till the day in which he was taken up, after that he thorough the holy ghost had given commaundemementes unto the apostles, which he had choose: to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many tokens, appearing unto them forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God, and gathered them together, Luke xxiiii g and commanded them that they should not depart from jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the father, whereof saith he you have herd of me. For Iohn baptized with water: but you shall be baptized with the holy ghost, and that within this few days. When they were come together, they asked of him, saying: Lord wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them: It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the father hath put in his own power: but you shall receive power of t'holy ghost, which shall come on you. And you shall be witnesses unto me in jerusalem, and in all jewrye, and in Samary, and even unto the worlds end. Marck xvi d Luke xxiiii. f. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up/ and a cloud received him up out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly up to heaven, as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said: you men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up in to heaven. This same jesus which is taken up from you in to heaven, shall so come even as you have seen him go in to heaven. ⊦ Then returned they unto jerusalem from mount Olivet, which is nigh to jerusalem, containing a φ A Saboth days journey was about a mile. Saboth days journey. And when they were come in, they went up in to a parlour, where abode both Peter and james, Iohn and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, james the son of Alpheus, and Simon zealots, and judas james son. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of jesus, and with his brethren. ✚ Andrea in those days Peter stood up in the mids of the disciples and said (the number of names that were together were about an hundred and twenty) You men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the holy ghost thorough the mouth of David, Iohn xviii a Psal xl c spoke before of judas, which was guide to them that took jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained fellowship in this ministration. And the same hath now possessed a plot of ground with the reward of iniquity, and when he was hanged, braced assondre in the mids, and all his bowels gushed out. And it is known unto all the inhabiters of jerusalem, in so much that that field is called in their mother tongue, Acheldama/ that is to say, the blood field. It is written in the book of Psalms: Psal lx ● his habitation be voyde, and no man be dwelling therein: Psal. cv● and his bysshoprycke let an other take. Wherefore of these men which have companyed with us all the time that the Lord jesus went in and out among us, beginning at the baptism of Iohn unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to bear witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two: joseph called Barsabas (whose sir name was justus) and Mathias. And they prayed saying: ☜ Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two, thou hast choose, that the one may take the lot of this ministration and apostleship, from which judas by transgression fallen, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell on Mathias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. ⊦ ¶ The coming of the holy ghost. The sermon of Peter before the congregation at jerusalem, and the increase of the faithful. CAPI. II W ✚ Hen the day of Pentecost was come, they were all with one accord together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as it had been the coming of a mighty wind/ and it filled all the house where they sat, And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as they had been fire, and it sat upon each of them: Actu four f and nineteeen. b and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the spirit gave them utterance, And there were dwelling at jerusalem jews, devout men, which were of all nations under heaven. When this rumour was bruited the multitude came together and were astonied, because every man heard them speak his own tongue. They wondered all, and marveled, saying among themselves: behold are not all these which speak of Galilee? And how here we every man his own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and the inhabiters of Mesopotamia, of jury, and of Capadocia, of Ponthus and Asia, Phrygia, Pamphilia, and of egypt, and of the parties of Lybia, which is beside Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, jews, * Convert that is, he● or gentyl● converted 〈◊〉 the jews faith. & φ Converts, Greeks and Arabians: we have heard them speak with our own tongues the great works of God. ⊦ They were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to an other: what means this? Other mocked them, saying: they are full of new wine. ✚ Butler Peter stepped forth with the eleven and lift up his voice, and said unto them: You men of jury, and all you that inhabit jerusalem: be this known unto you and with your ears hear my words. These are not drunken, as you suppose: for it is yet but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the Prophet johel: 〈◊〉 ii f It shallbe in the last days (saith God) of my spirit I will power out upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants, and on my hand maidens I will power out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and tokens in the earth beneath, blood and fire, and the vapour of smoke. * The son shallbe turned in to darkness, and the moan in to blood before that that great & notable day of the Lord come. 〈◊〉 x c And it shallbe, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shallbe saved. ⊦ ✚ Ye men of Israel hear these words. jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you with miracles, wondres and signs which God did by him in the mids, of you, as you yourselves know: him have you taken by the hands of unryghtewyse persons, after he was delivered by the determinat council and fore knowledge of God, and have crucified and slain whom God hath raised up lousing the sorrows of death, because it was impossible that he should be held of it. 〈…〉 For David speaketh of him. * Afore hand I saw God always before me: for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad. Moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope, because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt suffer thine holy to see corruption Thou haste showed me the ways of life, and shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. ⊦ Men and brethren, for as much as I may freely speak unto you of the Patriarch David 〈◊〉 ii h. For he is both deed and buried, and his sepulchre remaineth with us unto this day. Where as he then was a Prophet, 〈◊〉 xxxi. b. and known that God had sworn with an oath to him, that the fruit of his loins should sit on his seat (in that Christ should rise again in the flesh) he saw before: and spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul should not be left in hell: neither his flesh should see corruption. This jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Sithence now that he by the right hand of God is exalted, and hath received of the father the promise of the holy ghost, he hath shed forth this which you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into heaven: but he said. 〈…〉 The Lord said to my Lord sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stolen. So therefore let all the house of Israel know for a surety, that God hath made that same jesus/ whom you have crucified, Lord and Christ. When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and though their Apostles: You men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter said unto them: repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, & you shall receive the gift of the holy ghost: for the promise was made unto you and to your children, and to all that are a far, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words bore he witness and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this crooked generation. Then they that gladly received his preaching, were baptized: & the same day, there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of breed, and in prayer. And fear came over every soul. And many wonders and signs were showed by the Apostles. And all that believed kept themselves together, and had all things comen, & sold their possessions and goods, and departed them to all men, as every man had need. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and broke breed in every house, & did eat their meat together, with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, & had favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation daily such as should be saved. ¶ The halt is restored to his feet. Peter preacheth christ unto the people. CAPI. III P ✚ Eater & Iohn went up together into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. And there was a certain man halt, from his mother's womb, whom they brought & laid at the gate of the temple called beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple. Which same when he saw Peter & Iohn that they would enter into the temple, desired to receive an alms. And Peter fixinge his eyes on him with Iohn, said: Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, trusting to receive some thing of them. Then said Peter: Silver & gold have I none, such as I have, give I the. ☜ In the name of jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and life him up. And anon his feet and anclebones received strength. And he sprang, stood and also walked, & entered with them into the temple, walking & leaping, and praising God. And all the people see him walk & praise God. And they known him, that it was he which sat and begged at the beautiful gate of the temple. And they wondered and were sore astonied at that which had happened unto him. And as the halt which was healed, held Peter and Iohn, all the people ran, amazed unto them in Salomons porch. When Peter saw that, he answered unto the people. ✚ Ye men of Israel, why marvel you at this, ☜ or why look you so steadfastly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man go? The God of Abraham, Isaac and jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his son jesus, whom you delivered and denied in the presence of pilate, when he had judged him to be loosed. But you denied the holy and just, and desired a murderer to be given you, and killed the Lord of life, whom god hath raised from death, of the which we are witnesses. And his name thorough the faith of his name, hath made this man sound, whom you see and know. And the faith which is by him, hath given to him this health in the presence of you all: And now brethren, I wots well that thorough ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers. But those things which god before had showed by the mouth of all his Prophets, how that christ should suffer, he hath thus wise fulfilled. Repent you therefore and turn, that your sins may be done away. ✚ When the time of refreshing cometh, which we shall have of the presence of the Lord, & when God shall send him, which before was preached unto you, that is to wit, jesus christ, which must receive heaven, till time all things which God had spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets that sithence the world began be restored again. For Moses said unto the fathers: Deut. xviii c Actu vii e a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, even of your brethren like unto me: him shall you hear, in all things what so ever he shall say unto you. For the time shall come that every soul which shall not hear that same Prophet, shall be destroyed out of the people. Also all the Prophets from Samuel & thence forth, as many as have spoken have in likewise told of these days. You are the children of the prophets and of the testament, which God hath made unto our fathers, saying to Abraham: Testament) a covenant or promise. Genesis xii a Even in thy seed shall all the kynredes of the earth be blessed. first unto you hath god raised up his son jesus, and him he hath sent to bless you, that every one of you should turn from your wickedness. ⊦ ¶ The Apostles are taken and brought before the Councille. They are forbidden to preach, but they turn them unto prayer, and are more obedient unto God then unto men. CAPI. FOUR AS they spoke unto the people, the priests and the ruler of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them taking it grievously that they taught the people & preached in jesus the resurrection from death. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold till the next day: for it was now even tide. How be it many of them which heard the words, believed/ and the number of the men was about five thousand, And it chanced on the morrow that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, as Annas the chief priest and Cayphas, and Iohn and Alexander, & as many as were of the kindred of the high priests gathered together at jerusalem, and set the other before them, and asked by what power, or in what name have you done this? ✚ Then Peter full of t'holy ghost said unto them: you rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man, by what means he is made hole: be it known unto you all, and to the people of Israel, that in the name of jesus christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, and whom God raised again from death: even by him doth this man stand here present before you hole. Math. xxi ● Marck. xi● Luke .xx c Psal. cxv● This is the stone cast a side of you builders, which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is their salvation in any other. For there is not any other name given to men, ☜ wherein we must be saved. ⊦ When they saw the boldness of Peter and Iohn, and understood that they were unlearned and lay people, they marveled, and they knew them, that they were with jesus, and beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they could not say against it. But they commanded them to go aside out of the concile, and counseled among themselves saying: what shall we do to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known to all them that dwell in jerusalem, and we can not deny it. But that it be noised no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should speak or teach in the name of jesus. But Peter & Iohn answered unto them, and said: ☜ whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you more than God, judge you. For we can not, but speak that which we have seen and heard. So threatened they them, and let them go, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people. For all men glorified God for the miracle which was done, for the man was above forty year old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed. As soon as they were let go, they came to their fellows, and showed all that the high priests & elders had said to them. And when they heard that, they lift up their voices to God with one accord, and said: Lord, thou art God which hast made heaven and earth, the see and all that in them is, which by the mouth of thy servant David haste said: Psal two a why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things. The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers came together against the Lord, and against his anointed. For of a troth, against thy holy son jesus whom thou hast anointed, both Herode and also Poncius pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel gathered themselves together to do what so ever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now Lord, behold their threatenings, & grant unto thy servants with all confidence to speak thy word. So that thou stretch forth thine hand/ that healing, and signs and wonders be done by the name of thy holy son jesus. And as soon as they had prayed, the place moved where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and they spoke the word of God boldly. ✚ Andrea the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and of one soul. And none of them said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but had all things comen. And with great power the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord jesus. And great grace was with them all. Neither was there any among them, that lacked. For as many as were possessers of lands or houses, sold them and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid it down at the apostles feet. So distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. ⊦ Andrea joses which was also called of the apostles, Barnabas (that is to say the son of consolation) being a Levite, and of the country of Cypers had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the apostles feet. ¶ The dissembling of Ananias and Saphira is punished. Miracles are done by the apostles, which are taken, but the angel of God bringeth them out of prison. The sentence of Gamaliel. The Apostles are bear, they rejoice in trouble. CAPI. V A Certain man named Ananias with Saphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept away part of the price (his wife also being of counsel) and brought a certain part, and laid it down at the apostles feet. Then said Peter: Ananias, how is it that Satan hath filled thine heart, that thou shouldest lie unto the holy ghost, & keep away part of the lyveloded. Pertained it not unto the only, and after it was sold, was not the price in thine own power. How is it that thou hast put this thing in thy heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. When Ananias herd these words, he fallen down and gave up the ghost. And great fear came on all them that these things heard. And the young men rose up, and put him apart, and carried him out, and buried him. And it fortuned, as it were about the space of three hours after, that his wife came in, not knowing what was done. And Peter said unto her: Tell me, gave you the land for so moche? And she said: yea, for so moche. Then Peter said unto her: Why have you agreed together, to tempt the spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them which have buried thy husband, are at the door/ and shall carry the out. Then she fell down, forthwith at his feet and yielded up the ghost. And the young men came in, and found her deed, and carried her out, and buried her by her husband. And great fear came on all the congregation, and on as many as heard it. By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders showed among the people. And they were all together with one accord in Salomons porch. And of other dared no man join himself to them: nevertheless the people magnified them. The number of them that believed in the Lord both of men and women grew more & more, in so much they brought the sick in to the streets, and laid them on beds and palettes, that at the least way the shadow of Peter when he came by, might shadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean sprites. And they were healed every one. Then the chief priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadduces) and were full of indignation, and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the lord by night opened the prison doors, & brought them forth, and said: go, step forth, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. When they heard that, they entered in to the temple erly in the morning and taught. The chief priest came, and they that were with him, and assembled the concile and hole order of the elders of the children of Israel, & sent to the prison to fet them. When the ministers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, saying: the prison found we shut as sure as was possible, and the keepers standing without before the doors. But when we had opened, we found no man with in. When the chief priest, and the ruler of the temple, and the high priests heard these things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would grow. But now came one, and showed them: behold the men that you put in prison, stand in the temple, and teach the people. Then went the ruler of the temple with ministers, and brought them without violence. For they feared the people, least they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the counsel. And the chief priest asked them, saying: Did not we straightly command you you should not teach in this name? And behold you have filled jerusalem with your doctrine, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Peter and the other apostles answered and said: Gsene xxvi a Exodi xv c Deutero xi b We aught more to obey God, than men. The God of our fathers raised up jesus, whom you flew and hanged on tree. Him hath God life up with his right hand, to be a ruler and a saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his records concerning these things, and also the holy ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they clave asunder, and sought to slay them. Then stood there up one in the counsel, a Pharisey named Gamaliel, Gamaliel. a doctor of law had in authority among all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles aside a little space, and said unto them: men of Israel take heed to yourselves what you intend to do as touching these men. Before these days rose up one Theudas boasting himself, to whom resorted a number of men, about a four hundred which was slain, and they all which believed him were scattered abroad, and brought to naught. After this man, arose there up one judas of Galilee, in the time when tribute began, and drew away moche people after him. He also perished, and all even as many as hearkened to him, are scattered abroad. And now I say unto you: refrain yourselves from these men, let them alone. For if this counsel or work be of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God, you can not destroy it, jest happily you be found to strive against God. Now to him they agreed, and called the apostles, and bet them, and commanded that they should not speak in the name of jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the counsel rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. And daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not, teaching and preaching jesus Christ. ¶ Ministers (or deacons) are ordained in the congregation to do sevice in necessary things of the body that the Apostles may wait only upon the word of God. Steven is accused. CAPI. VI IN those days, as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were despised in the daily ministering. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together, ☞ & said: it is not meet that we should leave the word of God, and serve at tables. Wherefore brethren look you out among you, seven men of honest report, and full of the holy ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the word. And the saying pleased the hole multitude. And they chose Steven, a man full of faith, and of the holy ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and Timon, and Parmenas', & Nicholas a convert of Antioch. Which they set before the apostles, and they prayed & laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests, were obedient to the faith. ✚ Andrea Steven full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Now, there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Lybertynes and Syrenytes, and of Alexandria, and Cecilia, & Asia, and disputed with Steven. And they could not resist the wisdom and the spirit, with which he spoke. Then sent they in men, which said: We have herd him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they moved the people and the elders, and the Scribes, & came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the concile, and brought forth false witnesses, which said. This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. For we herd him say: this jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinance which Moses gave us. And all that sat in the counsel, looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. ¶ Steven maketh answer to his accusation, rebuketh the hard necked jews, and is stoned unto death. CAPI. VII. THen said the chief priest: is it even so? And he said: you men, brethren & fathers, hearken to. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he dwelled in Charran, & said unto him: * Gene. twelve a. come out of thy country and from thy kindred, & come in to the land which I shall show the. Then came he out of the land of Caldey, & dwelled in Charran. And after that, as soon as his father was deed, he brought him in to this land in which you now devil, and he gave him none inheritance in it, not not the breadth of a foot: * Gene. xii●● but promised that he would give it to him to possess, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spoke on this wise, that his seed should be a dweller in a strange land, & that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God. And after that shall they come forth and serve me in this place. * Gen. xvi● c And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eight day, and Isaac begat jacob, and jacob the twelve patriarchs. Gen. xxxvij f. And the Patriarkis having indignation, sold joseph in to Egypt. And God was with him, & delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, which made him governor of Egypt, and over all his household. * Gene. xlij ● Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt & Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when jacob heard that there was corn in egypt, he sent our father's first. * Gene. xlv ● And at the second time joseph was known of his brethren, and joseps' kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent joseph, and caused his father to be brought and all his kin, three score and xv. * Souls are men and women. souls. And jacob descended in to Egypt and died both he and our fathers, and were translated in to Sichem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Emor at Sichem. When the time of the promise drew nigh (which god had sworn to Abraham) the people grew and multiplied in egypt, till an other king arose which knew not joseph. The same dealing subtly with our kindred evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaos' daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty year old, it came in to his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understand, how that god by his hands should save them. But they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying: Sirs, you are brethren, why hurt you one an other? But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, syyinge: Who made the a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? ●● ij c Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger ●y the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. 〈◊〉 iij. b And when xl years was fulfilled, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Syna, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses see it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him: I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob. Moses trembled and duest not behold. Then said the Lord to him. 〈◊〉 iij. b. 〈◊〉 v. d Put of thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest, is holy ground. I have perfectly seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, & I have herd their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, and I will send the in to egypt. This Moses whom they forsook, saying: Who made te a ruler and a judge, God sent both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel, which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out, showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the read see, and in the wilderness xl years. This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel: 〈◊〉 viij c. 〈◊〉 xxviij. d A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, ☞ him shall you hear. This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spoke to him in the mount Syna, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers could not obey, but cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again in to Egypt, saying unto Aaron: 〈◊〉 xxxij. a make us Gods to go before us, for this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. and they made a calf in those days, and offrered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky: as it is written in the book of the Prophets. 〈◊〉 u g O you of the house of Israel, gave you to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And you took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your God Remphan, figures which you made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon. Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. which tabernacle our fathers received, & brought it in with joshua in to the possession of the gentiles, which God drove out before the face of our fathers, unto the time of David. Which found favour before God, and would fain have made a tabernacle for the God of jacob. But Solomon built him an house. How be it he that is highest of all, ☜ Isaiah xlvi a dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the Prophet: Heaven is my seat, and earth is my foot stolen: what house will you build for me saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in? hath not my hand made all these things? You stiff-necked, and uncircumcised hertis and ears, you have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the Prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which showed before of the coming of that righteous person whom you have now betrayed and murdered. And you also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it. ✚ When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnasshed on him with their teeth. But he being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes in to heaven, and saw the glory of God, and jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clotheses at a young man's feet named Saul. And they stoned Steven, calling on and saying: Lord jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, ☜ and cried with a loud voice: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had thus spoken, he fallen a sleep. ⊦ ¶ Saul persecuteth the Christian, The Apostles are scattered abroad. Philip cometh in to Samaria. Simon magus is baptized, he desembleth. Philip baptyseth the chamberlain. CAPI. VIII. SAul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at jerusalem, & they were all scattered abroad thorough out the regions of jewrye and Samaria, except the apostles. Then devout men dressed Steven, and made great lamentation over him. But Saul made havoc of the congregation, and entered in to every house, and drew out both man and woman, and thrust them in to prison. How be it, they that were scattered abroad, went every where preaching the word. Then came Philip in to a city of Samaria, and preached christ unto them. And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke with one accord in that they heard and saw the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed of them. And many taken with palsyes, and many that halted, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. Now there was a certain man called Simon, which before time in the same city, used witchcraft, and bewytched the people of Samarie, saying that he was a man that could do great things. whom they regarded from the jest to the greatest, saying: this fellow is the great power of God. And him they set moche by, because that of long time he had mocked them with sorcery. But as soon as they believed Philip's preaching of the kingdom of god, and of the name of jesus christ, they were baptized both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also, and was baptized/ and continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were showed. ✚ When the apostles which were at jerusalem, heard say that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and Iohn/ which when they were come prayed for them that they might receive the holy ghost. For as yet he was come on none of them: but they were baptized only in the name of Christ jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the holy ghost. ⊦ Simon Magus. When Simon saw, that thorough laying on of the apostles hands on them, the holy ghost was given: ☞ he offered them money saying: give me also this power, that on whom so ever I put the hands, he may receive the holy ghost. Then said Peter unto him: thy money perish with thee, because thou weenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money. Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven the. For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, & wrapped in wickedness. Then answered Simon and said: pray you to the Lord for me, that none of these things which you have spoken, fall on me. And they when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned toward jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans. ✚ Than the angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying: arise, & go toward South, unto the way that goeth down from jerusalem unto Gaza, which is in the desert. And he arose and went on. And behold a man of Ethiopia, which was a chamberlain, and of great authority with Candace queen of the Ethiopians, & had the rule of all her treasure, came to jerusalem for to pray. And as he returned home again sitting in his chariot, he ●ed isaiah the prophet. Then the spirit said unto Philip: go near and join thyself to yonder chariot. And Philip ran to him, and herd him read the Prophet isaiah, and said: Understandest thou what thou redest? And he said: How can I, unless I had a guide? And he desired Philip that he would come up & sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read, was this. Isaiah liij d He was led as a sheep to be slain, and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth. Because of his humbleness, he was not esteemed: who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. The chamberlain answered Philip, and said: I pray thee, of whom speaketh the Prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? And Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water/ and the chamberlain said: See, here is water/ what shall let me to be baptized? Philip said unto him. If thou believe with all thine heart, thou mayst. He answered and said: I believe that jesus Christ is the son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down both in to the water: both Philip and also the chamberlain, and he baptized him. And as soon as thy were come out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the chamberlain saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing: but Philip was found at Azotus. And he walked thorough out the country, preaching in their cities, till he came to Caesarea. ⊦ ¶ Paul is converted, and confoundeth the jews Peter raiseth Tabytha. CAPI. IX. A ✚ Nd Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went on to the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: * Actu eight ● that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto jerusalem. But as he journeyed & was come nigh to Damascus, ☜ suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice, saying to him: * Actu xxij b Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said: what art thou Lord? And the Lord said: I am jesus whom thou persecutest, it is hard for the to kick against the prick. And he both trembling and astonied, said: Lord, Saul is converted. what will't thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him: Arise, and go in to the city, and it shall be told the what thou shalt do. The men which journeyed with him, stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him in to Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, to him said the Lord in a vision: Ananias? And he said: behold, I am hear Lord. And the Lord said unto him: arise, and go in to e street called strait, and seek in the house judas, after one called Saul of Tharsus. For behold he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision, a man named Ananias coming into him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered: Lord, I have herd by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at jerusalem: & here he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name. The Lord said unto him: ☞ Go thy ways, for he is a choose vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name. Ananias went his way and entered into the house, and put his hands on him, and said: brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto the in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy ghost. And forthwith there fallen from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight, and arose, and was baptized, and received meat, and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days, with the Disciples which were at Damascus. And straight way he preached Christ in the synagogues, how that he was the son of God. All that heard him, were amazed, and said: Is not this he, that spoiled them which called on this name in jerusalem, and came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased in strength, & confounded the jews which dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this was very Christ. ⊦ Andrea after a good while, the jews took counsel together, to kill him. But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched at the gates, day and night, to kill him. 〈◊〉 x●. g Then the disciples took him by night and put him thorough the brickwall, and let him down in a basket. And when Saul was come to jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the Apostles, and declared to them, how he had seen the Lord in the way, and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus, in the name of jesus. And he had his conversation with them at jerusalem, and quite himself boldly in the name of the Lord jesus. And he spoke and disputed with the Greeks: and they went about to slay him. But when the brethren known of that, they brought him to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tharsus. Then had the congregations rest thorough out all jewry and Galilee, and Samary, and were edified, and walked in the fear of the Lord, and multiplied by the comfort of the holy ghost. And it chanced as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man, named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, sick of the palsy. Then said Peter unto him: Aeneas, jesus Christ make the hole: arise and make thy bed. And he arose forthwith. And all the dwelled at Lydda and Assaron, saw him, and turned to the Lord. There was at joppa a certain woman/ (which was a disciple named Tabytha, Tabytha, Dorcas. which by interpretation is called Dorcas) the same was full of good works and alms deeds, which she did. ☜ And it chanced in those days, that she was sick, and died. When they had wesshed her and laid her in a chamber: because Lydda was nigh to joppa, & the disciples had herd that Peter was there they sent unto him, desiring him that he would not be grieved to come unto them. Peter arose and came with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the chamber. And all the widows stood round about him weeping and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. And Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed, and turned him to the body, and said: Tabytha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up. And he gave her the hand, and life her up, and called the saints and widows and showed her alive. And it was known throughout all joppa, and many believed on the Lord. And it fortuned that he tarried many days in joppa, with one Simon, a tanner. ¶ The vision that Peter saw. How he was sent to Cornelius. The heathen also receive the spirit, and are baptized. CAPI. X. T ✚ Here was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his household, which gave moche alms to the people, & prayed God always. The same saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an Angel of God coming in, to him, & saying unto him: Cornelius. When he looked on him, he was afraid and said: What is it Lord? He said unto him. Thy prayers & thy alms are come up into remembrance before God. And now send men to joppa, ☜ & call for one Simon named also Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the see side. He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do. When the Angel which spoke unto Cornelius, was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soudyer of them that waited on him, and told them all the matter, and sent them to joppa. On the morrow as they went on their journey, & drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the top of the house to pray, about the sixt hour. Then waxed he an hongred, & would have eaten. But while they made ready, he fallen into a trance, and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet, knit at the four corners, and was let down to the earth, where in were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and vermin and worms and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him: ☞ arise Peter, kill, and eat. But Peter said: God forbid Lord, for I have never eaten any thing that is comen or unclean. And the voice spoke unto him again the second time: What God hath cleansed, that make thou not comen. This was done thrice and the vessel was received up again into heaven. While Peter mused in himself what this vision which he had seen, meant: Behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made enquyrie for Simons house, & stood before the door. And called out one and asked whether Simon which was also called Peter were lodged there. While Peter thought on this vision, the spirit said unto him: behold, men seek thee: arise therefore, get the down, and go with them, and doubt not: for I have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him, from Cornelius, and said. Behold, I am he whom you seek, what is the cause wherefore you are come? And they said unto him: Cornelius the captain, a just man, & one that fears God, and of good reaporte among all the people of the jews, was warned by an holy Angel, to send for the into his house, and to hear words of the. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from joppa accompanied him. And the third day entered they into Cesaria. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen, & special friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, ☞ Cornelius met him, and fallen down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying: stand up: for even I myself am a man. And as he talked with him, he came in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them: You know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a jew, to company or come unto a stranger: but God hath showed me that I should not call any man comen or unclean: therefore came I unto you, without saying nay, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore, for what intent have you sent for me? And Cornelius said: This day now four days I fasted, and at the ix hour I prayed in my house: and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said: Cornelius thy prayer is herd, and thine alms deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to joppa, and call for Simon which is also called Peter. He is lodged in the house of one Simon, a tanner by the see side, who as soon as he is come, shall speak unto the. Then sent I for the immediately: and thou haste well done for to come. Now are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded unto thee, of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a troth, I perceive that God is not partial: but in all people, he that fears him, and worketh rightwiseness, is accepted with him. You know the preaching that God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peax by jesus Christ, which is Lord over all: ✚ Which preaching was published throughout all jewry, and began in Galilee, after the baptism which Iohn preached, how God had anointed jesus of Nazareth, with the holy ghost, and with power. Which jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devils, for God was with him. And we are witnesses, of all things which he did in the land of the jews, and at jerusalem: whom they slew & hung on tree. Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto us witnesses choose before of God, which ate and drunk with him, after he arose from death. ✚ Andrea he commanded us to preach unto the people and testify, that it is he that is ordained of God, a judge of quick and deed. To him give all the Prophets' witness, that thorough his name, all that believe in him, shall receive remission of sins. ⊦ while Peter yet spoke these words, the holy ghost fallen on all them which heard the preaching. They of the circumcision, that is to say, the jews. And they of the circumcision which believed, were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter: can any man forbid, that these should not be baptized with water, which have received the holy ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized, in the name of the Lord. ⊦ Then prayed they him to tarry a few days. ¶ Peter showeth the cause wherefore he went to the Heythen. Barnabas and Paul preach unto the Heythen. Agabus prophesieth dearth for to come. CAPI. XI. ANd the Apostles and the brethren that were thorough our jewry, heard say that the Heythen had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to jerusalem, they of the circumcision reasoned with him, saying: Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and atest with them. Then Peter began, & expouned the thing in order to them, saying: I was in the city of joppa, praying: and in a trance I see a vision, a certain vessel descend, as it had been a large linen cloth, let down from heaven, by the four corners, and it came to me. Into the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered and see fourefoted beasts of the earth, and vermin and worms and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me: Arise Peter, slay, and eat. And I said: God forbid Lord, for nothing * The jews called th● 〈◊〉 whi●●●●pure ●●cleane ●●iche ●ere for ●y the 〈◊〉 eat ●●●s xi comen or unclean, hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, count not thou those things comen, which God hath cleansed. And this was done three times. And all were taken up again into heaven. And behold, anon there were three men come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the spirit said unto me, that I should go with them, without doubting. These six brethren accompanied me: and we entered into the man's house. And he showed us, how he had seen an Angel in his house, which stood and said to him send men to joppa, and call for Simon, named also Peter: He shall tell thee, words, whereby both thou and all thine house shall be saved. And as I began to preach, the holy ghost fallen on them, as he did on us at the beginning. Then came to my remembrance the words of the Lord, how he said: 〈…〉 Iohn baptized with water, but you shallbe baptized with the holy ghost. For as much then as God gave them like gifts, as he did unto us, when we believed on the Lord, jesus Christ: What was I, that I should have withstand God? When they heard this, they held their peax and glorified God, saying: then hath God also to the gentiles granted repentance unto life. They which were scattered abroad, thorough the affliction that arose about Steven, walked thorough out, till they came unto Phenices and Cypers and Antioch, preaching the word to no man, but unto the jews only. Some of them were men of Cypers, and Cyrene, which when they were come into Antioch, spoke unto the Greeks, and preached the Lord jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord. Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in jerusalem. And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioch. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart, they would continually cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tharsus, for to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a hole year, they had their conversation with the congregation there, & taught moche people: 〈…〉 in so much that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called Christian. 〈◊〉. d. In those days came Prophets from jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth through out all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days. Then the disciples every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelled in jewry. Which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. ¶ Herod persecuteth the Christian, killeth james, and putteth Peter in prison, whom the Lord delivereth by an angel. The shameful death of Herode. CAP. XII. I ✚ N that time Herode the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed james the brother of Iohn with the sword, and because he saw that it pleased the jews, he proceeded further, and took Peter also. Then were the days of sweet bread. And when he had caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four * Quaternion is four. quaternions of soldiers to be kept, entending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing of the congregation, unto God for him. And when Herode would have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter between two soldiers, bound with two chains/ and the keepers before the door, kept the prison. And behold the angel of the Lord was there present, and a light shined in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and stirred him up, saying: arise up quickly. And his chains fallen of from his hands. And the angel said unto him: gird thyself and bind on thy * Sandales are soles to be bond under the feet. Sandales. And so he did. And he said unto him: cast thy mantle about thee, & follow me. And he came out, and followed him, and witted not, that it was truth which was done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron gate, that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them by the own accord. And they went out and passed thorough one street and by and by, the Angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself/ he said: now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herode, & from all the laying await of the people of the jews. ⊦ ✚ And as he consydred the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of one * This Iohn is the same Marck that wrote the Gospel of Mark. Iohn, which was called Mark also, where many where gathered together in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she known Peter's voice, she opened not the entry for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the entry. And they said unto her: thou art mad. And she bore them down that it was even so. Then said they: it is his Angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonied. And he beckoned unto them with the hand, to hold their peax, and told them by what means the Lord had brought him out of the prison. ⊦ Andrea he said: go show these things unto james, and to the brethren. And he departed and went into an other place. Assoon as it was day, there was no little a do among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. When Herode had called for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded them to depart. And he descended from jewry to Caesarea, and there aboode. Herode was displeased with them of tire and Sydon. And they came all together and made intercession unto Blastus the kings chamberlain, & desired peax, because their country was norysshed by the kings land. And upon a day appointed, Herode arrayed him in royal apparel, and set him in his seat, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying: it is the voice of a God, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord * Herode is slain and eaten of worms. smote him, because he gave not God the honour, & he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. And the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Paul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their office, and took with them Iohn, which was also called Marcus. ¶ Paul and Barnabas are called to preach among the Heythen. Of Sergius Paulus and Elymas the sorcerat. Paul preacheth at Antioch. CAPI. XIII. THere were at Antioch, in the congregation certain prophets and teachers as Barnabas and Simon called Niger and Lucius of Cerene and Manahen Herode the Tetrarkes' norsfelowe, & Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the holy ghost said: separate me Barnabas and Saul to the work where unto I have called them. Then fasted they and prayed, and put their hands on them, and let them go. And they after they were sent of the holy ghost, came unto Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were come to Selamine, they showed the word of God in the synagogues of the jews. And they had Iohn to their minister. When they had go thorough out the Isle unto the city of Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet which was a jew, named Bariesu, which was with the ruler of the country one Sergius Paulus a prudent man. The same ruler called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so was his name by interpretation) withstood them, and sought to turn away the ruler from the faith. Then Saul which also is called Paul being full of the holy ghost, ☞ set his eyes on him, and said: O full of all subtlety and disceytfulnesse, the child of the devil, and the enemy of all righteousness, thou ceasest not to pervert the strait ways of the Lord. And now behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, and not see the sun for a season. And forthwith there fallen on him a mist and a darkness, and he went about seeking them that should lead him by the hand. Then the ruler when he saw what had happened, believed, & wondered at the doctrine of the Lord. When they that were with Paul, were departed by ship from Paphos, they came to Perga a city of Pamphilla: & there Iohn departed from them, and returned to jerusalem. But they wandered thorough the countries from Perga to Antioch a city of the country of Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. And after the law and the Prophets were red, the rulars of the synagogue sent unto them, saying: Ye men and brethren, if you have any sermon to exhort the people, say on. Then Paul stood up, and beckoned with the hand, and said: Men of Israel, and you that fear God, give audience. The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelled as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a mighty arm brought them out of it, and about the time of xl years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. And he destroyed vij nations in the land of Canaan, and divided their land to them by Lot. And after he gave unto them judges about the space of. * Four hundred and fifty years. These years must you re●ken from their coming forth of egypt Exod. twelve and not from their first judge. judic i iiij. C. and fifty years, unto the time of Samuel the Prophet. And after that, they desired a king, & God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of BenIamin, by the space of forty years. And after he had put him down, he set up David to be their king, of whom he reaported, saying: I have found David the son of jesse, a man after mine own heart, he shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God (according to his promise) brought forth to the people of Israel, a saviour, one jesus, when Iohn had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance, to Israel. And when Iohn had fulfilled his course, he said: whom you think that I am, the same am I not. Math. three b But behold, there cometh one after me, whose shows of his feet I am not worthy to louse. ✚ Ye men and brethren, children of the generation of Abraham, and who so ever among you fears God, to you is the word of salvation sent. The inhabyters of jerusalem, & their rulers, because they known him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in codemning him. Mat xxvii c Luke xxiij c And when they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilot to kill him. And when they had fulfilled all that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and put him in a sepulchre. But God raised him again from death and he was seen many days of them which came with him from Galilee to jerusalem. Which are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you, how that the promise made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled unto us their children, in that he raised up jesus again ⊦ even as it is written in the first Psalm: Psalm two b Hebreo i b Thou art my son, this same day begat I the. As concerning that he raised him up from death, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise: 〈…〉. a The holy promises made to David, I will give them faithfully to you. Wherefore he saith also in an other place. 〈…〉. d 〈◊〉 Thou shalt not suffer thine holy to see corruption. How be it David after he had in his time fulfilled the will of God, slept, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, you men & brethren, that thorough this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and that by him, all that believe, are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore jest that fall on you, 〈◊〉 which is spoken of in the Prophets: Behold you despisers & wonder, and perish you: for I do a work in your days, which you shall not believe, if a man would declare it you. When they were come out of the synagogue of the jews, the gentiles besought that they would preach the word to them between the Sabbath days. When the congregation was broken up, many of the jews and virtuous converts followed Paul and Barnabas, which spoke to them and exhorted them, to continued in the grace of God. ✚ Andrea the next Sabbath day came almost the hole city together, to hear the word of God. When the jews see the people, they were full of indignation, and spoke against those things which were spoken of Paul, speaking against it, and railing on it. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, & said: It was meet that the word of God should first have been preached to you. But saying you put it from you, and think yourselves unworthy of everlasting life: Lo, we turn to the gentiles: For so hath the Lord commanded us 〈◊〉 ●ixx. b I have made the a light to the gentiles, that thou be salvation unto the end of the world. The gentiles heard, and were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord, and believed: even as many as were ordained unto eternal life. And the word of the Lord was published thorough out all the region. But the Jews moved the worshipful and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, & raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their costs. 〈◊〉 x. b 〈◊〉 vi b 〈◊〉. a And they shouke of the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the holy ghost. ⊦ ¶ Paul and Barnabas preach at Iconium, some believe, some steer up sedition. At Lystra they would do sacrifice to Barnabas and Paul, which refuse it, and exhort the people to worship the true God, Paul is stoned, after that cometh he to Derba, Lystra, Iconium, and to Antioch. CAPI. XIIII ANd it fortuned in Iconium that they went both together into the synagogue of the jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of the jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving jews, stirred up and disquieted the minds of the gentiles against the brethren. Long time abode they there, and quite themselves boldly with the help of the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, & caused signs and wonders to be done by their hands. The people of the city were divided and part held with the jews, and part with the Apostles. When there was a sault made both of the gentiles and also of the jews, with their rulars, to put them to shame/ and to stone them, they were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derba, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about, & there preached the Gospel. And there sat a certain man at Lystra weak in his feet, being cripple from his mother's womb, & never walked. The same herd Paul preach. Which beheld him, and perceived that he had faith to be hole, and said with a loud voice: stand upright on thy feet. And he start up, & walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia: Gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, jupiter: and Paul Mercurius, because he was the preacher. Paul and Barnabas abhor to have oxen and garlands offered unto them. Then jupiters' pressed, which dwelt before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the church porch, and would have done sacrifice with the people. But when the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard that, they rend their clotheses, and ran in among the people, crying and saying: Sirs, why do you this? We are mortal men like unto you, and preach unto you, that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven and earth, and the see, and all that in them is: which in times passed suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he showed his benefits, in giving us rain from heaven and fruitful ceasons, fyllinge our hearts with food, and gladness. And with these sayings, scace refrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. Thither came certain jews from Antioch and Iconium, and obtained the people's consent, and stoned Paul, and drawn him out of the city, supposing, he had been deed. How be it as the disciples 〈◊〉 round about him, he arose up, and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derba. After they had preached to that city, and had taught many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium and Antioch, and strengthened the disciples souls, exhorting them to continued in the faith, ☜ affirming that we must thorough moche tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God, And they ordained them elders by election in every congregation, and prayed and fasted, and commended them to God on whom they believed. And they went thorough out Pisidia and came to Pamphilia, and when they had preached the word of God in Perga, they descended into Attalia, and thence departed by ship to Antioch, from whence they were delivered unto the grace of God, to the work which they had fulfilled. When they were come and had gathered the congregation together, they rehearsed all that God had done by them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples. ¶ Variance about circumcision. The apostles pacify the matter at jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas preach at antioch. CAP. XU. THen came certain from jewrye, and taught the brethren Galath u a except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you can not be saved. And when there was risen dissension and disputing not a little unto Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to jerusalem, to the Apostles and elders, about this question. And after they were brought on their way by the congregation, they passed over Phenices and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles, and they brought great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to jerusalem, they were received of the congregation, and of the Apostles and elders. And they declared what things God had done by them. Then arose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees, which did believe, saying: that it was needful to circumcise them, and to enjoin them, to keep the law of Moses. And the Apostles, and elderes, came together to reason of this matter. And when there was moche disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them: ☞ You men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bore them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us, and he put no difference between the and us, but with faith puryfyed their hearts. Now therefore why tempt you God, ☞ that you would put a yoke on the disciples necks, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear. But we believe that thorough the grace of the Lord jesus christ, we shallbe saved, as they do. Then all the multitude was appeased and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, which told what signs and wonders God had showed among the gentiles by them. And when they held their peax james answered saying: Men and brethren hearken unto me. Simeon told how God at the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them, people unto his name. And to this, agreeth the words of the Prophets, Amos ix. as it is written. After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down and the decayed of it, will I build again, and I will set it up that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and also the gentiles upon whom my name is called on saith the Lord, which doth all these things: Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is that we trouble not them which from among the gentiles, are turned to God: but that we writ unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of images from fornication, from stranglyd and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city that preach him, and is read in the synagogues every Sabbath day. Then pleased it the Apostles and elders with the hole congregation, to send choose men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent judas called also Barsabas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren, & gave them letters in their hands after this form. The Apostles, elders and brethren sand gretinges unto the brethren which are of the gentles in Antioch, Syria and Cylicia. Letters of the Apostles. For as much as we have herd that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds, saying: You must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment: we thought good, when we were come together with one accord, to send choose men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas & Paul, men that have jeoparded their lives, for the name of our Lord jesus Christ. We have sent therefore judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing upon you, more than these necessary things: that is to say, that you abstain from things offered to images, from blood, from strangled and fornication. Fron which if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Far you well. When they were departed, they came to Antioch, and gathered the multitude together, and delivered the Epistle. When they had read it, they rejoiced of that consolation. And judas and Sylas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with moche preaching▪ & strengthened them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peax of the brethren unto the Apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Sylas to abide there still. Paul & Barnabas continued in Antioch teaching & preaching the word of the Lord with other many. But after a certain space, Paul said unto Barnabas: Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we h●ue showed the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas gave counsel to take with them Iohn, called also Mark. But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto their company which departed from them at Pamphilia, and went not with them to the work. And the dissension was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: so that Barnabas took Mark and sailed unto Cypers. And Paul chose Silas and departed, betaken of the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went thorough all Cyria and Cilicia, stablishing the congregations. ¶ Timothe is circumcised. Paul preacheth at Philippos, and there is put in prison. CAPI. XVI. THen came he to Derba and to Lystra. And be hold, a certain disciple was there named Timotheus, a woman's son which was a Jewess and believed: but his father was a Greek. Of whom reaported well, the brethren of Lystra, and of Iconium. The same, Paul would that he should go forth with him, and took and circumcised him because of the jews which were in those quarters: ☞ for they knew all, that his father was a Greek. As they went thorough the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, ordained of the Apostles & elders, which were at jerusalem. And so were the congregations stablished in the faith, and increased in numbered daily. When they had go thorough out Phrygia, and the region of Galacia, and were forbidden of the holy ghost to preach the word in Asia, they came to Mysia, and sought to go into Bethynia. But the spirit suffered them not. Then they went over Mysia, and came down to Troada. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him, saying: come into Macedonia, and help us. After he had seen the vision, immediately we prepared to go into Macedonia, certyfyed that the Lord had called us, for to preach the Gospel unto them. Then sailed we forth from Troada, and with a straight course came to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapoli, and from thence/ to Philippos', which is the chief city in the parts of Macedonia, and a free city. We were in that city abiding a certain days. And on the Sabbath days we went out of the city, besides a river, where men were wont to pray. And we sat down and spoke unto the women, which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lidya a cellar of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, gave us audience. Whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things, which Paul spoke. When she was baptized and her household, she besought us, saying: If you think that I believe on the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. 〈◊〉 twenty d. 〈◊〉 viii. b 〈◊〉 xviij. a And it fortuned as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of south saying, met us, which brought her master & master's moche gains with Prophesyenge. The same, followed Paul and us, and cried, saying: These men are the servants of the highest God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul not content, turned about and said to the spirit. I command the in the name of jesus Christ, that thou come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her master and masters, saw that the hope of their gains was go, they caught Paul and Sylas, and drew them into the market place, unto the rulars, and brought them to the officers, saying: These men trouble our city, which are jews, and preach ordinances, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, sithence we are Romayns. And the people ran on them, and the officers rend their clotheses, and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them surely. Who when he had received such commandment, thrust them in to the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and praised God. And the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundation of the prison was shaken, and anon all the doors opened, and every manes bands were loosed. When the keeper of the prison waked out of sleep and saw the prison doors open, he drew out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with aloud voice, saying: do thyself no harm, for we are all hear. Then he called for a light and sprang in and came trembling, and fallen down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said: believe on the Lord jesus, and thou shalt be saved and thy household And they preached unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and was baptized with all that be. longed unto him straight way. When he had brought them in to his house, he seat meat before them, and joyed that he with all his household, believed on God. And when it was day, the officers sent the ministers, saying: let those men go. The keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, the officers have sent word to louse you. Now therefore get you hence and go in peax. Then said Paul unto them: they have beaten us openly uncondemned, whereas we are Romayns, and have cast us in to prison: and now would they send us away privily? Nay, not so, but let them come themselves, and fet us out. When the ministers told these words unto the officers, they feared when they heard that they were Romayns, and came and besought them, and brought them out▪ and desired them to depart out of the city. So they went out of the prison and entered in to the house of Lydia, and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed. ¶ Paul cometh to Thessalonica, where the jews let the city on a roar. Paul escapeth, and cometh to Athens, where he preacheth the true and unknown God. CAPI. XVII. AS they made their journey thorough Amphipolis, and Apolonia, they came to Thessalonica where was a synagogue of the jews. And Paul (as his manner was) went in unto them, and three Sabbath days declared forth of the scripture unto them, Luke xxiiii g opening and aleginge that christ must needs have suffered and risen again from death, and that this jesus was christ, whom (said he) I preach to you. And some of them, believed and came and companyed with Paul and Silas: also of the devout Greeks a great multitude and of the chief women not a few. But the jews which believed not, having indignation, took unto them evil men which were vacabondes, and gathered a company, and set all the city on a roar, and made assault unto the house of jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when thy found them not, they drew jason and certain brethren unto the heeds of the city, crying: these that trouble the world are come hither also, which jason hath received privily. * john xix c And these all do contrary to the decrees of Cesar, affirming an other king, one jesus. And they troubled the people and the officers of the city, when they heard these things And when they were sufficiently answered of jason and of the other, they let them go. And the brethren forthwith sent away Paul and Sylas by night unto Betrea/ Which when they were come thither, they entered in to the synagogue of the jews. These were the noblest of birth among them of Thessalonia, which received the word with all diligence of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were even so. And many of them believed: also of worshipful women which were Greeks, and of men not a few. When the jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berrea, they came and moved the people there. And then forthwith the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the see: but Silas and Thimothe abode there still. But they that gyded Paul, brought him unto Athens, and received a commandment unto Silas and Timothe for to come to him forthwith and came their way. While Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was moved in him, to see the city given to worshipping of images. Then he disputed in the synagogue with the jews, & with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that came unto him. Certain Philosophers of the Epicures and of the Stoykes, disputed with him. And some there were which said: What will this babbler say? Other said: he seemeth to be a shower of strange gods, φ Strange gods) th● Greek w● signyfyeth here gode● not deuile● noteth also rasmus in Annotacio● because he preached unto them jesus and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him in to Marce street, saying: may we not know what this new doctrine whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bryngest strange news to our ears. We would know therefore what these things mean. For all the Athenians and strangers which where there, gave themselves to nothing else, but either to tell or to hear news. Paul stood in the mids of Marce street, The ora●● or preaching of Paul and said: you men of Athens I perceive that in all things you are to superstitious. For as I passed by and beheld the manner how you worship your gods, I found an aultare wherein was written: unto the unknown God. Whom you then ignorantly worship, him show I unto you: * Actu xiiij▪ c God that made the world and all that are in it, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed of any thing, seeing he himself giveth life and breath to all men every where and hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to devil on all the face of the earth, and hath assigned before, how long time, and also the ends of their inbahitation, that they should seek God, if they might feel and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, He meaneth here Aratus the poet. move and have our being/ as certain of your own Poetes said. For we are also his generation. For as much then as we are the generation of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, silver or stone, graven by craft and imagination of man. And the time of this ignorance God regarded not. But now he biddeth all men every where repent, because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world according to rightwiseness, by that man whom he hath appointed, and hath offered faith to all men, after that he had raised him from death. When they heard of the resurrection from death, some mocked, and other said: We will hear the again of this matter. So Paul departed from them. How be it certain men clave unto Paul and believed, among which was Dionisyus a judge, and a woman named Damaris, and other with them. ¶ Paul preacheth at Corinthum, continuing there a year and a half, goeth again in to Syria, cometh to Ephesus, Caesarea and Antioch. O Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla. CAPI. XVIII. AFter that Paul departed from Athens and came to Corynthum, and found a certain jew named Aquila born in Ponthus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because that the Emperor Claudius had commanded all jews to depart from Rome) and he drew unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them and wrought: their craft was to make tents. And he preached in the synagogue every Sabbath day, and exhorted the jews and the gentiles. When Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the spirit to restyfye to the jews that jesus was very christ. But when they said contrary and blasphemed, he shaken his raiment and said unto them: your blood upon your own heads, ☞ and from henceforth I go blameless unto the gentiles. And he departed thence and entered in to a certain man's house named justus a worshipper of God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. How be it one Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians gave audience, and believed and were baptized. Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision. Be not afraid, but speak, & hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, & no man shall invade the that shall hurt the. For I have moche people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, and taught them the word of God. When Gallio was ruler of the country of Achaia, the jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgement seat, saying: this fellow counseleth men to worship God, contrary to the law. And as Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio said unto the jews: if it were a matter of wrong, or an evil deed (O you jews) reason would that I should hear you: but if it be a question of words, or of names, or of your law, look you to it yourselves. For I will be no judge in such matters, and he drove them from the seat. Then took all the Greeks Sostenes the chief ruler of the synagogue, and smote him before the judges seat. And Gallio cared for noon of those things. Paul after this, tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren and sailed thence in to Cyria, Priscilla and Aquila accompanying him. And he shore his bead in Cenchrea, for he had a vow And he came to Ephesus and left them there: but he himself entered in to the synagogue, and reasoned with the jews. When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not, but bade them far well saying. I must needs at this feast that cometh, be in jerusalem: but I will return again unto you▪ if God wil And he departed from Ephesus and came unto Caesarea: and ascended and saluted the congregation, and departed unto Antioch, and when he had tarried there a while, he departed. And went over all the country of Galacia & Phrygia by order, strengthing all the disciples. 〈…〉. And a certain jew named Apollo's, born at Alexandria, came to Ephesus, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures. The same was informed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke fervently in the spirit, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, and known but the baptism of Iohn only. And the same began to speak boldly in the synagogue. And when Aquila and Priscilla had heard him, they took him unto them and expouned unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to go in to Achaia the brethren written, exhorting the disciples to receive him. After he was come thither, he holp them much which had believed thorough grace. And mightily he overcame the jews, and that openly, showing by the scripcures that jesus was christ. ¶ Of the twelve men whom Paul baptized at Ephesus and what miracles were done by him. Demetrius moveth sedition in the city. CAPI. XIX. I ✚ T fortuned while Apollo was at Corinthum, that Paul passed thorough the upper ●os●es and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples, and said unto them: have you received the holy ghost sithence you believed? And they said unto him: not, we ha' e not heard whether there be any holy ghost or no. And he said unto them: wherewith were you then baptized? And they said: With johnns' baptism. Then said Paul: Iohn baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him, which should come after him: that is on Christ jesus. When they heard that, they were baptized in the name of the Lord jesus. And Paul laid his hands upon them, and the holy ghost came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied, and all the men were about twelve. And he went in to the synagogue, and behaved himself boldly for the space of three months, disputing and giving them exhortations of the kingdom of God. ⊦ When divers waxed hard hearted and believed not, but spoke evil of the way, and that before the multitude: he departed from them and separated the disciples. And he disputed daily in the school of one called Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years so that all they which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of the Lord jesus, both jews and Greeks. And God wrought no small miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body, were brought unto the sick, napkins or partelettes, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil sprites went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond jews exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil sprites, the name of the Lord jesus saying: We conjure you by jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva a jew and chief of the priests which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said: jesus I know, and Paul I know: but who are you? ☜ And the man in whom the evil spirit was, ran on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fle●de out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the jews, and Brekes also, which dwelled at Ephesus, and fear came on them all, and they magnified the name of the Lord jesus. And many that believed, came and confessed and showed their works. Many of them which used curious crafts, brought their books and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it thirty thousand silverlings. So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed. After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, to pass over Macedonia and Achaia, and to go to jerusalem, saying: After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So sent he into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus but he himself remained in Asia for a season. The same time there arose no little a do about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a siluersmyth, which made silver shrines for Diana, was not a little beneficial unto the crafts men. Which he called together with the workmen of like occupation and said: Sirs, you know that by this craft we have gains, And you see and hear that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away moche people, saying that they be not Gods which are made with hands. So that not only this our craft cometh into parel to be set at naught: but also that the temple of the great Goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, which all Asia and the world worshyppeth. When they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out saying: great is Diana of the Ephesians. And all the city was on a toore, & they rushed into the comen hall with one assent, and caught Gayus and Aristarcus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions. When Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. Certain also of the thief of Asia which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not press into the comen hall. Some cried one thing and some an other, and the congregation was all out of quiet, and the more are part knew not wherefore they were come together. Some of the company drew forth Alexander, the jews thrusting him forwards. Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have given the people an answer. When they knew that he was a jew, there arose a shout almost for the space of two hours, of all men crying: great is Diana of the Ephesians. When the town clarcke had ceased the people, he said: You men of Ephesus, what man is it that knoweth not, how the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great Goddess Diana, and of the image which came from heaven. saying then no man saith here against, you ought to be content, & to do nothing rashly: for you have brought hither these men which are neither robbers of churches, ne despisers of your Gods. Wherefore if Demetrius and the crafts men which are with him, have any saying to any man, the law is open, and there are rulars, let them accuse one an other. If you go about any other thing, it may be determined in a lawful congregation. For we are in jeopardy to be accused of this days business: for as much as there is no cause whereby we may give a reckoning of this concourse of people. And when he had thus spoken he let the congregation depart. ¶ Paul goeth in to Macedonia and in to Grece. At Eroas he raiseth up a deed body. At Ephesus he calleth the elders of the congregation together, committeth the keeping of God's flock unto them, warneth them of false teachers, maketh his prayer with them, and departeth to ship. CAPI. XX. AFter the rage was ceased, Paul called the disciples unto him, and took his leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia. And when he had go over those parties, and given them large exhortations, he came into Greece, and there abode three months. And when the jews laid await for him as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return thorough Macedonia. There accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berrhea, and of Thessalonia, Aristarcus and Secundus, and Gayus of Derba, and Timotheus: and out of Asia, Tichicus and Trophimos. These went before, and tarried us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippos after the Ester holidays, & came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days. And on the morrow after the Saboth day, ☜ the disciples came together for to break bread, and Paul preached unto them (ready to departed on the morrow) and continued the preaching unto midnight. And there were many lights in the chamber where they were gathered together, and there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutichus, Eutichus. fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul declared, he was the more overcome with sleep, and fallen down from the third loft, and was taken up deed. iii Reg xvii. d iiii. Reg. four f Paul went down and fell on him and embraced him, and said: make nothing a do, for his life is in him. When he was come up again, he broke bread, and talked, & comened a long while, even till the morning, and so departed. And they brought the young man a live, and were not a little comforted. And we went afore to ship, and sailed unto Asson, there to receive Paul. For so had he appointed, & would himself go afore. When he was come unto us to Asson, we took him in, and came to Mytilenes. And we sailed thence and came the next day over against Chios. And the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogilon. The next day we came to Myleton: for Paul had determined to leave Ephesus as they sailed, because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted to be (if he could possible) at jerusalem at the day of Pentecost. Wherefore from Myleton he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation. And when they were come to him, he said unto them: You know from the first day that I came in to Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all ceasons, serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the laymges await of the jews/ and how I kept back nothing that was profitable, but that I have showed you and taught you openly and at home in your houses, witnesing both to the jews, and also to the Greeks, the repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord jesus. And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto jerusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, but that the holy ghost witnesseth in every city, saying: that bands and trouble abide me. But none of those things move me, ☞ neither is my life dear unto myself, that I might fulfil my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I am sure that hence forth you all (thorough whom I have go preaching the kingdom of God) shall see my face no more. ●eg iii f. 〈◊〉 iii c Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have kept nothing back, but have showed you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock. whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers, to rule the congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. ●●sea●s, the 〈◊〉 is bys●●. ●●mo four a C●rin xi c 〈◊〉 ii a 〈◊〉 i f For I am sure of this, that after my departing, shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock. And of your own selves shall men arise, ☞ speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them. Therefore awake, and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one of you both night and day with tearrs. And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance, among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no man's silver, gold or vesture. You know well that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to receive the weak, ☞ and to remember the words of the Lord jesus, how he said: It is more blessed to give, then to receive. When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they wept haboundantly, and fallen on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. ¶ Paul's journey by ship. Of philip the evangelist, and Agabus the prophet, which warned Paul not to go to jerusalem. He remained steadfast in his purpose, and is taken in the temple. CAPI. XXI. ANd it chanced that as soon as we had launched forth, and were departed from them, we came with a straight course unto Choon, and the day following unto the Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. And we found a ship ready to sail unto Phenices, and went a board and set forth. Then appeared unto us Cyprus, and we left it on the left hand, and sailed unto Syria, and came unto tire. For there the ship unladed her burden. And when he had found brethren we tarried there seven days. And they told Paul thorough the spirit, that he should not go up to jerusalem. And when the days were ended, we departed and went our ways, and they all brought us on our way, with their wives and children, till we were come out of the city. And we kneeled down in the shore and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of an other, we took ship, and they returned home again. When we had full ended the course from tire we arrived at Ptolomaida, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. The next day, we that were of Paul's company departed and came unto Caesarea. And we entered in to the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven deacons, and abode with him. The same man had four daughters virgins, which did prophesy. Actu ii d Agabus. And as we tarried there a good meinie of days, there came a certain Prophet from jury, named Agabus. When he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his hands and feet, and said: Thus saith the holy ghost, so shall the jews at jerusalem bind the man that oweth this girdle, and shall deliver him in to the hands of the gentiles. When we heard this, both we and other of the same place, besought him that he would not go up to jerusalem. Then Paul answered and said: What do you, weeping and breaking mine heart? I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at jerusalem for the name of the Lord jesus. When we could not turn his mind, we ceased/ saying: the will of the Lord be fulfilled. After those days we made ourselves ready, and went unto jerasalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple with whom we should lodge. And when we were come to jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And on the morrow. Paul went in with us unto james, and all the elders comed together. And when he had saluted them, he told by order all things that God had wrought among the gentiles by his ministration. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord, and said unto him: Thou seest brother, how many thousand jews there are which believe, and they are all zealous over the law. And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the jews which are among the gentiles, to forsake Moses, and sayest that they aught not to circumcise their children, neither to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together. For they shall hear that thou art come. Do therefore this, that we say to the. Numer vi a. We have four men, which have a vow on them. Them take, and purify thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads, and all shall know that those things which they have herd concerning thee, are nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the law. For as touching the gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded, that they observe no such things: but that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from strangled, and from fornication. Then the next day Paul took the men, and puryfyed himself with them, and entered into the temple, declaring that he observed the days of the purification, till that an offering should be offered for every one of them. And as the seven days should have been ended, the jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, they moved all the people, and laid hands on him, crying: men of Israel, help. This is the man that teacheth all men every where against the people and the law, and this place. Moreover he hath brought Greeks into the temple, and hath defiled this holy place. For they saw one Trophimus an Ephesian with him in the city. Him they supposed Paul had brought into the temple. And all the city was moved and the people swarmed together. And they took Paul and drew him out of the temple, & forthwith the doors were shut. As they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the Soldiers, that all jerusalem was moved. Which immediately took Soldiers and undercaptains, and ran down unto them. When they saw the Captain and the Soldiers, they left smytinge of Paul Then the Captain came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and demanded what he was, and what he had done. And one cried this, an other that among the people. And when he could not know the certainty for the rage, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came unto the Greces, it fortuned that he was born of the Soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying: away with him. And as Paul should have been carried into the castle, he said unto the Captain: may I speak unto thee? Which said: Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days made an uproar, & led but into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said I am a man which am a jew of Tharsus a city in Cycill, a Cytesen of no vile city, I beseech thee/ suffer me to speak unto the people. When he had given him licence, Paul stood on the steps, and beckoned with the hand unto the people, and there was made a great silence. And he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying: ¶ Paul answereth the jews, is scourged, and laid in prison again. CAPI. XXII. YOU men brethren & fathers, hear mine answer which I make unto you. When they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence. And he said: I am verily a man, which am a jew born in Tharsus, a city in Cycill: nevertheless brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the fathers, and was fervent minded to God ward, as you all are this same day, and Arius viii a. and ix a I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prison both men and women, as the chief priest doth bear me witness, and all the elders of whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which were there bound unto jerusalem for to be punished. And it fortuned, as I made my journey, & was come nigh unto Damascus about none, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me, and I fallen unto the earth, and heard a voice, saying unto me. Actu viii a Saul, Saul, why persecuteste thou me? And I answered: What art thou Lord? And he said to me: I am jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw a light and were afraid: but they heard not the voice of him that spoke with me. And I said: What shall I do Lord? And the Lord said unto me: Arise, and go in to Damascus and there it shallbe told the of all things which are appointed the to do. And when I saw nothing for the brightness of the light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, and came into Damascus. And one Ananias a perfect man, and as pertaining to the law having good reaporte of all the jews which there dwelt, came unto me, and stood and said unto me: Brother Saul, look up. And that same hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said the God of our fathers hath ordained the before, that thou shouldest know his will, and shouldest see that which is rightful, & shouldest hear the voice of his mouth: for thou shalt be his witness unto all men of those things which thou hast seen and heard. And now: why taryest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. And it fortuned, when I was come again to jerusalem/ and prayed in the temple, that I was in a trance, and saw him, saying unto me. Make haste, and get the quickly out of Jerusalem/ for they will not receive thy witness that thou bearest of me. And I said: Lord they know that I prisoned and bet in every synagogue them that believed on the. And when the blood of thy witness Steven was shed, I also stood by, & consented unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me: depart, for I will send the a far hence unto the gentiles. They gave him audience unto his word, and then lift up their voices, and said: away with such a fellow from the earth: it is pity that he should live. And as they cried and cast of their clotheses, and threw dust in to the air, the captain had him be brought in to the castle, and commanded him to be scourged, and to be examined/ that he might know wherefore they cried on him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the Centurion that stood by: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the Centurion heard that, he went and told the captain, saying: What intendest thou to do? This man is a Roman. Then the captain came, and said to him: Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said: You, And the captain answered: With a great some obtained I this freedom. And Paul said: I was free born. Then forthwith departed from him they which should have examined him. And the captain also was afraid after he knew that he was a Roman: because he had bound him. On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty, wherefore he was accused of the jews, he loosed him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests, and all the concile to come together, and brought Paul, and set him before them. ¶ Paul cometh before the counsel. Debate ariseth among the people. The captain delivereth him/ God comforteth him. CAPI. XXIII. Paul beheld the counsel and said: Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God 〈◊〉 four b till this day. The high priest Ananias commanded them the stood by to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul to him: ☞ God smite the thou painted brickwall. Sittest thou & judgest me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said: revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul: I witted not, brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written: 〈◊〉, xxii. d thou shalt not curse the ruler of thy people. When Paul perceived that the one part were Sadduces, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the counsel. Men and brethren, 〈◊〉 three a. I am a Pharisey, the son of a Pharisey. Of the hope and resurrection from death, I am judged. And when he had so said, there arose a debate between the Pharisees and the Sadduces/ and the multitude was divided. Math. xxij c For the Sadduces say there is no resurrection, neither angel ne spirit. But the Pharisees grant both. And there arose a great cry, and the scribes which was of the Pharisees part, arose and strove, saying: we find none evil in this man. Though a spirit or an angel hath appeared to him, let us not strive against God. And when there arose great debate, the captain fearing, jest Paul should have been plucked asunder of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him from them, and to bring him in to the castle. The night following, God stood by him and said: ☜ be of good cheer Paul, for as thou hast testified of me in jerusalem, so must thou bear witness at Rome. When day was come, certain of the jews gathered themselves together, and made a bow, saying: that they would neither eat nor drink, till they had killed Paul. They were about xl which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priest & elders, and said: we have bond ourselves with a vow, that we will eat nothing, till we have slain Paul. Now therefore give you knowledge to the captain and to the counsel, that he bring him forth unto us to morrow, as though we would know some thing more perfectly of him. But we (or ever he come near) are ready in the mean season to kill him. When Paul's sisters son heard of their laying await, he went and entered in to the castle, and told Paul. And paul called one of the under captains unto him, and said: bring this young man unto the high captain: for he hath a certain thing to show him. And he took him, and brought him to the captain, and said: Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, which hath a certain matter to show the. The high captain took him by the hand, and went apart with him out of the way: and asked him, what hast thou to say unto me? And he said: the jews are determined to desire the that thou wouldest bring forth Paul to morrow in to the counsel, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly: But follow not their minds: for there lie in wait for him of them more than xl men, which have bound themselves with a vow, that they will neither eat ne drink till they have killed him. And now are they ready, and look for thy promise. The captain let the young man depart, and charged him: See thou tell no man that thou hast showed these things to me. And he called unto him two under captains, saying: make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen three score and ten, and spear men two hundred, at the third hour of the night. And deliver them beestes that they may put Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the deputy, and written a letter in this manner. Claudius' Lysius unto the most mighty ruler Felix sendeth greeting. This man was taken of the jews, and should have been killed of them. Then came I with soldiers, and rescued him, and perceived that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth in to their counsel. There perceived I that he was accused of questions of their law: but was not guilty of any thing worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was showed me how the jews laid wait for the man, I sent him straight way to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers, if they had ought against him, to tell it unto thee: far well. The soldiers as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatras. On the morrow they left the horse men to go with him, and returned unto the castle. Which when they came to Caesarea, delivered the epistle to the deputy, and presented Paul before him. When the deputy had red the letter, he asked of what country he was. And when he understood that he was of Cicill, I will hear thee (said he) when thine accusers are come also: and commanded him to be kept in Herodes judgement house. ¶ Paul is accused before Felix, he answereth for himself. CAPI. XXIIII. AFter five days, Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, and informed the ruler of Paul. When Paul was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: where as we live in great quietness by the means of thee, and many good things are done unto this nation through thy providence: that allow we ever and in all places most mighty Felix with all thanks. Not withstanding that I be not tedious unto the I pray the that thou wouldest hear us of thy courtesy a few words. We have found this man a Prouer. xvi b and xxix b. pestilent fellow, and a moner of debate unto all the jews thorough out the world, and a maintainer of the sect of Nazarytes, and hath also enforced to pollute the temple. Whom we took and would have judged according to our law, but the high captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come to the. Of whom thou mayst (if thou wilt inquire) know of all these things whereof we accuse him. The jews likewise affirmed, saying that it was even so. Then Paul (after that the ruler himself had beckoned unto him that he should speak) answered: I shall with a more quiet mind answer for myself, for as much as I understand, that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this people, because that thou mayst know that there are yet but twelve days sithence I went up to jerusalem for to pray, and they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, either raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after that way (which they call heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the Prophets, and have hope towards God, that the same resurrection of the deed (which they themselves look for also) shall be hoth of just and unjust. And therefore study I to have a clear consciency toward God, and toward man also. But after many years. I came and brought alms to my people, & offerings in the which they found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor yet with unquietness, how be it there were certain jews out of Asia, which ought to be here present before thee, and accuse me, if they had aught against me: or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stand here in the counsel: except it be for this one voice that I cried standing among them, of the resurrection of the deed, am I judged of you this day. When Felix heard these things, he deferred them, for he knew very well of that way, and said: when Lysias the captain is come, I will know the utmost of your matters. And he commanded an under captain to kept Paul, and that he should have rest, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister unto him, and to come unto him. And after a certain days, came Felix and his wife Drusilla, which was a jew, and called forth Paul, and heard him of the faith which is toward christ, and as he preached of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come, Felix trembled and answered: thou haste done enough at this time, depart/ when I have convenient time, I will send for the. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might lose him: wherefore he called him the oftener, and commoned with him. But after two year. Festus Porcius came in to Felix room. And Felix willing to show the jews a pleasure, left Paul in prison bound. ¶ The jews accuse Paul before Festus, he appeleth unto the Emperor, and is sent unto Rome. CAPI. XXV. WHen Festus was come in to the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea unto jerusalem. Then informed him the high priests, and the chief of the jews of Paul. And they besought him and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to jerusalem: and laid await for him in the way to kill him. Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, but that he himself would shortly depart thither. Let them therefore (said he) which among you are able to do it, come down with us and accuse him, if there be any fault in the man. When he had tarried there more than ten days, he departed unto Caesarea, and the next day sat down in the judgement seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. When he was come, the jews which were come from jerusalem, came about him, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove as long as he answered for himself, that he had neither against the law of the jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar offended any thing at all. Festus willing to do the jews a pleasure answered Paul and said: wilt thou go to jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul: I stand at Caesar's judgement seat, where I aught to be judged. To the jews have I no harm done, as thou very well knowest. If I have hurt them, or commyted any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die. If none of these things are, whereof they accuse me, no man aught to deliver me to them. I appeal unto Cesar. Then spoke Festus with deliberation, and answered. Thou hast appealed unto Cesar: unto Cesar shalt thou go. After a certain days, king Agrippa, and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. And when they had been there a good season, Festus rehearsed Paul's cause unto the king, saying: there is a certain man left in prison of Felix, about whom when I came to jerusalem the high priests and elders of the jews informed me, & desired to have judgement against him. To whom I answered: It is not the manner of the Romayns to deliver any man that he should perish, before that he which is accused, have the accusers before him, and have licence to answer for himself, concerning the crime laid against him: when they were come hither without delay on the morrow I sat to give judgement, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one jesus which was deed, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner questions, I asked him whether he would go to jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. Then when Paul had appealed to be kept unto the knowledge of Cesar, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar. Agrippa said unto Festus: I would also hear the man myself. To morrow (said he) thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow when Agrippa was come and Bernice with great pomp, & were entered in to the counsel house with the captains and chief men of the city, at Festus commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said: king Agrippa, and all men which are hear present with us: you see this man about whom all the multitude of the jews have been with me, both at jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer: Yet found I nothing worthy of death, that he had committed. Nevertheless sithence that he hath appealed to Cesar, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my Lord. Wherefore I have brought him to you, and specially unto thee, king Agrippa, that after examination had, I might have somewhat to writ. For me thinketh it unreasonable for to send a prisoner, and not to show the causes which are laid against him. ¶ King Agrippa heareth Paul, which telleth him his calling from the beginning. CAPI. XXVI. AGrippa said unto Paul: thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, Paul's oration and answered for himself. I think myself happy king Agrippa, ☜ because I shall answer this day before thee, of all the things whereof I am accused of the jews, namely because thou art expert in all costomes and questions, which are among the jews. Wherefore I beseech the to hear me patiently. My living of a child, which was at the first among mine own nation at jerusalem, know all the jews, which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify it. For after the most straytest sect of our lay, lived I a pharisee. And now I stand and am judged, for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving god day and night, hope to come. For which hopes sake, king Agrippa, am I accused of the jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible unto you, that God should raise again the deed? I also verily thought in myself, that I aught to do many contrary things, clean against the name of jesus of Nazareth: which thing I also did in jerusalem. Where many of the saints I shut up in prison, and had received authority of the high priests. And when they were put to death, I gave the sentence. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme: and was yet more mad upon them, and persecuted them even unto strange cities. About the which things as I went to Damascus with authority and licence of the high priests, even at midday (oh king) I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the son, shine round about me, and them which journeyed with me. When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the hebrew tongue: Actu ix a and xx●i. b Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for the to kick against the prick. And I said: Who art thou Lord? And he said: I am jesus whom thou persecutest, but rise and stand up on thy feet. For I have appeared unto the for this purpose, to make the a minister & a witness both of those things which thou hast seen, and of those things in which I will appear unto thee, delivering the from the people, and from the gentiles, to ●●ome now I send thee, ●o open their e●es, that they might turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them, which are sanctified by faith in me. Wherefore king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenvly vision: but showed first unto them of Damascus, and at I●rusalem, and thorough out all the costs of jewry, and to the gentiles, that they should repent, and turn to God, and do the right works of repentance. For this cause, the jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Nevertheless I obtained help of God, and continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things, than those which the Prophets and Moses did say, should come, that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from death, and should show light unto the people, and to the gentiles. As he thus answered for himself: Festus said with a loud voice. Paul, thou art besides thyself. Moche learning hath made the mad. And Paul said: I am not mad, most dear Festus: but speak the words of truth and soberness. The king knoweth of these things, before whom I speak freely: Neither think I that any of these things are hidden from him: For this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the Prophets? I wot well thou believest. Agrippa said unto Paul: Somewhat thou bryngest me in mind for to become a Christian. And Paul said: I would to God, that not only thou: but also all that hear me to day, were, not somewhat only, but all together, such as I am, except these bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the deputy, and Bernice, and they that sat with them. And when they were go a part, they talked between themselves/ saying: This man doth nothing worthy of death, nor of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus: This man might have been loosed, if he had not appealed unto Cesar. ¶ Paul shiping toward Rome, julius the Captain entreateth him courteously, at the last they suffer shipwreck. CAP. XXVII. WHen it was concluded that we should sail into italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners, unto one named julius, an under Captain of Caesar's Soldiers. And we entered into a ship of Adramycium, and loosed from land, appointed to sail by the costs of Asia, one Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalia being with us. And the next day we came to Sidon. And julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his fr●ndes, and to refresh himself. And from thence launched we, and nailed hard by Cypers, because the winds were contrary. Then sailed we over the see of Cylicia, and Pamphilia, and came to Myr●● city in Lycia. And there the undercaptain found a ship of Alexander, ready to sail into italy, and put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scace were come over against Gnydon (because the wind withstood us,) we sailed hard by the costs of Candy, over against Salmo, and with much work sailed beyond it, and came unto a place called Goodpoorte. nigh whereunto was a city called Lasea. When much time was spent and sailing was now ieoperdeous, because also that we had overlong fasted, Paul put them in remembrance, and said unto them. Sirs, I perceive that this viage will be with hurt and moche damage, not of the lading and ship only: but also of our lives. neverthelater the under Captain believed the governor and the master, better than though things, which were spoken of Paul And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, many took counsel to depart thence, if by any means they might attain to Phenices, & there to winter, which is an haven of Candy, & serveth to the south-west, and northwest wind. When the southwind blue, they supposing to obtain their purpose loosed unto Asson, and sailed passed all Candy. But anon after, there arose against their purpose, a flaw of wind out of the North-east. And when the ship was caught, and could not resist the wind, we let her go, & drove with the wether. And we came unto an isle named Clauda, and had moche work to come by a boat, which they took up, and used help, undergerding the ship, fearing lest we should have fallen into Syrtes, and we let down a vessel, and so were carried. The next day when we were tossed with an exceeding tempest, they lightened the ship, and the third day we cast out with our own hands, the tackling of the ship. When at the last neither sun nor star in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay upon us, all hope that we should be saved, was then taken away. Then after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the mids of them and said: Sirs you should have hearkened to me, and not have loused from Candy, neither to have brought unto us this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer. For there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, save of the ship only. For there stood by me this night the Angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying: Fear not Paul, for thou must be brought before Cesar. And lo, God hath given unto thee, all that sail with the. Wherefore Sirs be of good there: for I believe god, that it shallbe even as it was told me. How be it we must be cast into a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were carried in Adria about midnight, the shypmen deemed that there appeared some country unto them: and sounded, and found it twenty faddoms. And when they had go a little further, they sounded again/ and found fifteen faddoms. Then fearing lest they should have fallen on some rock/ they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. As the shyppemen were about to flee out of the ship, and had let down the boat into the see, under a colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the for ship: Paul said unto the under captain and the Soldiers: except these abide in the ship, you can not be safe. Then the Soldiers cut of the rope of the boat, and let it fall away. And in the mean time, between that and day, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying: This is the fourteenth day that you have tarried and continued fasting, receiving nothing at all. Wherefore I pray you take meat: for this no doubt, is for your health: for there shall not an hear fall from the heed of any of you And when he had thus spoken, he took bread and gave thanks to God, in presence of them all, and broke it, and began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, & they also took meat. We were all together in the ship, two hundred three score and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the see. When it was day, they knew not the land, but they espied a certain haven with a bank into the which they were minded (if it were possible) to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the see, and low said the rudder bonds, & hoist up the main sail to the wind, and drawn to land. But they chanced on a place, which had the see on both the sides, and thrust in the ship. And the eight part stuck fast, and moved not, but the hinder broke with the violence of the wanes. The Soldiers counsel, was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them, when he had swum out should flee away. But the under captain, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they that could swim, should cast themselves first into the see, and scape to land. And the other he commanded to go, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they came all safe to Land. ¶ The upper hurteth not Paul's hand/ he heals Publius father/ and preacheth christ at Rome. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd when they were escaped, than they knew that the isle was called Milete And the people of the country showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bondel of styckes, and put them in to the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and leapt on his hand. When the men of the country saw the worm hang on his hand, they said among themselves: This man must needs be a murderer: Whom (though he have escaped the see) yet vengeance suffereth not to live. But he shouke of the vermin into the fire, and felt no harm. But they waited, when he should have swollen, or fallen down deed suddenly. So after they had looked a great while/ and saw no harm come to him, than they changed their minds, and said that he was a God. In the same places, the chief man of the isle, whose name was Publius, had a lordship: the same received us, & lodged us three days courteously. And it fortuned that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody flux. To whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him/ and healed him. When this was done, other also which had diseases in the isle, came and were healed. And they did us great honour. And when we departed, they jaded us with things necessary. After three months we departed in a ship of alexandria, which had wyntred in the isle, whose badge was Castor and Pollux. And when we came to Cyracusa, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fet a compass, and came to Regium. And after one day the southwind blew, and we came the next day to Putiolus: where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days, and so came to Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came against us to Apiphorum, and to the three taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, & waxed bold. And when he came to Rome, the under Captain delivered the prisoners to the chief Captain of the host: but Paul was suffered to devil by himself with one Soldier that kept him. And it fortuned after three days, that Paul called the chief of the jews together. And when they were come, he said unto them. Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people or laws of our fathers: yet was I delivered prisoner, from jerusalem, into the hands of the Romayns. Which when they had examined me, would have let me go, because they found no cause of death in me. But when the jews cried contrary, I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar: not because I had aught to accuse my people of. For this cause have I called for you, even to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him: We neither received lettres out of jewrye pertaining unto thee, neither came any of the brethren that showed of spoke any harm of the. But we will hear of the what thou thinkest. For we have herd of this sect, that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many unto him into his lodging. To whom he expouned and testified the kingdom of God, and preached unto them of jesus: both out of the law of Moses, and also out of the Prophets, even from morning to night. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. When they agreed not among them selves they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word. Well spoke the holy ghost by Esay the Prophet unto our fathers, saying: isaiah vi c Math. xiii b. Marck four b Luke viii b. john xii f Go unto this people and say: with your ears shall you hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall you see, and not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears were thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed: jest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, & understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it. And when he had said that, the jews departed, and had great altercation among themselves. And Paul dwelled two years full in his lodging/ and received all that came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things, which concerned the Lord jesus with all confidence, unforboden. ¶ Here endeth the Acts of the Apostles. ¶ The Episte of the Apostle S. Paul to the Romayns. ¶ Paul declareth his love toward the Romayns showeth what the Gospel is with the fruit thereof, and rebuketh the beestlynes of the flesh. CAPI. I ✚ PAul the servant of jesus christ called to be an Apostle, put apart to preach the gospel of god which he promised afore by his ꝓphetꝭ in the holy scriptures that make mention of his son, begotten of the seed of David, as pertaining to the flesh: and declared to be the son of God, with power of the holy ghost that sanctifieth, sithence the time that jesus Christ our Lord rose again from death, by whom we have received grace and apostleship, to bring all manner heathen people unto the obedience of the faith, that is in his name: of which are you a part also, which are jesus Chrystes by calling. ⊦ To all you of Rome beloved of God, and saints by calling. Grace with you, and peax from god our father, & from the Lord jesus Christ. first I thank my god thorough jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is published throughout all the world. For god is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, beseeching that one's at last, a prosperous journey by the will of god) might fortune me, to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I might bestow amongs you some ghostly gift to strength you with/ that is, that I might be comforted together with you, through the common faith, which both you and I have. I would you should know brethren that I have often times purposed to come unto you (but have been let hitherto) to have some fruit among you, as I have among other of the gentiles. For I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to them which are no Greeks, unto the learned, and also unto the unlearned. Likewise as much as in me is, 〈◊〉 faith ●th, that 〈◊〉 an vn● faith 〈◊〉 perfect 〈◊〉 weak 〈◊〉 a strō● I am ready to preach the gospel to you of Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of god for salvation to all that believe, namely to the jew, and also to the heathen. For by it the righteousness of god is opened from φ faith to faith. As it is written: ●ac ii a the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of god appeareth from heaven against all ungodliness and unryghtousnes of men, which withhold the truth in unrighteousness/ for as much as what may be known of god, that same is manifest among them. For god did show it unto them. So that his invisible things: that is to say, his eternal power and godhead, are understand and seen by the works from the creation of the world So that they are without excuse, in as much as when they knew god, they glorified him not as god, neither were thankful, but waxed full of vanities in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were blinded. When they counted themselves wise, they become fools, and turned the glory of the immortal god, unto the similitude of the image of mortal man, and of birds, and four footed beestes, and of serpents. Wherefore god likewise gave them up unto their hearts lusts, unto uncleanness, to defile their own bodies between themselves: which turned his truth unto a lie, and worshipped and served the creatures more than the maker, which is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause god gave them up unto shameful lusts. For even their women did change the natural use unto the unnatural. And likewise also the men left the natural use of the woman, and brent in their lusts one to an other. And man with man wrought filthiness, and received in themselves the reward of their error, as was according. And as it seemed not good unto them to be a known of god, even so god delivered them up unto a lewd mind, that they should do though things which were not comely, being full of all unrighteous doing, of fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, disobeyed, evil condycioned, whyspereds, backbiters, haters of god, doers of wrong, proud, boasters, bryngers up of evil things, disobedient to father & mother, without understanding, covenant breakers, unloving, trueebreakers, and merciless. Which men though they knew the righteousness of god, how that they which commit such things are worthy of death, Osee vii a yet not only do the same, but also have pleasure in them that do them. ¶ He rebuketh the jews, which as touching sin are like the Heythen, yea worse than they. CAPI. II Therefore art thou inexcusable, oh man, who so ever thou be that φ To judge, here (as in many other places) signifieth to condemn other ● esteem thyself righteous. judgest. For in that thou judgest an other, thou condemnest thyself. For thou that judgest, dost even the same. But we are sure that the judgement of god is according to the troth, against them which commit such things. thinkest thou this, oh thou man that judgest them which do such things, and yet dost the very same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of god? Either despysest thou the riches of his goodness, patience, and long sufferance? and remember'st not how that the kindness of God leadeth the to repentance? But thou after thine hard heart that can not repent, heapest the together the treasure of wrath against the day of vengeance, when shall be opened the righteous judgement of god, which will reward every man according to his deeds, Psal lxii that is to say, praise, honour, and immortality to them which continued in good doing, and seek eternal life. But unto them that are rebellions and disobey the truth, and follow iniquity, shall come indignation & wrath, tribulation and anguish upon the soul of every man that doth evil: of the jew first, and also of the gentle. To every man that doth good, shall come praise, honour, and peax: to the jew first, & also to the gentle. For there is no partiality with God. But who so ever hath sinned without law, shall perish without law. And as many as have sinned under the law, shall be judged by the law. For before God they are not righteous which hear the law: but the doers of the law shall be justified. For if the gentiles which have no law, do of nature those things contained in the law: then they having no law, are a law unto themselves, which show the deed of the law written in their hearts: while their conscience beareth witness unto them, and also their thoughts, accusing one an other, or excusing at the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by jesus christ, according to my glad tidings. Behold, thou art called a jew, & trustest in the law, and reioysest in god, and knowest his will, and hast experience of good & bad, in that thou art informed by the law, & bilevest that thou thyself art a guide unto the blind, a light to them which are in darkness, an informer of them which lack discretion, a teacher of unlearned, which hast the form of that which aught to be known, and of the troth in the law. But thou which teachest an other teachest not thyself. Thou preachest a man should not steal, and yet thou stealest. Thou sayest, a man should not commit adultery, and thou breakest wedlock. Thou abhorrest images, and robbest God of his honour. Thou reioysest in the law, and thorough breaking the law, dishonourest God/ for the name of God is evil spoken of among the gentiles thorough you: Isaiah lvii a. Eze xxxvi d. as it is written. Circumcision verily availeth if thou keep the law. But if thou break the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcised keep the right things contained in the law: shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature (if it keep the law) judge thee, which being under the letter & circumcision, dost transgress the law? For he is not a jew, which is a jew outward. Neither is that thing circumcision which is outward in the flesh. But he is a jew which is hid within, and the circumcision of the heart is the true circumcision, which is in spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. ¶ He showeth what preferment the jews have, and that both the jews and gentiles are under sin, and are justified only by the grace of God in christ. CAPI. III WHat preferment then hath the jew? either what advantageth circumcision? surely very moche. First unto them was committed the word of god. What then though some of them did not believe? shall their unbelief make the promise of God without effect? God forbid. Let God be true, Psalm cxu ● Psalmo l ● & all men liars, as it is written: that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, and shouldest overcome when thou art judged. If our unryghtousnes make the righteousness of God more excellent: what shall we say? Is God unryghtous, which taketh vengeance? I speak after the manner of men. God forbid. For how then shall god judge the world? If the verity of God appear more excellent thorough my lie unto his praise, why am I henceforth judged as a sinner? and say not rather (as men evil speak of us, and as some affirm that we say) let us do evil, that good may come thereof: Whose damnation is just. What say we then? Are we better than they? Not, in no wise/ for we have already ꝓued how that both jews and gentiles are all under sin, as it is written: there is none righteous, not not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God, Psal xiii a and five a they are all go out of the way, they are all unprofitable/ there is none that doth good, not not one. Psalm u Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have deceived: the poison of asps is under their lips. Whose mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Psa. xcxxxii. ● Psalmo ix ●. Prophet▪ i ● Esay lix a Psal xxxv ● Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and wretchedness are in their ways. And the way of peax they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. ✚ We know that what so ever the law saith, he saith it to them which are under the law. That all mouths may be stopped, and all the world be subdued to God, because that by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in the sight of God. For by the law cometh the knowledge of sin. ☜ Now the righteousness that cometh of God, is declared without the fulfilling of the law, having witness of the law, and of the Prophets. The righteousness no doubt which is good before God, cometh by the faith, of jesus christ, unto all and upon all that believe. There is no difference: for all have sinned, and lack the glory of God: but are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in christ jesus, to whom God hath made a seat of mercy, thorough faith in his blood, Exodi xxv c to show the righteousness which before him is of valour, in that he forgiveth the sins that are past, which God did suffer to show at this time the righteousness that is allowed of him, that he might be counted just, and a justifier of him which believeth on jesus. ⊦ Where is then thy rejoicing? It is excluded. By what law? by the law of works? Nay, but by the law of faith. ☜ Therefore we hold that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the jews only? Is he not also the God of the gentiles? Yes of the gentiles also? For it is God only, which shall justify circumcision of faith, and uncircumcision thorough faith. Do we then destroy the law thorough faith? God forbid. But we rather establish the law. ¶ He declareth by the example of Abraham, that faith justifieth, & not the law nor the works thereof. CAPI. FOUR WHat shall we say then that Abraham our father as pertaining to the flesh, did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he wherein to rejoice, but not before God. 〈◊〉 xu b For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of favour, but of duty. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God ascribeth righteousness without deeds. 〈◊〉 xxi. a Blessed are they, whose unryghtousnes are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is that man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin. Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised, or upon the uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it reckoned? in the time of circumcision? or in the time before he was circumcised? 〈◊〉 xu b Not in the time of circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, 〈◊〉 xvii. d which faith he had yet being uncircumcised: that he should be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also: and that he might be the father of the circumcised, not because they are circumcised only, but because they walk also in the steps of the faith that was in our father Abraham, before the time of circumcision. For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not given to Abraham, or to his seed thorough the law: but thorough the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law, 〈◊〉 three a be heirs, then is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect, because the law causeth wrath/ for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour, and the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them only which are of the law, but also to them which are of the faith of Abraham, which is the father of us all. As it is written: 〈…〉. a I have made the a father to many nations, even before God whom thou hast believed which quickeneth the deed, and calleth those things which be not, as though they were. Which Abraham contrary to hope, believed in hope, that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken: So shall thy seed be. Genesis xu a And he fainted not in the faith, nor yet considered his own body whi●h was now deed, even when he was almost an hundred year old: ne yet that Sara was past child bearing. He stackered not at the promise of God thorough unbelief, but was made strong in the faith, and gave honour to God, full certified, that what he had promised, that he was able to make good. And therefore was it reckoned to him for righteousness. It is not written for him only, that it was reckoned to him for righteousness, but also for us, to whom it shall be counted for righteousness, so that we believe on him that raised up jesus our Lord from death: Which was given for our sins, and rose again for to justify us. ¶ The power of faith, hope & love: and how death reigned from Adam unto christ, by whom only we have forgiveness of sins. CAPI. V Because therefore we are justified by faith, we are at peace with God thorough our Lord jesus christ, ☜ by whom we have a way in thorough faith, unto his grace, wherein we stand & rejoice in hope of the praise that shall be given of God: Neither do we so only: but also we rejoice in tribulation. Knowing that tribulation bringeth patience, patience experience, experience bringeth hope. And hope maketh not ashamed, for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy ghost, which is given unto us. For when we were yet weyke according to the time: christ died for us which were ungodly, yet scace will any man die for a righteous man. peradventure for a good man dared a man die. ✚ Butler God setteth out his love that he hath to us, for asmuch as while we were yet sinners, christ died for us. much more than now (being justified in his blood) shall we be saved from wrath thorough him. For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son: moche more seeing we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by his life. Not only so, but we also joy in God by our Lord jesus Christ, by whom we have received the atonement. Wherefore as by one man sin entered in to the world, and death by sin. And so death went over all men, in so much that all men sinned. For even unto the time of the law was sin in the world, but sin was not regarded as long as there was no law: nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also that sinned not, with like transgression as did Adam: which is the figure of him that is to come. Adam's disobedience dampened us all ere we ourselves wrought evil And Christ's obedience saveth us all, ere we ourselves work any good. But the gift is not like as the sin. For if thorough the sin of one, many be deed: moche more plenteous upon many was the grace of God and gift by grace, which grace was given by one man jesus christ. And the gift is not over one sin, as death came thorough one sin of one that sinned/ for damnation came of one sin unto condemnation: but the gift came to justify from many sins. For if by the sin of one, death reigned by the means of one: moche more shall they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, reign in life by the means of one (that is to say) jesus christ. Likewise then as by the sin of one, condemnation came on all men: ☞ even so by the justifying of one cometh the righteousness that bringeth life upon all men. For as by one man's disobedience many become sinners: so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. But the law in the mean time entered in, that sin should increase. Nevertheless where abundance of sin was, there was more plenteousness of grace: to th'intent that as sin had reigned unto death, even so might grace reign thorough righteousness unto eternal life, by the help of jesus christ. ¶ For as moche as we be delivered thorough Christ from sin, we must fashion ourselves to live as the servants of God, and not after our own lusts. The unlike reward of righteousness and sin. CAPI. VI WHat shall we say then? Shall we continued in sin, that there may be abundance of grace? God forbid. How shall we that are deed as touching sin, live any longer therein? ✚ Remember you not that all we which are baptized in the name of jesus christ, are baptized to die with him? We are buried with him by baptism for to die, that likewise as christ was raised up from death by the glory of the father, even so we also should walk in a new life. For if we be graft in death like unto him: even so must we be in the resurrection. This we must remember, ☞ that our old man is crucified with him also, that the body of sin might utterly be destroyed, that henceforth we should not be servants of sin. For he that is deed, is justified from sin. wherefore if we be deed with Christ, we believe that we shall live with him: remembering that christ, being once raised from death, dieth no more. Death hath no more power over him. For as touching that he died, he died concerning sin, once. And as touching that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise imagine you also, that you are φ To dyr unto sin is, not to obey the desires and concupiscences of sin. deed concerning sin, but are alive unto God thorough jesus christ our Lord. ⊦ Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal bodies, that you should thereunto obey in the lusts of it. Neither give you your membres as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but give yourselves unto God, as they that are alive from death. And give your membres as instruments of righteousness unto God. Let not sin have power over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. ✚ Remember you not that to whom so ever you commit yourselves as servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey: whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? God be thanked, that where as you were the servants of sin, you have now obeyed with heart unto the form of doctrine whereunto you were delivered. You are then made free from sin, and are become servants of righteousness. ⊦ ✚ I speak after man's fashion, because of the infirmity of your flesh. For as you have given your membres, servants to uncleanness and to wickedness, running out of one wickedness in to an other: even so now give your membres servants unto righteousness, that you may be sanctified. For when you were the servants of sin, you were not under righteousness. What fruit had you then, in though things whereof you are now ashamed? For the end of them is death. But now being delivered from sin, and made the servants of God: you have your fruit to be sanctified, ☜ and the end everlasting life, for the reward of sin is death: but eternal Eternal life is the deserving of christ life is the gift of God, thorough jesus christ our Lord. ¶ christ hath delivered us front the law and death. Paul showeth what the flesh and outward man is, and calleth it the laws of the membres. CAPI. VII. Remember you not brethren (I speak to them that know the law) how that the law hath power over a man as long as it endureth? For the woman, which is subject to an husband, is bound by the law to the man as long as he liveth. If the man be deed, she is loosed from the power of the man. So then, if while the man liveth she couple herself with an other man, she shall be counted wedlock breaker. But if the man be deed she is free from the law, so that she is no wedlock breaker, ☜ though she couple herself with an other man. Even so you my brethren, are deed concerning the law by the body of christ, that you should be coupled to an other (I mean to him that is risen again from death) that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the lusts of sin which were stirred up by the law, reigned in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. But now are we delivered from the law, and deed from that whereunto we were in bondage, that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbidden, but I known not what sin meant, but by the law. For I had not known what lust had meant, unless the law had said, Exodi .xx c Deut. u b thou shalt not lust. But sin taking an occasion by the commandment wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law, sin was deed. I lived without law. ☜ But when the commandment came, sin revived, and I was deed. And the very same commandment which was ordained unto life, was found to be with me an occasion of death. For sin took occasion by the means of the commandment, and so deceived me, & by the same slay me. ●●oth i b Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, just, and good. Was that than which in good made death unto me? God forbid. Nay, sin was death unto me, that it might appear how that sin by that which is good, had wrought death in me: to th'intent that sin through the commandment, might be out of measure sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold 〈◊〉 be sold 〈◊〉 sin 〈◊〉 made 〈◊〉 man to 〈◊〉 will of 〈◊〉 only. under sin, because I wot not what I do. For what I would, that do I not: but what I hare, that do I If I do now that which I would not, I grant to the law that it is good. So then now, it is not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is to say in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing. For, to will, is present with me: but to perform that which is good, I find not. For I do not that good thing which I would, but that evil do I, which I would not. So if I do, that I would not, then is it not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then by the law, that when I would do good, evil is at hand. For I delight in the law of God, concerning the inward man. But I see an other law in my membres, rebelling against the law of my mind, and subduing me unto the law of sin, which is in my membres. O wretched man that I am, ☞ who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank god thorough jesus christ our Lord. So then the self same I in my mind serve the law of God, and in my flesh the law of sin. ¶ The law of the spirit giveth life. The spirit of God maketh us Gods children and heirs with christ The abundant love of God can not be separated. CAPI. VIII. T ✚ Here is then no damnation to them which are in Christ jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. For the law of the spirit that bringeth life thorough jesus Christ, hath enfraunchised me from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in as much as it was weak because of the flesh: that performed god, & sent his son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and by 〈◊〉 is ta●●● for a ●●●fring 〈◊〉 use ●●thren 〈◊〉 sin damned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness which is required of the law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. For they that are fleshly, are fleshly minded. But they that are ghostly, are ghostly minded. ☞ For to be carnally minded, is death. But to be spiritually minded is life and peax. ⊦ Because that the fleshly mind is enmity against God, for it is not obedient to the law of god neither can be. Now, they that are in the flesh can not please God. But you are not given to the flesh, but to the spirit: if so be the spirit of God devil in you. If there be any man that hath not the spirit of christ, the same is none of his. If christ be in you, the body is deed because of sin, but the spirit is life for righteousness sake. Wherefore if the spirit of him that raised up jesus from death, devil in you: even he that raised up christ from death, shall quicken your mortal bodies, because that his spirit dwelleth in you. ✚ Therefore brethren we are now debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if you live after the flesh, you must die. But if you mortify the deeds of the body, by the help of the spirit you shall live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage to fear any more, but you have received the spirit of φ (Adoption that is the inheritance promised by grace. adoption, whereby we cry Abba father. The same spirit certifieth our spirit, that we are the sons of god. If we be sons, we are also heirs, the heirs I mean of God, and heirs together with Christ, if so be we suffer together, that we may be glorified together. ⊦ ✚ For I suppose that the afflictions of this life, are not worthy of the glory which shall be showed upon us. For the fervent desire of the creature, abideth looking when the sons of God shall appear, because the creature is subdued to vanity not willingly/ but for his will which subdueth it in hope. ☜ For the very creature shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption in to the glorious liberty of the sons of God. For we know that every creature groaneth with us also, and travaileth in pain, even unto this tyme. Not it only, but even we also which have the first fruits of the spirit, mourn in ourselves, waiting for the adoption the deliverance of our bodies. ⊦ ✚ for we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen is no hope. For how can a man hope for that which he seethe? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience abide for it. Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmytyes/ for we know not what to desire as we aught, ☜ but the spirit maketh intercession myghtyly for us with gronynges, which can not be expressed with tongue. And he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the meaning of the spirit: for he maketh incercession for the saints according to the pleasure of God. ⊦ ✚ For we know that all things work for the best unto them that love god, which also are called φ God chooseth of his own goodness and mercy calleth thorough the Gospel: justifieth thorough faith and gloryfyeth thorough good works. of purpose. For those which he known before, he also ordained before that they should be a like fassioned unto the shape of his son, that he might be the first begotten son among many brethren. And whom he appointed before, them also he called. And which he called, them also he justified, which he justified them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? if God be on our side: who can be against us? which spared not his own son, but gave him for us all: how shall he not with him give us all things also? Who shall say any thing to the charge of Gods choose? it is god that justfieth: who then shall condemn? it is christ which is deed, yea rather which is risen again, which is also on the right hand of God, and maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of God? shall tribulation? shall anguish? shall persecution? shall hunger? shall nakedness? shall peril, shall the sword? As it is written: for thy sake are we killed all day long, Psal xliij d and are counted as sheep appointed to be slain. Nevertheless, in all these things we overcome strongly thorough his help that loved us. For I am sure, that neither death neither life, neither angels, nor rule, ne power, neither things present, ne things to come, neither height neither lowth, neither any other creature shall be able to part us from the love of God, which is in christ jesus our Lord. ⊦ ¶ Paul complaineth upon the hard hearts of the jews that would not receive christ, and how the heathen are choose in their stead. CAPI. IX. I Say the truth in christ, and lie not, in that whereof my conscience beareth me witness in the holy ghost that I have great heaviness, and continual sorrow in my heart. For I have wished myself to be cursed from christ, Note here the exceeding charity of Saint Paul which would himself be damned to save his brethren. for my brethren and my kinsmen pertaining to the flesh, which are the israelites. To whom pertaineth the adoption, and glory, and the covenants, and the law that was given, and the service of God, and the promises: whose also are the fathers, and of whom (as concerning the flesh) christ came, which is God over all, blessed for ever. Amen. I speak not of these things as though the words of God had take none effect. For they are not all israelites which came of Israel: neither are they all children, because they are the seed of Abraham. Gene. xxi b But in Isaac shall thy seed be called: that is, they which are the children of the flesh, are not the children of god. But the children of promise are counted thy seed. For this is a word of promise: Gene. xviij b. about this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. Neither was it so with her only, but also when Rebecca was with child by one, I mean by our father Isaac, ere the children were born, when they had neither done good ne bad (that the purpose of god, which is by election, might stand) it was said unto her, not by the reason of works, but by grace of the caller: the elder shall serve the younger. Gene. xxv c As it is written: jacob he loved, but Esau he hated. What shall we say then? Exo xxxiij d. Is there any unryghtousnes with God. Not, not so. For he saith to Moses: I will show mercy, to whom I show mercy: and will have compassion on whom I have compassion. ☞ So lieth it not then in a man's will or running, Exodi ix d but in the mercy of God. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, even for this same purpose have I stirred the up, to show my power on thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the world. So hath he mercy on whom he will, and whom he will, he maketh hard hearted. Thou wilt say then unto me: why then blameth he us yet? For who can resist his will? But O man, what art thou which disputest with God? Shall the work say to the work man: why hast thou made me on this fashion? Hath not the potter power over the clay, even of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and an other unto dishonour? That if God willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known suffered with long patience the vessels of wrath ordained to damnation, that he might declare the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had prepared unto glory: that is to say, us which he called, not of the jews only, but also of the gentiles. As he saith in Osee: Osee two d i Petr two a I will call them my people which were not my people: and her beloved which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said unto them, you are not my people: that there shallbe called the children of the living God. But Isaiah crieth for Israel, Isaiah ten e though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the see yet shall but a remnant be saved. He fynissheth the word verily, and maketh it short in rightwiseness. For a short word will God make on earth. And as Isaiah said before: Isaiah i c unless the Lord of Saboth had left us seed, we had been made as Sodoma and had been likened to Gomorra. What shall we say then? We say the gentiles which followed not rightwiseness have overtaken rightwiseness: ☜ I mean the rightwiseness which cometh of faith. But Israel which followed the law of ryghtewysnes, could not attain unto the law of ryghtewysnes. And wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith: but as it were by the works of the law. For they have stumbled at the stumbling stone. As it is written: Isaiah viij c and xxviij. d i Petri two ●. Behold I put in Zion a stumbling stone, and a rock which shall make men fall. And none that believe on him, shallbe ashamed. ¶ The unfaithfulness of the jews. Two manner of righteousness. CAPI. X. Brethrens, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel, is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record they have a fervent mind towards God, but not according to knowledge For being ignorant of the righteousness which is allowed before God, and going about to stablish their own righteousness they are not obedient unto the righteousness which is of value before God. For christ is the end of the law, to justify all that believe. Moses describeth the righteousness which cometh of the law, that the man which doth the things of the law, shall live therein. Levi xviij ●. Ezech. twenty a. duty xxx c But the righteousness which cometh of faith, speaketh on this wise: Say not in thy heart, who shall ascend in to heaven (that is nothing else then to fetch christ down) Either who shall descend in to the deep? (that is nothing else but to fetch up christ from death.) But what saith the scripture? The word is nigh thee, 〈◊〉 thirty c even in thy mouth and in thine heart. This word is the word of faith which we preach. For if thou shalt knowledge with thy mouth that jesus is the Lord, and shalt believe with thine heart, that God raised him up from death thou shalt be safe. ✚ For the belief of the heart justifieth, and to knowledge with the mouth, maketh a man safe. For the scripture says: Who so ever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 〈◊〉 xxviij. There is no difference between the jew & the gentle. For one is Lord over all, which is rich unto all that call on him. For who so ever shall call on the name of the Lord, shallbe safe. But how shall they call on him, on whom they believed not? how shall they believe on him, of whom they have not herd? how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach 〈◊〉 x. b 〈…〉 d except they be sent? As it is written: * How beautiful are the feet of them, which bring glad tidings of peax, and bring glad tidings of good things. But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Esay saith: ● xxxiij a Lord who shall believe our sayings? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing, by the word of God, But I ask: have they not herd? ●●viij c No doubt, their sound went out into all lands: and their words into the ends of the world. ⊦ Butler I demand/ whether Israel did know or not? First Moses saith: ●. xxxlj c I will provoke you to envy, by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. Esay after that, is bold, and saith: ●xv. a. I am found of them that sought me not, and have appeared to them, that asked not after me. And against Israel he saith: ● lxv. a. All day long have I stretched forth my hands unto a people that believeth not, but speaketh against me. ¶ All the jews are not cast away, therefore Paul warneth the gentiles that be called, not to be high minded nor to despise the jews, for the judgements of God are deep and secret. CAPI. XI. I Say then: Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For even I am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, & of the tribe of BenIamin, God hath not cast away his people which he knew before. Either wot you not what the scripture saith by the mouth of Helias, how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying? ●● xix Lord they have killed thy Prophets, & digged down thine altars: and I am left only, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God to him again? I have reserved unto me seven thousand men, which have not bowed the knee to Baal. Even so at this time is there a remnant left thorough the election of grace. If it be of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 thigꝭ grace, then is it not of works. For than were grace no more grace. If it be of works, then is it no more grace. For than were deserving no longer deserving. What then? Israel hath not obtained that he sought. Not but yet the election hath obtained it. The remnant are blinded, according as it is written: Esay vi c Math. xiij john xii f Actus xxviij God hath given them the spirit of unquietness: eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, even unto this day. * Ps. lxxxviij And David saith: Let their table be made a snare to take them with all, and an occasion to fall, and a reward unto them. Let their eyes be blinded that they see not: and even bow down their backs. I say then: have they therefore stumbled, that they should but fall only? God forbid: but thorough their fall is salvation happened unto the gentiles, to provoke them with. Wherefore if the fall of them, be the riches of the world: and the minishing of them the riches of the gentiles: How much more should it be so, if they all believed. I speak to you gentiles, in as much as I am the Apostle of the gentiles, I will magnify mine office, that I might provoke them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them, be the reconceling of the world: what shall the receiving of them be, but life again from death? For if the beginnings be holy, ☜ the hole heap is holy. And if the rote be holy, the branches are holy also. Though some of the branches be broken of, and thou being a wild olive tree, art grafted in among them, and made partaker of the rote and fatness of the olive tree, boast not thyself against the branches. For if thou boast thyself, remember that thou bearest not the rote, but the rote the. Thou will't say then: the branches are broken of, that I might be graft in. Thou sayest well: because of unbelief they are broken of, & thou standest steadfast in faith. Be not of an halt mind, but fear sith God spared not the natural branches, lest haply he also spare not the. Behold the kindness and rigorousness of God: on them which fallen, rigorousness: ☜ but towards thee, kindness: if thou continued in his kindness. Or else thou shalt be hewn of, and they if they abide not still in unbelief, shallbe grafted in again. For God is of power to graff them in again. For if thou wast cut out of a natural wild olive tree, & wast grafted contrary to nature in a true olive tree: how moche more shall the natural branches be grafted in their own olive tree again I would not that this mystery should be hid from you my brethren, lest you should be wise in your own conceits, for as much as blindness is partly happened in Israel, till the fullness of the gentiles be come in: and so all Israel shallbe saved. As it is written: Esay lix d There shall come out of Zion he that doth deliver, and shall turn away the ungodliness of jacob. And this is my promise unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election they are loved for the father's sakes. For the gifts & calling of God are such that it can not repent him of them: for as you in time past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy thorough their unbelief: even so now have they not believed the mercy which is happened unto you, that they also may obtain mercy. ☞ God hath wrapped all nations in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all. O the deepness of the riches and wisdom, and knowledge of God: how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways untraceable? For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who was his counsellor? either who hath given unto him first, that he might be recompensed again? For of him, and thorough him, and for him are all things. To him be glory for ever Amen. ¶ The sweet conversation, love, and works of such as believe in christ. CAPI. XII. I ✚ Beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, Philip iiii c that you make your bodies a quick sacrifice, holy acceptable to God: φ The pleasant sacrifice to god, is not in killing the unreasonable beasts: but in offering the pure body, of the reasonable man. your reasonable sacrifice, and do not fashion yourselves unto this world: but be you transformed, by the renewing of your wits, that you may feel what is the good, the acceptable and perfaicte will of God. For I say (thorough the grace given unto me) to every man among you, that no man esteem of himself more than becometh him to esteem, but that he discreetly judge of himself, according as God hath parted to every man the measure of Faith. As we have many members in one body, & all membres have not one office: ☞ so we being many, i Corin xii b. Ephesi four b are one body in Christ, and every man among ourselves, one an others members. ⊦ ✚ saying that we have divers gifts according to the grace that is given us: if any man have the gift of Prophecy, let him have it that it be agreeing unto the faith. Let him that hath an office, wait on his office. Let him that teacheth, take heed to his doctrine. Let him that exhorteth, give attendance to his exhortation. If any man give, let him do it with singleness. Let him that ruleth, do it with diligence. If any man show mercy, let him do it with cherfulnesse. Let love be unfeigned. Hate that is evil, and cleave unto that is good. Amos v Ephesi four a c Petri u b. Be kind one to an other with brotherly love. In giving φ Erasmus writeth the honour is taken here for relief, succour, or help, For so are we also bound, to honour our parents. honour, prevent one an other. Let not that business which you have in hand be tedious to you. Be fervent in the spirit. Apply yourselves to the tyme. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation. Continued in prayer. Distribute unto the necessity of the holy, and be ready to harbour. Bless them which persecute you: bless but curse not. Be merry with them that are merry. Weep with them that weep. Be of like affection one to an other. Be not high minded but make yourselves equal, to them of the lower sort. ⊦ ✚ Be not wise in your own opinions. Recompense to no man evil for evil. provide aforehand things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, how be it, of your part have peax with all men. Derly beloved avenge not yourselves, but give place to wrath. For it is written: Deut. xxxii c Hebre x c Vengeance is mine, I will acquit, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst give him drink. For in so doing thou shalt heap * Coals, that is thou shalt kindle him, & make him to love coals of fire on his heed. Be not overcome of evil: but overcome evil with good. ⊦ ¶ The obedience of men unto their rulars. Love fulfilleth the law. It is now no time to follow the works of darkness. CAPI. XIII. LEt every soul submit himself unto the authority of the higher powers. For there is no power but of God. The powers that be, are ordained of God. Who so ever therefore resisteth power, resisteth the ordinance of God. And they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulars are not to be feared for good works, but for evil Will't thou be without fear of the power? Do well then: and so shalt thou be praised of the same. For he is the minister of God, for thy wealth. But if thou do evil, than fear: for he beareth not a sword for naught, but is the minister of God, to take vengeance on them that do evil. ☜ Wherefore you must needs obey not for fear of vengeance only: but also because of conscience. And even for this cause pay you tribute. For they are Gods ministers, serving for the same purpose. give to every man therefore his duty: tribute to whom tribute belongeth: custom to whom custom is due: fear to whom fear belongeth: honour to whom honour pertaineth. ✚ Own nothing to any man: but to love one an other. For he that loveth an other, fulfilleth the law. For these commaundmentes Exodi .xx c Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not desire and so forth (if there be any other commandment) they are all comprehended in this saying: φ Love, is the fulfilling of the law. Love thine neighbour as thyself. Love hurteth not his neighbour. Therefore is love the fulfilling of the law. ⊦ ✚ This also we know, I mean the season, how that it is time, that we should now awake out of sleep. For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is passed/ and the day is come nigh. Let us therefore cast away the deeds of darkness, & let us put on, the armour of light. Let us walk honestely as it were in the day light: not in eating and drinking: neither in chamburing and wantonness, neither in strife and envying: but put you on the Lord jesus Christ. ⊦ Andrea make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts of it. ¶ The weak ought not to be despised. No man should offend another's conscience. Again, for outward things should no man condemn an other. CAPI. XIIII. HIm that is weak in the faith, receive unto you, not in disputing and troubling his conscience. One believeth that he may eat all thing. An other which is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not. And let not him which eateth not, judge him that eateth. For God hath received him. What art thou that judgest an other man's servant? Whether he stand or fall, that pertaineth unto his master: yea, he shall stand. For God is able to make him stand. ☞ This man putteth difference between day and day. another man counteth all days a like. See that no man waver in his own meaning. He that observeth one day more than an other, doth it for the lords pleasure. And he that observeth not one day more than another, doth it to please the Lord also. He that eateth, doth it to please the Lord, for he giveth God thanks. And he that eateth not, eateth not, to please the Lord withal, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth his own servant: neither doth any of us die his own servant. If we live, we live to be at the Lords will. And if we die, we die at the Lords will. Whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lords. For Christ therefore died and rose again, and revived that he might be Lord, both of deed and quick. But why dost thou then judge thy brother? Other why dost thou despise thy brother? We shallbe all brought before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written: 〈◊〉 xlv d. As truly as I live, saith the Lord, all knees shall bow to me, and all tongues shall give knowledge to God. So shall every one of us give accounts of himself/ to God. Let us not therefore judge one an other any more. But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion, to fall in his brother's way. For I know and am full certyfyed in the Lord jesus, that there is nothing comen of itself: but unto him that judgeth it to be comen: to him is it comen. If thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 'Cause not your 〈◊〉 trea●●●● our ●●dge. treasure to be evil spoken of. For the kingdom of God is not meat & drink: but rightwiseness, peax, and joy in the holy ghost. For who so ever in these things serveth Christ, pleased well God, and is commended of men. Let us follow though things which make for peax, and things wherewith one may edify an other. 〈◊〉 d Destroy not the work of God for a little meats sake. All things are pure: but it is evil for that man, which eateth with hurt of his conscience. It is good neither to eat flesh, neither to drink wine, neither any thing, whereby thy brother stombleth, either falls, or is made weak. Haste thou faith? have it with thyself before God. To do against conscience is damnable. And all that is not of faith is sin. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he aloweth. For he that maketh conscience, is damned if he eat: because he doth it not of faith. Now, what so ever is not of faith, is sin. ¶ The infirmity and frailness of the weak ought to be born with all love and kindness, after the example of christ. CAPI. XU. WE which are strong, aught to bear the frailty of them which are weak, and not to stand in our own conceits. Let every man please his neighbour unto his wealth and edifying. Christ pleased not himself: but as it is written. He is strong that can bear another man's weakness. Psal lxv●ii. b The rebukes of them which rebuked thee, fell on me. ✚ What so ever things are written afore time, are written for our learning, that we thorough patience and comfort of the scripture, might have hope. The God of patience and consolation, give unto every one of you, that you be like minded one towards an other after the example of Christ jesus: that you all agreeing together, may with one mouth praise God the father of our Lord jesus. Wherefore receive you one an other as Christ received us, to the praise of God. But this I say that jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. And let the gentiles praise God for his mercy, as it is written: Psal xvii d ii Reg. xxii d. Psal cxvi a. For this cause I will praise the among the gentiles, and sing in thy name. And again he saith: rejoice you gentiles with his people. And again: Praise the Lord all you gentiles, and laud him all nations. And in an other place Isaiah saith: * Isaiah xi c There shall be the rote of jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the gentiles: in him shall the gentiles trust. The God of hope fill you with all joy and peax in believing: that you may be rich in hope, thorough the power of the holy ghost. ⊦ I myself am full certified of you my brethren, that you yourselves are full of goodness and filled with all knowledge, and are able to exhort one an other. Nevertheless, brethren, I have somewhat boldly written unto you, as one that putteth you in remembrance, thorough the grace that is given me of God: that I should be the minister of jesus Christ among the gentiles, and should minister the glad tidings of God, that the gentles might be an acceptable offering, sanctified by the holy ghost. I have therefore whereof I may rejoice in Christ jesus, in though things which pertain to god. For I dare not speak of any of though things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the gentiles obedient with word and deed, in mighty signs & wonders, by the power of the spirit of God: so that from jerusalem and the costs round about unto Illyricum, I have filled all countries with the glad tidings of Christ. So have I enforced myself to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should have built on an other man's foundation: but as it is written: Esay liij d To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that heard not, shall understand. For this cause I have been often let, to come unto you: but now for as much as I have no more to do in these countries, and also have been desirous many years to come unto you, when I shall take my journey into Spain, I will come to you. I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, after that I have somewhat rejoiced in you. Now go I unto jerusalem, and minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain distribution upon the poor φ The scripture call all faithful people saints. saints which are at jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily, and their debtors are they. For if the gentiles be made partetakers of their spiritual things, ☞ their duty is to minister unto them in carnal things. When I have performed this, and have brought them this fruit sealed I will come back again by you into Spain. And I am sure when I come, that I shall come with abundance of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. I beseech you brethren for our Lord jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the spirit, that you help me in my business with your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them which believe not, in jewry, and that this my service, which I have to jerusalem, may be accepted of the saints, that I may come unto you with joy, by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. The God of peax be with you: Amen. ¶ A chapter of salutations. He warneth them to beware of men's doctrine, and commends unto them certain godly men, that were lovers and brethren in the troth. CAPI. XVI. I Commend unto you Phebe our sister (which is a minister of the congregation of Cenchrea) that you receive her in the Lord, as it becometh saints, and that you assist her in what so ever business, she needeth of your aid. For she hath suckered many, and mine own self. great Prisca and Aquila my helpers in Christ jesus, which have for my life laid down their own necks. Unto which not I only give thanks, but also the congregation of the gentiles. Likewise great the congregation that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epenetes, which is the * First fru●e: that is the first that was converted to god first fruit among them of Achaia. great Mary which bestowed moche labour on us. Salute Andronycus & junia my cousins, which were prisoners with me also, which are well taken among the Apostles, and were in Christ before me. great Ampitas my beloved in the Lord. Salute Vrban our helper in Ch●i●t, and Stachis my beloved. Salute Appelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobolus household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. great them of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Triphena and Triphosa, which women did labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured moche in the Lord. Salute Rufus choose in the Lord, & his mother & mine. great Asineritus, Phlegon, Herman, Patrobas, Hermen, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus and julia, Nercus and his sister, & Olympha, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one an other with an holy kiss. The congregations of Christ salute you. I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause division, and give occasions of evil, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them. For they that are such, ☜ serve not the Lord jesus Christ: but their own bellies, and with sweet preachings & flattering words, deceive the hearts of the innocentes. For your obedience extendeth all men. I am glad surely of you. But yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and to be innocent as concerning evil. The God of peax tread Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ, be with you. Timotheus my work fellow, and Lucius and jason, and Sopater my kinsmen, salute you, I Tertius salute you, which written this Epistle in the Lord. Gayus mine host, and the host of all the congregations, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you. And Quartus a brother saluteth you. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ, be with you all: Amen. To him that is of power to establish you according to my Gospel and preaching of jesus Christ in uttering of the mystery which was kept secret sithence the world began, but now is opened by the scriptures of Prophecy at the commandment of the everlasting God, to steer up obedience to the faith published among all nations: To the same God, which alone is wise, be praise thorough jesus Christ, for ever. AMEN. ¶ To the Romayns. ¶ Scent from Corinthum by Phebe she that was the minister unto the congregation at Cenchrea. ¶ The first epistle of S. Paul the Apostle, to the Corinthians. ¶ He commends the Corinthians, exhorteth them to be of one mind, and rebuketh the division that was amongs them, worldly wisdom is foolishness before God, yea there is no wisdom but in the despised cross of God. CAPI. I Paul by vocation an Apostle of jesus Christ thorough the will of God, and brother Sosthenes. Unto the congregation of God which is at Corinthe. To them that are sanctified in Christ jesus, saints by calling, with all that call on the name of our Lord jesus Christ in every place both of there's and of ours. Grace be with you, and peaxe from God our father, and from the Lord jesus Christ. ✚ I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God given you by jesus Christ, that in all things you are made rich by him, in all learning and in all knowledge, even as the testimony of jesus Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are behind in no gift, and wait for the appearing of our Lord jesus Christ which shall strengthen you unto the end, ●sal u that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord jesus Christ. ⊦ For God is faithful, by whom you are called unto the fellowship of his son jesus Christ our Lord I beseech you brethren, in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, that you all speak one thing, and that there be no dissension amongs you: but be ●●knytte together in one mind and in one meaning: It is showed me (my brethren) of you, by them that are of the house of Cloe that there is strife among you. I mean this that commonly among you, one saith: I hold of Paul: another I hold of Apollo: the third, I hold of Cephas: the fourth I hold of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Either were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gayus, lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. I baptized also the house of Stephana. Furthermore know I not, whether I baptized any man or no. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should have been made of none effect. For the preaching of the ●●●●chinge ●rosse is ●●wer of 〈◊〉 cross, is to them that perish, foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 〈◊〉 xxvi c 〈◊〉 c ● xxxiii c I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will cast away the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the searcher of this world? Hath not God made the wisdom of this world, foolishness? For when the world, thorough wisdom knew not God, in the wisdom of God: it pleased God thorough foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the jews require a sign, & the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the jews an occasion of falling, & unto the Greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called both of the jews and Greeks, we preach Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God, is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Brethrens look on your calling, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many of high degree, are called: But God hath choose the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise. And God hath choose the weak things of the world, to confound things which are mighty. And vile things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God choose, yea and things of no reputation, for to bring to naught things of reputation, that no flesh should rejoice in his his presence. And unto him pertain you, in Christ jesus, which of God is made unto us wisdom, and also rightwiseness, and sanctifying and redention. That according as it is written: Heir ix g he which rejoiceth, should rejoice in the Lord. ¶ It is not eloquence and glorious painted words of worldly wisdom, that can edelye and convert souls unto christ: but the plain words of the scripture for they make mention of him and his Cross. CAPI. II ANd I brethren when I came to you, came not in gloriousness of words, or of wisdom, showing unto you the testimony of God. Neither showed I myself, that I knew any thing among you save jesus Christ, even the same that was crucified. And I was among you in weakness, and in fear, and in moche trembling. And my words, and my preaching, was not with enticing words of man's wisdom: but in showing of the spirit and of power that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. That we speak of, is wisdom among them that are φ Perfect are they that under stan●e the law, faith & works truly and profess them. perfect: not the wisdom of this world, neither of the rulars of this world (which go to naught) but we speak the wisdom of God, which is in mystery and lieth hid, which God ordained before the word unto our glory: which wisdom none of the rulars of this world knew. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: Isaiah lxiiii b The eye hath not seen, and the ear hath not herd neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath opened them unto us, by his spirit. For the spirit searcheth all things, yea the bottom of God's secrets. For what man knoweth the things of a man: save the spirit of a man which is within him. Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God. Now, we have not received the spirit of the world: but the spirit which cometh of God, for to know the things that are given to us of God, which things also we speak, not in the cunning words of man's wisdom, but with the cunning words of the holy ghost, making spiritual comparisons of spiritual things. For the natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God. For they are but foolishness to him. Neither can he perceive them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual, discusseth all things: yet he himself is judged of no man. Isaiah lx d Rome xi d * For who knoweth the mind of the Lord, either who shall inform him? But we understand the mind of Christ. ¶ Paul rebuketh the sects and authors thereof. christ is the foundation of his church. No man ought to rejoice in men, but in God. CAPI. III ANd I could not speak unto you brethren, as unto spiritual: but as unto carnal, even as it were unto babes in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, and not meat. For you then were not strong, not neither yet are. For you are yet carnalle. For as long as there is among you, envying, strife and dissension: are you not carnal, and walk after the manner of men? As long as one says I hold of Paul: and another, I am of Apollo, are you not carnal? What is Paul? What thing is Apollo? Only ministers are they, by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave every man grace. I have planted, Apollo watered: but God gave the increase. So then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, but God that gave the increase. He that planteth/ and he that watereth, are neither better than other. Every man yet shall receive his reward, according to his labour. We are Gods labourers/ you are God's husbandry, you are God's building. According to the grace of God, given unto me, as a wise builder have I lady the foundation. And an other built thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon. For other foundation can no man say, then that which is laid, which is jesus Christ. If any man build on this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones: timber, hay or stubble: every man's work shall appear. For the day shall declare it, and it shallbe showed in fire. And the fire shall try every man's work what it is. If any man's work that he hath built upon abide, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work burn, he shall suffer loss, but he shallbe safe himself: nevertheless yet as it were thorough fire. ✚ Are you not ware that you are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of god him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man seem wise amongs you, ☞ let him be a fool in this world, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written: * job v c Psal xciij b. he compaseth the wise in their craftiness. And again: * job v c Psal xciij b. God knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they be vain. Therefore let no man rejoice in men. For all things are yours, whether it be Paul, either Apollo, either Cephas: Whether it be the world, either life, either death, whether they be present things or things to come: all are yours: and you are Christ's, and Christ is Gods. ⊦ ¶ The preachers are but ministers. judgement belongeth only unto God. CAPI. FOUR L ✚ Et men in this wise esteem us, The apostles are ministers even as the ministers of Christ, and disposers of the secrets of God. Furthermore it is required of the disposers that they be found faithful. With me is it but a very small thing that I should be judged of you, either of (man's day) No I judge not mine own self. Man's day, 〈◊〉 is man's wisdom. I know naught by myself: yet am I not thereby justified. It is the Lord that judgeth me. Therefore judge nothing before the time, till the Lord come, which will lighten things that are hid in darkness, and open the counsels of the hearts. And then shall every man have praise of god. ⊦ These things (brethren) I have described in mine own person and Apollo's, for your sakes, that you might learn by us, that no man think of himself beyond that which is above written: that one swell not against an other, for any man's cause. ☜ For who prefereth thee? What hast thou, that thou hast not received? If thou have received, why reioysest thou, as though thou hadst not received it? Now you are full: now you are made rich: you reign as kings without us: and I would to god you did reign, that we might reign with you. Me thinketh that god hath set forth us, which are Apostles, for the lowest of all, as it were men appointed to death. For we are a gazing stock unto the world, and to the Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, and you are wise thorough Christ. The fashion of true Apostles. Actu twenty g i Thess. ii b two. Thesso three We are weak, and you are strong. You are honourable, & we are despised. Even unto this day we hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are boffetted with fists, & have no certain dwelling place, and labour, working with our own hands. We are reviled, and yet we bless. We are persecuted, and suffer it. We are evil spoken of, and we pray. We are made as it were the filthiness of the world, the of scowringe of all things, even unto this tyme. I write not these things to shame you: but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ: yet have you not many fathers. In Christ jesus, I have begotten you thorough the gospel. Wherefore I desire you to follow me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timothe which is my dear son and faithful in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which I have in christ, even as I teach every where in all congregations. Some swell as though I would come no more at you. But I will come to you shortly, if God will: and will know, not the words of them which swell, ☞ but the power: for the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power. What will you? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or else in love, and in the spirit of meekness? ¶ After what manner Paul curseth the man, that had committed fornication with his mother in law. CAPI. V ●acion. THere goeth a comen saying that there is fornication among you, and such fornication, as is not once named among the Gentiles: that one should have his father's wife. And you swell, and have not rather sorrowed, that he which have done this deed might be put forth of your company. For I verily as absent in body, even so present in spirit, have determined already (as though I were present) of him that hath done this deed, in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of the Lord jesus christ, to deliver him unto φ Satan, ●●ny●s to de●● fleshly ●me 〈◊〉 ●ay be 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉. for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord jesus. Your rejoicing is not good: know you not that a little leaven. soureth the hole lump of dough. ✚ purge you therefore the old leaven that you may be new dough, as you are sweet breed. For Christ our Esterlambe is offered up for us. Therefore let us keep holy day, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness: but with the sweet breed of pureness and truth. ⊦ I written unto you in an Epistle, that you should not accompany with fornicators. And I meant not at all of the fornicators of this world, either of the covetous, or of extorsioners, either of the ydolaters: for than must you needs have go out of the world. But now I writ unto you that you company not together, if any that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or a worshipper of Images, either a railer, either a dronckerd, or an extortioner: with him that is such, see you eat not. For what have I to do, to judge them which are without? Do you not judge them that are within? Them that are without, God shall judge. Put a way from you that evil person. ¶ He rebuketh them for going to law together before the Heythen, and reproveth uncleanness. CAPI. VI 〈◊〉 law HOw dare one of you, having business with an other go to law under the wicked, and not rather under the saints? Do you not know that the saints shall judge ☞ the world? If the world shall be judged by you: are you unworthy to judge small trifles: know you not that we shall judge the angels? How moche more may we judge things that pertain to the life? If you have judgements of worldly matters, take them which are despised in the congregation, & make them judges. This I say to your shame. Is there no wise man among you? What, not one at all, that can judge between brother & brother, but one brother goeth to law with an other: and that under the unbelievers? Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because you go to law one with an other. Why rather suffer you not wrong? why rather suffer you not yourselves to be rob? nay, you yourselves do wrong, and rob: and that the brethren. Do you not remember that the unryghtous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived. For neither fornicators, neither worshippers of images neither whoremongers, neither tenderlynges neither abusers of themselves with the malekind, neither thieves, neither covetous, neither dronkerdes, neither cursed speakers, neither pyllers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were you verily: but you are washed: you are φ Sauntyfyinge and justifying come by christ & his sprite. sanctified: you are justified by the the name of the Lord jesus, and by the spirit of oar God. All things are lawful unto me: but all things are not profitable. I may do all things, but I will be brought under no man's power. Meats are ordained for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destorye both it & them. Let not the body be applied unto fornication, but unto the Lord, and the Lord unto the body. God hath raised up the Lord, and shall raise us up by his power. ✚ Either remember you not, that your bodies are the φ Our bodies are the membres of christ. members of Christ? shall I now take the membres bres of christ and make the membres of an harlot? God forbid. Do you not understand, that he which coupleth himself with an harlot, is become one body? Genesis ii b. For two (saith he) shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord, is one spirit. flee fornication. All sins that a man doth, are without the body. But he that is a fornicator, sinneth against his own body. Either know you not that your bodies are the temple of the holy ghost, which is in you, whom you have of God, and how you are not your own? For you are dearly bought. Therefore glorify you God in your bodies, and in your spirits, for they are Gods. ⊦ ¶ Of marriage, virginity and wyddowheade. CAPI. VII. A ✚ S concerning the things whereof you written unto me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless to avoid fornication, let every man have his wife, and let every woman have her husband. Let the man give unto the wife due benevolence. Likewise also the wife unto the man. The wife hath not power over her own body: but the husband. And like wise the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife. Withdraw not your selves one from an other, unless it be with consent for a time, to give yourselves to fasting and prayer. And afterward come again to the same thing, jest Satan tempt you for your incontinency. ⊦ This I say of favour, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, an other after that. I say unto the unmarried men and widows: it is good for them if they abide even as I do. ☞ But if they can not abstain, let them marry. For it is better to marry then to burn. Unto the married command not I, but the Lord: that the wife separate not herself from the man. If she separate herself, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled unto her husband again. And let not the husband put away his wife from him. To the remnant speak I & not the Lord. If any brother have a wife that believeth not, if she be content to devil with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath to her husband an infidel, if he consent to devil with her, let her not put him away. For the unbyleving husband is santifyed by the wife, and the unbyleving wife is sanctified by the husband. Or else were your children unclean, but now are they pure. But if the unbyleving depart, let him depart A brother or a sister is not in subjection to such. God hath called us in peax. For how knowest thou (oh woman) whether thou shalt save that man or no? Either how knowest thou (oh man) whether thou shalt save that woman or no? but even as God hath distributed to every man. As the Lord hath called every person, so let him walk/ and so ordain I in all congregations. If any man be called being circumcised let him add nothing thereto. If any be called uncircumcised, let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing/ uncircumcision is nothing, ☞ but the keeping of the commandments of God is all together. ✚ Let every man abide in the same state wherein he was called. Art thou called a servant? care not for it. Nevertheless if thou m●ist be free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord being a servant, is the lords freeman. Likewise he that is called being free, is Chrystes servant. You are dearly bought, be not men's servants. Brethrens, let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God? ⊦ As concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord, yet give I counsel, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord, to be faithful. I suppose that it is good for the present necessity. For it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But if thou take a wife, thou synnest not. Likewise if a virgin mary, she sinneth not. Nevertheless, such shall have trouble in their flesh, but I favour you. This say I brethren, the time is short. It remaineth that they which have wives, be as though they had none/ and they that weep be as thought they wept not/ and they that rejoice, be as though they rejoiced not: and they that buy, be as though they possessed not: and they that use this world, be as though they used it not. For the fashion of this world goeth away. I would have you without care. The single man careth for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But he that hath married, careth for the things of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference between a virgin and a wife. The single woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be pure both in body, and also in spirit. But she that is married, careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. This speak I for your perfect, not to entangle you in a snare but for that which is honest and comely unto you, and that you may quietly cleave bnto the Lord without separation. If any man think it uncomely for his virgin, if she pass the time of marriage, and if so need require, let him do what he lifteth, he sinneth not: let them be coupled in marriage. Nevertheless he that purposeth surely in his heart, having none need: but hath power over his own will: and hath so decreed in his heart, that he will keep his virgin, doth well. So then he that joineth his virgin in marriage, doth well. But he that joineth not his virgin in marriage, doth better. The wife is bound to the law, as long as her husband liveth. If her husband sleep, she is at liberty to mary with whom she will, only in the Lord, but she is happier if she so abide in my judgement. And I think verily that I have the spirit of God. ¶ He rebuketh them that use their liberty to the slander of other, and showeth how men ought to behave them toward such as be weak. CAPI. VIII. TO speak of things dedicated unto idols, A little love is better than moche knowledge. we are sure that we all have knowledge. Knowledge maketh a man swell, but love edifieth. If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he aught to know. But if any man love god, the same is known of him. To speak of meat dedicated unto idols, we are sure there is none idol in the world. and that there is none other God but one. And though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven, or in earth (as there be Gods many, and Lords many) yet unto us is there but one God, which is the father, of whom are all things, & we in him/ and one Lord jesus christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But every man hath not knowledge, for some suppose that there is an idol till this hour, and eat as a thing offered unto the idol, and so their consciences being yet weak, are defiled. Meat maketh us not acceptable to God. Neither if we eat are we the better, neither if we eat not are we the worse. But take heed that your liberty 'cause not the weak to fall. For if some man see thee, which hast hnowlege sit at meat in the idols temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak, be boldened to eat those things which are offered to the idol? And so thorough thy knowledge, shall the weak brother perish for whom christ died. When you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak consciences/ you sin against christ. Wherefore if meat hurt my brother, 〈…〉 doth. I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, because I will not hurt my brother. ¶ Love forbeareth the thing that she may do by the law. He exhorteth them to run forth in the course that they have begun. CAPI. IX. AM I not an Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen jesus Christ our lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I be not an Apostle unto other, yet am I unto you. For the seal of mine apostleship are you in the Lord. Mine answer to them that ask me, is this. Have we not power to eat and to drink? Either have we not power to lead about a sister to wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord & Cephas? Either only I and Barnabas have not power this to do? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own cost? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit? Who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk? say I these things after the manner of men? 〈◊〉 ●vi. a Or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses. Thou? shalt not mosel the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take thought for oxen? Either saith he it not all together for our sakes? For our sakes undoubtedly this is written that he which eareth should ear in hope: and that he which throsseth in hope should be partaker of this hope. If we sow unto you spiritual things: neither right ●●age a 〈◊〉 for ●oure. is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things? If other be partakers of this power over you, wherefore are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power, but suffer all things, least we should hinder the Gospel of christ. Do you not understand, that they which minister in the temple have their finding of the temple? And they which wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar. Even so also did the Lord ordain, that they which preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things. Neither written I these things that it should be so done unto me, for it were better for me to die, then that any man should take this rejoicing from me. In that I preach the gospel, I have nothing to rejoice of. For necessity is put unto me. Woe is it unto me if I preach not the gospel. If I do it with a good will, I have reward. But if I do it against my will, an office is committed unto me. What is my reward then? He that worketh of love to his neighbour hath his reward. verily that when I preach the gospel, I make the gospel of Christ fire, that I misuse not mine authority in the gospel. For though I be fire from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all men, that I might win the more. Unto the jews, I become as a jew, to win the jews. To them that were under the law, was I made as though I had been under the law, to win them that were under the law. To them that were without law, become I as though I had been without law (when I was not without law, as pertaining to God, but under a law as concerning christ) to win them that were without law. To the weak become I as weak, to win the weak. In all things I fassyoned myself to all men, to save at the leestwaye, some. And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might have my part thereof. ✚ perceive you not that they which run in a course, run all, yet but one receiveth the reward. So run, that you may obtain. Every man that proveth maisteryes, abstayneth from all things. And they do it to obtain a corruptible crown: but we to obtain an uncorrutyble crown. I therefore run, not as at an uncertain thing. So fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I tame my body, and bring it in to subjection, least after that I have preached to other, I myself should be a cast away. ⊦ ¶ He fears them with the exemples of the old testament, and exhorteth them to a godly conversation. CAPI. X. Brethrens I would not you should be ignorant of this, Exodi xiii d. Exodi xiiii e how our fathers were all under a cloud, and all passed thorough the see, and were all baptized under Moses, in the cloud and in the see: and did all eat of one spiritual meat, and did * all drink of one manner of spiritual drink. Exodi xvi e Exodi. xvil. b Numeri twenty a Nun xxv b Nun xiiii e And they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them, which rock was Christ. ⊦ Butt in many of them had God no delight. For they were overthrown in the wilderness. These are exemples to us ✚ that we should not lust after evil things, as they lusted. Neither be you worshippers of images as were some of them according as it is written: Exod. xxxii b * The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up again to play. Neither let us commit fornication * as some of them committed fornication, Nun xxv a Psalm .cv. d and were destroyed in one day xxiij thousand. Neither let us tempt christ, as some of them tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur you as some of them murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer. All these things happened unto them for exemples, and were written/ to put us in remembrance, on whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, ☞ take heed lest he fall. There hath none other temptation taken you, but such as followeth the nature of man. But god is faithful, which shall not suffer you to be tempted above your strength: but shall in the mids of the temptation make a way to escape out. ⊦ Wherefore my dear beloved flee from worshipping of idols. I speak as unto them which have discretion, judge you what I say. Is not the φ Cup. Cup of blessing which we bless, partaking of the blood of Christ? Is not the ‡ Breed. Bred which we break, partetaking of the body of Christ? because that we (though we be many) yet are one bread and one body, in asmuch as we all are partetakers of one bread. Behold Israel which walketh carnally. Are not they which eat of the sacrifice, partetakers of the altar? What say I then? that the image is any thing? or that it which is offered to images is any thing? Nay but I say, that these things which the gentiles offer, they offer to devils, and not to God. ✚ Andrea I would not that you should have fellowship with the devils. You can not drink of the Cup of the Lord, and of the Cup of devils. You can not be partetakers of the lords table, and of the table of devils Either shall we provoke the Lord? Eccles xxxvi Or are we stronger than he? All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful to me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own profit: but let every man seek an others wealth. What so ever is sold in the market, that eat, and ask no questions for conscience sake. For the earth is the Lords, & all that therein is. If any of them which believe not, bid you to a feast, & if you be disposed to go, what so ever is set before you: eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you: this is dedicated unto idols, eat not of it for his sake that showed it, and for hurting of conscience. The earth is the Lords, and all that therein is. Conscience I say, not thine: but the conscience of that other. For why should my liberty be judged of an other man's conscience. For if I take my part with thanks: Why am I evil spoken of for that thing wherefore I give thanks. Whether therefore you eat or drink, or what so ever you do, do all to the praise of God. ⊦ See you give none occasion of evil, neither to the jews, nor yet to the gentiles, neither to the congregation of God: even as I please all men in all things, Love seeketh her neighbours profit not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved. ¶ He rebuketh them for the abuse and murder that they had about the Sacrament of the body and blood of christ, and bringeth them again to the first institution. CAPI. XI. BE you followers of me, as I am the follower of Christ. I praise you brethren that you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances even as I delivered them to you. I would you knew that Christ is the heed of every man. And the man is the woman's heed. And God is Christ's heed. Every man praying or prophesyenge having any thing on his heed, shameth his heed. Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth bore headed, dishonesteth her heed. For it is all one, and the same thing, as though she were shaven. If the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn. If it be shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her cover her heed. A man aught not to cover his heed, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God. The woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman's sake: but the woman for the man's sake. For this cause aught the woman to have power on her heed, for the angels sakes. Nevertheless neither is the man, without the woman, neither the woman without the man in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man by the woman: but all is of God. judge in yourselves, whether it be comely that a woman pray unto God bore heeded. Or doth not nature teach you, that it is a shame for a man, if he have long here: and a praise to a woman, if she have long here? For her here is given her to cover her with. If there be any man amongs you, that lusteth to strive, let him know that we have no such custom, neither the congregations of God. This I warn you of, & commend not that you come together: not after a better manner, but after a worse. ✚ First of all when you come together in the congregation, I hear there is dissension amongs you: & I partly believe it. For there must be sects among you, that they which are perfect among you, might be known. When you come together, φ The lords supper. a man can not eat the lords supper. For every man beginneth afore to eat his own supper. And one is hungry, & an other is drunken. Have you not houses to eat & to drink in? Or else despise you the congregation of God, & shame them that have not? What shall I say unto you? shall I praise you? In this, praise I you not. ⊦ ✚ That which I delivered unto you I received of the Lord. Math. xxvi Marck xiiij Luke xxii For the Lord jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took breed: and thanked & broke, and said. Take you, and eat you: this is my body which is broken for you. φ The institution of the Sacrament. This do you in remembrance of me. After the same manner he took the cup, when supper was done, saying: This cup is the new testament in my blood: This do as often as you drink it, in the remembrance of me. For as often as you shall eat this breed, and drink this cup, you shall show the lords death, till he come. Wherefore who so ever shall eat of this bread, or drink of the cup unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man therefore examen himself, and so let him eat of the breed, and drink of the cup. For he that eateth or drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh his own damnation, because he maketh no difference of the lords body. ⊦ For this cause, many are weak and sick amongs you, & many sleep. For if we had judged ourselves, we should not have been judged. But when we are judged of the Lord, we are chastened, because we should not be damned with the world. Wherefore my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one an other. If any man hunger, let him eat at home, that you come not together unto condemnation. Other things will I set in order when I come. ¶ The diversity of the gifts of the holy ghost, given to the comfort and edifying of one another, as the members of a man's body serve one an other. CAPI. XII. IN spiritual things (brethren) I would not have you ignorant. ✚ You know that you were gentiles, and went your ways unto dumb idols, even as you were led. Wherefore I declare unto you, that no man speaking in the spirit of God, defyeth jesus. Also no man can say that jesus is the Lord: but the holy ghost. There are diversities of gifts, 〈◊〉 sprite. φ yet but one spirit. And there are differences of admynystrations, and yet but ‡ one Lord. 〈◊〉 Lord. 〈◊〉 God. And there are divers manners of operations, and yet but ‡ one God, which worketh all things that are wrought, in all creatures. The gifts of the spirit are given to every man, to profit the congregation. To one is given thorough the spirit, the utterance of wisdom. To an other is given the utterance of knowledge, by the same spirit. To an other faith, by the same spirit. To an other the gifts of healing, by the same spirit. To an other power to do miracles. To an other prophesy. To an other judgement of sprites. To an other divers tongues. To an other the interpretation of tongues. 〈◊〉 twelve. a 〈…〉 b And these all worketh the self same spirit, dividing to every man several gifts, even as he will. ⊦ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the membres of one body though they be many, yet are but one body: so is Christ. For in one spirit are we all baptized to make one body, whether we be jews or gentles, wh●ther we be bond or fire, and have all drunk of one spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot say: I am not the hand, therefore I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the body? And if the ear say, I am not the eye: therefore I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the body? If all the body were an eye, where were then the ear? If all were hearing: where were the smelling? But now hath God disposed the membres every one of them in the body, at his own pleasure. If they were all one member: where were the body? Now are there many membres, yet but one body. And the eye can not say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor the heed also to the feet, I have no need of you. Yea rather those membres of the body, which seem to be most feeble, are most necessary. And upon those membres of the body, which we repute lest honest, put we most honesty. And our ungodly parties, have most beauty. For our honest membres need it not. But God hath so disposed the body, and hath given most honour to that part which lacked, lest there should be any strife in the body: but that the membres should indifferently care one for an other. And if one member suffer, all suffer with him: if one member be had in honour, all membres be glad also. You are the body of Christ, and membres one of an other. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, Then them that do miracles: after that, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all doars of Miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Covet the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way. ¶ The nature and conditions of charity or love. CAPI. XIII. T ✚ Hough I spoke with the tongues of men and angels, and yet had no Charity, I were even a sounding brass: or as a tynkling Cymbal. And though I could prophesy, and understand all secrets & all knowledge: yea, if I had all faith, so that I could move mountains out of their places, and yet had no love, I were nothing. And though I bestowed all my goods to feed the poor, and though I gave my body even that I burned, and yet had no love, it profiteth me noth●nge. Love suffereth long, is courteous. Love envieth not. Love both not frowardely, swelleth not, dealeth not dishonestely, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh not evil, rejoiceth not in wickedness: but rejoiceth in the truth, suffereth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth in all things. Though that prophesyenge fail, other tongues shall cease, or knowledge vanysshe away, yet love salleth never away. For our knowledge is unperfect and our prophesyenge is unperfect. But when that which is perfect, is 〈◊〉, then that which is unperfect, shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I imagined as a child. But assoon as I was a man, I put away childishness. Now we see in a glass, even in a dark speaking: but then shall we see face to face. Now I know unperfectly: but then shall I know, even as I am known. Now abideth faith, hope, and love, even these three: but the chief of these is love. ⊦ ¶ Paul showeth that the gift of prophesy, interpreting or preaching, excels the gytte of tongues and how they both aught to be used. CAPI. XIIII. LAbour for love and covet spiritual gifts: and chief for to prophesy. For he that speaketh with tongues, speaketh not unto men, but unto God. For no man heareth him. How be it in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesyeth, speaketh unto men, to edifienge, to exhortation & to comfort. He that speaketh with tongues, proffiteth himself: he that prophesyeth, edifieth the congregation. I would you all spoke with tongues: but rather that you prophesied. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he the speaketh with tongues, unless he expone it also: that the congregation may have edifying. Now brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues: What shall I profit you, except I speak to you, either by revelation, or knowledge, or prophesyenge, or doctrine. Moreover when things without life: give sound: whether it be a pipe or an harp: unless they make a distinction in the sounds: how shall it be known what is pyped or harped? And also if the trump give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself to battle? Even so likewise when you speak with tongues, except you speak words, that have signyfycation, how shall it be understand what is spoken? For you shall but speak in the air. Many kinds of voices are in the world, and none of them are without signification. If I know not what the voice means, I shallbe unto him that speaketh, an alien, and he that speaketh shall be an alien unto me. Even so you (for asmuch as you covet spiritual gifts) seek that you may have plenty unto the edifienge of the congregation. Wherefore let him that speaketh with tongues, pray that he may interpret also. If I pray with tongues, my spirit prayeth: but my mind is without fruit. What is it then? I will pray with the φ To speak with tongues, or with the spirit is to speak that other understand not as priests say their service. To speak with the mind is to speak that other understand, as when the preacher precheth. spirit, and will pray with the mind also. I will sing with the spirit, and will sing with the mind also. For else when thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned, say Amen, at thy giving of thanks, sith he understandeth not what thou sayest. Thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues, more than you all. Yet had I liefer in the congregation, to speak five words with my mind to the information of other, rather than ten thousand words with the tongue. Brethrens, be not children in wit, but in malice, be children, and in wit be perfect. In the law it is written, Esay xxviii ● with other tongues, and with other lips, will I speak unto this people, and yet not so, will they not hear me, sayeth the Lord. Wherefore, tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe: but to them that believe not. contrariwise, prophesyeng serveth not for them that believe not: but for them which believe. If therefore when all the congregation is come together, and all speak with tongues, there come in they that are unlearned, or they which believe not: will they not say that you are out of your wits? But if all prophecy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is rebuked of all men, and is judged of every man: and so are the secrets of his heart opened, and so falls he down on his face, and worshyppeth God, and sayeth that God is with you in deed. How is it then brethren? When you come together, every man hath his song, hath his doctrine, hath his tongue, hath his revelation, hath his interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak with tongues, let it be two attonce, or at the most three attonce, and that by course, and let an other interpret it. ☜ But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the congregation, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let the prophets speak two attonce, or three attonce, and let the other judge. If any revelation be made to an other that sitteth by let the first keep silence. For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may have comfort. For the sprites of the Prophets, are in the power of the Prophets. For God is not causer of strife: but of peax, as he is in all other congregations of the saints. Let your wives keep silence in the congregations. wives. For it is not permitted unto them to speak: but let them be under obedience, Gene. is iii c The woman must be in subjection to his husband. as saith the law. If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is a shame for women to speak in the congregation. Sprung the word of God from you? Either came it unto you only? If any man think himself a Prophet, either spiritual: let him understand, what things I writ unto you. For they are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore (brethren) covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done honestly and in order. ¶ The resurrection of the deed. CAPI. XU. B ✚ Rethren as touching the gospel which I preached unto you, which you have also accepted, and in which you continued, by which also you are saved: I do you to understand, after what manner I preached unto you if you keep it, unless you have believed in vain. 〈◊〉 first pri● of our 〈…〉 liii b. 〈…〉. a 〈◊〉 vi. a 〈◊〉 xx c 〈…〉. a 〈◊〉 iii b. For first of all I delivered unto you that which I received, how that Christ died for our sins, agreeing to the scriptures: & that he was buried, & that he arose again the third day according to the scriptures, and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve After that he was seen of more then u C. brethren attonce, of which many remain unto this day, and many are fallen a sleep. After that appeared he to james, then to all thapostles. Last of all he was seen of me, as of one that was born out of due tyme. For I am the jest of all the apostles, which am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of god. But by the grace of god I am that I am. And his grace which is in me, was not in vain: ⊦ but I laboured more abundantly than they all/ yet not I, but the grace of god which is with me. Whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so have you believed. ●●●ccion If christ be preached that he rose from the deed: how say some that are amongs you, that there is no resurrection of the deed? If there be no rising again of the deed, then is Christ not risen. If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also in vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God. For we have testified of God, how that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if it be so that the deed rise not again. For if the deed rise not again, then is Christ not risen again. If it be so that christ rose not, then is your faith in vain, and yet are you in your sins. And thereto they which are fallen a sleep in christ, are perished. If in this life only we believe on christ, 〈◊〉 fruits. then are we of all men the most miserable. But now is christ risen from the deed, and is become the first fruits of them that slept. For by a man came death, and by a man came the resurrection of the deed. For as by Adam all die: even so by christ, shall all be made alive, & every man in his own order. ⊦ The first is christ, than they that are Chrystes, at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all rule, authority and power. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death 〈◊〉 ix. a. 〈◊〉 i d. 〈…〉 viii c 〈◊〉 ii d. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. When all things are subdued unto him, then shall the son also himself be subject unto him that put things under him, ●s●d o● deed, 〈◊〉 say, 〈◊〉 token 〈◊〉 ●●ertein 〈◊〉 mē●ptised ●●ed 〈◊〉 ●aues ●age that the same deed men should rise again. that God may be in all things. Either else what do they which are baptized over the deed, if the deed rise not at all? Why are they then φ baptized over the deed? You, and why stand we in jeopardy every hour? By our rejoicing, which I have in christ jesus our Lord, I die daily. That I have fought with beestes at Ephesus, after the manner of men, what advantageth it me, if the deed rise not again? Let us eat and drink, to morrow we shall die. Be not deceived: evil speakynges corrupt good manners. Awake truly out of sleep, & sin not. For some have not the knowledge of god. I speak this to your rebuke. But some men will say: how arise the deed? with what bodies come they in? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quyckened except it die. And what sowest thou? Thou sowest not that body that shall be: but bore corn (I mean either of wheat, or of some other) and God giveth it a body at his pleasure, to every seed a several body. ✚ All flesh is not one manner of flesh, but there is one manner flesh of men, an other manner flesh of beestes, an other manner flesh of fishes, and an other of birds. There are heavenly bodies, and there are earthly bodies. But the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is an other. There is one manner glory of the son, and an other glory of the moon, and an other glory of the stars. For one star differeth from an other in glory. So is the resurrection of the deed. It is sown in corruption, and riseth in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour, and riseth in honour. It is sown in weakness, and riseth in power. It is sown a natural body, and riseth a spiritual vodye. There is a natural body, Gene. ii b and there is a spiritual body, as it is written: the first man Adam was made a living soul, and the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. How be it, that is not first which is spiritual: but that which is natural, and then that which is spiritual. ⊦ The first man is of the earth, earthly: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthly, such are they that are heavenly. And as we have born the image of the earthly, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly. This say I brethren, that flesh & blood can not inherit the kingdom of God. Neither doth corruption inherit uncorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery. ☜ We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, & that in a moment, and in the twynckling of an eye, at the sound of the last trump. For the tromp shall blow, and the deed shall rise incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruptibilite: and this mortal must put on immortality. When this corruptible hath put on incorruptibility, and this mortal, hath put on immortality: then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: death is consumed in to victory. Death where is thy sting? Hell where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: Oze. xiii d and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be unto God which hath given us victory thorough our Lord jesus Christ. Therefore (my dear brethren) be you steadfast & unmovable, always rich in the works of the Lord/ for asmuch as you know how that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. ¶ He putteth them in remembrance of the gathering for the poor Christian at jerusalem, and concludeth his epistle with the salutations of certain loving brethren. CAPI. XVI. OF the gathering for the saints as I have ordained in the congregations of Galacia, even so do you. Upon some sunday let every one of you put aside at home & say up what so ever he thinketh meet, that there be no gatherynges when I come. When I am come, who so ever you shall allow by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go, they shall go with me. I will come unto you after I have go over Macedonia. For I will go thorough out Macedonia. With you peradventure I will abide, or also keep my winter, that you may bring me on my way whither so ever I go. I will not see you now in my passage: but I trust to abide a while with you, if God shall suffer me. I will tarry at Ephesus till witsontyde. For a great door and fruitful is opened unto me: and there are many adversaries. If Timothe come, see he be without fear with you. For he worketh the work of the Lord as I do. Let no man despise him, but convey him forth in peax, that he may come unto me. For I look for him with the brethren. To speak of brother Apollo, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren, but his mind was not all to come at this time, how be it he will come when he shall have convenient time. Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quite you like men, and be strong. Let all your business be done in charity. Brethrens, you know the house of Scephana, how they are the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have appointed themselves to minister unto the saints: I beseech you that you be obedient unto such, and to all that help and labour. I am glad of the coming of Stephana, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your behalf, they have supplied. They have comforted my spirit and yours. Look therefore that you know them that are such. The congregations of Asia salute you. Aquila, and Priscilla salute you moche in the Lord, and so doth the congregation that is in their house. All the brethren great you. great you one an other with an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord jesus christ, φ The same be accursed at the Lords coming. Or as some will the same be excommunicate and accursed to death. the same be Anathema maranatha. The grace of the Lord jesus christ be with you all. My love be with you all in christ jesus. AMEN. ¶ The end of the first epistle to the Corinthyans'. ¶ Sent from Philippos, by Stephana, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus. ¶ The second epistle of S. Paul the Apostle, to the Corinthians. ¶ The consolation of God in trouble. The love of Paul toward the Corinthians, and his excuse that he came not unto them. CAPI. I Paul Apostle of jesus christ by the will of God, and brother Timotheus. Unto the congregation of God, which is at Corinthen with all the saints which are in all Achaia. Grace with you, and peax from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ. Blessed be God the father of our Lord jesus christ, the father of mercy, and the God of all comfort, which comforteth us in all our tribulation, in so much that we are able to comfort them which are troubled, in what so ever trouble it be, with the same comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the φ Afflictions or passions of christ are such suffringes as Christ suffered. afflictions of christ are plenteous in us, even so is our consolation plenteous by christ. Whether we be troubled for your consolation, and salvation, which salvation showeth her power, in that you suffer the same afflictions, which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted for your consolation and salvation: yet our hope is steadfast for you, in asmuch as we know that as you have your part in afflictions, so shall you be partakers of consolation. Brethrens, I would not have you ignorant of our trouble, which happened unto us in Asia. For we were grieved out of measure, passing strength, so greatly, that we despaired even of life. Yea, we received an answer of death in ourselves, and that because we should not put our trust in ourselves, but in God, which raiseth the deed to life again, and which delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver. On whom we trust, that yet hereafter he will deliver, by the help of your prayer for us, that by the means of many occasions, thanks may be given of many on our behalf, for the grace given unto us. Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in singleness and godly pureness, and not in fleshly wisdom, Conscience. but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and most of all towards you. we write none other things unto you, then that you read, and also know. Yea and I trust you shall find us unto th'end, even as you have found us in part: for we are your rejoicing, even as you are ours, in the day of the Lord jesus. And in this confidence was I minded the other time to have come unto you, that you might have had yet one pleasure more, and to have passed by you in to Macedonia, and to have come again out of Macedonia unto you, and to have been led forth to jury ward of you. When I thus wise was minded: did I use lightness? Or think I carnally those things which I think? 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉, nay, 〈◊〉 put unstabled constant feigning ●●●ng of ●ordes that with me should be φ you you, and nay nay. God is faithful/ for our preaching to you, was not you and nay. For God's son jesus christ which was preached among you by us (that is to say, by me and Sylvanus and Timotheus) was not you and nay: but in him it was you. For all the promises of God, in him are you, & are in him, Amen, unto the laud of God thorough us. For it is God which stablished us and you in christ, and hath anointed us, which hath also sealed us, and hath given the earnest of the spirit in to our hearts. I call God for a record unto my soul, that for to favour you withal I came not any more unto Corinthe. Not that we be lords over your faith: ●et u a but helpers of your joy. For by faith you stand. ¶ He showeth the cause of his absence and exhorteth them to forgive the man that was fallen, and to receive him again with love. CAPI. II B ✚ Vt I determined this in myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is it that should make me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I written this same epistle unto you, least if I came, I should take heaviness of them, of whom I ought to rejoice. Certainly this confidence have I in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For in great affliction and anguish of heart I written unto you with many tears: not to make you sorry, but that you might perceive the love which I have most specially unto you. If any man hath caused sorrow, the same hath not made me sorry, but in part: least I should grieve you all. It is sufficient unto the same man, that he was rebuked of many. So that now contrary wise, you ought to forgive him, and comfort him, jest that same person should be swallowed up with over moche heaviness. Wherefore I exhort you that love may have strength over him. For this cause verily did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you should be obedient in all things. To whom you forgive any thing I forgive also. For also if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it, in the sight of Christ, jest Satan should prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown unto us. When I was come to Troada for Christ's gospels sake (and a great door was opened unto me of the Lord) I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them, and went away in to Macedonia. Thanks be unto God, which always giveth us the victory in Christ, and openeth the saver of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto god the sweet savour of Christ, both among them that are saved, and also among them which perish. To the one part are we the savour of death unto death. And unto the other part are we the savour of life unto life. ☜ And who is meet unto these things? For we are not as many are, which chop and change with the word of God, but even out of pureness and by the power of God, and in the sight of God, so speak we in christ. ¶ He praiseth the preaching of the Gospel above the preaching of the law. CAPI. III WE begin to praise ourselves again, need we as some other epistles of recommendation unto you? or letters of recommendation from you? You are our Epistle written in our hearts, which is understand and read of all men, in that you are known that you are the Epistle of christ, ministered by us & written, not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. ✚ Such trust have we thorough christ to Godward, ☜ not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as it were of ourselves, but our ableness cometh of God, which hath made us able to minister the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit. For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. If the ministration of death thorough the letters figured in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance (which glory nevertheless is done away) why shall not the ministration of the spirit be moche more glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glorious: moche more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. ⊦ For no doubt that which was there glorified, is not at all glorified in respect of this exceeding glory. Then if that which is destroyed was glorious, moche more shall that which remaineth be glorious. saying then we have such trust, we use great boldness, and do not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, Exodi iii d that the children of Israel should not see for what purpose that served which is put away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day remaineth the same covering untaken away in the old testament, when they read it, which in christ is put away. But even unto this day when Moses is red, the veil hangs before their hearts. Nevertheless when they shall return to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. The Lord no doubt is a spirit. And where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all behold the glory of the Lord, with his face open, and are changed unto the same similitude, from glory to glory even of the spirit of the Lord. ¶ A true preacher is diligent, he corrupteth not the word of God, he preacheth not himself, but seeketh the honour of christ yea though it be with the peril of his life. CAPI. FOUR Therefore sith we have such an office, even as mercy is come on us, we faint not, but have cast from us the cloaks of unhonesty, and walk not in craftiness, neither corrupt we the word of god, but in open troth, reaporte ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. If our gospel be yet hid, it is hid among them that are lost, in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, jest the light of the glorious gospel of christ which is the image of God, should shine unto them. ✚ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ jesus to be the Lord, and ourselves your servants for jesus sake. For it is God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which hath shined in our hearts, for to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of jesus christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellent power of it might appear to be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet are we not without shift. We are in poverty: but not utterly without somewhat. We are persecuted, but are not forsaken. We are cast down, nevertheless we perish not. And we always bear in our bodies the dying of the Lord jesus, that the life of jesus might appear in our bodies. ⊦ For we which live always are delivered unto death for jesus sake, that the life also of jesus, might appear in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, and life in you. ✚ saying than we have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written: I believed, Psal cxv. a and therefore have I spoken. We also believe, and therefore speak. For we know that he which raised up the Lord jesus, shall raise up us also by the means of jesus, and shall set us with you. For all things do I for your sakes, that the plenteous grace by thanks given of many, may redound to the praise of God. Wherefore we are not wearied, but though our outward man perish, ☞ yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our exceeding tribulation, which is momentany and light, prepareth an excedenge and an eternal weight of glory unto us, while we look not on the things which are seen, but on the things which are not seen. For things which are seen, are temporal: but things which are not seen, are everlasting. ⊦ ¶ The reward for suffering trouble. CAPI. V WE know surely if our earthly mansion wherein we now devil were destroyed that we have a building ordained of God, an habitation not made with hands, but eternal in heaven. And therefore sigh we, desiring to be clothed with our mansion, which is from heaven: so yet if we be found clothed, and not naked. For as long as we are in this tabernacle we sigh and are grieved, for we would not be unclothed, but would be clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. He that hath ordained us for this thing, is God: which very same hath given unto us the earnest of the spirit. Therefore we are alway of good cheer, and know well that as long as we are at home in the body, we are absent from God. For we walk in faith and see not. Nevertheless we are of good comfort, and had liefer be absent from the body, and presence with the Lord. Wherefore, whether we be at home, or from home, we endeavour ourselves to please him. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of christ, that every man may receive the works of his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. ✚ saying than that we know, how the Lord is to be feated, φ We far fair with men. That is, we play not the tyrants with curlinges and excommunications. we far fair with men. For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also that we are known in your consciences. We praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to rejoice of us, that you may have somewhat against them, which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart. For if we be to fervent, to God are we to fervent. ☜ If we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For the love of christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one be deed for all, that then are all deed/ and that he died for all, that they which live, should not hence forth live unto themselves, but unto him, which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. In so much though we have known christ after the flesh, now henceforth know we him so no more. Therefore if any man be in christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are made new. Nevertheless, all things are of God, A new creature. which hath reconciled us unto himself by jesus christ, and hath given unto us the office to preach the atonement. For God was in Christ, and made agreement between the world and himself, φ To be sin for us, that is to say, to be the sacrifice for our sins for sin in the scripture i● sometime taken for the sacrifice of sin. and imputed not their sins unto them: and hath committed to us the preaching of the atonement. Now then are we messengers in the room of Christ, even as though God did beseech you thorough us. So pray we you in Chrystes stead, that you be atone with God: for he hath made him to be sin for us, which knew no sin, that we by that means should be that righteousness which before God is allowed. ¶ An exhortation to receive the word of God with thankfulness and amendment of life. The diligence of Paul in the Gospel, and how he warneth them to eschew the company of the heathen. CAPI. VI W ✚ E as helpers therefore exhort you that you receive not the grace of god in vain. For he saith: 〈◊〉 xlix c I have heard the in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured the. Behold now is that well accepted time: behold now is that day of salvation. Let us give no man occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault, but in all things let us behave ourselves as the ministers of God. In moche patience, in afflictions, in necessity, in anguish, in stripes, in imprisonment, in siryfe, in labour, in watching, in fasting, in pureness, in knowledge, in long suffering, in kindness, 〈◊〉 four in the holy ghost, in love unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the power of God, by the ●●●ure of ●●usnes: 〈◊〉 word 〈◊〉 with ●ue, 〈◊〉 etc. whi●●●aul cal● ar● of light 〈◊〉 xiii armour of righteousness of the right hand and on the left, in honour and dishonour, in evil reapporte and good reapporte, as deceivers and yet true, as unknown and yet known: as dying, and behold yet live: chastened, and not killed: as sorrowing, and yet alway merry: as poor, and yet make many rich: as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ⊦ O you Corinthyans', our mouth is open unto you. Our heart is made large: you are in no straits in us, but are in a straight in your own bowels: I promise you like reward with me, as to my children. Set yourselves therefore at large, and ✚ bear not a strangers yoke with the unbelievers. For what fellowship hath righteousness with unryghtousnes? What company hath light with darkness? What concord hath christ with belial? Eeyther what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? How agreeth the temple of God with images? For you are the temple of that living God, as said God. 〈◊〉 xxvi 〈…〉 I will devil among them, and walk among them, and will be their God. and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from the mids of them, and separate yourselves (saith the Lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I receive you, and will be a father unto you, & you shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord almighty. ¶ He exhorteth them to receive the promises of God thankfully. The Corinthians are commended for their obedience and love toward Paul. CAPI. VII. forasmuch as we have such promises (dearly beloved) let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and grow up to full holiness in the fear of God. Understand us, we have hurt no man, we have corrupt no man: we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have showed you before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you. I am very bold over you, and rejoice greatly in you. I am filled with comfort and am exceeding joyous in all our tribulations. For when we were come in to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Without was fighting, within was seat. Nevertheless God the comforteth the abject, comforted us at the coming of Titus. And not with his coming only, but also with the consolation wherewith he was comforted of you. For he told us your desire, your mourning, your fervent mind towards me: so that I now rejoice the more. Wherefore though I made you sorry with a letter, I repent not, though I did repent. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though it were but for a season. But I now rejoice, not that you were sorry, but that you so so sorrowed that you repented. i Petri ii For you sorrowed godly, so that in nothing you were hurt by us. ☜ For godly sorrow causeth repentance unto salvation not to be repent of: where as worldly sorrow causeth death. Behold what diligence this godly sorrow that you took hath wrought in you: yea it caused you to clear yourselves. It caused indignation, it caused fear, it caused desire, it caused a fervent mind, it caused punishment. For in all things you have showed yourselves that you were clear in that matter. Wherefore though I written unto you, I did it not for his cause that did hurt: neither for his cause that was hurt: but that our good mind which we have toward you in the sight of God, might appear unto you. Therefore we are comforted because you are comforted: you, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy that Titus had: because his spi●yte was refreshed in you all. I am therefore not now ashamed, though I boasted myself to him of you. For as all things which I preached unto you are true, even so is our boasting that I boasted myself to Titus withal, found true, And now is his inward affection more abundant toward you, when he remembreth the obedience of every one of you: how with fear & trembling you received him. I rejoice that I may be bold over you in all things. ¶ He putteth them in remembrance to help the poor saints at jerusalem, according as the Macedonians did. CAPI. VIII. I Do you to wit (brethren) of the grace of God which is given in the concregations of Macedonia, how that the abundance of their rejoicing is, that they are tried with moche tribulation. And thereto though they were exceeding poor, yet have they given exceeding richly, and that in singleness. For to their powers (I bear record) you, and beyond their power, they were willing of their own motion, and prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their benefit, & suffer them to be partakers with other in ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God: so that we could not but desire Titus to accomplish the same benevolence among you also, even as he had begun. Now therefore as you are rich in all parties in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which you have to us: so see you be plenteous in this benevolence. This say I not as commanding, but because other are so fervent, therefore prove I your charity, whether it be perfect or no. You know the liberality of our Lord jesus Christ, which though he were rich, yet for your sakes he become poor, that you thorough his poverty might be made rich. And I give counsel here to. For this is expedient for you, which began not to do only: but also to will a year ago. Now therefore perform the deed: that as there was in you a readiness to will, even so you may perform the deed, of that which you have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. It is not my mind that other be set at ease and you brought in to cumbrance, but that there be equalness now at this time, that your abundance secure their lack, that their abundance may supply your lack: that there may be equalite, agreeing to that which is written. Exodi xvi He that gathered moche, had never the more abundance, & he that gathered little, had nevertheless. Thanks be unto god, which put in the heart of Titus, the same good mind toward you. For he accepted the request, yea rather he was so well willing, that of his own accord came unto you. We have sent with him that brother, whose praise is in the gospel thorough out all the congregations/ and not so only, but is also choose of the congregations to be a fellow with us in our journey concerning this benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise of the Lord, and to stir up your prompt mind. For this we eschew, that any man should rebuke us in this plenteous distribution that is ministered by us, and therefore make provision for honest things, not in the sight of God only, but also in the sight of men. We have sent with them a brother of ours whom we have often times proved diligent in many things, but now moche more diligent. The great confidence which I have in you, hath caused me this to do: partly for Titus' sake, which is my fellow and helper as concerning you, partly because of other which are our brethren and the messengers of the congregations, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore show unto them a proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you, that the congregations may see it. ¶ In this Chapter doth he the same that he did in the Chapter going before, that is, moveth them to help the poor brethren at jerusalem. CAPI. IX. OF the ministering to the saints, it is but superfluous for me to write unto you/ for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia, was prepared a year ago, and your ferventness hath provoked many. Nevertheless, yet have I sent these brethren jest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this behalf, and that you (as I have said) prepare yourselves, least happily if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared: the boost that I made in this matter should be a shame to us, I say not unto you. Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to come before hand unto you for to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding. ☜ ✚ This yet remember, how that he which soweth little, shall reap little, and he that soweth plenteously, shall reap plenteously. And let every man do according as he hath purposed in his heart, Eccle. xxxv b not grudgyngly, or of necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver. God is able to make you rich in all grace that you in all things having sufficient unto the uttermost, may be rich unto all manner good works, as it is written. Psalm cxi b. He hath sparsed abroad and hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever. He that findeth the sour seed, shall minister breed for food, and shall multiply your seed and increase the fruits of your righteousness ⊦ that on all parties, you may be made rich in all singleness, which causeth thorough us, thanks giving unto God. For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God, for the obedience of your professing the Gospel of christ, and for your singleness in distributing to them and to all men: and in their prayers to God for you, long after you, for the abundant grace of God given unto you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. ¶ He toucheth the false Apostles, and defendeth his authority and calling. CAPI. X. I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and softness of christ which when I am present among you am of no reputation, but am bold toward you being absent. I beseech you that I need not to be bold when I am present (with that same confidence, wherewith I am supposed to be bold, against some which repute us as though we walked carnally. Nevertheless though we walk compassed with the flesh, yet we war not fleshly. For the weapens of our war are not carnal things, but things mighty in God, to cast down strong holds wherewith we overthrow imaginations, and every high thing that exhalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bring in to captivity all understanding to the obedience of christ, & are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Look you on things after the utter appearance. If any man trust in himself that he is Christ's, let the same also consider of himself that as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. And though I should boast myself somewhat more of our authority which the Lord hath given us to edify, and not to destroy you, it should not be to my shame. This say I, least I should seem as though I went about to make you afraid with letters. For the epistles (says he) are strong, but his bodily presence is wcyke, and his speech is rude. Let him that is such, think on this wise, that as we are in words by letters when we are absent, such are we in deeds when we are present. For we can not find in our hearts to make ourselves of the number of them, or to compare ourselves to them which praise themselves, nevertheless while they measure themselves with themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they understand nought. But we will not rejoice above measure: but according to the quantity of the measure which God hath distributed unto us, a measure that reacheth even to you. For we stretch not out ourselves beyond measure, as though we had not reached unto you For even to you have we come with the gospel of christ, and we boast not ourselves out of measure in other men's labours. Yea, and we hope when your faith is increased among you, to be magnified according to our measure, more largely, and to preach the gospel in those regions which are beyond you, and not to rejoice of that which is by an other man's measure prepared already. Let him that rejoiceth, ☞ 〈…〉 rejoice in the Lord. For he that praiseth him self is not allowed, but he whom the Lord praiseth. ¶ Paul (under sufferance) commends himself, & defendeth his authority against the false prophets CAPI. XI. wwolde God you could suffer me a little in my foolishness: you, and I pray you forbear me. For I am jealous over you with Godly gelowsye. For I coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgin to christ. But I fear least as the serpent beguiled Eve thorough his subtlety, even so your wits should be corrupt from the singleness that is in christ. For if he that cometh preach an other jesus then him whom we preached: or if you receive an other spirit then which you have received, either an other gospel then that you have received. you might right well have suffered. 〈◊〉 all ●igh I suppose that I was not behind the chief Apostles. Though I be rude in speaking, yet I am not so in knowledge. How be it among you we are known to the uttermost what we are in all things. Did I therein sin, because I submitted myself. that you might be exalted, and because I preached to you the gospel of God freely? I rob other congregations, and took wages of them to do you service. And when I was present with you, and had need, I was grievous to no man: for that which was lacking unto me, the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I kept myself that I should not be grievous to you: and so will I keep myself. If the crouth of Christ be in me, this rejoicing shall not be taken from me in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? Because I love you not? God knoweth, Nevertheless, what I do, that will I do, to cut away occasion from them which desire occasion, that they might be found like unto us in that wherein they rejoice. For these false Apostles are deceitful workers, and fashion themselves like unto the apostles of christ, and no marvel, for Satan himself is changed in to the fashion of an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing though his ministers fashion themselves as though they were the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their deeds. I say again, jest any man think that I am foolish: or else even now take me as a fool, that I may boast myself a little. That I speak I speak it not after the ways of the Lord but as it were foolishly, while we are now come to boasting. seeing that many rejoice after the flesh, I will rejoice also. ✚ For you suffer fools gladly, because you yourselves are wise. For you suffer even if a man bring you in to bondage: if a man devour: if a man take: if a man exalt himself: if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning rebuke, as though we had been weak. How be it wherein soever any man dare be bold (I speak folysshly) I dare be bold also They are Ebreves, so am I: They are Israelites, even so am I They are the seed of Abraham, even so am I They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as a fool) I am more: In labours more abundant: In stripes above measure: In prison more plenteously: In death oft. Of the jews five times received I every time xl stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods. I was one stoned I suffered thrice shipwreck. Night and day have I been in the deep of the see. In iorneyinge often: in parels of waters: in parels of robbers: in ieoperdyes of mine own nation in jeopardies among the heathen. I have been in parels in cities, in parels in wilderness in parels in the see, in parels among false brethren, in labour and travail, in watching often, in hunger, in thirst, in fastings often in cold & in nakedness. And beside the things which outwardly happen unto me, I am cumbered daily, and do care for all congregations. Who is sick, and I am not sick? Who is hurt in the faith & my heart burneth not? If I must needs rejoice, I will rejoice of mine infyrmytes. ¶ Paul is taken up in to the third heaven, and heareth words not ●o be spoken of. CAPI. XII. THe God and father of our Lord jesus christ, which is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not. ✚ In the city of Damascon, the governor of the people under king Aretas laid watch in the city of the Damascens, and would have caught me, and at a window was I let down in a basket thorough the brickwall, & so escaped his hands. It is not expedient for me truly to rejoice. Nevertheless I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ above xiiij years agone (whether he were in the body I can not tell, or whether he were out of the body, I can not tell (God knoweth) which was taken up in to the third heaven. And I know the same man (whether in the body or out of the body, I can not tell, God knoweth) how that he was taken up in to Paradise, and heard words not to be spoken, which no man can utter. Of this man will I rejoice, of myself I will not rejoice, unless it be of mine infyrmityes. And yet though I would rejoice, I should not be a fool: for I shall say the troth. Nevertheless I spare, jest any man should think of me, above that he seethe me to be, or heareth of me. And jest I should be exalted out of measure thorough the abundance of revelations, there was given me φ The rod or spear to the flesh signifieth after the mind of S. Ambrose the persecution of evil men which always so sat on his skyrtes that he could not intent to be proud and high minded. a rod to the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, because I should not be exalted out of measure. For this thing besought I the Lord thrice that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for the. For my strength is made perfect thorough weakness. Very gladly therefore will I rejoice of my weakness, that the strength of christ may devil in me. ⊦ Therefore have I delectation in infirmities, in rebukes, in need, in persecutions, in anguish for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in boasting myself. You have compelled me: I aught to have been commended of you. For in nothing was I inferior unto the chief Apostles, though I be nothing, yet the tokens of an apostle were wrought among you with all patience, with signs and wonders, & mighty deeds. For what is it wherein you were inferiors unto other congregations, except it be therein, that I was not grievous unto you. forgive me this wrong done unto you. Behold now the third time I am ready to come unto you, and yet will I not be grievous unto you. For I seek not yours, but you. For the children aught not to say up for the fathers and mothers, but the fathers and mothers for the children. I will very gladly bestow, and will be bestowed for your souls: though the more I love you, the less I am loved again. But be it that I grieved you not: nevertheless I was crafty, and took you with guile. Did I pill you by any of them which I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus defraud you of any thing? walked we not in one spirit? walked we not in like steps? Again think you that we excuse ourselves? We speak in christ in the sight of God. But we do all things (dearly beloved) for your edifying. For I fear least it come to pass that when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and I shall be found unto you such as I would not: I fear jest there be found among you, debate, envying, wrath, strife backbitings, whysperynges, swellynges and discord. I fear jest when I come again, God bring me low among you, and I be constrained to bewail many of them which have sinned already, and have not repent for the uncleanness, fornication, wantonness, which they have committed. ¶ He promiseth to come unto them and exhorteth them so to order themselves, that he may find them perfect, and of one mind. CAPI. XIII. NOw come I the third time unto you * in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every thing stand. duty xvii ● Math. xviii john viii c Hebre ten e I told you afore, and tell you afore: and as I said when I was present with you the second time, so write I now being absent to them which in time past have sinned, and to all other: that if I come again, I will not spare, saying that you seek experience of christ, which speaketh in me, which among you is not weak, but is mighty in you. For verily though it came of weakness that he was crucified, yet liveth he thorough the power of God. And we no doubt are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the might of God among you. Prove yourselves whether you are in the faith or not. Examine your own selves: know you not yourselves how jesus Christ is in you unless you be castaways? I trust that you shall know that we are not castaways. I desire before God that you do none evil, not that we should seem commendable, but that you should do that is honest: and let us be accounted for lewd people. We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. We are glad when we are weak, and you strong. This also we wish for, even that you were perfect. Therefore write I these things being absent, jest when I am present, I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edify, and not to destroy. Finally brethren far you well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peax, & the God of love and peax shall be with you. great one an other in an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of our Lord jesus christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the holy ghost be with you all. AMEN. ¶ The end of the second Epistle to the Corinthyans'. ¶ Scent from Philippos a city in Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas. ¶ The Epistle of S. Paul the Apostle, unto the Galathyans. ¶ Paul rebuketh them, because they were fallen away from the Gospel, showeth his own conversion, magnifieth his office and Apostelshyppe and declareth himself to be equal with the high Apostles CAPI. I PAul Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by jesus christ, and by God the father which raised him from death: and all the brethren which are with me. Unto the congregations of Galacia. Grace with you, and peax from God the father, and from our Lord jesus christ, which gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, thorough the will of God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever. Amen. I marvel that you are so soon turned from him, that called you in the grace of christ, unto an other gospel, which is nothing else, but that there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert the gospel of christ. neverless, though we ourselves, or an angel, from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, then that which we have preached unto you, hold him as a cursed. As I said before, so say I now again: If any man preach any other thing unto you, then that you have received, hold him accursed. Do I now preach man's doctrine or Gods? Either go I about do please men? If I studied to please men, I were not the servant of christ. ✚ Certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me, was not after the manner of men, neither received I it of man, neither was I taught it, but received it by the revelation of jesus christ. For you have herd of my conversation in time pass, in the jews ways, how that beyond measure, I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it: and prevailed in the jews lay above many of my companions, which were of mine own nation, and was a moche more fervent maintainer of the traditions of the elders. But when it pleased God, which separated from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to declare his son by me, that I should preach him among the heathen: immediately I commoned not of the matter with φ flesh and blood, 〈◊〉 and ●●tre 〈◊〉 men ●●oun neither returned to jerusalem to them which were Apostles before me: but went my ways in to Arabia, and came again unto Damascus. Then after three year, I returned to jerusalem to se Peter, and abode with him xu days, none other of the apostles see I, save james the lords brother. The things which I write, behold, God knoweth I lie not. After that I went in to the coostes of Syria and Cilicia: and was unknown as touching my person unto the congregations of jewrye, which were in christ. But they heard only, that he which persecuted us in time past, now preacheth the faith which before he destroyed. And they glorified God on my behalf. ⊦ ¶ He withstandeth Peter in the face, and proveth that the law and circumcision are not necessary to salvation. CAPI. II THen xiiij years after, I went up again to jerusalem Barnabas, and took with me Titus also. Paul defendeth the liberty of the gospel I went up by revelation and commoned with them of the gospel which I preach amongs the gentiles: but between ourselves, with them which were counted chief, jest it should have been thought that I should run, or had run in vain. Also Titus which was with me, though he were a Greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised, because of incommers' being false brethren, which came in among other to espy out our liberty which we have in Christ jesus, that they might bring us in to bondage. To whom we gave no room, Paul is of as high authority as Peter, james or john. not not for the space of an hour, as concerning to be brought in to subjection: and that because that the truth of the gospel might continued with you. Of them which seemed to be great (what they were in time past it maketh no matter to me: god looketh on no man's person) nevertheless they which seemed great, added nothing to me. Circumcision are the jews and uncircumtion the gentiles. But contrary wise when they see that the gospel over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel over the φ circumcision was unto Peter: for he that was mighty in Peter in the apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in me among the Gentiles: and therefore when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, than james, Cephas and Iohn, which seemed to be pylers, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands, and agreed with us, that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the jews: warning only that we should remember the poor. Which thing also I was diligent to do. And when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him in the face. For he was worthy to be blamed. Paul rebuketh Peter in the face. For ere that certain came from james, he ate with the gentiles. But when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other jews dissembled likewise, in so much that Barnabas was brought in to their simulation also. But when I saw that they went not the right way after the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before all men, ☜ if thou being a jew, livest after the manner of the gentiles and not as do the jews, why causest thou the Gentiles to live as do the jews? We which are jews by nature, and not sinners of the gentiles, know that a man is not justified by the deeds of the law justify not, but faith justfieth. deeds of the law: but by the faith of jesus Christ. And therefore we have believed on jesus christ, that we might be justified by the faith of christ, and not by the deeds of the law, because that by the deeds of the law no flesh can be justified. If then while we seek to be made righteous by christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is not then christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again that which I destroyed, then make I myself a trespaser. But I thorough the law, am deed to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with christ. I live verily: yet now not I, but christ liveth in me. For the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, which loved me, and gave himself for me. I despise not the grace of God. For if righteousness come of the law, than christ died in vain. ¶ He rebuketh the unsteadfastness of the Galathians showing the unparfectnes of the law, and declareth nevertheless that it was not given for nought. CAPI. III O foolish Galathians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not believe the truth? To whom jesus christ was describe before the eyes and among you crucified. This only would I learn of you: received you the spirit by the deeds of the law, or else by preaching of faith? Are you so unwise, that after you have begun in the spirit, you would now end in the flesh? So many things you have suffered in vain, if that be vain. Which ministered to you the spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doth he it thorough the deeds of the law, or by preaching of faith? Gen. xxv b Roma four a. Jacobi ii d. Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. Understand therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw afore hand, that god would justify the heathen thorough faith, and therefore showed before hand glad tidings unto Abraham: In the shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham. Gen. xu b For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, Gene. xxii d. Gene. xliiii d. to fulfil them. That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, is evident. For the just shall live by faith. Abac ii a The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law (shall live in them.) But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made φ Christ was accursed for our sakes, that is: he was punished and slain for our sins. Deut. xxii accursed for us. For it is written: cursed is every one that hangs on tree, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles thorough jesus christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit thorough faith. Brethrens, I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeeh any thing thereto, when it is once allowed. ✚ To Abraham and his seed, were the promises made. He saith not in the seeds, as many: but in thy seed, as in one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began afterward, beyond four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament that was confirmed afore of God unto Chrystewarde, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise. But God gave it unto Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? The law was added because of transgression (till the seed came, to whom the promise was made) and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. A mediator is not a mediator of one. But God is one. Is the law then against the promise of God? God forbid. howbeit if there had been a law given, which could have given φ The law g●ueth no lyf● but threateneth death. life, than no doubt righteousness, should have come by the law. But the scripture concluded all things under sin, that the promise by the faith of jesus christ should be given unto them that believe. ⊦ Before that faith came, we were kept and shut up under the law, unto the faith which should afterward be declared. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto christ, that we might be made righteous by faith. But after that faith is come, now are we no longer under a schoolmaster. For you are all the sons of God by the faith which is in christ jesus. For all you that are baptized, have put on christ. Now is there no jew, neither gentle: there is neither bond, ne fire: there is neither man ne woman: but you are all one thing in christ jesus. If you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs by promise. ¶ Paul showeth that thorough christ we be delivered from the law, and rebuketh the unthankfulness of the Galathians CAPI. FOUR I ✚ Say, the heir as long as he is a child differeth not from a servant, where as he is Lord of all, but is under tuters and governors, until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, as long as we were children, were in bondage under the ordinances of the world. But when the time was full come. God sent his son born of a woman, and made bond unto the law, to redeem them which were under the law: that we thorough election, might receive the inheritance that belongeth unto the natural sons. Because you are sons, God hath sent the spirit of his son in to our hearts, which crieth Abba father. Wherefore now thou art not a servant, but a son. If thou be a son, thou art also the heir of God thorough christ. ⊦ How be it then not knowing God, you did service unto them, which by nature were no Gods. But now saying you know God, you rather are known of God) how is it that you turn again unto the weak and beggarly ceremonies, ●●garlye ce●yes. whereunto again you desire afresh to be in bondage? You observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fere of you, least I have bestowed on you labour in vain. Brethrens I beseech you, be you as I am: for I am as you are. ●●yte a ition are ●●cion re● and the 〈◊〉. You have not hurt me at all. You know, how thorough infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which I suffered by reason of my flesh, you despised not, neither abhorred: but received me as an angel of God: yea, as christ jesus. How happy were you then? for I bear you record, that if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They are jealous over you amiss. Yea, they intend to exclude you, that you should be jealous over them. It is good always to be jealous, so it be in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children (of whom I travail in birth again, until christ be fassyoned in you) I would I were with you now, and could change my voice: for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me you that desire to be under the law, 〈◊〉 xvi d. have you not herd of the law? ✚ For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond maid, and the other by a free woman? But he which was of the bond woman, was born after the flesh: and he which was of the free woman, was born by promise. Which things are spoken by an allegory. For these women are two testaments, the one from the mount Syna, gendering unto bondage, which is Agar. For mount Syna is called Agar in Arabia, and bordreth upon the city, which is now jerusalem, and is in bondage with her children. But jerusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all. For it is written: 〈◊〉 liii a rejoice thou barren that bearest no children, break forth and cry thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many more children, than she which hath the husband. Brethrens, we are after the manner of Isaac, children of promise. But as then he was born carnally, 〈◊〉 xxi a persecuted him that was born spiritually: Even so is it now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture: put away the bond woman and her son. For the son of the bond woman, shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then (brethren) we are not children of the bond woman, but of the free woman. ⊦ ¶ He laboureth to draw them away from circumcision, showeth them the battle betwixt the spirit and the flesh, and the fruits of them both. CAPI. V Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith christ hath made us free, ☜ and wrap not yourselves again in the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, christ shall profit you nothing. I testify again to every man which is circumcised, that he is bound to keep the hole law. You are go quite from christ as many as are justified by the law, and are fallen from grace. For we look in spirit to be justified thorough faith. For in jesus christ, neither is circumcision any thing worth, neither uncircumcision, but φ Faith which worketh thorough love is the true faith and all that God requireth of us. faith, which by love is mighty in operation. You did run well, who was a let unto you, that you should not obey the truth? Even that counsel that is not of him that called you. A little leaven doth leaven the hole lump of dough. ✚ I have trust toward you in the Lord, that you will be none otherwise minded. ☜ He that troubleth you, shall bear his judgement, what so ever he be. Brethrens, if I yet preach circumcision: why do I then yet suffer persecution? For than had the offence which the cross giveth, ceased. Would God they were separated from you, which trouble you. Brethrens, you were called in to liberty only, let not your liberty be an occasion unto the flesh, but in charity serve one an other. * Roma xiii Jacobi ii b i Petri ii c For all the law is fulfilled in one word, which is this: thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself. If you bite and devour one an other, take heed least, you be consumed one of an other. ⊦ ✚ I say, walk in the spirit, and fulfil not the lusts of the flesh. deeds of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the spirit contrary to the flesh. These are contrary one to the other, so that you can not do that which you would. But if you be led of the spirit, then are you not under the law. The deeds of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, zeal, wrath, strife, sedition, sects, envying, murder, drunkenness, gluttony, and such like: of which I tell you before, as I have told you in time paste, that they which commit such things, shall not inherit the kingdom of god. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peax, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperancy. Against such there is no law. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the appetites and lusts. ⊦ ✚ If we live in the spirit, let us walk in the spirit. Let us not be vaynegloryous, provoking one an other, and envying one an other. ¶ He exhorteth them to brotherly love and one to bear with another. In the end he warneth them to beware of circumcision. CAPI. VI Brethrens, if any man be fallen by chance into any fault: you which are spiritual help to amend him in the spirit of mekenesss, considering thy s●lfe, least thou also be tempted. Bear you one an others burden, and so fulfil the law of christ. If any man seem to himself that he is somewhat when in deed he is nothing, the same deceiveth himself in his imagination. Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself, and not in an other. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word, minister unto him that teacheth him, in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what so ever a man soweth, that shall he reap. He that soweth in his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. Let us not be weary of well doing. two. Tessalo iii For when the time is come, we shall reap without weariness. While we have therefore time, let us do good unto all men, but chief unto them which are of the household of faith. ⊦ Behold how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire with outward appearance to please carnally, they constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not suffer persecution with the cross of Christ. For they themselves which are circumcised, keep not the law: but desire to have you circumcised, that they might rejoice in your flesh. God forbid that I should rejoice, but in the cross of our Lord jesus christ, whereby the world is crucified unto me, and unto the world. For in christ jesus, neither circumcision availeth, nor uncircumcision: but a new φ Nothing helpeth save to be a new treasure. creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peax on them, and mercy/ and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man put me to business. For I bear in my body, the marks of the Lord jesus. Brethrens, the grace of our Lord jesus christ be with your spirit. Amen. ¶ Unto the Galathyans, written from Rome ⸫ ¶ The Epistle of S. Paul the Apostle, unto the Ephesians. ¶ The everlasting ordinance and election of god in saving all men thorough christ jesus his son. we are ordained to good works. The dominion of christ. CAPI. I Paul Apostle of jesus Christ, by the will of God. To the saints, which are at Ephesus, and to them which believe on jesus Christ. Grace with you, two. Corint i ● i Petri i ● and peax from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ. Blessed be God the father of our Lord jesus Christ, which hath blessed us with all manner of spiritual blessings in heavenly things by christ, according as he had choose us in him, afore the foundation of the world was laid, that we should be saints, and without blame before him, thorough love, and ordained us before thorough jesus Christ, to be heirs unto himself, according to the pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherewith he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Predestination. By whom we have redemption, thorough his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, which he shed in us abundantly in all wisdom, and prudence. And hath opened unto us the φ Mystery is secret counsel. mystery of his will, according to his pleasure, & purposed the same in himself, to have it declared when the time were full come, that all things, both which are in heaven, and also which are in earth, should be gathered together, in christ: that is to say, in him in whom we are made heirs, and were thereto predestinate according to the purpose of him which worketh all things after the purpose of his own will: that we which afore believed in Christ should be unto the praise of his glory. In whom also you (after that you heard the word of truth, I mean the gospel of your salvation, wherein you believed) were sealed with the holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, to redeem the purchased possession, and that unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I (after that I heard of the faith which you have in the Lord jesus, and love unto all the saints) cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord jesus christ and the father of glory might give you the spirit of wisdom, and open to you the knowledge of himself, and lighten the eyes of your minds, that you might know what that hope is, whereunto he hath called you. & what the riches of his glorious inheritance is upon the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us which φ Faith is the work of god only, 〈◊〉 as we the raising 〈◊〉 ●●st. believe according to the working of that his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the deed, and set him on his right hand in heavenly things, above all rule, power, and might, and domination, & above all names that are named, not in this world only, but also in the world to come: & hath put all things under his feet, and hath made him above all things, the heed of the congregation which is his body & the fullness of him that filleth all in all things. ¶ Paul showeth them what manner of people they were before their conversion, and what they are now in christ. CAPI. II ANd you hath he quyckened also that were deed in trespass and sin, wherein in time past you walked, according to the course of this world/ and after the governor that ruleth in the air, 〈◊〉 ii b the spirit that now worketh in the children of unbelief, among whom we also had our conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh and fulfilled the will of the flesh & of the mind and were 〈◊〉 be all ●●ure the ●n of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of dā●●●. naturally the children of wrath, even as well as other. But God which is rich in mercy thorough his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were deed by sin, hath quyckened us together in Christ (for by grace are you saved) and hath raised us up together & made us sit together in heavenly things thorough Christ jesus, for to show in times to come the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness towards us in Christ jesus. ☞ For by grace are you made safe thorough faith, and that not of yourselves. For it is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, lest any man should boast himself. For we are his worckmanshyp created in Christ jesus unto good works, unto which God ordained us before, that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember that you being in time past gentiles in the flesh, and were called uncircumsion to them which are called circumcision in the flesh, which circumcision is made by hands: Remember I say, that you were at that time without Christ, and were reputed aliens from the comen wealth of Israel and were strangers from the testaments of promise, having no hope, and being without God in this world. But now in Christ jesus, you which a while ago were far of, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ☞ For he is our peax, which hath made of both one, & hath broken down the brickwall that was a stop between us, and hath also put away thorough his flesh, the cause of hatred, that is to say, the law of commandments contained in the law written, for to make of twain, one new man in himself so making peax: and to reconcile both unto God in one body thorough his cross, & slew hatred thereby: & came and preached peax to you which were far of, and to them that were nigh. For thorough him we both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the father. ✚ Now therefore you are no more strangers and forevers: but cytesens with the saints, and of the household of God: and are built upon the φ Foundation is the word of God. foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, jesus Christ being the heed corner stone, in whom every building coupled together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are built together, and made an habitation for God, in the spirit. ⊦ ¶ He showeth the cause of his empresonment, desireth them not faint because of his trouble, and prayeth God to make them steadfast in his spirit. CAPI. III FOr this cause I Paul am in the bonds of jesus Christ for your sakes which are heathen: If you have herd of the ministration of the grace of God which is given me upon you. For by revelation showed he this mystery unto me, as I written above in few words, whereby when you read, you may know mine understanding in the mystery of Christ, which in times past was opened unto the sons of men, as it is now declared unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the spirit: that the gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partetakers of his promise that is in Christ, by the means of the Gospel, whereof I am made a minister, by the gift of the grace of God given me thorough the working of his power. Unto me the jest of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see, what the fellowship of the mystery is, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, which made all things thorough jesus Christ, to the intent, that now unto the rulars and powers in heaven might be known by the congregation, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the everlasting purpose, which he purposed in Christ jesus our Lord, by whom we are bold to draw nigh in the trust, which we have by faith on him. ✚ Wherefore I desire that you faint not because of my tribulations which I suffer for your sakes: which is your praise. For this cause I bow my knees unto the father of our Lord jesus Christ, which is father over all that is called father in heaven & in earth, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man that Christ may devil in your hearts by faith, that you being rooted and grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breedth & length depth and height: and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge: that you might be fulfilled with all manner of fullness of God. Unto him that is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, be praise in the congregation by jesus Christ, thorough out all generations from time to tyme. Amen. ⊦ ¶ He exhorteth them unto meekness long suffering, unto love and peax, every one to serve and edify another with the gift that God hath given him, to beware of strange doctrine, to say aside the old conversation of greedy lusts, and to walk in a new life. CAPI. FOUR I ✚ Therefore which am in bonds for the lords sake, The living of a true believer. Roman xii & i Corinth xii exhort you, that you walk worthy of the calling wherewith you are called, in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one an other thorough charity, and that you be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peax, being one body, and one spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling. φ One God. One Lord. One faith. One baptim. One Lord, one faith, one baptism: One God and father of all, which is above all thorough all, and in you all. ⊦ ✚ Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith: Roman xii i Corinth xii ii Corinth ten Psalm xvii He is go up on high and hath led captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men. That he ascended: what means it, but that he also descended first into the lowest parties of the earth? He that descended, is the same also that ascended up, above all heavens, to fulfil all things. And the very same made some Apostles, some Prophets, i Corinth xii some Evangelists, some shepherds, and some Teachers: that the saints might have all things necessary to work and minister with, to the edifying of the body of Christ, till we every one (in the unity of faith, and knowledge of the son of God) grow up unto a perfect man, after the measure of age of the fullness of Christ. ⊦ That we hence forth be no more children, wavering and carried with every wind of doctrine, by the wiliness of men and craftynes, whereby they lay await for us to deceive us. But following the truth in love let us in all things grow in him which is the heed that is to say Christ, in whom all the body is coupled and knit together in every joint wherewith one ministereth to an other (according to the operation as every part hath his measure) and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. ✚ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk, in vanity of their mind, blinded in their understanding, being strangers from the life which is in God thorough φ Ignorance is cause of evil living. the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts, which being past repentance, have given themselves unto wantonness, to work all manner of uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if so be you have herd of him, and are taught in him. even as the truth is in jesus. So then as concerning the conversation in time past, ☞ lay from you that old man, which is corrupt thorough the deceivable lusts, ✚ ✚ and be you renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in rightwiseness and true holiness. Wherefore put away dying, and speak every man troth unto his neighbour, for as much as we are members one of an other. Psalm four b. Zacha viii c Be angry but sin not: let not the son go down upon your wrath, neither give place unto the backbiter. Let him that steel, steal no more, but let him rather labour with his hands some good thing, that he may have to give unto him that needeth. ⊦ Let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouths: but that which is good to edify, when need is: that it may have favour with the hearers. And grieve not the holy spirit of God, ☜ by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, fierceness and wrath, roaring and cursed speaking, be put away from you, with all maliciousness. Be you courteous one to an other and merciful, forgiving one an other even as God for Christ's sake forgave you. ¶ He exhorteth unto love, warneth to beware of uncleanness, covetise, foolish talking, and false doctrine: to be circumspect, to avoid drunkenness, to submit themselves one to another. He teacheth how women should obey their husbands, and how men aught to entreat their wives. CAPI. V B ✚ E you followers of God as dear children and walk in love even as Christ loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet saver to God. Se the fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness be not once named among you as it becometh saints: neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jesting which are not comely: but rather giving of thanks. For this you know that no whoremonger, either unclean person, or covetous person, These have no part with christ. which is an ydolatour, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words. For thorough such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. Be not therefore companions with them. You were once derckenes, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness, rightwiseness, and troth. ⊦ Accept that which is pleasing to the Lord and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of derckenes: but rather rebuke them. For it is shame even to name those things which are done of them in secret: but all things, when they are rebuked of the light, are manifest. For what so ever is manifest, that same is light. Wherefore he saith: awake thou that sleepest, and stand up from death, Isaiah lx and Christ shall give the light. ✚ Take heed therefore that you walk circumspectly: not as fools: but as wise personnes, purchasing opportunity to the same: for the days are evil. ☞ Wherefore, be you not unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is, and be not drunken with wine wherein is excess: but be fulfilled with the spirit, speaking unto yourselves in Psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always for all things unto God the father, in the name of our Lord jesus Christ: submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. ⊦ Women be you subject unto your own husbands, ☞ as unto the Lord. For the husband is the wives heed even as Christ is the heed of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the congregation is in subjection to Christ, likewise let the wives be in subjection to their husbands in all things. husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water thorough the word, to make it unto himself, a glorious congregation without spot or wrynckle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blame. So aught men to love their wives, as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh: but nourisheth and cherissheth it, even as the Lord doth the congregation. For we are members of his body, 〈◊〉 two. d of his flesh, and of his bones. * For this cause shall man leave father and mother, and shall stick to his wife, and two shallbe made one flesh. This is a great secret, but I speak between Christ and the congregation. Nevertheless do you so that every one of you love his wife truly even as himself. And let the wife see that she fear her husband. ¶ The duty of parents, of children, of servants, of masters. Of the christian weapons. CAPI. VI CHildren, obey your fathers and mothers in the Lord: ●ence, ●i c 〈◊〉, c for so is it right. Honour thy father and mother, (which is the first commandment that hath any promise) that thou mayst be in good estate, & live long on the earth. And you fathers move not your children to wrath: but bring them up with the nurture and information of the Lord. Servants be obedient unto your carnal masters, with fear and trembling in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ: not with service in the eye sight, as men pleasers: but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with good will, serving the Lord, and not men. And remember that what so ever good thing any man doth, that shall he receive again of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And you masters, do even the same things unto them, putting away threatenings: and remember that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any respect of person with him. ✚ Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the armour of God, that you may stand steadfast against the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against rule, against power, and against worldly rulers of the dercknes of this world against spiritual wickedness, for heavenly things. For this cause take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and stand perfect in all things. christian men's weapons. Stand therefore, your loins gird about with verity, having on the breastplate of right wysnes, and should with shows prepared unto the Gospel of peax. Above all, take to you the shield of faith, wherewith you may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. ⊦ Andrea pray always with all manner prayer and supplication: and that in the spirit: and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to utter the mysteries of the Gospel, whereof I am messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me to speak. But that you may also know in what state I am and what I do, Tichicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose, that you might know in what case I stand, & that he might comfort your hearts. Peax with the brethren and love with faith from God the father, and from the Lord jesus Christ. Grace be with all them which love our Lord jesus Christ in pureness. AMEN. ¶ Scent from Rome unto the Ephesyans, by Tichicus. ¶ The Epistle of S. Paul the Apostle unto the Philippians. ¶ He exhorteth them to increase in love, in knowledge, and experience, of Godly things: maketh mention of his prisonment at Rome, is glad to hear christ preached, is content either to die or live, and prayeth them to lead a Godly conversation, to be of one mind, and to fear no persecution. CAPI. I PAul and Timothe servants of jesus Christ: To all the saints in Christ jesus, which are at Philippos with the bishops and Deacons. Grace be with you and peax from God our father and from the Lord jesus Christ. ✚ I thank my God with all remembrance of you, always in all my prayers for you, & pray with gladness, because of the fellowship which you have in the Gospel from the first day unto now: & am surely certified of this, that he which begun a good work in you, shall go forth with it until the day of jesus Christ as it becometh me so to judge of you all, because I have you in my heart, and have you also every one companions of grace with me, even in my bonds, as I defend and stablish the Gospel. For God beareth me record how greatly I long after you all, from the very heart rote in jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may increase more and more in knowledge, and in all feeling, that you might accept things most excellent, that you might be pure and such as should hurt no man's conscience, until the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of rightwiseness, which fruits come by jesus Christ unto the glory and laud of God. ⊦ I would you understood brethren that my business is happened unto the great furtheringe of the Gospel. So that my bands in Christ are manifest thorough out all the judgement hall and in all other places: In so much that many of the brethren in the Lord are boldened thorough my bands and dare more largely speak the word without fear. ☞ Some there are which preach Christ of envy and strife, and some of good will. The one part preacheth Christ of strife, and not purely, supposing to add more adversity to my bands. The other part of love, because they see that I am set to defend the Gospel. What then? So that Christ be preached, all manner ways, whether it be by occasion, or of true meaning, I therein joy: yea and will joy. For I know that this shall chance to my salvation, thorough your prayer and ministering of the spirit of jesus Christ as I heartily look for, & hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed: but that with all confidence, as always in times passed, even so now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be thorough life, or else death. For Christ is to me life, and death is to me advantage. ☜ If it chance me to live in the flesh, that is to me fruitful for to work, and what to chose I wot not, two. Reg. xxiiii ● i Paral xxi ● Daniel xvii ● I am constrained of two things: I desire to be loosed and to be with Christ, which thing is best of all. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh, is more needful for you. And this am I sure of, that I shall abide, and with you all, continued, for the furtherance and joy of your faith, that you may more abundantly rejoice in jesus Christ thorough me, by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be, as it becometh the Gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or be absent, I may hear of you, that you continued in one spirit, and in one soul, labouring as we do, to maintain the faith of the Gospel and in nothing fearing your adversaries: which is to them a token of perdition, and to you of salvation and that of God. For unto you it is given that not only you should believe on Christ: but also φ Tribulation is a token of salvation to the true believers. suffer for his sake, and have even the same fight which you saw me have and now hear of me. ¶ He exhorteth them to unite and brotherly love, and to beware of strife and vain glory: And for a sure example he layeth christ before them. CAPI. II IF there be among you any consolation in Christ, if there be any comfortable love, if there be any fellowship of the spirit, if there be any compassion of mercy: fulfil my joy, that you draw one way, having one love, being of one accord, and of one mind that nothing be done thorough strife or vain glory, but that in meekness of mind every man esteem other, better than himself, and look not every man on his own things, ☜ but every man on the things of other men. ✚ Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ jesus: which being in the shape of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but he made himself of no reputation, and took on him the shape of a servant, and become like unto men, and was found in his apparel as a man. He humbled himself, & become obedient unto the death, even the death of the cross. Hebre ii d Wherefore God hath exalted him, and given him a name above all names: Roma xiii c Isaiah xlv d. that in the name of jesus should every knee bow, both of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth, & that all tongues should confess that jesus Christ is the Lord unto the praise of God the father ⊦ Wherefore my dearly beloved, as you have always obeyed, not when I was present only, but now moche more in mine absence, even so work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both the will and also the debt even of good will. Do all thing without murmuring & disputing, that you may be faultless and pure, and the sons of God, without rebuke in the mids of a crooked and perverse nation: among which, see you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, unto my rejoicing in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither have laboured in vain. Yea though I be offered up upon the offering and sacrifice of your faith: I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also rejoice you, and rejoice you with me. I trust in the Lord jesus to send Timothe shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know in what case you stand. For I have no man that is so like minded to me, which with so pure affection careth for your matters. For all other seek their own, & not that which is jesus Christ's. You know the proof of him, how that as a son with the father, so with me bestowed he his labour upon the Gospel. Him I hope to send assoon as I know how it will go with me. I trust in the Lord, that I also myself shall come shortly. I supposed it necessary to send brother Epaphroditus unto you, my companion in labour, and fellow soldier, your apostle and my minister at my needs. For he longed after you, and was full of heaviness, because you had herd say that he should be sick. And no doubt he was sick, and that nigh unto death. But God had mercy on him: not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the dyligentliar, that when you should see him, you might rejoice again, and I might be the less sorrowful. receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and make moche of such: because that for the work of Christ he went so far, that he was nigh unto death, and regarded not his life, to fulfil that service which was lacking on your part toward me. ¶ He warneth them to beware of false teachers, whom he calleth dogs and enemies of Christ, and reproveth man's own righteousness. CAPI. III FInally, my brethren rejoice in the Lord It grieveth me not to write one thing often to you. For to you it is a sure thing. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers. Beware of dissension. For we are circumcision which worship God in the sprite, and rejoice in Christ jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: though I have whereof I might rejoice in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh: moche more I: circumcised the eight day, of the kindred of Israel, of the tribe of BenIamin, an Ebrue born of the Ebrues: as concerning the law, ☞ a Pharisaye, and as concerning ferventness, I persecuted the congregation, and as touching the rightwiseness of the law, I was unrebukable. But the things that were fordelles unto me, I accounted hindrance for Christ's sake. Yea I think all things but loss for that excellent knowledges sake of Christ jesus my Lord. For whom I have counted all thing loss, and do judge them but dung, that I might win Christ, and might be found in him, not having mine own rightwiseness which is of the law: but that which springeth of the faith which is in Christ. I mean the rightwiseness which cometh of God, thorough faith in knowing him and the virtue of the resurrection, and the fellowship of his passions, that I might be conformable unto his death, if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the deed. Not as though I had already attained to it, either were already perfect: but I follow, if that I may comprehend that, wherein I am comprehended of Christ jesus. Brethrens I count not myself that I have got it: but one thing I say: I φ I look not on the work that I have done, but what I lack of the perfectness of Christ forget that which is behind and stretch myself unto that which is before and press unto that mark appointed, to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ jesus. Let us therefore as many as be perfect, be in this wise minded and if you be otherwise minded, I pray God open even this unto you. Nevertheless in that whereunto we are come, let us proceed by one rule, that we may be of one accord. ✚ Brethrens be followers of me, and look on them which walk so, as you have us for an example. For many walk (of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping) that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, ☜ whose God is their belly, & whose glory is to their shame, which are worldly minded. φ If we be like Christ in conversation we shallbe like him in glory. But our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for a saviour, even the Lord jesus Christ, which shall change our bile bodies, that they may be fasshioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. ⊦ ¶ He saluteth certain of them, exhorteth them to be of honest conversation, and thanketh them for the provision they made for him being in prison. CAPI. FOUR Therefore (my brethren) dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so continued in the Lord, you beloved. I pray Euodias, and beseech Syntiches that they be of one accord in the Lord. ☜ Yea and I beseech the faithful yokefelowe, help the women which laboured with me in the Gospel, and with Clement also, and with other my labour fellows, whose names are in the book of life. ✚ Rejoice in the Lord alway, & again I say rejoice. Let your softness be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be not careful: but in all things show your petition unto God in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks. And the peax of God which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ jesus. ⊦ Finally brethren, what so ever things are true, what so ever things are honest, what so ever things are just, what so ever things are pure, what so ever things pertain to love, what so ever things are of honest reaport: if there be any virtuous thing, if there be any laudable thing, those same have you in your mind, which you have both learned and received, herd and also seen in me: those things do, and the God of peax shallbe with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at the last you are revived again to care for me, in that wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity. I speak not because of necessity. ☞ For I have learned in what so ever estate I am, therewith to be content. I can both cast down myself, I can also exceed. Every where and in all things I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, to have plenty & to suffer need. I can do all things thorough the help of Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding you have well done, that you bore part with me in my tribulation. You of Philippos know that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation bore part with me, as concerning giving and receiving, but you only. For when I was in Thessalonica, you sent once and afterward again unto my needs: not that I desire gifts: but I desire abundant fruit on your part. I received all, and have plenty. I was filled after that I had received of Epaphroditus, that which c●me from you, an * Ezech. twenty f. odour that smelleth sweet, a ‡ Roma xii a sarifice accepted and pleasant to God. My God fulfil all your needs thorough his glorious riches in jesus Christ. Unto God & our father be praise for evermore. Amen. Salute all the saints in Christ jesus. The brethren which are with me great you. All the saints salute you: and most of all they which are of the emperors household. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN. ¶ Scent from Rome by Epaphroditus. ¶ The Epistle of S. Paul the Apostle, to the Collossians. ¶ He giveth thanks unto God for their faith, love, and hope, prayeth for their increase, and showeth how we are the kingdom of God, obtained by christ, which is the head of the congregation. CAPI. I Paul, Apostle of jesus Christ, by the will of God, and brother Timothe. To the saints which are at Colossa, and brethren that believe in Christ. Grace be with you and peax from God our father and from the Lord jesus Christ. We give thanks to God the father of our Lord jesus Christ, always praying for you sithence we heard of your faith which you have in Christ jesus. and of the love which you bear to all saints for the hopes sake which is laid up in store for you in heaven, of which you have herd before by the true word of the Gospel, which is come unto you, even as it is into all the world, and is fruitful, as it is among you, from the first day in which you heard of it, and had experience in the grace of God in the truth, as you learned of Epaphra our dear fellow servant, which is for you a faithful minister of Christ which also declared unto us your love, which you have in the sprite. ✚ For this cause we also, sithence the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you, and desiring that you might be fulfilled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that you might walk worthy of the Lord in all things that please, being fruitful in all good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might, thorough his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness ⊦ giving thanks unto the father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of saints in light. Which hath delivered us from the power of derckenes, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son, Our redemption is the forgiveness of our sins. in whom we have redemption thorough his blood, that is to say, the forgiveness of sins which is the image of the invisible God, first begotten of all creatures. For by him were all things created, things that are in heaven, and things that are in earth: things visible & things invisible, whether they be majesty or lordship, either rule or power. ☜ All things are created by him, & in him, and he is before all things, and in him all things have their being. And he is the heed of the body, that is to wit of the congregation: he is the beginning and φ He is the first that hath glory & ne●● life of the resurrection. first begotten of the deed, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell, and by him to reconcile all thing unto himself, and to set at peax by him thorough the blood of his cross, both things in heaven and things in earth. And you (which were in times past strangers and enemies, because your minds were set in evil works) hath he now reconciled in the body of his flesh thorough death, to make you holy, unblamable and without fault in his own sight, if you continued grounded and stablished in the faith, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, whereof you have herd, how it is preached among all creatures which are under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister. Now joy I in my ●sions or ●nges of ●t is the ●ns whi●● must 〈◊〉 for his 〈◊〉 For we 〈◊〉 ꝓfessed ●poyn 〈◊〉 ●●ffre 〈◊〉 christ ●r. As ●●her sent 〈◊〉 end I sufferings which I suffer for you, and fulfil that which is behind of the passions of Christ in my flesh for his bodies sake, which is the congregation, whereof I am made a minister according to the ordinance of God, which was given me towards you, to fulfil the word of God, the mystery hid sense the world began, and sense the beginning of generations: but now is opened to his saints, to whom God would make known the glorious riches of this mystery among the gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning all men, and teaching all men in all wisdom, to make all men perfect in Christ jesus. Wherein I also labour and strive, even as farforth as his working worketh in me mightily. ¶ What great care Paul took for all congregations. He exhorteth them to be steadfast in Christ, to beware of false teachers and worldly wisdom and describeth the false Prophets. CAPI. II I Would you knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicia, & for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh, that their hearts might be comforted and knit together in love, and in all riches of full understanding, for to know the mystery of God the father and of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. This I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. ●t u b. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I present with you in the spirit, ioyenge and beholding the order that you keep, & your steadfast faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ jesus the Lord, even so walk, rooted and built in him and steadfast in the faith, as you have learned: and therein be plenteous in giving thanks. ✚ Beware lest any man come and spoil you thorough philosophy and deceitful vanity, thorough the traditions of men, and ordinances after the world, and not after Christ. For φ in him dwelleth all the fullness of the godhead bodily, ●●th all the 〈◊〉 of the ●●d bode ●●is, ve●● deed, not in shadows: so that when you have him you aught not to follow the shadows of Moses law, enticements and jugglings of man's wisdom. and you are complete in him which is the heed of all rule and power, in whom also you are circumcised with circumcision made without hands, by putting of the sinful body of the flesh thorough the circumcision that is in Christ, in that you are buried with him thorough baptism, in whom you are also risen again thorough faith, that is wrought by the operation of God, which raised him from death. And you which were deed in sin thorough the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quyckened with him and hath forgiven us all our trespasses ⊦ and hath put out the handewrytinge that was against us, contained in the law written: and that hath he taken out of the way, and hath fastened it to his cross, and hath spoiled rule and power, and hath made a show of them openly, and hath triumphed over them in his own person. Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink or for a piece of an holy day, as the holy day of the new moan, or of the Sabbath days, which are nothing but shadows of things to come: but the body is in Christ. Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless puffed up with his fleshly mind, and holdeth not the heed, whereof all the body by joints and couples, receiving norysshement, and knit together, increaseth with the increasing of God. Wherefore if you be deed with Christ from ordinances of the world, why as though you yet lived in the world, are you led with traditions of them that say? touch not, taste not, handle not: which all perish with the using of them, and are after the commaundmentes and doctrines of men: which things have the similitude of wisdom in choose holiness and humbleness, and in that they spare not the body, and do the flesh no worship unto his need. ¶ He putteth them in remembrance of the spiritual resurrection, to say aside all manner of corrupt living, to be fruitful in all godliness and virtue, and showeth all degrees their duty. CAPI. III Y ✚ F you be then risen again with Christ seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right-hand of God. Set your affection on things that are above, & not on things which are on the earth. For you are deed, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ which is our life, shall show himself, then shall you also appear with him in glory. ⊦ mortify therefore your membres which are on the earth, fornication, uncleanness, These membres must be slain. unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is worshipping of idols: for which things the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief. In which you walked once, when you lived in them. But now put you also away from you all things: wrath, fierceness, maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy speaking out of your mouths. Lie not one to an other * Rome vi a i Petri four a i Corint xu f Hebr xii a Ephesi four e. after that you have put of the old man with his works and put on the new, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that made him, Every man is christ to another where is neither gentle nor jew, circumcision nor uncircumcysyon, Barbarous or Sythian, bond or free: but Christ is all in all things. ✚ Now therefore as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercy, kindness, humbleness of minds, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one an other, and forgyvinge one an other, if any man have a quarrel to an other: as Christ forgave you, even so do you. Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. And the peax of God rule in your hearts, to which you are called in one body. And see that you be thankful. Let the word of Christ devil in you plenteously in all wisdom. Teach and exhort yourselves, in Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual songs which have favour with them, singing in your hearts to the Lord. And all things (what so ever you do in word or deed) do in the name of the Lord jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him. ⊦ Ephe. u e i Petri iii o. * wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord. husbands love your wives and be not bitter unto them. Children obey your fathers & mothers in all things, for that is well pleasing unto the Lord. Father's provoke not your children, least they be of a desperate mind. Ephe. vi a Titus ii c i Petri ii e Servants be obedient unto your bodily masters in all things: not with eye service/ as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And what so ever you do do it heartily, as though you did it to the Lord and not unto men: for as much as you know that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ. But he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong that he hath done: for there is no respect of personnes with God. Sapien vi b You masters do unto your servants that which is just and equal, saying you know that you also have a master in heaven. ¶ He exhorteth them to be fervent in prayer, to walk wisely unto them that are not yet come to the true knowledge of christ, and saluteth them. CAPI. FOUR Continued in prayer and watch in the same with thanks giving, Ephe. vi b praying also for us, that God open unto us the door of utterance, that we may speak the mystery of Christ (wherefore I am also in bonds) that I may utter it, as it becometh me to speak. Ephe. u d Walk wisely to them that are without, and redeem the tyme. Let your speech be always well favoured and powdered with φ Salt is the wisdom of God's word salt, that you may know how to answer every man. The dear brother Tichicos shall tell you of all my business, which is a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how you do, and might comfort your hearts, with one Onesimus a faithful and a beloved brother, which is one of you. They shall show you of all things which are adoing here. Aristarchus my prison fellow saluteth you two. Timon four and Marcus Barnabas sisters son: touching whom, you received commandments. If he come unto you, receive him: and jesus which is called justus, which are of the circumcision. These only are my workefelowes unto the kingdom of God, which were unto my consolation. Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth feruentely for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and full in all that is the will of God. I bear him record that he hath a fervent mind toward you, and toward them of Laodicia, and them of Hierapolis. Dear Lucas the Physician greteth you, and Demas. Salute the brethren which are of Laodicia, & salute Nymphas and the congregation, which is in his house. And when the Epistle is read of you, make that it be read in the congregation of the Laodicians also: and that you likewise read the Epistle of Laodicia. And say to Archippus: take heed to the office that thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of of me Paul Remember my bonds. Grace be with you: AMEN. ¶ Scent from Rome by Tychicus, and Onesymus. ¶ The first Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians. ¶ He thanketh God for them, that they are so steadfast in faith and good works, and receive the Gospel with such earnestness. CAPI. I Paul Sylvanus and Timothe. Unto the congregation of the Thessalonians, in God the father, and in the Lord jesus Christ. Grace with you, and peax from God our father and from the Lord jesus Christ. We give God thanks alway, for you all, making mention of you in our prayers without ceasing, and call to remembrance your work in the faith, and labour in love and perseverance in the hope of our Lord jesus Christ, in the sight of God our father: because we know (brethren beloved of God) that you are elect. For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and also in the holy ghost, and in moche certainty, as you know after what manner we behaved ourselves among you, for your sakes. And you become followers of us, and of the Lord, and received the word in moche affliction, with joy of the holy ghost: so that you were an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not in Macedonia and in Achaia only: but your faith also which you have unto God, spread abroad in all quarters, so greatly that it needeth not us to speak any thing at all. For they them selves show of you, what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to look for his son from heaven whom he raised from death: I mean jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come. ¶ He putteth them in mind, of the godly conversation, that he le●e among them, when he preached the Gospel unto them, thanketh God that they receive his word so frutfully, and excuseth his absence. CAPI. II FOr you yourselves know (brethren) of our entrance in unto you, how that it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated at Philippos. (as you well know) then were we bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God, with moche striving. Our exhortation was not to bring you to error, nor yet to uncleanness, neither was it with guile: but as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed unto us: even so we spoke, not as though we intended to please men, but God, which trieth our hearts. Neither was our conversation at any time with flattering words, as you well know, neither in cloaked covetousness, God is record: neither sought we praise of men, neither of you, nor yet of any other, when we might have been chargeable, as the Apostles of Christ, but we were tender among you, even as a nurse cheryssheth her children, so was our affection toward you: ☜ our good will was to have dealt unto you, not the Gospelle of God only: but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us. ✚ You remember (brethren) our labour, and travail. * For we laboured day and night, Act twenty g two. These iii d. because we would not be grievous unto any of you, and preached unto you the Gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how holily, and justly, and unblamably, we behaved ourselves, among you that believe: as you know how that we exhorted and comforted and besought every one of you, as a father his children, that you would walk worthy of God, which hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause thank we God with out ceasing, because that when you received of us the word wherewith God was preached, you received it not as the word of man: but even as it was in deed, the word of God, which worketh in you that believe. ⊦ For you brethren become followers of the congregations of God, which in jewry are in Christ jesus: for you have suffered like things of your kinsmen, as we ourselves have suffered of the jews. Which as they killed the Lord jesus and their own Prophets, even so have they persecuted us: and God they please not, and are contrary to all men and forbid us to preach unto the gentiles, that they might be saved, to fulfil their sins alway. For the wrath of God is come on them, even to the extreme end. For as much brethren as we are kept from you, for a season, as concerning the bodily presence, but not in the heart, we enforced the more to see you personnally with great desire. And therefore we would have come unto you, I Paul once and again: but Satan withstood us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not you it in the presence of our Lord jesus Christ at his coming? Yes you are our glory and joy. ¶ He showeth how greatly he was rejoiced, when Timothe told him of their faith and love. CAPI. III Wherefore sithence we could no longer forbear, Act xvi it pleased us to remain at Athens alone, and sent Timothe our brother and minister of God, and our labour fellow in the Gospel of Christ, to stablish you and to comfort you over your faith, that no man should be moved in these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are even appointed there unto. For verily when I was with you, I told you before that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, and as you know. For this cause when I could no longer forbear, I sent, that I might have knowledge of your faith, least happily the tempter had tempted you, and that our labour had been bestowed in vain. But now lately when Timothy came from you unto us, and declared to us your faith and your love, and how you have good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us, as we desire to see you: Therefore brethren we had consolation in you, in all our adversity and necessity, through your faith. For now are we alive, if you stand steadfast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, over all the joy that we joy for your sakes before our God: while we, night and day pray exceadyngly that we might see your person, and might fulfil that which is lacking in your faith. God himself our father, and our Lord jesus Christ guide our journey unto you: and the Lord increase you, and make you flow over in love one toward an other, and toward all men, even as we do toward you, to make your hearts stable and unblamable in holiness before God our father, at the coming of our Lord jesus Christ with all his saints. ¶ He exhorteth them to steadfastness, to keep themselves from sin, and uncleanly conversation, to love each other: rebuketh idleness, and speaketh of the resurrection. CAPI. FOUR F Roma. xii Ephe. u a Vrthermore we beseech you (brethren) and exhort you in the Lord jesus, that you increase more and more, even as you have received of us, how you aught to walk and to please God. You remember what commandments we gave you in our Lord jesus Christ. For this is the will of God, even that you should be holy, and that you should abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how to keep his vessel in holiness and honour, and not in the lust of concupiscence, as do the heathen/ which know not God, that no man go to far/ and defraud his brother in bargayninge: ☞ because the Lord is a venger of all such things, as we told you before time and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness: but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, which hath sent his holy spirit among you. ⊦ ✚ But as touching brotherly love, you need not that I write unto you. * john xiii d and xu b i john ii b i john four b. For you are taught of God/ to love one an other. Yea and that thing verily you do unto all the brethren which are thorough out all Macedonia. We beseech you (brethren) that you increase more and more, and that you study to be quiet and to meddle with your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you: that you may behave yourselves honestly toward them that are without, and that nothing be lacking unto you. ⊦ ✚ I would not brethren, have you ignorant, concerning them which are fallen a sleep, that you sorrow not as other do which have no hope. For if we believe that jesus died and rose again: even so them also which sleep by jesus, will God bring again with him. And this say we unto you in the word of the Lord, ☜ that we which live and are remaining in the coming of the Lord shall not come ere they which sleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and the voice of the archangel & trump of God. And the deed in Christ shall arise first: then shall we which live and remain, be caught up with them also in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord i Corin xu d. Wherefore comfort yourselves one an other with these words. ⊦ ¶ He warneth them of the day of doom and coming of the Lord, exhorteth them to watch and to regard such as preach God's word among them. CAPI. V OF the times and seasons brethren you have no need that I write unto you: two. Petr iii Apoca iii a and xvi for you yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall come even as a thief in the night. When they shall say peax and no danger, then cometh on them sudden destruction, as the travailing of a of a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But you brethren are not in darkness, so that that day should come on you as it were a thief. ✚ You be all the children of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night neither of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do other: but let us watch/ and be sober. For they that sleep, flepe in the night: and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us which are of the day, be sober, armed with the breast plate of faith and love, Isaiah lix t Faith is the breast plate, & hope is the helmet. and with hope of salvation as an helmet. For God hath not appointed us unto wrath: but to obtain salvation by the means of our Lord jesus Christ, which died for us: that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one an other, even as you do. ⊦ We beseech you brethren, that you know them which labour among you and have the oversight of you in the Lord, and give you exhortation, that you have them the more in love, for their works sake, and be at peax with them. ☞ We desire you (brethren) warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, forbear the weak, have continual patience toward all men. See that none recompense evil for evil unto any man: ●●o xvii c but ever follow that which is good, both among your selves, and to all men. Rejoice ever. Pray continually. In all things give thanks. For this is the will of God, in Christ jesus, toward you. Quench not the spirit. Despise not prophecies. Examen all things, and keep that which is good. Abstain from all suspicious things. The very God of peax sanctify you thorough out. And your hole spirit, soul and body, be kept faultless unto the coming of our Lord jesus Christ. ⊦ Faithful is he which called you: which will also do it. Brethrens, pray for us. great all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you in the Lord, that this Epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of the Lord jesus Christ be with you: AMEN. ¶ The end of the first Epistle unto the Thessalonyans. Scent from Athens. ¶ The second epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonyans. ¶ He thanketh God for their faith and love, and prayeth for the increase of the same. CAPI. I Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy. Unto the congregation of the Thessalonyans which are in God our father, and in the Lord jesus Christ. Grace with you/ and peax from God our father, and from the Lord jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always, for you brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceadyngly, and every one of you swymmeth in love toward an other between yourselves, so that we our selves rejoice of you in the congregations of god over your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you suffer, which is a token * Tribulation is a token of salvation. of the rightwise judgement of God, that you are counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. It is verily a rightwise thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you: and to you which are troubled, rest with us when the Lord jesus shall show himself from heaven with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire, rendering vengeance unto them that know not God, and to them that obey not unto the Gospel of our Lord jesus Christ, which shallbe punished with everlasting damnation, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, & to be made marvelous in all them that believe: because our testimony that we had to you, was belee'd even the same day that we preached it. Col i a Wherefore we pray always for you that our God make you worthy of the calling, and fulfil all delectation of goodness and the work of faith, with power: that the name of our Lord jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in him, thorough the grace of our God, and of the Lord jesus Christ. ¶ He showeth them that the day of the Lord shall not come, till the departing from the faith come first: and therefore he exhorteth them not to be deceived, but to stand steadfast in the things that he hath taught them. CAPI. II WE beseech you (brethren) by the coming of our Lord jesus Christ, and in that we shall assemble unto him, that you be not suddenly moved from your mind and be not troubled, neither by spirit, neither by words, nor yet by letters, which should seem to come from us, as though the day of Christ were at hand. * Ma, xxiii. a Let no man deceive you by any means, for the Lord cometh not, except there come a departing first and that φ That sinful man sygnyfieth Antichrist the sinful man be opened, the son of perdition, which is the adversary/ and is exalted above all that is called God, or that is worshipped: so that he shall ‡ To sit in the temple of God, is, to rule in the consciences of men, and there to command, where god only hath place and aught only to reign: which is as much as to be exalted above God. sit as God in the temple of God, and show himself as God. Remember you not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now you know what withholdeth: even that he might be uttered at his tyme. For the mystery of the iniquity doth already work: till he which now only letteth, be taken out of the way. * isaiah xi a. And then shall that wicked be uttered, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth. The spirit of his mouth, is, his holy word. with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy it with the appearance of his coming, even him whose coming is by the working of Satan, with all dying power, signs and wonders: and in all deceyvablenes of unrightwiseness, among them that perish: because they received not the love of the troth, that they might have been saved. And therefore God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe lies: that all they might be damned which believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unright wiseness. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you (brethren beloved of the Lord) because that God hath from the beginning choose you to salvation, thorough sanctifying of the spirit, and thorough believing the truth, whereunto he called you by our Gospel, to obtain the glory that cometh of our Lord jesus Christ. ✚ Therefore (brethren) stand fast, and keep the ordinances which you have learned: whether it were by our preaching or by epistle. Our Lord jesus Christ himself, and God our father which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope thorough grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in all doctrine, and good doing. ⊦ ¶ He desireth them to pray for him, that the Gospel may prosper, and giveth them warning to reprove the idle: and if they will not labour with their hands, that they shall not eat. CAPI. III furthermore brethren pray for us, that the word of God may have free passage & be glorified, as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable & evil men. For all men have not faith: but the Lord is faithful, which shall stablish you and keep you from evil. We have confidence thorough the Lord upon you, that you both do, and will do, that which we command you. And the Lord guide your hearts to the love of God, and patience of Christ. ✚ Act twenty f We require you brethren in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh inordinately, & not after the institution which you received of us. You yourselves know how you aught to follow us. For we behaved not ourselves inordinarly among you. Neither took we breed of any man for nought: ☜ but wrought with labour and travail night & day, because we would not be grievous to any of you: two. Corin xii d not but that we had authority: but to make ourselves an example unto you, to follow us. For when we were with you, this we warned you of, that if there were any which would not work, that the same should not eat. For we have herd say that there are some which walk among you inordynatly, and work not at all, but are busy bodies. such we command and exhort by our Lord jesus Christ, that they work with quietness, & eat their own bread: Gala. vi b Brethrens be not weary in well doing. ⊦ If any man obey not our sayings, send us word of him by a letter: and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed, how be it count him not as an enemy: but warn him as a brother. The very Lord of peax, give you peax always, by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of me Paul, with mine own hand. This is the token in all Epistles So I write. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN. ¶ Scent from Athens. ¶ The first epistle of S. Paul unto Timothe. ¶ He exhorteth Timothe to wait upon his office: namely, to see that nothing be taught but God's word etc. He showeth also wherefore the law is good, and telleth this sweet and glad tidings, that Christ jesus came in to the world to save sinners. CAPI. I PAul apostle of jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our saviour & Lord jesus Christ which is our hope. 〈◊〉. ●vi. Unto Timothe his right son in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peax, from God our father, and Lord jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought the to abide still in Ephesus when I departed in to Macedony, even so do, that thou command some that they teach none otherwise: neither give heed to fables and genealogyes which are endless, and breed doubts rather than godly edifying, which is by faith: for the end of the commandment is ●●e is thereof the cō●●●dement ● must inficete it. love that cometh of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which things some have erred, and have turned unto vain jangling, because they would be doctors in the scripture, and yet understand not what they speak, neither whereof they affirm. ✚ ●●m vii c ● iii d 〈◊〉 cv. a We know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not given unto a righteous man, ☞ but unto the unryghtous & disobedient, to the ungodly, and to sinners, to unholy, and unclean, to murderers of fathers, and murderers of mothers, & to mansleers hooremongers: to them that defile themselves with mankind: to men stealers: to liars, and to perjured, and so forth/ if there be any other thing that is contrary to wholesome doctrine: according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which is committed unto me. And I thank christ jesus our Lord, which hath made me strong: for he counted me true, and put me in office, when before I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a tyrant, but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly thorough unbelief. Nevertheless the grace of our Lord was more abundant with faith and love which is in christ jesus. ⊦ ●●gro●● be 〈◊〉 f●yth. This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, that christ jesus came in to the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Notwithstanding for this cause was mercy given unto me, that jesus christ should first show on me all long patience, unto the example of them which shall in time to come believe on him unto everlasting life. So then unto God king everlasting, immortal, invisible, and wise only, be honour and praise for ever and ever. Amen. This commandment commit I unto thee (son Timothe) according to the prophesies, which in time past were prophesied of thee, that thou in them shouldst fight a good fight, having faith and good conscience which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith, have made shipwreck. Of whose number is Hymeneus, and Alexander, which I have delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme. ¶ He exhorteth to pray for all men. He will not have women to be over costly arrayed nor to teach in the congregation, but to be in silence, and obey their husbands. CAPI. II I Exhort therefore that above all things, prayers, supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks he had for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may live a quiet and a peaceable life, in all godliness, and honesty. For that is good and accepted in the sight of God our saviour, which will have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Christ jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be testified at his time whereunto I am ordained a preacher and an Apostle: I tell the truth in christ and lie not, being the teacher of the gentiles in faith and verity. ⊦ I will therefore that the men pray every where, lifting up pure hands without wrath, or doubting. Likewise also the women, women. that they array themselves in comely apparel, ☜ with shamefastness and discrete behaviour: not with broided heat, either gold, or pearls, or costly array: but with such as becometh women that profess the worshipping of God thorough good works. i Cori xiiii g Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. I suffer not a woman to teach, neither to have authority over the man: but for to be in silence. For Adam was first form, & then Eue. Also Adam was not deceived. but the woman was deceived, Gene. i d Gene. iii b and was in transgression. Notwithstanding thorough bearing of children they shall be saved, so they continued in faith, love, and holiness, with discretion. ¶ What manner a man a bishop or priest aught to do, and what condition his wife and children should have The properties also required in a deacon or minister, and in his wife. CAPI. III THis is a true saying: If a man covet the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work: Wherefore a bishop must be faultless, the husband of one wife, sober, discrete, honestly appparayled, harberous, apt to teach, not drunken, no fyghter, not given to filthy lucre, but gentle, abhorring fighting, abhorring covetousness, and one that ruleth his own house honestly, having children under obedience, with all honesty. For if a man can not rule his own house, how shall he care for the congregation of God. He may not be a young scholar, A young scholar, so calleth Paul him that was latly christened or newly converted to the faith. least he swell and fall in to the judgement of the evil speaker. He must also be reapported among them which are withoutforthe, least he fall in to rebuke, and snare of the evil speaker. Likewise must Deacons be honest, not double-tongued, not given unto moche drinking, neither to filthy lucre, but having the mystery of the faith in pure conscience. And let them first be proved, and then let them minister, if they be found faultless. Even so must their wives be honest, not evil speakers: but sober and faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, and such as rule their children well, and their own households. For they that minister well, get themselves good degree and great liberty in the faith, which is in christ jesus. These things write I unto thee, trusting to come shortly unto thee: but if I tarry long that then thou mayst yet have knowledge how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And doubtless great is that mystery of godliness: God was showed in the flesh, was justified in the φ In the spirit or by the spirit bore record to him & to his doctrine. spirit, was seen of angels, was preached unto the gentiles, was believed on in earth, and received up in glory. ¶ He prophesieth of the latter days, and exhorteth Timothe to the diligent reading of the holy scripture. CAPI. FOUR two. Timon iii b ii Petri ii a. Jude i f THe spirit speaketh evidently, that in the latter times, some shall departed from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and devilish doctrine of them which speak false thorough hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with an hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe and know the truth. For all the creatures of God are good and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou shalt put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of jesus christ, which haste been nourished up in the words of the faith and good doctrine which thou haste continually followed. But cast away unghostly and old wives fables. Exercise thyself unto godliness. For body-exercyse profiteth little, but godliness in good unto all things, as a thing which hath promises of the life that is now, and of the life to come This is a sure saying, and of all parties worthy to be received. For therefore we labour and suffer rebuke, because we believe in the living God, which is the saviour of all men, but specially of those that believe. Such things command & teach. Let no man despise thy youth: but be unto them that believe an example, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in pureness. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. Despise not that gift that is in thee, which was given the thorough prophesy, with laying on the hands of an elder. These things exercise, and give thyself unto them, that it may be seen how thou profytest in all things. Take heed unto thyself, and unto learning, and continue therein. For if thou shalt so do, thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear the. ¶ He teacheth him how he shall behave himself in rebuking all degrees. An order concerning widows. CAPI. V REebuke not an elder: but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brethren, the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all pureness. Honour widows, which are true widows. If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to rule their own houses godly, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and acceptable before God. She that is a very widow and friendless, putteth her trust in God, and continueth in supplication and prayer night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure, is deed even yet alive. And these things command, that they may be without fault. If there be any that provideth not for his own, and namely for them of his household, the same denieth the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let no widow be choose, under three score year old, and such one, as was the wife of one man, and well reaported in good works: if she have nourished children, if she have been liberal to strangers, if she have washed the saints feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in adversity, if she were continually given unto all manner good works. The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton, to the dishonour of Christ, then will they marry, having damnation, because they have broken their first faith. And also they learn to go from house to house idle: and not idle only, but also trifling, and busy bodies, speaking things which are not comely. I will therefore that the younger women marry and bear children, and guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak evil. For many of them are already turned back, and are go after Satan. And if any man or woman that believeth, have widows, let them minister unto them, and let not the congregation be charged▪ that you may have sufficient for them that are widows in deed. ☞ The elders that rule well, are worthy of double honour, most specially, they which labour in the word and teaching. For the scripture saith: thou shalt not mosel the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the labourer is worthy of his reward. 〈◊〉 xxv d. Corin ix a. ●●th. x.x. b ●e ten b Against an elder receive none occusation, but under two or three witnesses. Them that sin, rebuke openly, that other may fear. I testify before God, and the Lord jesus christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without hasty judgement, and do nothing parcially. Say hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins, keep thyself self pure. Drink no longer water but use a little wine for thy stomach, and thine often diseases. Some men's sins are open before hand, and go before in to judgement: some men's sins follow after. Likewise also good works are manifest before hand and they that are otherwise, can not be hid. ¶ The duty of servants toward their masters. Against such as are not satisfied with the word of God. Against covetousness. A good lesson for rich men. CAPI. VI LEt as many servants as are under the yoke, count their masters, worthy of all henoure, that the name of God and his doctrine be not evil spoken of. See that they which have believing masters, despise them not because they are brethren: but so much the rather do service, for as much as they are believing and beloved, and partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and is not content with the wholesome words of our Lord jesus christ, and with the doctrine of godliness, he is puffed up, and knoweth nothing: but wastes his brains about questions and strife of words, whereof spring envy, strife, raylynges, evil surmysynges, & vain disputations of men, with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that lucre is godliness. from such separate thyself. Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath. 〈◊〉 i d 〈◊〉, five c For we brought nothing in to the world, and it is a plain case, that we can carry nothing out. ☞ When we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content. They that will be rich fall in to temptation and snares, and in to many foolish and noisome lusts, which do drown men in perdition and destruction. For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, Covetousness they erred from the faith, and tangled themself with many sorrows. But thou which art the man of god, flee such things. Follow righteousness, godliness, love, patience, and meekness. fight the good fight of faith. Say hand on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give the charge in the sight of God, which quyckneth all things, and before jesus christ, which under Poncius pilate witnessed a good witnessing, that thou keep the commandment, and be without spot, and unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord jesus christ, Apoca xvii and xix c which (when the time is come) he shall show that is blessed & mighty only, kings of kings, and lords of lords: which only hath immortality, and dwelleth in the light that no man can atteyn, whom never man saw, neither can see, unto John i b i John i c whom be honour and rule everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not exceeding wise, and that they trust not in the uncertain riches, but in the living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them, and that they do good, and be rich in good works, and ready to give and distribute, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may have erernall life. O Timothe, save that which is given the to keep, and avoid unghostly vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsiy so called, which while some professed, they have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with the. Amen. ¶ Scent from Laodicia, which is the chyefest city of Phrigia Pacaciana. ¶ The second Epistle of S. Paul the Apostle, unto Timothe. ¶ Paul exhorteth Timothe to steadfastness and patience in persecution, and to continued in the doctrine that he had taught him. A commendation of Onesiphorus. CAPI. I PAul Apostle of jesus christ by the will of god to preach the promise of life, which is in Christ jesus. To Timothe his beloved son. Grace, mercy and peax, from God the father, and from jesus Christ our Lord. Rome i a I thank God, whom I serve from mine elders, with pure conscience, that without ceasing I make mention of the in my prayers night and day, desiring to see thee, mindful of thy tears: so that I am filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelled first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunica: and am assured that in the also. Wherefore I warn the thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the putting on of my hands. Roma viii c For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, & of soberness of mind. Be not ashamed to testify of our Lord, neither be ashamed of me, which am bound for his sake: but suffer thou adversity also with the gospel, thorough the power of God, which saved us, and called us, with an holy calling: not according to our deeds, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given thorough christ jesus before the world was, but is now declared openly, by the appearing of our saviour jesus christ, which hath put away death, and hath brought life and immortality unto light thorough the gospel, * i Tim ii b. whereunto I am appointed, a preacher and Apostle, and a teacher of the gentiles: for which cause I also suffer these things. Nevertheless I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed, & am sure that he is able to keep that which I have committed to his keeping against that day. See thou have a form of wholesome words which thou herdest of me in faith and love which is in jesus christ. That good thing which was committed to thy keeping, keep in the holy ghost, which dwelleth in us. This thou knowest that all they which are in Asia be turned from me. Of which sort are Phigelos, and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome, sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him he may find mercy with the Lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. ¶ Like as in the first Chapter, so here he exhorteth him to be constant in trouble, to suffer manly, and to abide fast in the wholesome doctrine of our Lord jesus christ. CAPI. II T ✚ How therefore my son, be strong in the grace that is in christ jesus. And what things thou hast herd of me by many witnesses, the same deliver to faithful men, which are apt to teach other. Thou therefore suffer affliction, as a good soldier of jesus Christ. No man that warreth, entangleth himself with worldly business, because he would please him that hath choose him to be a soldier. And though a man strive for a mastery, yet is he not crowned, unless he strive lawfully. i Cor ix a The husbandman that laboureth must first receive of the fruits. Consider what I say. The Lord give the understanding in all things. ⊦ Remembre that jesus Christ, being of the seed of David, rose again from death, according to my gospel, wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto φ Bon●● is to ●ay, prysonyn● bonds. But the word of God was not bound. Herefore I suffer all things for the elects sakes, that they might also obtain that salvation which is in Christ jesus, with eternal glory. It is a true saying: if we be deed with him, we also shall live with him. If we be patient, we shall also reign with him. ●●●ina iii If we deny him, he also shall deny us. If we believe not, yet abideth he faithful. He can not deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance and testify before the Lord, that they strive not about words, which is to no profit, but to pervert the hearers. Study to show thyself laudable unto god a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly cutting the word of truth. i Tim four b. and vi d Vngostly and vain voices pass over. For they shall increase unto greater ungodliness, and their words shall fret even as doth a cancre: amongs whom is Hymeneos and Philetoes, which from the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is passed already, and do destroy the faith of divers people. But the sure ground of God remaineth, and hath this φ Seal, t● is, assurance conf●rma●ion sureness. Predest●●ccion. seal: the Lord knoweth them that are his, and let every man that calleth on the name of Christ departed from iniquity. Notwithstanding in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver: but also of wood and of earth, some for honour, and some unto dishonour. If a man therefore will purge him self from such, he shall be a vessel sanctified unto honour▪ meet for the Lord, and prepared unto all good works. Lusts of youth avoid, & pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peax, with them that call on the Lord with pure heart. i Timon i c Titu iiii c foolish and unlearned questions put from thee, remembering that they do but gender strife. But the servant of the Lord must not strive, but must be peaceable unto all men, and apt to teach, and one that can suffer the evil in meekness, and can inform them that resist, if that god at any time will give them repentance to know the truth, that they may come to themselves again out of the snare of the devil, which are now taken of him at his will. ¶ He prophesieth of the perilous times, setteth out ypocrytes in their colours, telleth us what they be within, for all their fair faces outwardly. Persecution for the Gospel. CAPI. III THis understand, that in the last days shall come perilous times. Timot four Petri iii ●c i f For the men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to father & mother, unthankful, unholy, unkind, trucebreakers, stubborn, false accusers, ryatours, fierce, despisers of them which are good, traitors, heedy, high minded, greedy upon voluptuousness more than the lovers of God, having a form of godly living, but have denied the power thereof: and such abhor. Of this sort are they which enter in to houses, and bring in to bondage women laden with sin, which are led of divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ●es. ●●bres. ●●i. seven. b. As jannes' and Jambres withstood Moses, even so do these resist the truth, men they are of corrupt minds, and lewd concerning the faith: but they shall prevail no longer. For their madness shall be uttered unto all men as theirs was. But thou hast seen the experience of my doctrine, fashion of living, purpose, faith, long suffering, love, patience, persecutions, and afflyctions, which happened unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra: which persecutions I suffered patiently. And from them all the Lord delivered me. Yea and all that will live godly in christ Jesus, must suffer persecutions. But the evil men and disceyvers shall wax worse and worse, while they deceive and are deceived themselves. But continued thou in the things which thou hast learned, which also were committed unto thee, seeing thou knowest of whom thou hast learned them, and for as much also as thou hast known holy scripture of a child, which is able to make the wise unto salvation, thorough the faith which is in christ jesus. ●etri i d For all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable to teach, to improve, to amend, and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God, may be perfect and prepared unto all good works. ¶ He exhorteth Tymothe to be fervent in the word and to suffer adversity, maketh mention of his own death, and biddeth Timothy to come unto him. CAPI. FOUR I Testify therefore before God, and before the Lord jesus christ, which shall judge quick and deed at his appearing in his kingdom, preach thou the wo●de, be fervent, be it in season or out of season. Improve, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they (whose ears itch) get them an heap of teachers, and shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be given unto fables. But watch thou in all things, and suffer adversity, and do the works of an φ evangelist is a comfortable preacher of the gospel. Evangelist, fulfil thine office. For I am now ready to be offered, & the time of my departing is at hand. I have fought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, & have kept the faith, from henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord that is a righteous judge shall give me at that day, not to me only, but unto all them that love his coming. Make speed to come unto me anon. For Demas hath left me, and loveth this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. Crescens is go to Galacia, & Titus unto Dalmacia. Only Lucas is with me. * Collo iiii c Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is necessary unto me, for to minister. And Tichicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troada with Carpus, when thou comest bring with thee, and the books, but specially the partchement. Alexander the coppersmyth did me much evil, the Lord reward him according to his deeds, of whom be thou ware also. For he withstood our preaching sore. At my first answering, no man assisted me. but all forsook me. I pray God that it may not be laid to their charges: ✚ notwithstanding, the Lord assisted me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the uttermost, and that all the gentiles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from all evil doing, and shall keep me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be praise for ever and ever. Amen. ⊦ Salute Prisca, and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus' abode at Corinthe. Trophimos I left at Miletun sick. Make speed to come before winter. Eubolus greteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord jesus christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. AMEN. ¶ The end of the second Epistle unto Timothe. ¶ Written from Rome, when Paul was presented the second time up before emperor Nero. ¶ The epistle of S. Paul unto Titus. ¶ Paul exhorteth Titus to ordain priests or bishops in every city, declareth what manner of men they ought to be that are choose to that office, and charges Titus to rebuke such as withstand the gospel. CAPI. I PAul the servant of god, and apostle of jesus christ, to preach the faith of Gods elect, and the knowledge of the truth, which is after godliness upon the hope of eternal life, which God that can not lie, hath promised afore the world began, but hath opened his word at the time appointed thorough preaching, which is committed unto me. by the commandment of God our saviour: To Titus his very true son in the comen faith. Grace, mercy, and peax from God the father and from the Lord jesus Christ our saviour. For this cause left I the in Crete▪ that thou shouldest perform that which was lacking, ☞ and shouldest ordain elders in every city as I appointed the. If any be faultless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, which are not slandered of riot, neither are disobedient. For a * bishops and elders is all one, and an officer, choose to govern the congregation in doctrine & living. bishop must be faultless, as it becometh the minister of God: not stubborn, not angry, no drunkard, no fyghter, not given to filthy lucre: but barbarous, one that loveth goodness, sober minded, righteous, holy, temperate, and such as cleaveth unto the faithful word of doctrine, that he may be able to exhort with wholesome learning, and to improve them that say against it. For there are many disobedient and talkers of vanity, and deceivers of minds, namely they of the circumcision. whose mouths must be stopped, which pervert hole houses, teaching things which they ought not, because of filthy lucre. One being of themselves, which was a poet of their own, said: The Cretyans are always liars, evil beestes, ☞ and slow belies. This witness is true, wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, and not taking heed to jews fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. * Ro xiiii a. Unto the pure are all things pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbyleving is nothing pure: but even the very minds and consciences of them are defiled. They confess they know God: but with the ●edes they deny him/ being abominable and disobedient, and unto all good works disallowed. ¶ He telleth him how he shall teach all degrees to behave themselves. CAPI. II But speak thou that which becometh wholesome learning. Old men. Old women. That the elder men be sober, honest, discrete, sound in the faith, in love, in patience. The elder women likewise, that they be in such raiment as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much drinking, but teachers of honest things, to make the young women sober minded, to love their husbands, young women to love their children, to be discrete, chaste, huswyfly, good, and obedient unto their husbands, that the word of God be not evil spoken of. Young men likewise exhort, young men. that they be sober minded. Above all things, show thyself an example of good works, with uncorrupt doctrine with honesty, and with the wholesome word which can not be rebuked, that he which withstandeth, may be ashamed, having nothing in you that he may dispraise. Ephesi vi a i Pet. ii c Colo● iii d The servants exhort to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please in all things, not answering again, neither to be pyckers, but that they show all good faithfulness, that they may do worship to the doctrine of our saviour God in all things. ✚ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared, and teacheth us that we should deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and that we should live sober minded, ryghtously and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the mighty God, and of our saviour jesus christ, which gave himself for us to redeem us from all unryghtousnes, and to purge us a peculiar people unto himself, fervently given unto good works. These things speak, and exhort, ⊦ and rebuke, withal commanding. See that no man despise the. ¶ Of obedience to such as be in authority. He warneth Titus to beware of foolish and unprofitable questions. CAPI. III warn them that they submit themselves to rule and power, to obey the officers, Officers must be obeyed. that they be ready unto all good works, that they speak evil of no man, that they be no fyghters: but soft, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were in times passed, unwise, disobedient, deceived, in danger to lusts, and divers manners of voluptuousness, living in malyciousnes and envy, full of hate, hating one an other. ✚ Butt after that the kindness and love of our saviour God toward man appeared, i●. Timon i a. not of the deeds of righteousness which we wrought, but of his mercy he saved us, by the fountain of the new birth, and with the renewing of the holy ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, thorough jesus Christ our saviour, that we once justified by his grace, should be heirs of eternal life, thorough hope. ⊦ This is a true saying. Of these things I would thou shouldest certify, 〈◊〉 i b ●●●o iii d that they which believe God, might be diligent to go forward in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. foolish questions and genealogyes, and brawling and strife about the law avoid: for they are unprofitable and superfluous. A man that is given to heresy, after the first and the second admonition, avoid: remembering that he that is such, is perverted and sinneth, even damned by his own judgement. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tichicus, be diligent to come to me unto Nicopolis. For I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer, and Apollo's on their journey diligently, that nothing be lacking unto them. And let ours also learn to excel in good works, as farforthe as need requireth, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me, salute the. great them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. AMEN. ¶ Written from Nycopolis a city of Macedonia. ¶ The epistle of S. Paul unto Philemon ¶ He rejoiceth to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, whom he desireth to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again. Paul the prisoner of jesus christ, and brother Timotheus. Unto Philemon the beloved, and our helper, and to the beloved Appia, & to Archippus our fellow soldier, & to the congregation of thy house. Grace be with you and peax, from God our father, and from the Lord jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention always of the in my prayers, when I hear of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Lord jesus, and toward all saints: so that the fellowship that thou hast in the faith is fruitful thorough knowledge of all good things which are in you by jesus Christ. And we have great joy and consolation over thy love: For by thee (brother) the saints hearts are comforted. Wherefore though I be bold in christ. enjoin the that which becometh thee, yet for loves sake I rather beseech thee, though I be as I am even Paul aged, and now in bonds for jesus Chrystes sake. I beseech the for my son Oonesimus whom I begat in my bonds, which in time past was to the unprofitable, but now profitable both to thee, and also to me, whom I have sent home again. Thou therefore receive him, that is to say mine own bowels, whom I would fain have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel. Nevertheless, without thy mind would I do nothing, that the good which springeth of thee, should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. Haply he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever, not now as a servant, but above a servant/ I mean a brother beloved, specially to me: how moche more unto thee, both in the flesh and also in the Lord? If thou count me a fellow, receive him as myself. If he hath hurt thee, or oweth the ought, that lay to my charge. I Paul have written with mine own hand. I will recompense it. So that I do not say to thee, how thou owest unto me even thine own self. Even so brother, let me enjoy the in the Lord. Comfort my bowels in the Lord. Trusting in thine obedience, I written unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do more than I say for. Moreover prepare me lodging: For I trust thorough the help of your prayers, I shall be given unto you. Here salute thee, Epaphras my fellow prisoner in christ jesus, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my helpers. The grace of our Lord jesus christ be with your spirits. Amen. ¶ Sent from Rome by Onesimus a servant. ¶ The first epistle of Saint Peter the Apostle. ¶ He showeth how faith must be tried: how the salvation in christ is no News, but a thing prophesied of old. He exhorteth them to a godly conversation, sithence they are now born a new by the word of God. CAPI. I PEter Apostle of jesus christ, Here Peter (as other true Apostles do) first setteth forth the treasure of mercy which God hath bound himself to give us for Christ's sake and then our duty what we be bound to do again it we willbe partakers of the mercy. to them that devil here and there as strangers throughout Pontus, Galacia, Capadocia, Asia, & Bethinia, elect by the fore knowledge of god the father thorough the sanctifiing of the spirit, unto obedience and sprynckling of the blood of jesus christ. Grace be with you, and peax be increased. Praised be God, father of our Lord jesus Christ, which thorough his abundant mercy begat us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of jesus Christ from death, to enjoy an inheritance immortal and undefiled, & that peryssheth not, reserved in heaven for you, which are kept by the power of God, thorough faith unto salvation, which is prepared already to be showed in the last time, in which you rejoice, though now for a reason (if need require) you are in heaviness, thorough manifold temtations that your faith once tried, being moche more precious than gold that peryssheth, (though it be tried with fire) might be found unto praise, glory and honour, at the appearing of jesus christ: whom you have not seen, and yet love him in whom even now though you see him not, yet do you believe: and rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious: receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation have the Prophets inquired and searched, which prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching when or at what time the spirit of christ which was in them should signify, which spirit testified before the passions that should come unto christ, and the glory that should follow after: unto which Prophets it was declared, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they should minister the things which are now showed unto you of them which by the holy ghost sent down from heaven, have preached unto you the things which the angels desire to behold. Wherefore gird up the loins of your minds, be sober, and trust perfectly on the grace that is brought unto you, by the declaring of jesus christ, as obedient children, not facioning yourselves unto your ●●●e l●ues of ignorancy: but as he which called you is holy, Leuit● cv duty ten d even so be you holy in all conversation, because it is written: Be you holy, for I am holy. And if you call on the father, which without respect of person judgeth according to every man's φ By our ●●●kes shall 〈◊〉 be judged: 〈◊〉 as the invisible faith 〈◊〉 such are 〈◊〉 works by 〈◊〉 which the 〈◊〉 faith his se● works, see you pass the time of your sojourning in fear. ✚ For as moche as you know you were not redeemed with corruptible silver and gold from your vain conversation, which you received by the traditions of the fathers: but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled, and without spot, which was ordained before the world was made: but was declared in the last times for your sakes, which by his means have believed on God that raised him from death, and glorified him, that your faith and hope might be in God. And for as much as you have purified your souls thorough the spirit, in obeying the truth, for to love brotherly without feigning, see you love one an other with a pure heart fervently: for you are born anew, not of mortal seed, but of immortal, by the word of God, which liveth and lasteth for ever. * Isaiah xi ● Eccl● xiiii. e Jacobi i d For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass. The grass wyddereth, and the flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endureth ever. ⊦ Andrea this is the word which by the gospel was preached among you. ¶ He exhorteth to say aside all vice, showeth that christ is the foundation whereupon they built, and to obey worldly rulers. How servants should behave themselves toward their masters. He exhorteth to suffer after the example of christ. CAPI. II w ✚ Herfore lay aside all malice & guile, and dissimulation, and envy, and all backbyting: and as new born babes desire that reasonable milk which is without corruption, that you may grow therein. If so be that you have tasted how pleasant the Lord is, to whom you come as unto a living stone disallowed of men, but choose of God and precious: and you as living stones, are made a spiritual house, & an holy priesthood, for to offer up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God by jesus christ, Wherefore it is contained in the scripture: behold, I put in Zion an heed corner stone, elect and precious: Esay xxviii d and he that believeth on him, shall not be ashamed. * Psa. ccvii c Math. xxi d. Act iiii c Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious: but unto them which believe not, the stone which the builders refused, the same is made the heed stone in the corner, and a stone to stumble at, and a rock to offend them which stumble at the word, ☜ and believe not that whereon they were set. But you are a choose generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculyer people, that you should sh●we the vertu●s of him that called you out of darkness in to his marvelous light, which in time paste were not a people, yet are now the people of God: which were not under mercy, but now have obtained mercy. ⊦ ✚ Osee ii d Roma ix ● Gala. v c Roma xiii d dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrimis, abstain from fleshly lusts, which fight against the soul, and see that you have honest conversation among the gentiles, that they which backbite you as evil doers, may see your good works, and praise God ●n the day ●●sitacion. 〈◊〉 doth Pe●●al the time ●hich god ●●chsafeth. 〈◊〉 his inipi●●●n to call 〈◊〉 to bet●●● living. in the day of visitation. submit yourselves unto all manner ordinance of man for the lords sake, whether it be unto the king as unto the chief heed, or unto rulers as unto them that are sent of him for the punishment of evil doers, but for the laud of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that you put to silence the ignorancy of the foolish men: as free, and not as having the liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but even as the servants of God. ●om xii c Honour all men. love brotherly fellowship. Fear God and honour the king. ●●esi vi a. ●●oss iii d. Servants obey your masters with all fear, not only if they be good and courteous, but also thought they be froward. For it is thank worthy if a man for consciences toward God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what praise is it, if when you be buffeted for your faults, you take it pacienly? But if when you do well, you suffer wrong and take it patiently, then is there thank with God. For hereunto verily were you 〈◊〉 calling 〈◊〉 follow ●●ste. called: for ✚ Christ also suffered for us, leaving to you an example that you should follow his steps, which did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth: which when he was reviled, reviled not again: when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed the cause to him that judgeth rightously, ●●●st beat 〈◊〉 sins. which his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we should be delivered from sin and should live in righteousness. By whose stripes we were healed. For we were as sheep going astray: but are now returned unto the shepherd and bishop of your souls. ⊦ ¶ How wives aught to order themselves toward their husband, and in their apparel. The duty of men toward their wives. He exhorteth all men to unite and love, and patiently to suffer trouble. Of true baptism. CAPI. III Likewise let the wives be in subjection to their husbands, that even they which believe not the word, may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives: while they behold your pure conversation coupled with fear. Whose apparel shall not be outward with broided hear, & hanging on of gold, either in putting on of gorgeous apparel: but let the hid man of the heart be uncorrupt, with a meek and qui●e spirit, which is before God a thing much set by. For after this manner in the old time did the holy women which trusted in God tire themselves, 〈◊〉 xviii d and were obedient to their husbands, even as Sara obeyed Abraham, and called him Lord, whose daughters you are as long as you do well, not being afraid of every shadow. Likewise you men, devil with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto the weyker vessel, and as unto them that are heirs also of the grace of life, that your prayers be not let. ✚ In conclusion be you all of one mind, one suffer with an other: love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteys, not rendering evil for evil, neither rebuke for rebuke: but contrary wise, bless, remembering that you are thereunto called even that you should be heirs of blessing. ☜ If any man long after life, and loveth to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak not guile. Let him eschew evil & do good, Psal xxxiii c let him seek peax and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. But the face of the Lord beholdeth them that do evil. Moreover, who is it that will harm you, if you follow that which is good? Notwithstanding happy are you if you suffer for rightousnesses sake. Yea and fear not though they seem terrible to you, neither be troubled: ☜ but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, and that with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, that when they backbite you as evil doers, they may be ashamed, for as much as they have falsely accused your good conversation in christ. It is better (if the will of God be so) that you suffer for well doing, then for evil doing. ✚ For asmuch as christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, for to bring us to God, and was killed as pertaining to the flesh: but was quyckned in the spirit. In which he also went and preached unto the spirits that were in prison, which were in time past disobedient, when the long suffering of God, abode exceeding patiently in the days of No, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few (that is to say eight souls) were saved by water, which signifieth baptism that now saveth us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but in that a good conscience consenteth to God, by the resurrection of jesus christ, which is on the right hand of God: ⊦ and is go in to heaven, angels, powers and might subdued unto him. ¶ He exhorteth men to cease from sin, to spend no more time in vice, to be sober and apt to prayer to love each other, to be patient in trouble, and to beware that no man suffer as an evil doer, but as a christian man and not to be ashamed. CAPI. FOUR FOr as much as christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he which suffereth in the flesh, ceaseth from sin, That he henceforward should live as much time as remaineth in the flesh: not after lusts of men, but after the will of God. For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time that is passed of the life, after the will of the gentiles, walking in wantonness, lusts, drunkenness, in eating, drinking, and in abominable idolatry. And it seemeth to them a strange thing that you run not also with them unto the same excess of riot, and therefore speak they evil of you, which shall give accounts to him that is ready to judge quick and deed. * For unto this purpose was the gospel preached unto the deed, that they should be judged like other men in the flesh, but should live before god in the spirit. The end of all things is at hand. ✚ Be you therefore discrete and sober, that you may be apt to prayers. But above all things have fervent charity among you. For charity covereth the multitude of sins. Be you barbarous one to an other, and that without grudging. As every man hath received the gift minister the same one to an other, as good ministers of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him talk as though he spoke the words of God. ☞ If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God ministereth unto him: So that God in all things may be glorified thorough jesus christ, ⊦ to whom be praise and dominion, for ever, and while the world standeth. Amen. dearly beloved, be not troubled in this heat, which now is come among you to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you: but rejoice, in as much as you are partakers of Chrystes passions, that when his glory appeareth, you may be merry and glad. If you be railed upon for the name of christ happy are you. For the spirit of glory, and the spirit of God rests upon you, On their part he is evil spoken of: but on your part he is glorified. See that none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or an evil doer, or as a busy body in other men's matters. If any man suffer as a christian man, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this behalf. For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them which believe not the gospel of God? Prouer. xi b. And if the righteous scarcely be saved: where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls unto him with well doing, as unto faithful maker. ¶ A special exhortation for all bishops or priests to feed the flock of christ. He exhorteth young people to submit themselves to the elder, every one to love an other, to be sober and to watch, that they may resist the enemy. CAPI. V THe priests which are among you I exhort, Presbyter, that is to say, a priest, in the Greek, signyfieth an elder, because commonly they were elderly men, that were choose to teach the people which am also a priest & a witness of the afflictions of christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be opened: see that you feed Christ's flock which is among you, taking the oversight of them not as though you were compelled thereto, but willingly: not for the desire of filthy lucre, but of a good mind, not as though you were lords over the Parysshes▪ the greek hath lots, that is to say, parysshes or dyoceses, unto which the priests, and bishops are appointed by lot, or election, to preach god's word to them parysshes: but that you be an example to the flock. And when the chief shepherd shall appear, you shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory. Likewise you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. submit you selves every man, one to an other/ knit yourselves together in lowliness of mind. For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. submit your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you, when the time is come. Cast all your care on him: for he careth for you. Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, remembering that you do fulfil but the same afflictions which are appointed to your brethren that are in the world. The God of grace which called you unto his eternal glory by christ jesus, shall his own self after you have suffered a little affliction make you perfect: shall settle, strength, and stablish you. To him be glory and dominion for ever, and while the world endureth. Amen. ⊦ By Sylvanus a faithful brother unto you (as I suppose) have I written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand. The compaignions' of your election that are of Babylon, salute you, and Marcus my son. great you one an other with the kiss of love. Peax be with you all which are in christ jesus. AMEN. ¶ The second Epistle of Saint Peter. ¶ He exhorteth them to flee the corruption of worldly lust, and make their calling sure with good works, and fruits of faith. CAPI. I SImon Peter servant and Apostle of jesus christ, to them which have obtained like precious faith with us in the righteousness that cometh of our God and saviour jesus Christ. Grace with you, and peax be multiplied in the knowledge of God, & of jesus our Lord. So as his godly power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, thorough the knowledge of him that hath called us by virtue and glory, by the means whereof are given to us excellent and most great promises, that by the help of them, you should be partakers of the godly nature, in that you flee the corruption of worldly lust. Yea, and hereunto give all diligence: in your faith φ minister virtue, in your virtue knowledge, and in knowledge temperance, and in temperance patience, and in patience godliness, in godliness brotherly kindness, in brotherly kindness love. For if these things be among you & are plenteous, they will make you, that you neither shall be idle, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord jesus Christ. ☞ But he that lacketh these things is blind, and gropeth for the way with his hand, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure. For if you do such things, you shall never err. Yea by this means an entering in shall be ministered unto you habundantly in to the everlasting kingdom our Lord and saviour jesus christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of such things, though you know them yourselves, and be also stablished in the present truth. Notwithstanding, I think it mere (as long as I am in this tabernacle 〈◊〉 sygnyfy●● his body 〈◊〉 also doth ●. Cor u a tabernacle) to steer you up by putting you in remembrance, for as much as I am sure the time is at hand that I must put of my tabernacle, even as our Lord jesus christ hath showed me. I will do my devour therefore, that on every side you might have wherewith to stir up the remembrance of these things after my departure. ✚ For we followed not deceivable fables, when we opened unto you the power and coming of our Lord jesus christ, but with our eyes we saw his majesty: even then verily when he received of God the father honour and glory, and when there came such a voice into him from the excellent glory. Mat xvii ● three This s my dear beloved son, in whom I have delight. This voice we heard when it came from heaven, john i c Marck i d Luke iii b being with him in the holy mount. We have also a right sure word of prophecy, whereunto if you take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, you do well, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. ⊦ So that you first know this: that no prophecy in the scripture hath any private interpretation. ☜ For the scripture came never by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the holy ghost. ¶ He prophesieth of false teachers, and showeth their punishment. CAPI. II THere were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you: which privily shall bring in damnable sects, even denyieng the Lord that hath bought them, and bring upon themselves swift damnation, and many shall follow their damnable ways, by which the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and thorough covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, φ False prophets must needs be amongst us and also prevail, and that because we have no love to the truth two. These ii And covetousness is the father of them and their preaching confidence in works is the denying of christ. whose judgement is not far of, and their damnation sleepeth not. For if god spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down in to hell, and delivered them in to chains of darkness to be kept unto judgement, neither spared the old world, but saved No the eight preacher of righteousness, and brought in the flood upon the world of the ungodly, & turned the cities of Zodom and Gomor in to ashes: overthrew them damned them, and made on them an example unto all that after should live ungodly. And just Lot vexed with the uncleanly conversation of the wicked, delivered he. For he being righteous, and dwelling among them in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, a how to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgement for to be punished: namely them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise the rulers. Presumptuous are they, and stubborn, and fear not to speak evil of them that are in authority. When the angels which are greater both in power and might receive not of the Lord railing judgement against them. But these as brute beestes, naturally made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of that they know not, and shall perish through their own destruction, and receive the reward of unryghtousnes. They count it pleasure to live deliciously, for a season. Spots they are, and filthiness living at pleasure and in deceivable ways, feesting with you, having eyes full of adultery, and that can not cease to sin, begylinge unstable souls. hearts they have exercised with covetousness. They are cursed children, and have forsaken the right way Numer xii e. and are gone astray, following the way of Balam the son of Bosor, which loved the reward of unryghtousnes: but was rebuked of his wickedness. The tame and dumb be'st speaking with man's voice, forbade the foolishness of the Prophet. Jude i d These are wells without water, and clouds carried about of a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they have spoken the swelling words of vanity, they beguile with wantonness thorough the lusts of the flesh, them that were clean escaped: but now are wrapped in errors. They promise them liberty, and are themselves the bond servants of corruption. john viii e Roma vi c Hebre vi a Math. xii For of whom so ever a man is overcome, unto the same is he in bondage. For if they after they have escaped from the filthiness of the world, thorough the knowledge of the Lord and of the saviour jesus christ, are yet tangled again therein, & overcome: then is the latter end worse with them then the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have * It is better not have known the truth than not to live thereafter known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment given unto them. It is happened unto them, according to the true proverb: * Prou. xxi The dog is turned to his vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. ¶ He exhorteth to beware of such as would make us believe, the day of the Lord were slack in coming. And prayeth us to lead a godly life, and to look verily for the coming of the Lord, whose long tarrying is salvation. CAPI. III THis is the second epistle that I now write unto you beloved, wherewith I steer up, and warn your pure minds, to call to remembrance the words which were told before of the holy prophets, and also the commandment of us the Apostles of the Lord and saviour. i Timot iiii ii Timon iii This first understand, that there shall come in the last days mockers, which will walk after their own lusts, & say. Where is the promise of his coming? For sithence the fathers died, all things continued in the same estate wherein they were at the beginning. This they know not (and that willingly) that the heavens a great while ago were, and the earth that was in the water appeared up out of the water, by the word of God: by which things the world that then was, perished overflown with the water. But the heavens verily, and earth which are now, are kept by the same word in store, and reserved unto fire, against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men. dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack to fulfil his promise, as some men count slackness: but is patient towards us, and would have no man lost, but would receive all men to repentance. ☜ i Thessa v Apoc. iii a and xvi Nevertheless the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which day, the heavens shall perish with terrible noise, and the elements shall melt with heat, and the earth with the works that are therein shall burn. If all these things shall perish, what manner people aught you to be in holy conversation and godliness: looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens shall perish with fire, and the elements shall be consumed with heat. Apoca xxi a. Esay lxv c ● lxvi. g Nevertheless we look for a new heaven, and a new earth, according to his promise, in whom abideth righteousness. Wherefore (dearly beloved) saying that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peax, without spot, and undefiled. And suppose that the long suffering of the lords salvation, even as our dearly beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given unto him, written to you you almost in every epistle, speaking of such things: among which are many things hard to be understand, which they that are unlearned, and unstable pervert, as they do other scriptures unto their own destruction. You therefore (beloved) saying you know it before hand, beware least you be also plucked away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour jesus Christ: to whom be glory both now and for ever. AMEN. ¶ The first Epistle of Saint Iohn the Apostle. ¶ True witness of the everlasting word of God. The blood of Christ is the purgation from sin. No man is without sin. CAPI. I THat which was from the beginning, which we have herd, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life. For the life appeared, and we have seen and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the father, and appeared unto us. That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that you may have fellowship with us, and that our fellowship may be with the father and his son jesus Christ And this write we unto you, that your joy may be full. And this is the tidings which we have herd of him and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no derckenesse at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and yet walk in derckenesse, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in ●yght) is ye●●yne of ●●ist. Hebre two. Pet. i d light, even as he is in light, then have we fellowship with him, and the blood of jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and truth is not in us. If we ●f we contour syn●● god whi●● cannot lie) 〈◊〉 promy●●●o forgive 〈◊〉. knowledge our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrightwiseness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. ¶ christ is our advocate. Of true love, and how it is tried. CAPI. II MY dear children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not: if any man sin, yet we have a spokesman with the father, jesus Christ, which is righteous: and he is a mercystocke for our sins: not for our sins only: but also for the sins of all the world. And hereby we are sure that we know him, if we keep his 〈◊〉 that ke●● the commandments knoweth 〈◊〉 and he 〈◊〉 keepeth 〈◊〉 not kno●● not god. commandments. He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Who so ever keepeth his word, in him is the love of God perfect in deed. And thereby know we that we are in him. He that sayeth he abideth in him, ought to walk as he walked. ⊦ Brethrens, I write no new commandment unto you: but that old commandment which you heard from the beginning. The old commandment is the word, which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, a thing that is true in him, and also in you: for the derckenesse is paste, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and yet hateth his brother, is in dercknesse even till this tyme. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light & there is none occasion of evil in him. He that hateth his brother, is in derckenesse, and walketh in derckenesse: and can not tell whither he goeth, because derckenesse hath blinded his eyes. Dear children I write unto you that your sins are forgiven you for his name. I write unto you fathers, that you know him that was from the beginning. I write unto you young men, that you have overcome the wicked. I write unto you little children, that you know the father. I write unto you fathers, that you know him that was from the beginning. I write unto you young men, that you be strong and the word of God abide in you, and you have overcome that wicked. φ He that veth the world loveth not God. See you love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of goods, is not of the father, but of the world. And the world vanyssheth away, and the lust thereof: but he that fulfilleth the will of God, abideth ever. little children it is the last time, and as you have herd how antichrist. Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichristes' come already. Whereby we know that it is the last tyme. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt, have continued with us. But that fortuned that it might appear they were not of us. But you have an ointment of the holy ghost, and you know all things. Psal xliiij b. I written not unto you, ☞ as though you knew not the truth: but as though you knew it, and know also that no lie cometh of truth. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that jesus is Christ? the same is the Antichrist that denieth the father and the son. Who so ever denieth the son, the same hath not the father. Let therefore abide in you that same which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning, shall remain in you, you also shall continued in the son, and in the father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even everlasting life. This have I written unto you, concerning them that deceive you. And the anointing which you received of him, dwelleth in you. And you need not that any man teach you: but as the anointing teacheth you all things, and is true, and is no lie, and as it taught you, even so abide therein. And now babes abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may be bold, and not be made ashamed of him at his coming: If you know that he is righteous, know also that he which followeth rightwiseness, is born of him. ¶ The singular love of God toward us: and how we again ought to love one an other. CAPI. III Behold what love the father hath showed on us that we should be called the sons of God. For this cause the world knoweth you not, because it knoweth not him. dearly beloved, now are we the sons of God, and yet it doth not appear what we shall be. But we know that when it shall appear, we shall be like him. For we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, puryfyeth himself, even as he is pure. Who so ever committeth sin, committeth unrighteousness also, for sin is φ He that worketh righteousness, is born of god & taught of his spirit. unrighteousness. And you know he appeared to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. As many as abide in him, sin not: who so ever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither hath known him. Babes, let no man deceive you. He that doth righteousness, is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin, is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose appeared the son of God, to louse the works of the devil. ☞ Who so ever is born of God, sinneth not: for his seed remaineth in him, and he can not sin, because he is born of God. In this are the children of God known, and the children of the devil. Who so ever doth not rightwiseness, is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. φ Love is the first precept and 'cause of all other For this is the tidings, that you heard from the beginning, that you should love one an other: not as * Gene. four b cain which was of the wicked/ and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brothers good. ✚ Marvel not my brethren, though the world hate you. We know that we are translated from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. φ An hater of his brother is a murderer. Who so ever hateth his brother, is a murderer. And you know that no murderer, hath eternal life abiding in him. He that hath no compassion, loveth not God. φ Hereby perceive we the charity of God: that he gave his life for us: and therefore ought we also to give our lives for the brethren. Who so ever hath this worlds good, and seethe his brother have need: and shutteth up his compassion from him: how dwelleth the love of God in him? My babes, let us not love in word, ne in tongue: but with the deed, and in verity: ✚ for thereby we know that we are of the verity, and before him shall appease our hearts. But if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and knoweth all things. ☜ Beloved, if our hearts condemn us not, then have we trust upon God: and what so ever we ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and do those things/ which are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, that we believe on the name of his son jesus Christ, and love one an other, as he gave commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments, dwelleth in him, and he in him: and thereby we know that there abideth in us, of the spirit, which he gave us. ¶ Difference of spirits, and how the spirit of God may be known from the s●yrite of error. Of the love of God, and of our neighbours. CAP. FOUR YOU beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God, or no: ☜ for many false Prophets are go out into the world. Hereby shall you know the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesseth that jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God. And every spirit which confesseth not that jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God. And this is that sprite of Antichrist, of whom you have herd, how he should come: and even now already is he in the world. little children, you are of God and have overcome them: for greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world, and therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us: he that is not of God, heareth us not. Hereby know we the spirit of verity, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one an other: for love cometh of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, ✚ for God is love. In this appeared the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live thorough him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son/ to be a sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one an other. john i b No man hath seen God at any tyme. If we love one an other. God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfect in us. Hereby know we: that we devil in him, and he in us: because he hath given us of his spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the father sent the son, which is the saviour of the world. Who so ever confesseth that jesus is the son of God, in him dwelleth God, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love/ and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. perfect ●●is void ●●are. Herein is the love perfect in us, that we should have trust in the day of judgement: For as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear, for fear hath vexation. He that fears, is not perfect in love. ●●at lo●● not his ●●her, lo●● not god. We love him, for he loved us first. If a man say, I love God, and yet φ hate his brother, he is a liar. For how can he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we of him: that he which loveth God, should love his brother also. ⊦ ¶ To love God, is to keep his commandments. Faith overcometh the world. Everlasting life is in the son of God. Of the sin unto death. CAP. V. WHo soever believeth that jesus is Christ is born of God. And every one that loveth him which begat, loveth him also which was begotten of him. In this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. This is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. ✚ For all that is born of God, overcometh the world. And this is the victory that overcometh the world, ●ayth is 〈◊〉 victory. even φ our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world: but he which believeth that jesus is the son of God. This jesus Christ is he that came by water and blood. not by water only: but by water and blood. And it is the spirit that beareth witness, because the sprite is the very truth. ●●is that is ●●nted in o●●●haractes ●●r the iuge●●nt of Eras●● in his annotations) be 〈◊〉 the words 〈◊〉 Iohn, the ●●er of this ●●ystle, but ●e to be put of some o●●●. (For there are three which bear record in heaven, the father, the word, and the holy ghost. And these three are one). For there are three which bear record (in earth) the sprite, and water, and blood: and these three are one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. For this is the witness of God, which he testified of his son. He that believeth on the son of God, hath the witness in himself. ⊦ He that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believed not the record that God gave of his son. And this is that record, 〈◊〉 christ is ●●se eternal. that God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in his son. He that hath the son, hath life: and he that hath not the son of God, hath not life. These things have I written unto you, that believe on the name of the son of God that you may know you have eternal life, & that you may believe on the name of the son of God. And this is the trust we have in him: that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he hear us what so ever we ask, we know we shall have the petitions that we desire of him. If any man see his brother sin a sin that is not unto death, he shall ask, Sin unto death. and he shall give him life for such as sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death, ☜ for which say I not that a man should pray. All unrightwiseness is sin, & there is sin not unto death. We know that who so ever is born of God, sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, By that wicked, he understandeth the devil and that wicked toucheth him not. We know that we are of God and that the world is all together set on wickedness. We know that the son of God is come, and hath given us a mind to know him which is true: and we are in him that is true, through his son jesus Christ. This same is very God, and everlasting life. Babes keep yourselves from images. AMEN. ¶ The second epistle of Saint john. ¶ He writeth unto a certain lady, rejoiceth that her children walk in the truth, exhorteth them unto love, warneth them to beware of such deceivers as deny that jesus christ came in the flesh, prayeth them to continued in the doctrine of Christ, and to have nothing to do with them that bring not this learning. THe elder to the elect lady and her children which I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all that know the truth, for the truths sake which dwelleth in us, and shallbe in us for ever. With you be grace, mercy and peax from God the father and from the Lord jesus Christ the son of the father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment of the father. And now beseech I thee, (lady,) not as though I written a new commandment unto thee, but that same which we had from the beginning, that we should φ Love is the first commandment. Love one an other. And this is the love, that we should walk after his commandments. This commandment is (that as you have herd from the beginning) you should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, which confess not, that jesus Christ, is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. Look on yourselves, that we loose not that we have wrought: ☞ but that we may have a full reward. Who so ever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that endureth in the doctrine of Christ, hath both the father and the son. If there come any unto you and bring not this learning, him receive not to house: neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds I had many things to write unto you, nevertheless I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak with you mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full. The sons of thy elect sister great the. AMEN. ¶ The third epistle of Saint john. ¶ He is glade▪ of Gayus, that he walketh in the truth: exhorteth them to be loving unto the poor christian in their persecution, showeth the unkind dealing of Dyotrephes, and the good reaporte of Demetrius. THe elder unto the beloved Gayus, whom I love in the truth. Beloved I wish in all things that thou prosper and far well even as thy soul prospereth I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came, and testyfied of the truth that is in thee, how thou walkest in troth. I have no greater joy then to hear that my sons walk in verity. Beloved, thou dost faithfully what so ever thou dost to the brethren, and to strangers, which bore witness of thy love before all the congregation. Which brethren when thou bringest forwards of their journey (as it beseemeth God) thou shalt do well: because that for his name's sake they went forth, and took nothing of the gentiles. We therefore aught to receive such, that we also might be helpers to the truth. I written unto the congregation: but Diotrephes which loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore if I come, I will declare his deeds which he doth, jesting on us with malicious words, neither is therewith content, not only he himself receiveth not the brethren: but also he forbiddeth them that would, and thrusteth them out of the congregation. Beloved, follow not the evil, but the good. He that doth well, is of God: but he that doth evil seethe not God. Demetrius hath good reaporte of all men & of the truth: yea and we ourselves also bear record, and you know that our record is true. I have many things to write: but I will not with ink and pen write unto the. For I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak mouth to mouth. Peax be with the. The friends salute the. great the friends by name. ¶ The epistle unto the Hebreves. ¶ How God dealt lovingly with them of the old time in sending them his Prophets, but much more mercy hath showed us, in that he sent us his own son. Of the most excellent glory of jesus christ, which in all things is like to his father. CAPI. I GOd in time passed diversly and many ways, spoke unto the fathers by the Prophets but in 〈◊〉 these lat● days you 〈◊〉 Esa. ii a these last days he hath spoken unto us by his son, whom he hath made heir of all things: by whom also he made the world, 〈◊〉 xxxviii e ●uen vii d Which being the brightness of his glory, and express image of his substance, bearing up all things with the word of his power, hath to his own person ●rist hath ●●ed our 〈◊〉. purged our sins, and is sitten on the right hand of the majesty on high, & is more excellent than the angels, for as much as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time: psalm ii b Thou art my son, this day begat I thee? And again: ●t xii d I will be his father, and he shallbe my son: ●e vii b. And again when he bringeth in the first begotten son in to the world, he saith: 〈◊〉 lxxxvi c And all the angels of God shall worship him. And of the angels he saith: ●sal ciii a He maketh his angel's spirits, and his ministers flames of fire. But unto the son he saith: ●sa xliiii b God, thy seat shall be for ever and ever. The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou haste loved ryghtousenes and hated wickedness. Wherefore God, which is thy God, hath anointed the with the ●le of ●nes, is the 〈◊〉 ghost. Oil of gladness above thy fellows. And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth. And the heavens are the works of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure. They all shall wax old as doth a garment: and as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art all ways, and thy years shall not fail. ⊦ Unto which of thy angels said he at any time: 〈◊〉 cix a Sat on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stolen: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister, for their sakes which shall be heirs of salvation? ¶ He exhorteth us to be obedient unto the new law, which christ hath given us, and not to be offended at the infirmity and low degree of christ, because it was necessary, that for our sakes, he should take such an humble state upon him, that he might be like unto his brethren. CAPI. II Wherefore we ought to give the more heed to the things we have herd lest we perish. For if the word which was spoken by angels, was steadfast: so that every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense to reward, If the despisers of Moses were so grievously punished, what shall become of them that make a mock of christ. how shall we escape, if we despise so great salvation, which at the first began to be preached of the Lord himself, and afterward was confirmed upon us, by them that heard it, God bearing witness thereto, both with signs and wonders also, and with divers miracles and gifts of the holy ghost, according to to his own will. He hath not unto the Angels put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place witnesseth, saying. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Psal viii c or the son of man that thou dost visit him? Thou madest him lower for a season then the angels: thou crounedst him with honour and glory, and haste set him above the works of thy hands. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. In that he put all things under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. Nevertheless we yet see not all things subdued, but him that was made less than the Angels, we see that it was jesus/ which is crowned with glory and honour for the suffering of death: that he by the grace of God, should taste of death for all men. For it become him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, after that he had brought many sons unto glory, that he should make the Lord of their salvation perfect thorough suffering. For he that sanctifieth, and they which are sanctified, are all of one. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: * Psal xxi c I will declare thy name unto my brethren, and in the mids of the congregation will I praise the. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: * Psal xvii a behold here am I, & the children which God hath given me. For as much then as the children were partetakers of flesh and blood, Isaiah viii d. he also himself likewise took part with them, to put down thorough death, Oze. xiii d. him that had rule over death, that is to say the devil, & that he might deliver them, which thorough fear of death were during their hole life in danger of bondage. For he in no place taketh on him the angels: but the seed of Abraham taketh he on him. Wherefore in all things it become him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be merciful, and a faithful bishop in things concerning God, to purge the people's sins. For in that he himself suffered and was temted, he is able to soucour them that are tempted. ¶ He requireth us to be obedient unto the word of christ, which is more worthy than Moses. The punishment of such as will needs harden their hearts. CAPI. III Therefore holy brethren, partetakers of the heavenly calling, consider the ambassador and high priest of our profession Christ jesus, which was faithful to him that made him, even as was Moses in all his house. Numer xii b For this man is so much more worthy of glory than Moses as he that buildeth an house is more worthy than the house self. For every house is prepared of some man. But he that ordained all things, is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a minister, to bear witness of the things which should be spoken afterward. But Christ, as a son, hath rule over the house (whose house are we) so that we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of that hope, unto the end. Psal xciiii c Wherefore as the holy ghost saith: to day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, after the rebellion in the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers temted me, proved me, and saw my works xl. year long. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said. They streye ever in their hearts: they have not known my ways, so that I swore in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest. Take heed (brethren) that there be in none of you an evil heart in unbelief, that he Shallbe depart from the living God: but exhort one an other daily, while it is called to day, lest any of you wax hard hearted thorough the deceitfulness of sin. We are partetakers of Christ if we keep sure unto the end the φ first foundation is faith. first foundation, so long as it is said: to day if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as when you rebelled. For some, when they heard did rebel: how be it not all that came out of egypt under Moses. But with whom was he displeased xl years? Was he not displeased with them that sinned, whose carcases were overthrown in the wilderness? To whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest: but unto them that believed not? And we see that they could not enter in, because of unbelief. ¶ The Sabbath or rest of the christian: punishment of unbelievers: the nature of the word of God. CAPI. FOUR LEt us fear therefore lest any of us forsaking the promise of entering into his rest, should seem to come behind. For unto us was it declared, as well as unto them. But it profited not them in that they heard the word, because they which heard it, coupled it not with φ As faith is the ground of all grace ●euen so is unbelief the rote of all sin. faith. But we which have believed, do enter into his rest, as contrary wise he said to the other, * Ps. xciiii d. I have sworn in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. And that spoke he verily long after that the works were made and the foundation of the world laid. For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day, on this wise: And God * did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again: They shall not come into my rest. saying therefore it followeth that some must enter thereinto, and they to whom it was first preached, entered not therein for their unbelief: Again he appointed in David a certain present day after so long a time/ saying as it is rehearsed: this day if you hear his voice, be not herd hearted. For if joshua had given them rest, than would he not afterward have spoken of an other day. There remaineth therefore yet a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, doth φ Sin is our work from whic● all must cear that enter i● to the rest of a quiet conscience in Christ. cease from his own works, as God did from his. Let us study therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example, into unbelief For the word of God is quick, and mighty in operation, and sharper than any two edge sword: and entereth through, ☜ even unto the dyvidinge asunder of the soul and the spirit, and of the joints and the marry: and judgeth the thoughts and the intentes of the heart: neither is there any creature unmanifest in the sight of him. Ecclesi xu b. Psal xxxiii c For all things are naked and bore unto the eyes of him, of whom we speak. ¶ christ is our high pressed, and seat of grace, and more excellent than the high priests of the old law. CAPI. V saying then that we have a great high Priest, which is entered into heaven, (I mean jesus the son of God) let us hold our profession. For we have not an high priest, which can not have compassion on our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are: but yet without sin. Let us therefore go boldly unto the seat of grace that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ✚ For every high priest taken out of men is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God: to offer gifts & sacrifices for sin: which can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, because he himself also is compassed with infirmity: and for this infirmities sake he is bound to offer for sins, as well for his own part, as for the people's. And no man taketh honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Even so likewise, Christ glorified not him self, to be made the high priest: i Par. xxiii b. Psalmo ii b. but he that said unto him: * Thou art my son, this day begat I thee, glorified him. As he also in an other place speaketh: Psalm cix b. * Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedech. ⊦ Which φ The daye● of his flesh signify, the time of his humanity. in the days of his flesh, did offer up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was also herd, because of his Godliness. And though he were God's son, yet learned he obedience, by though things which he suffered, and was made perfect, and the cause of everlasting salvation unto all them that obey him: and is called of God an high priest, after the order of Melchisedech. Whereof we have many things to say, which are hard to be uttered: because you are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, you ought to be teachers, yet have you need again, that we teach you the first principles of the word of God: and are become such as have need of milk, ☞ and not of strong meat: for every man that is fed with milk, is unskilful of the word of righteousness. For he is but a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which thorough custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil. ¶ He goeth forth with the thing that he began in the latter end of the u chapter and exhorteth them not to faint, but to be steadfast and patient: sithence God is sure in his promise. CAPI. VI Therefore leaving the doctrine pertaining to the beginning of a Christian man, let us mount unto perfection, and laying no more the foundation of repentance from deed works, & of faith toward God, of baptysmes, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death and of eternal judgement. ☞ And so will we do, if God permit. For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partetakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come: if they fall, should be renewed again into repentance, crucyfyenge unto themselves again the son of God & making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs convenient for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God. But that ground which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless (dear friends) we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which you showed in his name, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the stablishing of hope, even unto the end: that you faint not, but follow them, which thorough faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham: because he had no greater thing to swear by, he swore by himself, saying: Surely I will bless the and multiply the in deed. And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promise. For men swear by him that is greater than themselves, and an oath for confirmation is among them an end of all strife. So God willing very abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel, added an oath that by two * Two immutable things: the promise and the oath. immutable things (in which it was impossible that God shuolde lie) we might have perfect consolation, which have fled, for to hold fast the hope that is set before us, which we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and entering in, into the things which are within the veil, into which the forerunner is entered in, I mean jesus that is made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedech. ¶ He compareth the priesthood of christ unto Melchisedech, but to be far more excellent. CAP. VII. THis Melchisedech, king of Salem, Genes, xiiii. d. (which being Priest of the most high God, met Abraham, as he returned from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him: to whom also Abraham gave tithes of all things) first is by interpretation king of rightwiseness: after that he is king of Salem, that is to say, king of peax: without father without mother, without kin, and hath neither beginning of his days, neither yet end of his life: but is likened unto the son of God, and continueth a priest for ever. Consider what a man this was unto whom the Patriarch Abraham gave tithes of the spoils. And verily those children of Levi, which receive the office of the priests, have a commandment to take according to the law, tithes of the people that is to say, of their brethren, yea though they sprung out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose kindred is not counted among them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all gainsaying, he which is less, receiveth blessing of him which is greater. And here men that die, receive tithes. But there he receiveth tithes of whom it is witnessed, that he liveth. And to say the truth, Levy himself also which receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father Abraham, when Melchisedech met him. If now therefore perfection came by the priesthood of the levites (for under that priesthood the people received the law) what needed it further more that an other priest should arise, after the order of Melchysedech, and not after the order of Aaron? For if the priesthood be translated, then of necessity must the law be translated also. For he of whom these things are spoken, pertaineth unto an other tribe, of which never man served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprung of the tribe of juda, of which tribe, Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet a more evident thing, if after the likeness of Melchisedech there arise an other priest, which is not made after the law of the carnal commandment: but after the power of the endless life. (For he testifieth: * Psal cix c Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedech). Then the commandment that went afore, is disannulled, because of her weakness, and unprofytablenes. For the law made nothing perfect: but was an inducement of a better hope, by which, we draw nigh unto God. And for this cause it is a better hope, that it was not promised without an oath. For those priests were made without oath, but this priest with an oath, by him that said unto him. The Lord swore, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech. And for that cause was jesus a stablyssher of a better testament. And among them many were made priests, because they were not suffered to endure by the reason of death. But this man, because he endureth ever, hath an everlasting priesthood. Wherefore he is able also ever to save them that come unto God by him, for as much as he ever liveth, to make intercession for us. For such an high Priest it become us to have which is holy, harmless, undefiled, severed from sinners, and made higher than heaven. Which needeth not daily (as yonder high priests) to offer up sacrifices first for his own sins, & then for the people's sins. For that did he once for all, when he offered up himself. christ once sacrificed, purged all sins For the law maketh men Preestes, which have weakness: but the word of the oath that came sithence the law maketh the son priest, which is perfect for evermore. ¶ The office of christ is more worthy than the priests office of the old law, which was unperfect, and therefore abrogate. CAPI. VIII. OF the things which we have spoken this is the pith: that we have such a bishop that is sitten on the right hand of the seat of majesty in heaven, and is a minister of holy things, and of the very tabernacle which God pight, and not man. For every bishop is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For he were not a Priest, if he were on the earth where priests are that according to the law offer gifts, who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things: even as the answer of God was given unto Moses when he was about to fynisse the tabernacle. Take heed (said he) that thou make all things according to the patron showed to the in the mount. Exodi xu d. But now hath he obtained a more excellent office, in as much as he is mediator of a better testament, which was made for better promises. For if that first testament had been faultless: then should no place have been sought for the second. For in rebuking them he saith: Heir xxxi d Behold the days will come, (saith the Lord) and I will finish upon the house of Israel, and upon the house of juda, a new testament: not like the testament that I made with their fathers at that time, when I took them by the hands, to lead them out of the land of egypt, for they continued not in my testament, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the testament that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws in their minds, and in their hearts I will writ them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying: Know the Lord: for they shall know me, from the lest to the most of them: For I will be merciful over their unrightwiseness, and on their sins and on their iniquities. In that he saith a new testament, he hath disannulled the old. Now that which is disannulled and waxed old, is ready to vanish away. ¶ The profit and worthiness of the old Testament and how far the new excels it. CAPI. IX. THat first tabernacle therefore had ordinances, and scruynges of God, and wordelye holiness. ✚ * Exo xxvi a and xxxvi a For there was a fore tabernacle made, wherein was the candlestick and the table, and the show bread which is called holy. But with in the second veil was there a tabernacle, which is called the holy of holies, which had the golden senser and the ark of the testament gainsaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot with Manna, and Aaron's rod that sprung, and the tables of the testament. Over the ark were the Cherubins of glory, shadowing the seat of grace. Of which things we will not now speak partycularly. When these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle and executed the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone, one's a year: and not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the ignorance of the people. Whereby the holy ghost this signified that the way of holy things, was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing. Which was a similitude for the time then present, and in which were offered gifts and sacrifices that could not make the minister perfect, as pertaining to the conscience with only meats & drinks, and divers wesshynges and iustifyenges of the flesh, which were ordained till the time of reformation. ✚ Butler Christ being bishop of good things to come, came by a greater & a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands: ☜ that is to say, not of this manner building, neither by the blood of gootes and calves: but by his own blood he entered in, one's for all into the holy place, and found eternal redemption. ☞ For if the blood of oxen and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer, when it was sprynkled, puryfyed the unclean, as touching the puryfyenge of the flesh: how moche more shall the blood of Christ (which thorough the eternal spirit, offered himself without spot to God) purge your consciences from deed works, to serve the living God? And for this cause is he mediator of the new testament, that thorough death which chanced for the redemption of those transgressions that were in the first Testament, they which were called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. ⊦ For where so ever is a testament, there must also be the death of him that maketh the testament. For the testament taketh authority when men are deed: for it is of no value as long as he that made it, is a live. For which cause also neither the first testament was ordained without blood. For when all the commandments were red of Moses to all the people, ●es xxiiii c he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water and purple, wool and ysope, & sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying: ●rodi xii c 〈◊〉 xiiii c * This is the blood of the testament which God hath appointed unto you. Moreover, he sprenkled the tabernacle with blood also, and all the ministering vessels. And also almost all things, are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission. It is then need that the resemblances of heavenly things, be purified with such things: but the heavenly things them selves are puryfyed with better sacrifices than are those. ☞ For Christ is not entered into the holy places that are made with hands, which are but figures of true things: but is entered into very heaven, to appear now in the sight of God for us: not to offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with strange blood, for them must he have often suffered from the beginning of the world. But now in the end of the world, hath he appeared one's, to put sin to flight, by the offering up of himself: And as it is appointed unto men that they shall once die, and then cometh the judgement, ●oma u b. ●etri iii d. * even so Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many, and unto them that look for him, he shall appear again without sin unto salvation. ¶ The old law had no power to cleanse away sin: but christ did it with offering of his body once for all. An exhortation to receive this goodness of God, thankfully, with patience, and steadfast faith. CAPI. X. FOr the law having the shadow of good things to come, ☞ and not the things 〈◊〉 xvi c in their own fashion can never with the sacrifices which they offer year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect For would not then those sacrifices have ceased to have been offered, because that the offerers being once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. Nevertheless in those sacrifices is there mention made of sins every year. * levit xvi c For it is impossible that the blood of oxen and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith. * Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not have: Psal xxxix b. but a body hast thou ordained me. In sacrifices and synneofferynges thou hast no lust, Then I said: Loo I come, in the chiefest of the book it is written of me, that I should do thy will, O God. Above, when he had said sacrifice and offering, and burned sacrifices, and synneofferynges thou wouldest not have, neither haste allowed (which yet are offered by the law) and then said: Loo I come to do thy will, O God: he taketh away the first to stablish the latter. By which will, we are sanctified: by the offering of the body of jesus Christ once for all. Chrystes body is but once offered. And every priest is ready daily ministering, and oft times offereth one manner of offering which can never take away sins. But this Christ after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, sat him down for ever on the right hand of God, and from henceforth tarrieth till his enemies be made his foot stool. Psal cix. a For with one offering hath he made perfect for ever them that are sanctified. And the holy ghost also beareth us record of this, even when he told before: * Heir xxxi. f This is the testament that I will make unto them: after those days, saith the Lord. ☜ I will put my laws in their hearts and in their mind I will write them, and their sins and wyckednesses will I remember no more. And where remission of these things is, there is no more offering for sin. saying brethren that by the means of the blood of jesus, we may be bold to enter into that holy place, by the new and living way which he hath prepared for us, through the veil, that is to say, by his flesh, And saying also we have an high priest which is ruler over the house of God, let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full faith, sprinkled in our hearts from an evil conscience, and wesshed in our bodies with pure water: and let us keep the profession of our hope/ without wavering (for he is faithful that promised) and let us consider one an other, to provoke unto charity, and to good works: and let us not forsake the felaweshyppe that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is: but let us exhort one an other, and that so much the more, because you see that the day draweth nigh. For if we sin willingly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth/ there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a fearful looking for judgement, and violent fire, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despiseth Moses law, dieth without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how moche sorer punishment suppose you, shall he be counted worthy, which treadeth under foot the son of God: and counteth the blood of the testament as an unholy thing wherewith he was sanctified, and doth dishonour to the spirit of grace. For we know him that hath said: Deut. xxxii e Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense saith the Lord. And again: the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Call to remembrance the days that are passed, in which after you had received light, you endured a great fight in adversities, partly while all men wondered and gazed at you for the shame and tribulation that was done unto you, and partly, while you become companion's of them which so passed their tyme. For you suffered also with my bonds, and took in good worth the spoiling of your goods, and that with gladness: knowing in yourselves that you had in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great reward to recompense. * Abac ii a. For you have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise. For yet a very little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. But the just shall live by faith. And if he withdraw himself, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. We are not they which withdraw our selves unto damnation, but we appartayne to faith, to the winning of the soul. ¶ What faith is, and a commendation of the same. The steadfast believe of the fathers in old tyme. CAPI. XI. FAith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen. By it the elders were well reapported. * Genesi i a. Thorough faith we understand that the world was ordained by the word of God, and that things which are seen, were made of things which are not seen. * Gene. four a By faith Abel offered unto God a more plenteous sacrifice then cain: by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: by which also he being deed, yet speaketh. * Genesi v c Eccle. xliiii c By faith was Enoch translated that he should not see death: neither was he found: for God had taken him away. Before he was taken away, he was reaported, that he had pleased God: whereas without faith it is unpossible to please him. For he that cometh to God, must believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him. * Genes. vi c Eccles xliiii c By faith, No honoured God, after he was warned of things which were not seen and prepared the ark to the saving of his household, thorough which, he condemned the world, and becamme heir of the rightwiseness of faith. * Gene. xii ● By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed, to go out into a place, which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whether he should go. By faith, he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a strange country, and dwelt in tents: and so did Isaac and jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder, and maker, is God. * Geen xxi ● Thorough Faith, Sara also received strength to be with child, and was delivered of a child, when she was passed age, because she judged him faithful which had promised. And therefore sprang there, of one which was as good as deed, so many in multitude, as the stars of the sky, and as the sand of the see shore which is innumerable. And they all died in faith, and received not the promises: but saw them a far of, and believed them, and saluted them: and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They that say such things, declare that they seek a country. Also if they had been mindful of that country, from whence they came out, they had leisure to have returned again: but now they desire a better, that is to say an heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed of them, even to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith, Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was tempted, and he offered him being his only begotten son, which had received the promises of whom it was said, * Gen. xxii b. Eccle. xliiii c, In Isaac shall thy seed be called: for he considered that God was able, to raise up again from death. Therefore received he him, for an example. * Ge. xxvii d In faith Isaac blessed jacob and Esau, concerning things to come. * Gen. xlix a By Faith, jacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of joseph, and bowed himself toward the top of his sceptre. * Genesi l d. By Faith, joseph when he died, remembered the departing of the children of Israel, and gave commandment of his bones. * Exodi ii a By Faith, Moses when he was born, was hid three months of his father and mother, because they see he was a proper child: neither feared they the kings commandment. By Faith▪ Moses when he was great, refused to be called the son of Pharaos' daughter, and chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and esteemed the rebuke of Christ, greater richesse than the treasure of egypt. For he had respect unto the reward. By Faith, he forsook egypt, and feared not the fierceness of the king. For he endured even as he had seen him which is invisible. exod xii b Thorough Faith, he ordained the easter lamb, and the effusion of blood, lest he that destroyed the first born, should touch them. ●●o xiiii e. By Faith, they passed thorough the reed see, as by dry land, which when the Egyptians had assayed to do, they were drowned. ●osue vi c By Faith, the walls of Jericho fallen down after they were compassed about seven days. ●osue vi c 〈◊〉 ii a. By Faith, the harlot Raab perished not with the unbelievers, when she had received the spies to lodging peasably. And what shall I more say, the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, of Barach, and of Samson, and of Iephthae: also of David and Samuel, and of the Prophets: ✚ Which thorough Faith subdued kingdoms wrought righteousness, obtained the promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, of weak were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the alientes. And the women received their dead raised to life again. Other were racked, and would not be delivered, that they might receive a better resurrection. Other tasted of mockynges and scourgynges, moreover of bonds and prisonment: were stoned, were hewn asunder, were tempted, were slain with swords, walked up and down, in sheep's skins, in gootes skins, in need, tribulation, and vexation, which the world was not worthy of: they wandered in wilderness, in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, thorough Faith, obtained good reaporte, ⊦ and received not the promise, God providing a better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. ¶ An exhortation to be pacent and steadfast in trouble and adversity, upon hope of everlasting reward. A commendation of the new Testament above the old. CAPI. XII. Wherefore let us also (saying we are compassed with so great a multitude of witnesses,) lay away all that presseth down, and the sin that hangs on, and let us run with patience unto the battle that is set before us, looking unto jesus the auctor and fynyssher of our Faith, which for the joy that was set before him, abode the cross, and despised the shame, and is set down on the ryghthonde of the throne of god. Consider therefore, how he endured such speaking against him of sinners, lest you should be wearied and faint in your minds. For you have not yet resisted unto bloodshedding, striving against sin. Prouer. iii b. And have forgotten the consolation, which speaketh unto you, as unto children: my son despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth, him he chasteneth: yea, and he scourgeth every son that he receiveth. If you endure chastening, God offereth himself unto you as unto sons. What son is that whom the father chasteneth not? If you be not under correction (whereof all are partetakers) then are you bastards and not sons. Wherefore saying we had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: should we not much rather be in subjection unto the father of spiritual gifts that we might live? And they verily for a few days, nurtured us after their own pleasure: but he learneth us unto that which is profitable, that we might receive of his holiness. No manner chastising for the present time seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: ☜ but afterward it bringeth the quiet fruit of rightwiseness, unto them which are exercised in the same. Stretch forth therefore again the hands which were let down, and the weak knees, and see you have straight steps unto your feet, lest any halting turn you out of the way: yea let it rather be healed. Embrace peax with all men and holiness: without which no man shall see the Lord. And look, that no man be destitute of the grace of God, and that no rote of bitterness spring up and trouble, and thereby many be defiled: and that there be no fornicator, or unclean person, as Esau, which for one breakfast sold his birthright. Genes. xxv d. You know how that afterward when he would have inheryted the blessing, he was put by, and he found no means to come thereby again: Genes. xxvi t not though he desired it with tears. For you are not come unto the mount that can be touched, Genesis xix b and xxlc and unto burning fire nor yet to mist and darkness and tempest of wedder, neither unto the sound of a trump and the voice of words: which they that heard it, wished away: that the communication should not be spoken to them. For they were not able to abide, that was spoken. Exodi xix c If a beast had touched the mountain, it must have been stoned, or thrust thorough with a dart: even so terrible was the sight which appeared. Moses said, I fear and quake. But you are come unto the mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly jerusalem: and to an innumerable sight of angels, and unto the congregation of the first born sons, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just and perfect men, and to jesus the mediator of the new Testament, and to the sprynkling of blood that speaketh better, than the blood of Abel. See you despise not him that speaketh. For if they escape not which refused him that spoke on earth: moche more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then shouke the earth, and now declareth, saying: yet once more will I shake, Agg ii d not the earth only, but also heaven. Now, this that he saith, yet once more, signifieth the removing away of those things which are shaken, as of things which have ended their course: that the things which are not shaken, may remain. Wherefore if we receive a kingdom which is not moved, we have grace, whereby we may serve God, and please him with reverence and godly fear. Deut. four d For our God is a consuming fire. ¶ He exhorteth unto love, to hospitality, to think upon such as be in adversity, to maintain wedlock, to avoid covetousness, to make moche of them that preach God's word, to beware of strange learning to be content to suffer rebuke with Christ, to be thankful unto God, and obedient unto our heads. CAPI. XIII. ✚ LEt brotherly love continued. Be not forgetful to lodge strangers. For thereby have divers received angels into their houses unwares. Remember them that are in bonds, even as though you were bound with them. Be mindful of them which are in adversity, as you which are yet in your bodies. φ wedlock. Let wedlock be had in price in all points, ☞ and let the chamber be undefiled for door keepers and advoutrers' God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetise, and be content with that you have already. For he verily said: josu i a I will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: that we may boldly say: Psal cxvii a. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man doth unto me. Remember them which have the oversight of you, which have declared unto you the word of God. The end of whose conversation, see you look upon, and follow their faith. jesus Christ yesterday and to day, and the same continueth for ever. ⊦ ✚ Be not carried about with divers & strange learning. For it is a good thing that the heart be stablished with grace, and not with meats, which have not profited them that have had their pastime in them. Nun xix a. * We have an altar whereof they may not eat which serve in the tabernacle. Nun xix a. * For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest to purge sin, are burned without the tents. Therefore jesus, to sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore out of the tents, and suffer rebuke with him. * For here have we no continuing city: Mich ii c but we seek one to come. For by him offer we the sacrifice of praise always to God: that is to say, the fruit of those lips, which confess his name. To do good, and to distribute, forget not, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. ⊦ ✚ Obey them that have the oversight of you, & submit yourselves to them, for they watch for your souls, even as they that must give accounts: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For that is an unprofitable thing for you. Pray for us. We have confidence because we have a good conscience in all things, and desire to live honestely. I desire you therefore somewhat the more abundantly, that you so do, as I may be restored to you quickly. The God of peax that brought again from death our Lord jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, thorough the blood of the everlasting testament, make you perfect in all good works, to do his will, working in you that is pleasant in his sight thorough jesus Christ. To whom be praise for ever while the world endureth: Amen. ⊦ I beseech you (brethren) suffer the words of exhortation: for we have written unto you in few words: know the brother Timothe, whom we have sent from us, with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you. Salute them that have the over sight of you, and all the saints. They of italy salute you. Grace be with you all: AMEN. ¶ Scent from Italy by Timothe. ¶ The Epistle of Saint james. ¶ He exhorteth to rejoice in trouble, to be fervent in prayer with steadfast belief, to look for all good things from above, to forsake all vice, and thankfully to receive the word of God, not only hearing it and speaking of it, but to do thereafter in deed. True religion or devotion what it is. CAPI. I IAmes servant of God, and of the Lord jesus Christ, sendeth greeting to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. ✚ My brethren, count it exceeding joy, when you fall in to divers temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith bringeth patience, & let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and sound, lacking nothing. ☞ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men indifferently and casts no man in the teeth: and it shallbe given him. But let him ask in faith and waver not. For he that doubteth is like the waves of the see, tossed of the wind, & carried with violence. Neither let that man think he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A wavering minded man, is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree, rejoice in that he is exalted/ and the rich, in that he is made low. For even as the flower of the grass shall he vanish away. ●lesi xiiii e ●ye xl d The son riseth with heat, and the grass wyddereth, and his flower falls away, and the beauty of the fashion of it peryssheth: even so shall the rich man perish with his abundance. Happy is the man that endureth in temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ⊦ Let no man say when he is temted, that he is temted of God. For God is not temted of evils, neither temteth he any man. But every man is temted, while he is drawn away and alured of his own lust: Then when lust hath conceived, she bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finisshed, bringeth forth death. Be not deceived my dear brethren. ✚ Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, ind cometh down from the father of light, with whom is no variableness, neither is he changed unto darkness. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be the first fruits of his creatures. Wherefore (dear brethren) let every man be swift to hear, 〈◊〉 xvii d. slow to speak, and slow to wrath. ☞ For the wrath of man worketh not that which is righteous before God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness, all superfluity of maliciousness, and receive with meekness the word that is graffed in you, which is able to save your souls. ⊦ ✚ And see you be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves with sophestry. For if any hear the word, and do it not, he is like unto a man that beholdeth his bodily face in a glass. For as soon as he hath looked on himself, he goeth his away, and forgetteth forthwith what his fashion was. But who foe looketh in the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein (if he be not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work) the same shall be happy in his deed. If any man amongs you seem devout, religion or devotion. & refrain not his tongue, but deceive his own heart, this man's devotion is in vain. Pure devotion and undefiled before God the father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself unspotted of the world. ⊦ ¶ He forbiddeth to have respect of people, but to regard the poor as well as the rich, to be loving and merciful, and not to boast of faith where no deeds are: for it is but a deed faith, where good works follow not. CAPI. II ✚ BRethren, see you have not the faith of our Lord jesus christ the Lord of glory in respect of people. Levitic xix e. Deut. i c and xuj. d Prove xiiii c Eccle. xlii a. If there come in to your company a man with a golden ring, and in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in bile raiment, and you have a respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him. Sit thou here in a good place: and say unto the poor, stand thou there or sit hear under my footstool: are you not partial in yourselves, and have judged after evil thoughts. hearken (my dear beloved brethren.) Hath not God choose the poor of the world, which are rich in faith, and heirs in the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? But you have despised the poor. Are not the rich they which oppress you, and they which draw you before judges? Do not they speak evil of that good name after which you be named? If you fulfil the royal law according to the scripture which saith. Le xix d. & c De i c & xuj d Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself, you do well. But if you regard one person more than an other, you commit sin, and are rebuked of the law, as transgressors. Who so ever shall keep the hole law, and fail in one point, is guilty in all. For he that said thou shalt not commit adultery, said also: thou shalt not kill. Though thou do none adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art a breaker of the law. So speak you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For mercyles judgement shall be to him that showeth no mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against judgement. ⊦ What availeth it (my brethren) though a man say he hath faith, when he hath no deeds? Can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked, or destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them: departed in peax, God send you warmth and food: notwithstanding you give them not though things which are needful to the body: what helpeth it? Even so, faith, if it have no deeds is deed in itself. But a man will say: thou hast faith, and I have deeds: show me thy faith by thy deeds, and I will show the my faith by my deeds. believest thou that there is one God? Thou dost well. The devils also believe and tremble. Will't thou understand, oh thou vain man that faith without deeds is deed? Was not Abraham our father justified thorough works, Gene. xxii b. Good works proceeding of a faithful heart declare our justification before god. Genesis xu b when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest that faith wrought with his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect, and the scripture was fulfilled which saith: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God. ✚ * You see then that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also was not Raab the harlot justified thorough works, joshua ii a when she received the messengers, and sent them out an other way? For as the body without the spirit is deed, even so faith without deeds is deed. ⊦ ¶ what good and evil cometh thorough the tongue. The duty of such as be learned, The difference between the wisdom of the Gospel and of the world CAPI. III MY brethren, let not every man be a master, remembering that we shall receive the more damnation: for in many things we sin all. If a man sin not in word the same is a perfect man, and able to came all the body. Behold we put bits in to the horses mouths, that they should obey us, and we turn about all the body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whither so ever the violence of the governor will: Even so the tongue The tongue. is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a thing a little fire kyndleth, and the tongue is fire and a world of wickedness. So is the tongue set among our membres, that it defileth the hole body, and setteth a fire all that we have of nature, and is itself set a fire even of hell. All the natures of beestes and of birds, and of serpents, and things of the see are meeked and tamed of the nature of man. But the tongue can no man tame, It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God the father, and therewith curse we men, which are made after the likeness of God. Out of one mouth cometh blessing and cursing. My brethren these things aught not so to be. Doth a founteyn sand forth at one place, sweet water and bitter also? Can the fig tree (my brethren) bear olive berries, or a vine bear figs? So can no founteyn give both salt water and fresh also. If any man be wise and endued with learning amongs you, let him show the works of his good conversation in meekness that is coupled with φ wisdom. All meekness and obedience must be according the wysdom● and word o● god. wisdom. But if you have bitter envy & strife in your hearts, rejoice not: neither be liars against the troth: this wisdom descendeth not from above: but is earthly, φ Natural 〈◊〉 that is, all 〈◊〉 a man doth without th● spirit of God natural and devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is unstableness, and all manner evil works. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable and gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, and without simulation: yea the fruit if righteousness is sown in peax, of them that maintain peax. ¶ war and fighting cometh of voluptuousness. The friendship of the world is enemite before God. An exhortation to flee slander and the vanity of this life. CAPI. FOUR FRom whence cometh war and fighting among you: come they not from hence? even of your voluptuousness that reign in your membres. You lust and have not. You envy, and have indignation, and can not obtain. You fight and war and have not, because you ask not. You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss: even to consume it upon your voluptuousness. You adulterers, and women that break matrimony: know you not that the friendship of the world is ennimitie towards God? Who so ever will be a friend of the world, is made the enemy of God. Either do you think that the scripture says in vain. The φ spirit that dwellrth in you, lusteth even contrary to envy, but giveth more grace. submit yourselves to God, and resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purge your hearts you wavering minded. ☜ Suffer afflictions: sorrow you and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Cast down yourselves before the Lord, and he shall life you up. backbite not one an other, brethren. He that φ He that bakbyteth or judgeth his brother doth judge the law to be evil, for the law forbiddeth to do so. backbyteth his brother, and he that judgeth his brother, backbyteth the law, and judgeth the law. But if thou judge the law, thou art not a keeper of the law, hut a judge. There is one law giver which is able to save and to destroy. What art thou that judgest an other man? Go to now you that say: to day and to morrow let us go in to such a city, and continued there a year and by and cell, and win: and yet can not tell what shall happen to morrow. For what thing is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanyssheth away: For that you aught to say: if the Lord will and if we live, let us do this or that. But now you rejoice in your bostynges. All such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth how to do good, & doth it not, to him it is sin. ¶ He threateneth the wicked rich men, exhorteth unto patience, to beware of swearing, one to knowledge his faults to another, one to pray for another and one to labour to bring another to the truth. CAPI. V GO to now you rich men. Weep & howl on your wretchedness that shall come upon you. Your riches ●yches. is corrupt, your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold & your silver are cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness unto you, & shall eat your fl●sshe as it were fire. You have heaped treasure together in your last days: Behold the hire of the labourers which have reped down your fields (which hire is of you kept back by guile) crieth: and the cries of them which have eeped, are entered in to the ears of the Lord Sabbaoth. You have lived in pleasure on the earth, and in wantonness. You have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and have killed the just, and he hath not resisted you. ✚ Be patient therefore (brethren) unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husband man waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience thereupon, till he receive the Two speci●●●●ains have ●●ry, the one ●●so wing ●●me and the ●●her at blo●●ng time of ●hich if ●●y lack ●ther, all is ●●telesse. early and the latter rain. Be you also patient therefore and settle your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against an other (brethren) least you be damned. Behold the judge standeth before the door. Take (my brethren) the prophets for an example of suffering adversity, and of long patience, which spoke in the name of the Lord ⊦ Behold we count them happy which endure. You have herd of the patience of job, and have known what end the Lord made. For the Lord is very pitiful and merciful. But above all things my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither, by earth, neither by any other oath. Let your you be you, and your nay nay, jest you fall in to hypocrisy. If any of you be evil vexed, let him pray. If any of you be merry, let him sing psalms. If any be diseased among you, let him call for the elders of the congregation, & let them pray over him, and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, & the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up/ and if he have committed sins, they shallbe forgiven him. ✚ Knowledge your faults one to an other, and pray one for an other, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man availeth moche, Reg. xvii a if it be fervent. Helyas was a man mortal even as we axe, and he prayed in his prayer that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethrens, if any of you stray from the truth and an other convert him, let the same know that he which converted the sinner from going astray out of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide the multitude of sins. ¶ The end of the epistle of Saint james. ¶ The Epistle of Saint judas. ¶ He rebuketh such as being blinded with their own lusts, resist the truth: and that we may know them the better, he saith they be such as sin beastly against nature and despise rulers. etc. He exhorteth us to edify one another, to pray in the holy ghost to continue in love, to look for the coming of the Lord, and one to help another out of the fire. IVdas servant of jesus christ, the brother of james: To them which are called, and sanctified in God the father, and preserved in jesus Christ: Mercy unto you, and peax and love be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the comen salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, to exhort you, that you should continually labour in the faith which was once given unto the saints. For there are certain craftily crept in, of which it was written afore time unto such judgement. They are ungodly and turn the grace of our God unto wantonness, and deny God the only Lord, and our Lord jesus christ. My mind is therefore to put you in remembrance, for as much as you once know this, that the Lord (after he had delivered the people out of egypt) Numer xiii destroyed them which afterward believed not. The angel also which kept not their first estate, ☜ but left their own habitation: he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgement of the great day: * Gene. xix even as Zodom and Gomor, and the cities about them, (which in like manner defiled themselves with fornication, and followed φ Strange flesh, that is turning the natural use unto the unnatural. Roma i strange flesh) are set forth for an example, and suffer the vengeance of everlasting fire. Likewise these dremers defile the flesh, despise rulers, and speak evil of them that are in authority. Yet Michael the archangel when he strove against the devil, and disputed about the body of Moses, durst not give railing sentence, but said: zach iii a. Eccle. xxi d the Lord rebuke the. But these speak evil of those things which they know not, and what things they know naturally, as beestes which are without reason, in though things they corrupt themselves. Woe be unto them, for they have followed the way of Cayn, and are utterly given to the error of Balam for lucre's sake, Gene. four b Nun xxii d Nun xvi e. and perish in the treason of Core These people even amongs your charities be spots, φ Feasting for the relief of the poor, were called charytyes. feasting together without rear feeding themselves: Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds, and ●rees without fruit at gathering time, twice deed and plucked up by the roots. They are the raging waves of the see, foaming out their own shame. They are wand'ring stars, to whom is reserved the mist of darkness for ever. Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied before of such, saying. * Apoca i b. Isaiah iii c Behold, the Lord shall come with thousands of saints, to give judgement against all men, and to rebuke all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their cruel speakinges, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complayners, walking after their own lusts, whose mouths speak proud things. They have men in great reverence because of advantage. But you by loved, remember the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord jesus christ, that they told you * i Ti. four a ii Timon iii a two. Petri ii a. there should be begylers in the last time which should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These are makers of sects, fleshly, having no spirit. But you (dearly beloved) edify yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the holy ghost, and keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord jesus Christ unto everlasting life. And have compassion of some, separating them: and other save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, and hate the filthy vesture of the flesh. Unto him that is able to keep you that you fall not, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with joy, that is to say, to god our saviour, which only is wise, be glory, majesty, dominion and power, now and for ever. AMEN. ¶ The Revelation of Saint Iohn the divine. ¶ Happy are they that hear the word of God and keep it. He writeth to the seven congregations in Asia, saith seven candelstyckes, and in the mids of them, one like unto the son of man. CAPI. I THe revelation of jesus christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. ✚ Andrea he sent and showed by his angel unto his servant Iohn, which bore record of the word of God, and of the testimony of jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Happy is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things written therein. For the time is at hand. Iohn to the seven congregations in Asia. Grace with you and peax, The seven. church's in Asia. from him which is and which was, and which is to come, and from the seven spirits which are present before his throne, and from jesus christ, which is a faithful witness, and first begotten of the deed: and Lord over the kings of the earth. Unto him that * Hebr ix d i Petri ii ● i Iohn i b loved us, and washed us from sins in his own blood, ⊦ and made us kings and priests unto God his father be glory and dominion for evermore. Amen. Math. xxiiii ● Isaiah ii c * Behold he cometh with clouds, and all eyes shall see him: and they also which pierced him. And all kynredes of the earth shall wail. Even so: Amen. I am φ Alpha and Omega are letters of the Greek cross row, Alpha is the first letter and Omega the last. Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord almighty, which is, and which was, and which is to come. I Iohn your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience which is in jesus christ, was in the isle of Pathmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of jesus christ. I was in the spirit on a sunday, and heard behind me a great voice, as it had been of a trump, saying: I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. That thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the congregations which are in Asia, unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thiatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicia. And I turned back to see the voice that spoke to me. And when I was turned, Seven golden candelstickes I saw seven golden candelstyckes, and in the mids of the candelstyckes, one like unto the son of man, clothed with a linen garment down to the ground, and gird about the paps with a golden girdle. His heed and his hairs were white, as white wool, and as snow: and his eyes were as a flame of fire: and his feet like unto brass, as though they brent in a furnace: and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his sight hand seven stars. ●●uen stars And out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword. And his face shone even as the son in his strength. And when I saw him, I fallen at his feet as deed. And he laid his right hand upon me saying unto me: ●sa xliiii b fear not. * I am the first and the last, and am alive, and was deed. And behold I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell and of death. ●●●e xli b 〈◊〉 xliiii a Write therefore the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be fulfilled hereafter: and the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, 〈◊〉 stars 〈◊〉 the presses 〈◊〉 candel●●es, are ye●●regacy●● & the seven golden candelstyckes. The seven stars are the messengers of the vij congregations. And the seven candelstyckes which thou sawest are the seven congregations, ¶ He exhorteth four congregations to a mend. and showeth the reward of him that overcometh CAPI. II ●enger is ● preacher it congre●n. Unto the messenger of the congregation of Ephesus write: these things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the mids of the seven golden candelstyckes. I know thy works, and thy labour and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbear them which are evil, and examinest them which say they are Apostles, and are not: and hast found them liars, and didst wash thyself, And hast patience: and for my name's sake hast laboured and haste not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, for thou haste left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Or else I will come unto the shortly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, unless thou repent. But this thou hast, because thou hatest the deeds of the ●●e Nyco●●ans were ●●nques ●he held ●yon that ●s aught 〈◊〉 come: ●●om Eu●●s. lib. iii ● xxix Nicolaitans, which deeds I also hate. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the mids of the paradise of God. And unto the angel of the congregation of Smyrna write: These things saith he that is first, and the last, which was deed, and is alive. I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, but thou art rich. And I know the blasphemy of them which call themselves jews and are not, but are the congregation of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold the devil shall cast of you in to prison, to tempt you, and you shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto the death, and I will give the crown of life. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith to the congregations: 〈◊〉 congre●●ō of Per●●●o●. He that overcometh, shall not be hurt of the second death. And to the messenger of the congregation in Pergamos write: This saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges, I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is, and thou keepest my name, and hast not denied my faith. And in my days Antipas was a faithful witness of mine, which was slain among you where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, that thou hast there, them that maintain the doctrine of Balam * Nu. xxiiii c which taught in Balake, to put occasion of sin before the children of Israel that they should eat of meat dedicated unto idols, and commit fornication. Even so hast thou them that maintain the doctrine of the Nicolaytans, which thing I hate. But be converted, or else I will come unto the shortly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations. To him that overcometh will I give to eat Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it. And unto the messenger of the congregation of Thiatira write. This saith the son of God, which hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, whose feet are like brass: I know thy works, and thy love, service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy deeds, which are more at the last than at the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, * that thou sufferest that woman jesabel which called herself a prophetess, iii Reg. xvi g iiii. Regum ten d to teach and to deceive my servants, to make them commit fornication, and to eat meats offered up unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her in to a bed and them that commit fornication with her, in to great adversity, except they turn from their deeds. And I will kill her children with death. ☜ And all the congregations shall know that * Iere xvii b I am he, which searcheth the reins and hearts. And I will give unto every one of you according unto your works. Unto you I say, and unto other of them of Thiatira, as many as have not this learning, and which have not known the deepness of Satan (as they say) I will put upon you none other burden, but that which you have already. Hold fast till I come, and who so ever overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end: Psal ii c to him will I give power over nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall he break them to shivers: Even as I received of my father, so will I give him the morning star. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith to the congregations. ¶ He instructeth and informeth the Angels of the congregations, declaring also the reward of him that overcometh. CAPI. III ANd write unto the messenger of the congregation of Sardis: this saith he that hath the spirit of god and the vij stars. I know thy works: thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art deed. Be awake, and strength the things which remain that are ready to die. For I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received an herd, and hold taste and repent. * i Thess. u a two. Petri iii c If thou shalt not watch, I will come on the as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon the. Thou haste a few names in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcometh shall be clothed in white array, and I will not put his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my father, and before his angels. Let him that hath ears, hear/ what the spirit saith unto the congregations. And write unto the tidings bringer of the congregation of Philadelphia: this saith he that is holy and true, * isaiah xxiii f and job xii c which hath the key of David, which openeth, and no man shutteth/ and shutteth, and no man openeth. I know thy works. Behold, I have set before the an open door, and no man can shut it/ for thou haste a little strength, and haste kept my sayings: and haste not denied my name. Behold I make them of the congregation of Satan, which call themselves jews, and are not/ but do lie: Behold, I will make them that they shall come and worwyp before thy feet: and shall know that I love the. Because thou hast kept the words of my patience, therefore I will keep the from the hour of temptation, which will come upon all the world, to tempt them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come shortly. Hold that which thou hast, that no man take away thy crown. Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, & he shall go no more out. And I will write upon him, the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, new jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. The congregation of Laodicia. And unto the messenger of the congregation which in Laodicia, write: This saith (Amen) the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creatures of God. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot. I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art between both, and neither cold ne hot. I will spew the out of my mouth: because thou sayest thou art rich and increased with goods, and hast need of nothing, and knowest not how thou art wretched and miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel the to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich: and white raiment that thou mayst be clothed, that thy filthy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayst see. * Prou. iii ● Hebr xii b As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be fervent therefore and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in unto him and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my seat, even as I overcame and have sitten with my father in his seat. Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations. ¶ He seethe the heaven open, and the seat and one sitting upon it, and xxiiii seats about it with xxiiii. elders sitting upon them, and four beasts praising God day and night. CAPI. FOUR AFter this I looked, and behold a door was open in heaven, and the first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, which said: come up hither, and I will show the things which must be fulfilled hereafter. And forthwith I was in the spirit: and behold a seat was put in heaven, and one sat on the seat. And he that sat, was to look upon like unto a jasper stone, and a sardyne stone. And there was a rainbow Raynebow● about the seat, in sight like to an emerald. And about the seat were 24 seats. And upon the seats xxiiij elders sitting, clothed in white raiment, and had on their heeds crowns of gold. And out of the seat proceeded lyghtenynges, and thundrynges, and voices, and there were seven lamps of fire, Seven lamp●● burning before the seat, which are the seven spirits of God. And before the seat there was a see of glass like unto a crystal, and in the mids of the seat, and round about the seat were four beestes full of eyes before and behind. And the first be'st was like a lion, the second be'st like a calf, and the third be'st had a face as a man, and the fourth be'st was like a fleeing eagle. And the four beestes had each one of them two wings about him, and they were full of eyes within. And they had no rest day ne night, saying: * Isaiah vi ● Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beestes gave glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the seat, which liveth for ever and ever: the xxiv. elders fallen down before him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth for ever, and cast their crowns before the ten saying: Thou art worthy (Lord) to receive glory and honour and power, for thou hast created all things, & for thy wills sake they are and were created. ¶ He saith the lamb opening the book, and therefore the four beasts, the xxiiii elders and the angels praise the lamb, and do him worship. CAPI. V ANd I saw in the right hand of him that sat in the throne a book written within and on the backside, 〈◊〉 ●oke sea●● with vii ●●es. sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel which cried with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof. And no man in heaven ne in earth neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept moche, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders said unto me: weep not: 〈◊〉 obtay●● to openly 〈◊〉. Behold a lion of the tribe of juda, the root of David, hath obtained to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and lo in the mids of the seat, and of the four beestes, and in the mids of the elders stood a lamb as though he had been killed, which had seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the spirits of God, sent in to all the world. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the seat. And when he had taken the book, the four beestes and xxiiij elders fallen down before the lamb, having haps, and golden vyals full of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and they song a new song, saying: thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast killed, and hast redeemed us by thy blood out of all kynredes, and tongues, ☞ and people, and nations, and hast made us unto our God, kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. * And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels about the throne, 〈◊〉 i a ●●tri i b ●●iel vii c and about the beestes, and the elders, and I heard thousand thousands, saying with a loud voice: Worthy is the lamb that was killed to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing. And all the creatures which are in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and in the see, and all that are in them I herd, saying: blessing, honour, glory, and power he unto him that sitteth upon the seat, and unto the lamb for evermore. And the four beestes said Amen. And the four and twenty elders fallen upon their faces, and worshipped him that liveth for evermore. ¶ The lamb openeth the vi seals, and many things follow the opening thereof. CAPI. VI ANd I see when the lamb opened one of the seals, ●he lamb o●●ned the sea●●●. ●hit horse and I herd one of the four beestes say, as it were the noise of thunder, come and see, and I saw. And behold there was a white horse, and he that sat on him, had a bow, and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering, and for to overcome. And when he opened the second seal, I herd the second be'st say: come and see. And there went out an other horse that was red, Read horse. and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peax from the earth, and that they should kill one an other. Esay xxvii a * And there was given unto him a great sword. And when he opened the third seal, I herd the third be'st say: come and see. And I beheld, and lo, a black horse: Blake horse. and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the mids of the four beestes say: a measure of wheat for a penny and three measures of barley for a penny: & oil and wine see thou hurt not. And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth be'st say: come and see: and I looked. Grene horse. And behold a green horse, and his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed after him, and power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death that cometh of vermin of the earth. And when he opened the fift seal, I saw under the altar, Souls under the altar the souls of them that were killed for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had, and they cried with a loud voice saying: ☜ How long taryest thou Lord, holy and true, to judge, and to avenge our blood on them that devil on the earth? And long white garments were given unto every one of them. Isaiah ii b Osee u and Luke xxiii And it was said unto them that they should rest for a little season, till the number of their fellows and brethren, and of them that should be killed as they were, were fulfilled. And I beheld when he opened the sixt seal, and lo there was a great earthquake, and the sun was as black as sack cloth made of here. And the moan waxed even as blood, & the stars of heaven fallen unto the earth even as a fig tree casts from her her figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And heaven vanisshed away, as a scroll when it is rolled together. And all mountains and isles, were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in dens, and in rocks of the hills: * Isaiah i b Osee i b Luke xxiii d. and said to the hills and rocks: fall on us, and hide us from the presence of him that sitteth on the seat, and from the wrath of the lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come, and who can endure it. ¶ He saith the servants of God sealed in their forheades out of all nations and people, which though they suffer trouble, yet the lamb feedeth them, leadeth them to the fountains of living water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. CAPI. VII. ANd after that, I saw four angels stand on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth that the winds should not blow on the earth, neither on the see, neither on any tree. ✚ Andrea I saw an other angel ascend from the rising of the sun, which had the seal of the living God, and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels (to whom power was given to hurt the earth and the see) saying hurt not the earth, neither the see, neither the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their forheedes. And I herd the number of them which were sealed, and there were sealed an hundred and xliiij. thousand, of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of Neptalim were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of simeon were sealed twelve thousond. Of the tribe of Levy were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of Isacar were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of joseph were sealed twelve. M. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. After this I beheld, and lo a great multitude (which no man could number) of all nations and people, and tongues, stood before the seat, and before the lamb clothed with long white garments, and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying: Health to him that sitteth upon the seat of our God, and unto the lamb. And all the angels stood in the compass of the seat, and of the elders, and of the four beestes, and fallen before the seat on their faces, and worshipped God, saying: Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanks, and honour, and power, and might be unto our God for evermore. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me: what are these which are arrayed in long white garments, & whence came they? And I said unto him: Lord thou wottest. And he said to me: these are they which came out of great tribulation, and made their garments large, and made them white in the blood of the lamb: therefore are they in the presence of the seat of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sitteth in the seat will devil among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst, neither shall the sun light on them, Isaiah xlix a. neither any heat. For the lamb which is in the mids of the seat, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto fountains of living water, Isaiah xxv c and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. ¶ The seventh seal is opened, there silence in heaven, the four angels blow their trumpets, and great plagues follow upon the earth. CAPI. VIII. ANd when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I see angels standing before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. And an other angel came and stood before the altar having a golden censer, and moche of odours was given unto him, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden an●ter, which was before the seat. And the smoke of the odours which came of the prayers of all saints, ascended up before god out of the angels hand. And the angel took the senser, & filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it in to the earth, and voices were made, and thoudrynges and lyghtnynges, and earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to blow. The first angel blue, and there was made hail and fire, which were mingled with blood, and they were cast in to the earth: and the third part of trees was burned, and all green grass was brent. And the second angel blew: and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast in to the see, and the third part of the see was turned to blood, and the third part of the creatures which had life, died/ and the third part of ships were destroyed. And the third Angel blue, and there fallen a great star from heaven burning as it were a lamp, and it fallen in to the third part of the rivers, and in to fountains of waters, and the name of the star is called wormewod. And the third part was turned to wormwood. And many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. And the fourth angel blue, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moan, and the third part of stars: so that the third part of them was darkened. And the day was smitten, that the third part of it should not shine, and likewise the night. And I beheld and heard an angel fleeing thorough the mids of heaven, saying with a loud voice: woe, woe to the inhabyters of the earth, because of the voices to come of the trump of the three angels which were yet to blow. ¶ The fifth and sixth Angel blow, their trumpets: the star falls from heaven: the locusts come out of the smoke: The first woe is passed: the four angels that were bound are loosed, and the third part of men is killed. CAPI. IX. ANd the fift Angel blue, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth. And to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and there arose the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened by the reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: Locusts. and unto them was given power as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth: ne any green thing: neither any tree: but only those men which have not the seal in their forheedes. And to them was commanded that they should not kill them, but that they should be vexed five months, and their pain was as the pain that cometh of a scorpion, ●e ii d. ● x c ● twelve. d. when he hath stonge a man. * And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it, and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 〈◊〉 seven. b And the similitude of the locusts was like unto horses prepared unto battle, and on their heeds were as it were crowns, like unto gold: and their faces were as it had been the faces of men. And they had here as the here of women. And their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had habbergyons, as it were habbergyons of iron. And the sound of their wings, was as the sound of charettes when many horses run together to battle. And they had rails like unto scorpions: and there were stynges in their tails. And their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue so Abadon, and in the Greek tongue, Apollion. ●n is as 〈◊〉 to say destroyer One woe is past, & behold two woes come after this. And the sixth angel blue, and I heard a voice from the four corners of the golden aultre which is before God, saying to the sixth angel, which had the trump: Loose the four angels, which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed which were prepared for an hour, for a day, for a month, and for a year, to slay the third part of men. And the number of horsemen of war, were twenty times ten thousand. And I heard the number of them: and thus I saw the horses in a vision, and them that sat on them, having fiery habbargyons of a hyacinth colour, and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as the heeds of lions. And out of their mouths went forth fire and smoke, and brimstone. And of these three was the third part of men killed: that is to say, of fire, of smoke, and brimstone, which procedtd out of the mouths of them: For their power was in their mouths and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heeds, and with them they did hurt: And the residue of the men which were not killed by these plagues, repented not of the deeds of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and images of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood, which neither can see, neither hear, neither go. Also they repented not of their murder, and of their socery, neither of their fornication, neither of their theft. ¶ The Angel hath the book open: he sweareth there shallbe no more time: he giveth the book unto Iohn, which eateth it up. CAPI. X. ANd I saw an other mighty angel come down from heaven clothed with a cloud, and the rainbow upon his heed. And his faith as it were the sun, and his feet as it were pyllers of fire, and he had in his hand a little hook open: and he put his right foot upon the see, and his left foot on the earth. And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth. And when he had cried, seven thondres spoke their voices. And when the seven thondres had spoken their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me: scale up those things which the seven thondres spoke, and write them not. * ● d xlii c And the angel which I saw stand upon the see, and upon the earth lift up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for evermore, which created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the see, and the things which therein are: that there should be no longer time, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to blow, even the mystery of God shall be finysshed as he preached by his servants the prophets. And the voice which I heard from heaven, spoke unto me again, and said: * e e. go and, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the see and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and sayoe to him: give me the little book, and he said unto me: take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth as sweet as honey. * Ezech. i● c, And I took the little book out of his hand and eat it up, ☜ and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me: thou must prophesy again among the people and nations, and tongues, and to many kings. ¶ The Temple is measured. The second wone is paste. CAPI. XI. ANd then was given me a reed, like unto a rod, and it was said unto me: Arise and mere the temple of god, and the altar, and them that worship therein, and the quere which is with in the temple, cast out and mere it not: for it is given unto the gentiles, and the holy city shall they tread under foot xlij months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand, two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sack cloth. These are two olive trees, and two candelstyckes, standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall proceed out of thyr mouths, and consume their enemies. And if any man will hurt them this wise must he be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophesying: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth, with all manner plagues as often as they will, And when they have finysshed their testimony, the be'st that come out of the bottomless pit, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them and kill them. And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Zodom and egypt, where our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kynredes, and tongues, and they of the nations, shall see their bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their bodies to be put in graves. And they that devil upon the earth, shall rejoice over them and be glad, and shall send gifts one to an other, for these two Prophets vexed them that dwelled on the earth. And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God, entered in to them. And they stood up on their feet: and great fear came on them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying unto them. Come up hither. And they ascended up in to heaven in a cloud, and their annemyes saw them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fallen, and in the earthquake were slain names of men seven thousand, and the residue were feared, and gave glory to God of heaven The second woe is past, and behold the third woe will come anon. And the seventh angel blue, and there were made great voices in heaven, saying: the kingdoms of this world are our Lords and his Chrystes, and he shall reign for ever more. And the xxiiij elders which sit before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying: we give the thanks Lord, God almighty: which art, and waste, and art to come, for thou hast received thy great might, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the deed, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets and saints and to them that fear thy name small and great, and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple, the ark of his Testament: and there followed lyghtnynges, and voices, and thondrynges, and earthquake, and moche hail. ¶ The seventh Angel bloweth his trumpet. There appeareth in heaven a woman clothed with the son: Michael fighteth with the dragon, which persecuteth the woman. CAPI. XII. ANd there appeared a great wonder in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun and the moan under her feet, and upon her heed, a crown of twelve stetres. And she was with child, and cried travailing in birth, and pained ready to be delivered. And there appeared an other wonder in heaven, for behold a great read dragon having vij heeds and ten horns and crowns upon his heeds: and his tail drew the third part of the fierres, and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman, which was ready to be delivered: for to devour her child as soon as it were born. And the brought forth a man-child, which should rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her son was taken up unto god, and to his seat. And the woman fled into wilderness where she had a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and forty days. And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon that old serpent called the devil, and Sathanas was cast out, which deceiveth all the world. And he was cast in to the earth, and his angels were cast out also. And I heard a loud voice, saying: in heaven is now made salvation, and strength and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his anointed. For he is cast down which accused them before God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their witness, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice heavens, and you that devil in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, and of the see: for the devil is come down unto you whlth hath great wrath, because he knoweth he hath but a short tyme. And when the dragon saw, that he was cast unto the earth, he pursued the woman, which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might flee in to the wilderness, in to her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. And the dragon cast out of his mouth water after the woman as it had been a river, because she should have been caught of the flood. And the earth holp the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the river, which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman: and went and made war with the remnant of her seed, which heap the commandments of God, and have the testimony of jesus christ. And I stood on the see sand. ¶ A beast riseth out of the see with seven heads and ten horns. another beast cometh out of the earth with two horns. CAPI. XIII. ANd I see a be'st rise out of the see, having seven heeds, and ten horns, and upon his horns tene crowns, and upon his heed, the name of blasphemy. And the be'st which I saw, was like a cat of the mountain, and his feet was as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power & his seat, and great authority: and I saw one of his heeds as it were wounded to death and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered at the be'st, & they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the be'st, and they worshipped the be'st, saying who is like unto the deest? who is able to war with him? ☞ And there was given unto him a mouth, that spoke great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to do xlij months. And he opened his mouth unto blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, & to overcome them. And power was given him over all kynredes tongue and nation, and all that dwell upon the earth worshipped him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb, which was killed from the beginning of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. ●●ilip four He that leadeth in to captivity, shall go in to captivity: ●at xxvi e ●●lis ix a. ●th xvi c he that killeth with the sword, must be killed with a sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. And I beheld an other be'st coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as did the dragon. And he did all that the first be'st could do in his presence, and he caused the earth, and them which devil therein, to worship the first be'st, whose deadly wound was healed. And he did great wonders, so that he made fire come down from heaven in the sight of men. And deceived them that dwelt on the earth by the means of those signs which he had power to do in the sight of the be'st, saying to them that dwelt on the earth: that they should make an image unto the be'st, which had the wound of a sword, and did live. And he had power to give a spirit unto the image of the be'st, and that the image of the be'st should speak, and should 'cause that as many as would not worship the image of the be'st should be killed. And he made all both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hands, or in their forheedes. And that no man might buy or cell, save he that had the mark or the name of the be'st, either the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath wit count the number of be'st. For it is the the number of a man, and his number is two hundred, three score and six. ¶ The lamb standeth upon the mount Zion, and the undefiled congregation with him: The angel exhorteth to the fear of God and relleth of the fall of Babylon. CAPI. XIIII. ✚ ANd I looked, and lo a lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an. C. and xliiij. thousand having his father's name written in their forheedes. And I heard a voice from heaven as the sound of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harper's harping with their haps. And they song as it were a new song, before the seat, and before the four beestes, and the elders, and no man could learn that song, but the hundred and four and forty thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. ☜ These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These follow the lamb whither so ever he goeth. These were redeemed from men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the lamb, and in their mouths was found no guile. For they are without fpotte before the throne of God. ⊦ Andrea I saw an angel flee in the mids of heaven, having an everlasting Gospel, to preach unto them that fit and devil on the earth, and to all nations, kynredes, and tongues and people, saying with a loud voice: Fear God, and give honour to him, for the hour of his judgement is come: Psal cxiu Actu xiiii c and worship him, that made heaven and earth, and the see, and fountains of water. And there followed an other angel, saying: * Elaye .xx Babylon is fallen is fallen that great city, * Heir li a for she made all nations drink of the wine of her fornication. And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice: If any man worship the be'st and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or on his hand, the same shall drink the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured in the cup of his wrath. And he shall be punished in fire and brimstone, before the holy angels, and before the lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascended up evermore. And they have no rest day nor night which worship the be'st and his image and and who so ever receiveth the print of his name. Here is the patience of saints. Here are they that keep the commandments and the faith of jesus. And I herd a voice from heaven, saying unto me: write. Blessed are the deed, which here after die in the Lord, even so saith the spirit that they may rest from their labours, but their works shall follow them. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sitting like unto the son of man, having on his heed a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And an other angel came out of the temple crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud. * joel iii ● Thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the time is come to reap, for the corn of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud, thrust in his sick on the earth, and the earth was reped. And an other angel came out of the temple, which is in heaven, having also a sharp sickle. And an other angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire, and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, and said: thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the earth, for her grapes are ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle on the earth, and cut down the grapes of the vineyard of earth, & cast in to them in to the great winefat of the wrath of God, and the winefat was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the fat, even unto the horse bridles by the space of a thousand and two hundred furlongs. ¶ He saith seven Angels, having seven vyals full of wrath. CAPI. XU. ANd I saw an other sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them is fulfilled the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a glassy see, mingled with fire, and them that had got victory of the be'st, and of his image, and of his mark, and of the number of his name, stand on the glassy see, having the haps of God, and they sung the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the lamb: saying: Great and marvelous are thy works: * Isaiah iii c Heir ten b Lord God almighty, just and true are thy ways king of saints. Who shall not fear (oh Lord) and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy, and all gentiles shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest. And after that I looked, and behold the temple of the tabernacle of testimony was open in heaven, and the seven angels came out of the temple, which had the seven plagues, clothed in pure and bright linen, and having their breestes girded with golden gyrdels. And one of the four beestes gave unto the seven angels seven golden vyalles full of the wrath of God, which liveth for ever more. And the temple was full of the smoke of the glory of God, and of his power, and no man was able to enter in to the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. ¶ The Angels pour out their vyalles full of wrath. CAPI. XVI. ANd I herd a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels: Go your ways, pour out your vyalles of wrath upon the earth. And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth, and there fell a noisome and a sore botch upon the men which had the mark of the be'st, and upon them which worshipped his image. And the second angel shed out his vial upon the see, and it turned as it were in to the blood of a deed man: and every living thing died in the see. And the third angel shed out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters, and they turned to blood. And I heard an angel say: Lord which art and waste, thou art righteous and holy, because thou hast given such judgements, for they shed out the blood of saints and prophets, and therefore hast thou given them blood to drink, for they are worthy. And I heard an other out of the altar say: even so Lord God almighty true and righteous are thy judgements. And the fourth angel poured out his vial on the sun, and power was given unto him to vex men with heat of fire. And the men raged in great heat, & spoke evil of the name of god, which hath power over those plagues, and they repented not, to give him glory. And the fift angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the be'st, and his kingdom waxed dark, and they gnewe their tongues for sorrow and blasphemed the God of heaven for sorrow and pain of their fores, and repented not of their deeds. And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates, and the water dried up, that the ways of the kings of the East should be prepared. And I saw three unclean sprites, like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the be'st, and out of the mouth of the false Prophet. For they are the spirits of devils working miracles, to go out unto the kings of the earth, and of the hole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God almighty. * Behold I come as a thief. Happy is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, least he be found naked, Mat. xxiii● two. petri iii ● i Thessa. ● and men see his filthiness. And he gathered them together in to a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armagedon. And the seventh angel poured out his vial in to the air. And there came a voice out of heaven from the seat, saying: it is done. And there followed voices, thondrynges, and lyghtenynges, and there was a great earthquake, such as was not sithence men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great. And the great city was divided in to three parties, and the cities of all nations fallen. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Every isle fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fallen a great hail as it had been talentes out of heaven upon the men, and the men blasphemed God: because of the plague of the hail, for it was great and the plague of it sore. ¶ He describeth the woman sitting upon the beast with ten horns. CAPI. XVII. ANd there came one of the seven angels, which had the seven vyalles: and talked with me, saying unto me: come, I will show the the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters, with whom have committed fornication, the kings of the earth, so that the inhabiters of the earth are drunken with the wine of her fornication. And he carried me away in to the wilderness in the spirit. And I saw a woman sit upon a rose coloured be'st, full of names of blasphemy, which had ten horns. And the woman was ara●●d in purple and rose colour and decked with gold, precious stone, and pearls, and had cup of gold in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. And in her forehead was a name written a mystery, great Babylon the mother of hordome and abominations of the earth. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of saints, and with the blood of the wylnesses of jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with great marvel. And the Angel said unto me: Wherefore maruaylest thou? I will show thee, ●he mystery of the woman, and of the be'st that beareth her, which hath seven heeds, and ten horns. The be'st that thou seest, was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and shall go in to perdition, and they that devil on the earth shall wonder (whose names are not written in the book of life from the beginning of the world) when they behold the be'st, that was and is not. And here is a mind that hath wisdom. The seven heeds are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth: they are also seven kings. five are fallen, and one is, and an other is not yet come. When he cometh he must continued a space. And the be'st that was and is not, is even the eight, and is one of the seven, and shall go in to destruction. And the ten horns which thou seest, are ten kings, which have received no kingdom, but shall receive power as kings at one hour with the be'st. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the be'st. ☞ These shall fight with the lamb, and the lamb shall overcome them: ●●m vi c For he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, & they that are on his side, are called, and choose, and faithful. And he said unto me: the waters which thou sawest where the whore sitteth, are people, and folk, and nations, and ionges. And the ten horns, which thou sawest upon the be'st, are they that shall hate the whore, a●d shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to do with one consent, for to give her kingdom unto the be'st, till the words of God be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest, is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. ¶ The lovers of the world are sorry for the fall of Babylon, but they that be of God have cause to rejoice for her destruction. CAPI. XVIII. ANd after that, I saw an other angel come from heaven, having great power, and the earth, was lyghtned with his brightness. And he tried myghtily with a strong voice, saying: * Great Babylon is fallen, ●●e xxi f ●●ye li a is fallen: and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of all foul spirits, and a cage of all unclean and hateful birds, for all nations have drunken of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and her merchants are waxed rich, of the abundance of her pleasures. And I heard an other voice from heaven, say: come away from her (my people) that you be not partakers in her sins, that you receive not of her plagues. For her sins are go up to heaven, and God hath not remembered her wickedness. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and give her double according to her works. And pour in double to her in the same cup which she filled unto you. And as much as the glorified herself, and lived wanton, so moche pour you in for her of punishment and sorrow, for she said in herself: * Esa. xlvii a I sit being a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come at one day, death, and sorrow, and hunger, and she shall be brent with fire: for strong is the Lord God which judgeth her. And the kings of the earth shall be weep her and wail over her, which have committed fornication with her, and have lived wanton with her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, and shall stand afar of for fear of her punishment, saying: * jerem li a Alas, Alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city: for at one hour is her judgement come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and wail in themselves, for no man will buy their ware any more, the ware of gold and silver, and precious stones, neither of pearl, and reins, and purple, and scarlet, and all thin wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and cinnamon, and odours, and ointments and frankensenee, and wine, and oil and fine flower, and wheat, beestes, and sheep, and horses, and charettes, and bodies and souls of men. And the apples that thy soul lusted after are departed from the. And all things which were dainty, and had in price are debarred from thee, and thou shalt find them no more. The merchants of these thynged which were waxed rich, shall stand afar of from her, for fear of the punishment of her, weeping and wailing, and saying: * jeremis. li.li Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in reins and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls: for at one hour so great tithes is come to naught. And every ship governor, and all they that occupied ships, and shypmen which work in the see, stood afar of, & cried, when they saw the smoke of her burning, sayings what city is like unto this great city? And they cast dust on their heeds, and cried weeping, and wailing, and said: * jerem. li.li Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the see, by the reason of her costliness, for at one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her thou heaven, and you holy Apostles and prophets: for God hath given your judgement on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it in to the see, saying: with such violence shall that great city Babylon be cast, and shall be found no more. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pypers, and trumpeters shall be herd no more in thee: and no crafts man of what so ever craft he be, shall be found any more in the. And the sound of of a mill shall be herds no more in thee, and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be herd no more in thee, for thy merchants were the great men of the earth. And with thine enchantment were deceived all nations: and in her was found the blood of the prophets, and of the saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. ¶ Praise or thanks are given unto God for judging the whore, and for avenging the blood of his servants. The Angel will not be worshipped. The fowls and birds are called to the slaughter. CAPI. XIX. ANd after that I herd the voice of much people in heaven, saying: hallelujah▪ health and glory and honour and power to the Lord our God, for true a●d righteous are his judgements, for he hath ●udged the great whore which did corrupt the erathe with her fornication, and hath avenged ●he blood of his servants of her hand. And again they said: hallelujah. And smoke raze up for evermore. And the 24 elders, and the four beestes fallen down, and worshyped God that sat on the seat, saying: Amen; hallelujah. And a voice came forth of the seat, saying: praise our Lord God all you that are his servants, and you that fear him both small and great. And I herd the v●●●e of moth people, even as the voice of many waters, & as the voice of strong thondrynges, saying: hallelujah, for God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad & reihyce and give honour to him: for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife made herself ready. And to her was granted, that she should be arrayed with pure and goodly reins. For the reins is the righteousness of saints. And he said unto me, * Mat xxii a Luke xiiii a happy are they which are called to the lambs supper. And he said unto me: ☞ these are the true sayings of God. The angel refuseth to be worshipped. And I fallen at his feet, to worship him. And he said unto me, see thou do it not. For I am thy fellow servant, and one of thy brethren, and of them that have the testimony of jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of jesus is the spirit of the prophesy. And I see heaven open, and behold a w●ite horse, and he that sat upon him was faithful and true, and in righteousness did iudg● 〈◊〉 make battle. His eyes were as a 〈…〉 fire: and on his heed were many cro●●●●● and he had a statue w ytten, that 〈◊〉 ma● knew but he himself * Esay●. ●●iii. And was clothed with a vesture dypte in blood, and his na●● is called the word of god And the soldiers which were in heaven, followed him upon white horses, clothed with white and put● rapur●: ●o●t of his mouth went out a sharp φ By 〈◊〉 sword ●nitied 〈◊〉 of God is said ●i c H●● Apo. l xlix a sword, that with it you should smite the bethen. * Psa● And be shall rule them with a rod of iron, and he trod the wine fall of fierceness and wrath of almighty God. And hath on his vesture and on his ●hygh a name written: king of kings, and Lord of Lords. And I saw an angel stand in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that flee by the mids of heaven, come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings and of high captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all free men and bond men, and of small and great. And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their warryours gathered together to make battle against him that sat on the horse, and against his soldiers. And the be'st was taken & with him that false prophet that wrought miracles before him, ☜ wish which he deceived them that received the beasts mark, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast in to a pond of fire burning with brimstone: and the rest were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which proceeded out of his mouth, and all the fowls were stuffed with their flesh. ¶ The dragon is bound for a thousand years The deed arise, and receive judgement. CAPI. XX. ANd I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand. And he took the dragon that old serpent which is the devil and Satanas, and he hound him a thousand years, and cast him in to the bottomless pit, and he bond him, and sit a seal on him, that he should deceive the people no more, till the thousand years were fulfilled. And after that he must be loosed for a little season. And I see seats and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: ☜ and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the wylnes of jesus, and for the word of God, which had not worshipped the be'st, neither his image, neither had taken hi● mark upon their forheedes, or on their hands, and they lived, and reigned with christ a thousand years: but the other of the heed men lived not again, till the thousand● years were fynisshed. This is that first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. For ●n such shall the second death have no power▪ for they shall be the priests of God and of christ, and shall reign with 〈◊〉 a thousand years. ●nd when the thousand years are expired, ●●a●an shall be loosed out of his prison, Ezec. xxx● and xxxix and shall go out to deceive the people, which are in the four quarters of the earth Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose numbered is as the sand of the see: and they went up in the plain of the earth: and compassed the tents of the saints about, & the beloved city. And fire came move from God, out of heaven, and devoured them: and the devil that deceived them, was cast into a lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false Prophet were, and shallbe tormented day and night for evermore. And I saw a great white seat, and him that sat on it, from whose face sled away both the earth and heaven, and their place was no more found. And I saw the deed, both great and final stand before God? And the books were opened, And an other book was opened, which is the book of life, and the deed were judged of those things which were written in the books according to their deeds: and the see gave up her deed, which were in her, and death and hell delivered up the deed, which were in them: and they were judged every man according to his deeds. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And who so ever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the l●ke of fire. ¶ In this Chapter is describe the new and spiritual jerusalem. CAPI. XXI. ANd I saw a new heaven, and a new earth. ●rld c ● lxvi ● iii three. For the first heaven, and the first earth were vanished away, and there was no more see. ✚ Andrea I Iohn saw that holy city new jerusalem come down from God out of heaven prepared as a bride garnished for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying: behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will devil with them. And they shall be his people, and God himself shallbe with them and be their God. * ●e .xx v. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there shallbe no more death, neither sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the old things, are go. And he that say upon the seat, said. * ●liii. d ●. d Behold I make all things new. ⊦ Andrea he said unto me: write, for these words are faithful and true. And he said unto me: it is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to him that is a thirst of the well of the water of life, freely. He that overcometh, shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and be shallbe my son. But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and horemongers, & sorcerers, and ydolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the vij Angels which had the vij vyals full of the vij last plagues: and talked with me, saying: come hither, I will show the the bride, the lambs wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and he showed me the great city, holy jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, having the brightness of God. And her shining was like unto a stone most precious, even a jasper clear as Crystal: and had walls great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels: and names written, which are the twelve tribes of Israel: on the east part three gates: and on the northside three gates and towards the South three gates, & from the west three gates: and the brickwall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the lambs twelve Apostles. And he that talked with me, had a golden reed to measure the city with, and the gates thereof and the brickwall. And the city was built iiij. square and the length was as large as the breadth of it, and he measured the city with the reed twelve M. furlongs: and the length & the breadth, and the height of it, were equal. And he measured the brickwall thereof, an cxliiij cubytes: the measure that the angel had was after the measure that man useth. And the building of the brickwall of it was of jasper. And the city was pure gold like unto clear glass, and the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second Sapphire, the third a Caltedony, the fourth an emerald: the fift Sardonix: the sixte Sardeos: the vij Crysolyte: the eight beryll: the ix a Topas: the ten a Crysoprasos: the xi a hyacinth: the twelve an Amethyst. The twelve gates, were twelve pearls, every gate was of one pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, as thorough shining glass. And there was no temple therein. For the Lord God almighty and the lamb are the temple of it. * Isaiah lx d. And the city hath no need of the son neither of the moan to lighten it. For the brightness of God did light it: & the lamb was the light of it. And the people which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory unto it. * Isaiah lx c And the gates of it are not shut by day. For there shallbe no night there. And there shall enter into it none unclean thing: neither what so ever worketh abbomination or maketh lies: but they only which are written in the lambs book of life. ¶ The river of the water of life, the fruitfulness and light of the city of God. The Lord giveth ever his servants warning of things to come, the angel will not be worshipped. To the word of God may nothing be added nor taken there from. CAPI. XXII. ANd he showed me a pure river of water of life clear as Crystal: proceeding out of the seat of God & of the lamb. In the mids of the street of it, and of either side of the river was there wooed of life: which hare twelve manner of fruits: and gave fruit every month: and the leaves of the wood served to heal the people with. And there shallbe no more curse, but the seat of God and the lamb shallbe in it: and his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face and his name shallbe in their forheddes. * Isaiah lx d. And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun: for the Lord giveth them light, & they shall reign for evermore. And he said unto me: these sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of saints and Prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants, the things which must shortly he fulfilled. Behold I come shortly. * Apoca i a Happy is he the keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book. I am Iohn which saw these things and heard them. And when I had herd and seen, * Apo. xix v I fallen down, to worship before the seat of the angel which showed me these things. And he said unto me, see thou do it not, ☞ for I am thy fellow servant, and the fellow servant of thy brethren the Prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book. But worship God. And he said unto me: seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book. For the time is at han. &. He that doth evil, let him do evil still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be more righteous: and he that is holy, let him be more holy. And behold I come shortly. and my reward with me, to give every man according as his deeds shall be. Isaiah xli b and xli ii a I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that their power may be in the tree of life, and may enter thorough the gates into the city. * Esa. x● Apo. i b For without shall be dogs, and enchanters, and horemongers and murderers, and ydolaters, and who so ever loveth or maketh leasynges. I jesus sent mine angel, to testify unto you these things in the congregations. I am the root and the generation of David, and the bright morning star. And the spirit & the bride said, come. And let him that heareth, say also, come. * Esa● Iohn v And let him that is a thirst, come. And let who so ever will, take of the water of life freely. I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: * Deut and xii ● Prove. ● if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall minish of the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith: be it, I come quickly, AMEN. Even so come Lord jesus. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN. ¶ The end of the new Testament. ¶ This is the Table wherein you shall find the Epistels and the Gospels after the use of Salisbury. FOr to find them the sooner: so shall you seek after these Capital letters by name: A. B. C. D. which stand by the side of this book, always. On or under the letter there shall you find a cross ✚ where the Epistle or the Gospel beginneth, And where the end is, there shall you find an half cross. ⊦ ¶ And the first line in this table alway is the Epistle, and the secondelyne is alway the Gospel. ¶ On the first sunday in the Aduent. THis also we know. Rome xiij D When they drew nigh. Mat xxj A On the Wensdaye. Be patient therefore brethren. jaco u B The beginning of the Gospel. Marinell i A On the friday. isaiah the li Chapter. A In those days Iohn. Mat iii A ¶ On the second sunday in the Aduent. What so ever things are written. Ro xu A And there shallbe signs. Luc xxi E On the wensdaye. Zacharie the viii Chapter. A verily I say unto you. Mat xj B On the friday. isaiah the lxij Chapter. C Iohn bore witness of him. Iohn i B ¶ On the third sunday in the Aduent. Let men this wife esteem us i Cor four A When Iohn being in prison. Mat xi A On the wensdaye. Isaiah the two Chapter. A And in the vi month the. Lu. i C On the friday. isaiah the xi Chapter. A Mary arose in those days. Lu. i D ¶ On the fourth sunday in the Aduent. Rejoice in the Lord alway. Philip four A And this is the record of Iohn. Iohn i A On the wensdaye. jobel the two and three Chapter. D And this rumur of him went. Lu. vij C On the friday. Zacharie the two Chapter. D Make heed, beware of the leaven. Marinell eight B ¶ In the Christmas even. Paul the servant of jesus. Rome i A When his mother mary was. Mat i C In the Christmas night at the first Mass. For the grace of God. Tit two C It followed in those days. Lu. two A All the two Mass. But after that the kindness. Tit. B The shepherds said one to. Lu. two C At the three Mass. God in time passed diversly. Hebr i A In the beginning was Iohn i A ¶ On Saint Steuens day. Steven full of faith and power. Act vi C Wherefore behold I send. Ma. xxiij D On saint Iohn Evangelist. Ecclesiast. the xu Chapter. A Follow me, Peter turned. Iohn xxi F On the chyldermasse day. And I looked, and lo a lamb. Revel xiiij A Lo the angel of the Lord. Mat two C ¶ On the sunday after Christmas. And I say that the heir as. Gal. four D And his father and mother. Lu. two E ¶ On the New years day. For the grace of God that. Tit. C And when the eight day was. Lu. two C ¶ On the twelve even. For the grace of God that. Tit. C When Herode was dead. Mat two D ¶ On the twelve day. isaiah the lx Chapter. A When jesus was born. Mat two A ¶ On the first sunday after the twelve day. isaiah the lx Chapter. A The next day, Iohn see. Iohn i D ¶ On the second sunday after the twelve day. I beseech you therefore brethren. Rome twelve A And when he was twelve year old. Lu. two F On the wensdaye. Brethrens my hearts desire. Rome ten A When jesus had heard that. Mat four B On the Friday. Let every soul submit him. Rome xiij A And jesus returned by the. Lu. four C ¶ On the third sunday after the twelve day. saying that we have divers. Rome twelve B. And the third day was the. Iohn two A On the wensdaye. This is a true saying, and by i Tim i C Andrea he departed thence: and Marinell vi A On the friday. For I know, and surely believe. Rome xiiij C Andrea he came into Caparnaum. Lu. four E ¶ On the fourth Sunday after the twelve day. Be not wise in your own opi. Rome twelve D When jesus was come down. Mat eight A On the wensdaye. I beseech you brethren for. Rome xu G And he entered again into Marinell three A On the Friday. Are you not ware that you are i Cor three C Andrea jesus went about all. Mat four D ¶ On the fift sunday after the twelve day. O we nothing to any man. Rome xiii C Andrea he entered into a ship. Marinell viii C On the wensdaye. As concerning the things i Cor vii A It chanced as they went on. Lu. ix G On the friday. Let every man abide in the i Cor vij D And they brought children. Marinell ten B ¶ On the vi sunday after the twelve day. Now therefore as elect of. Colos three B Septuagesima. The kingdom of heaven is. Mat xiij D On the wensdaye. I exhort therefore that above i Tim two A A certain man had two son. Mat xxj D ¶ When the wedding goth out. perceive you not how that i Cor ix D For the kingdom of heaven. Mat twenty A On the Wensdaye. If our Gospel he yet hid ii Cor four A And they departed thence, and Marinell ix E On the friday. saying then that we have two Cor four C He that is not with me is. Mat twelve C Sexag●●ho● ¶ On the sunday ix For you sister fools gladly two Cor xj E When much people were. Lu. eight A On the Wednesday. I call God for a record unto two Cor two A And he began again to. Marinell four A On the friday. saying that we know two Cor u B When he was demanded. Luc xvij E ¶ On the sunday l Though I speak with the i Corin xiij A ●uinquage. He took unto him the twelve. Lu. xviij F On the Wednesday. johel the two Chapter. C Moreover when you fast be not. Mat vi B On the friday. isaiah the lviij Chapter. A You have herd how it is said. Mat u G ¶ On the i Sunday in Lent. Quadragesima. We as helpers thersore two Cor uj A Then was jesus led away. Mat four A ¶ On the wensdaye in the four times. Exodi the xxiiij Chapter, and three Reg. xix C Then answered certain. Mat twelve C Embring. On the friday. Ezechiel the xviij Chapter. A After that there was a feast i Iohn u A ¶ On the two sunday in lent. Furthermore we beseech i Thess. four A And jesus went thence and Mat xu C On the wensdaye. Hester the xiij Chapter. C Andrea jesus ascended to jerusalem. Mat twenty C On the friday. Genesis the xxxvij Chapter. B hearken an other similitude. Mat xxj D ¶ On the three sunday in Lent. Be you followers of God. Ephe. u A And he was a casting out. Lu. xj B On the wensdaye. Exodi the twenty Chapter. C Then came to jesus the. Mat xu A On the Friday. Numeri the twenty Chapter. A Then came he to a city of. Iohn four A ¶ On the four sunday, half Lent. For it is written that Abraham. Gal. four C After that went jesus his. Iohn seven. A On the wensdaye. Ezechiel the xxxuj Chapter, and isaiah i E And as jesus paved by, he. Iohn ix A On the Friday. iij. Regum the xvij Chapter. C A certain man was sick. Iohn xi A ¶ On the fift sunday in lent. But Christ being the high. Heb. ix C Which of you can rebuke me. Iohn eight F. On the wensdaye. Levitici the xix Chap. C It was at jerusalem the. Iohn ten D On the friday. Hieremie the xvij Chap. B Then gathered the high priests. Iohn xi F ¶ On the Palm sunday. Let the same mind be in. Phil. two A You know that after. Mat xxvi A On the Wensdaye. isaiah the liij Chapter. D The feast of sweet bread. Lu. xxij A On the good friday. Exodi the twelve Chap. A When jesus had spoken. Iohn xviij A ¶ On Easter even. If you be then risen again. Colloss. three A The Sabbath day at. Mat xxviij A ¶ On Easter day. Purge therefore the old i Cor u C Mary Magdalen, and Marinell xuj A On the Monday Which preaching was. Act ten F And behold two of them. Lu. xxiiij B On the Teusdaye. You men and brethren. Act xiij D jesus himself stood in. Lu. xxiiij F On the wensdaye. You men of Israel why. Act three C After that jesus showed. Iohn xxi A On the Thorsday. The angel of the Lord. Act eight E Mary stood without at. Iohn twenty B On the friday. For as much as Christ i Pet. three C Then the xi disciples went. Mat xxviij D On the Saturday. Wherefore lay a side all i Pet. two A The morrow after. Iohn twenty A ¶ On the first sunday after Easter day. For all that is born of i Iohn u A The same day at night. Iohn twenty E On the wensdaye. If Christ be preached i Cor xu B When jesus was risen. Marinell xuj B On the friday. Obey them that have. Heb. xiij C Andrea they departed quickly. Marinell xxviij B ¶ On the second sunday after Easterdaye. Christ also suffered for i Pet. two D I am a good shepherd. Iohn ten C On the wensdaye. For as much as you know i Pet. i D On the morrow after. Lu. xxiiii A On the friday. Likewise then as by. Rome u D Then came she disciples of. Mat ix B ¶ On the third Sunday after Easterdaye. dearly beloved I beseech you i Pet. two C After a while you shall not see. Iohn xuj D On the wensdaye. My little children, these i Iohn two A There arose a question between. Iohn three B On the friday. You are all the children i Thessaly u A I am come a light into thee. Iohn twelve A ¶ On the fourth Sunday after Easterdaye. Every good gift, and every. jaco i C But now go I my way to. Iohn xuj B On the wensdaye. Brethrens have not the faith. jac two A Holy father keep in thine. Iohn xvij B On the friday. You see then how that of deeds. jac i D dear children yet a little. Iohn xii D ¶ On the fift sunday in the Crosdayes. And see that you be doars of. jac i D Verily verily I say unto. john xuj E On the monday. Knowledge your faults one. jac u D If any of you shalde have a. Lu. xj A On the Teusdaye. isaiah the xix Chapter. D Andrea jesus sat over against. Marinell twelve D On the Wensdaye. The multitude of them that. Act four G These words spoke jesus etc. Iohn xvij A ¶ On the ascension day. In the former treatise Dear. Act i A After that he appeared. Marinell xuj C On the sunday after ascension day. Be you therefore discrete and so i Pe four B But when the comforter is. john xu D On the Whitsun even. It fortuned, while Apollo's. Act xix A If you love me keep my common. Iohn xiiij B On the whitsunday. When the fifty day was come. Act two A If a man love me and will keep. Iohn xiiij C On the monday. And he commanded us to preach. Act ten G God so loved the world, that. Iohn three B On the Teusdaye. When the Apostles which we. Act eight C Verily verily I say unto you. Iohn ten A On the Wensdaye. Peter stepped forth with the. Act two C No man can come to me except. Iohn vi E On the Thursday. Then came Philip into a city of. Act eight A Then called he the twelve together. Lu. ix A On the friday. You men of Israel hear the. Act two D And it happened on a certain. Lu. u D On the Saturday. And the next Sabbath day. Act xiij F And he arose up and came out. Lu. four F ¶ On the trinity sunday. After this I looked, and behold. Reve four A There was a man of the. Iohn three A ¶ Corpus Christi day. That which I gave unto you i Cor xj E For my flesh is meat in. Iohn uj F ¶ On the first sunday after trinity sunday. For God is love, in this i Iohn four B There was a certain rich. Lu. xvi E On the Wensdaye. When we opened unto you the two Pe i D Think not that I am. Mat u B ¶ On the second Sunday after trinity sunday. Marvel not my brethren i Iohn three C A certain man ordained a. Lu. xiiij D On the Wednesday. This I say therefore and testify. Ephe. four D And when he was come into. Mat xxi B ¶ On the third Sunday after trinity Sunday. Submit yourselves therefore i Pet. u B Then resorted unto him all the. Lu. xu A On the Wednesday. Notwithstanding the Lord two Tim four D Agree with thine adversary. Mat u D ¶ On the fourth sunday after trinity sunday. For I suppose that the afflict. Rome eight C Be you therefore merciful as you. Lu. vi F On the Wensdaye. And hereby we know that we i Iohn two A And his disciples asked of. Mat xvij A ¶ On the fift sunday after trinity sunday. In conclusion be you all i Pet. three B It came to pass as the people. Lu. u A On the Wensdaye. I exhort therefore that above i Tim two A It chanced on a certain day. Lu. eight C ¶ On the sixt sunday after trinity sunday. Remember you not that al. Rome vi A For I say unto you except. Mat u C On the Wensdaye. I written not unto you as i Iohn two C And when he was come. Marinell ten B ¶ On the seventh sunday after trinity sunday. I will speak grossly because of. Rome vi D In those days when there. Marinell vij A On the Wensdaye. There is then no damnation. Rome eight A In that time went jesus. Mat twelve A On the eight sunday after trinity sunday. Therefore brethren we are. Rome eight C Beware of false Prophets. Mat vij C On the Wensdaye. But God setteth out his love. Rome u B Master we saw one. Marinell ix F ¶ On the ix sunday after trinity sunday. That we should not lust after i Cor ten B There was a certain rich. Lu. xvi A On the Wensdaye. Remember you not how that. Rome vi C He that is faithful in. Lu. xvi C ¶ On the ten sunday after trinity sunday. You know that you were i Cor xii. A And when he was come, Lu. xix F On the Wednesday. All flesh is not one manner, i Cor u E Take heed to yourselves, Lu. twenty G ¶ On the xj sunday after trinity sunday. Brethrens as pertaining, i Cor xi A And he put forth this. Lu. xviij A On the Wensdaye. Other remember you not, i Cor xu C He put forth a. Lu. xviij A ¶ On the twelve sunday after trinity sunday. Such trust have we, two. Corin three B And he departed again, Marinell eight D On the Wednesday. For we preach not our, ij. Cor four B Then began he to Mat xj C ¶ On the xiij Sunday after trinity sunday. To Abraham and his, Gal. three C Happy are the eyes, Lu. ten D On the wensdaye. You remember brethren, i Thess. two B Than the Pharisees went Mat twelve B ¶ On the xiiij Sunday after trinity sunday. I say walk in the spirit Gala. u C And it chauneth as he Lu. xvij C On the Wensdaye. Bear not a strange yoke ij. Cor uj C One of the company said Lu. twelve B ¶ On the xu Sunday after trinity sunday. If we live in the spirit Gal. u D No man can serve two Mat uj C On the Wensdaye. We know that the law i Tim i B And it fortuned in Lu. twenty A ¶ On the xuj sunday after trinity sunday. Wherefore I desire Ephe. three C And it fortuned after Lu. vij B On the Wensdaye. Beware lest any man Coloss. two B And he came to bethsaida Marinell eight C ¶ On the xvij sunday after trinity sunday. I therefore which am in Ephe. four A And it chanced that Lu. xiiij A On the Wensdaye. For if by the sin of Rome u D When they were come Mat xvij D ¶ On the xviii Sunday after trinity sunday. I thank my God i Cor i A When the Pharisees Mat xxii D On the friday. I beseech you brethren Rome xu B An other parable he Mat xiii E ¶ On the xix sunday after trinity sunday. And be you renewed in the Ephe. four E And he entered into Mat ix A On the Wensdaye. Therefore brethren stand two. These ii D Then sent jesus the Mat xiii D ¶ On the twenty Sunday after trinity sunday. Take heed therefore that Ephe. b. C The kingdom of heaven Mat xxii A On the Wensdaye. Thou therefore my son two. Tim ii A When thou makest a Lu. xiiii C ¶ On the xxi sunday after Trinity sunday. Finally my brethren Ephe. vi B And there was a john four G On the Wensdaye. Because we know i Thess. i B And it fortuned in Lu. vi B ¶ On the xxii sunday after trinity sunday. And I am surely Philip i A Therefore is the king. Mat xviii C On the Wensdaye. You and we know Rome three C Merely I say unto Mat xi C ¶ On the xxiij Sunday after trinity Sunday. Brethrens follow me Philip two D Then went the Pharisees Mat xxij B On the Wednesday. For if by the s●●ne Rome u C When they were come Mat xvii D ¶ On the xxiiij Sunday after trinity sunday. For this cause we Coloss. i B while he thus spoke Mat ix C On the Wednesday. And I would not i Cor ten E A certain man had Mat xxi C ¶ On the last sunday after trinity sunday. Hieremie the xxiij Chap. B Then jesus life up Iohn vi A ¶ On the Wensdaye in the ymbringe week. Amos the ix Chap. B And one of the comp. Marinell ix C On the friday. Ozet the xiiii Chap. A And one of the Pharisees Lu. vij E On the Saturday. For that first tabernacle Heb. ix A He put forth this Lu. xiij B ¶ In the dedication of the church. And I Iohn see Reve xxi A And he entered in Lu. xix A ¶ Here endeth the Table of the Epistles and Gospels of the Saints. ¶ Here after follow the epistles and Gospels of the saints. ¶ On saint Andrews day. FOr the belief of the heart Rome ten C As jesus walked by Mat four C ¶ On saint Nicolas day. Ecclesiastici xliiij Chap. A For ykewyse a certain Mat xxv A On the Conception of our lady Ecclesi xxiiij Chap. C This is the book of Mat l A ¶ On S. Thomas the Apostle day. Now therefore you are no more Ephe. two D Thomas one of the Iohn twenty F ¶ In the conversion of S. Paul Saul yet breathing Act ix A Then answered Peter Mat xix D ¶ On Tandehnas day. Malachi the iii Chap. A And when the time Lu. two D ¶ On S. Mathias the Apostle day. And in those days Act i C Then jesus answered Mat xj D ¶ The greeting of our lady. isaiah the vij Chap. B And in the vi month Lu. i C ¶ On S. George's day. My brethren, count it ja i A I am the true vine, Iohn xu A ¶ On S. Mark the Evangelist. Unto every one of you Ephe. four B I am the true vine, Iohn xu A ¶ On S. Philip and james day. sapienty the u Chap. A And he said unto his Iohn xiiij A ¶ The finding of the Cross. I have trust toward Gal. u B There was a man Iohn iii A ¶ On the nativity of S. Iohn Baptist. isaiah the xlix Chap. A Elizabeth's time was. Lu. i F ¶ On S. Peter and Paul's day. In that time Herade Act twelve A When jesus came Mat. xv●. C ¶ In the commemoration of S. Paul I certify you brethren that Gal. i B Then answered Peter Mat xix D ¶ On the visitation of our Lady. Cantic two Chap. A Mary arose in those days Luc i D ¶ On S. Mary Magdalene day. Proverb xxxi Chap. B And one of the Pharisees Lu. vij C ¶ On S. james the Apostle. Now therefore you art Ephe. two D Then came to him Mat twenty C ¶ Lammesse day. And as he considered Act twelve ● When jesus came Mat xiii C ¶ On the transfiguration of our Lord. For we followed not ij. Pet. i D And after vi days Mat xvij A ¶ On the name of jesus. Then Peter full Act four B Whole he thus Mat i C ¶ On S. Laurens day. This yet remember ij. Cor ix B Verily verily I say Iohn twelve B ¶ On the assumption of 〈◊〉 Lady Ecclesi xxiiij Chap. B It fortuned as he Lu. ten G ¶ On S. Bartholomews' day Now therefore you are Ephe. two D And there was a strife. Lu. xxij C ¶ On the nativity of our Lady. Ecclesi xxiiij Chap. C This is the book. Mat i A ¶ On the exaltation of the Cross. I have trust toward. Gala. u B Now is the judgement. Iohn twelve E ¶ On S. matthew the Apostle. Ezech. i Chap. C And as jesus passeth. Mat ix B ¶ Am S. Michael's day. And he sent and Reve i A The same time the. Mat xviij A ¶ On S. Luke the Evangelists day. Ezechiel i Chap. C After that the Lord. Lu. ten A ¶ On S. Simon and judas day. For we know well. Ro eight E This command I Iohn xu C ¶ On all hallows day. And I saw an other. Reve vij A When he see the. Mat u C ¶ On all souls day. I would not brethren i Thess. four C Then said Martha. Iohn xj C ¶ On S. Katherine's day. Ecclesi li Chap. D Again the kingdom. Mat xiij F ¶ The end of this Table. ¶ The end of the new Testament/ and of the hole Bible. ¶ To the honour and praise of God/ was this Bible printed: and finished/ in the year of our Lord God/ a M.D.XXXIX.